Above Difference Limited

Reclaiming Narratives - On the Last Day of Black History Month On October 31st, 2024, I had the honor of speaking at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , thanks to the invitation of the inspiring, multi-award-winning Marsha Jones, Deputy Chief Nurse. Reflecting on the theme of reclaiming narratives and the importance of inclusive cultures across the NHS, I shared a tribute to two remarkable women—my late mother, Mrs. Mary Orhue Izekor, and my “Aunty Comfort,” two young trainee midwives who met in the NHS in 1963. My mother, Nigerian, and Aunty Comfort, Ghanaian, answered the call from the British Empire for Nurses. Different in many ways, yet sharing so much, they stayed close friends until we lost Aunty Comfort in 2017. My mother died in 2021. Sadly though, their voices, like those of many African women who helped build the NHS, are often lost underneath the Windrush narratives. As the Young Historians Project notes: “Despite their long history of work within health services in Britain, the role of African women is rarely highlighted in discussions of the history of the NHS or of health work more generally. Current narratives on Black women in the British Health Service tend to focus on the ‘Windrush generation’ and Caribbean contributions.” This isn’t in any way about diminishing the Windrush’s significance but gently highlighting a painful gap in representation for families like mine. My daughter interviewed my mother about her experiences arriving in the UK for her Dissertation, and it was clear that within the 'Black' experiences of the time, there were diverse, nuanced stories particular to certain groups and the relationships between them. It has never been a homogenous picture. These layers of identity and culture across those often lumped under one giant label continue to shape the challenges and opportunities for inclusion today across the NHS and many public services, a reminder that we all must honour and truly seek to understand all our narratives to find ways forward for unity and progress. I’ll never forget my mother’s pride as an NHS midwife, and it’s her legacy that drives my commitment to bring the Above Difference Limited Model to the challenges of NHS Maternity Services. I want to be part of the change she would have championed, ensuring future generations feel truly included and particulary that the 5 x More statistic for black women beocmes a thing of the past. So for all the African women and men who laid NHS foundations alongside their hardworking colleagues who arrived on the Windrush and came from other parts of the Commonwealth and continue to do so, I salute you. I hope you know that your descendants are still carrying your legacy, reclaiming and celebrating your narratives and hopefully making you proud. Wendy Olayiwola BEM, FRSA, FRCM, RM, RN FNF Global health Leadership Scholar Dr. Zina Arinze Banji Adewumi Bola Ogundeji FCIPD. MSc. #ReclaimingNarratives #InclusiveLeadership

When someone tells you that they just love people and get real joy from working with people to help them in all of the challenges – you might be tempted to think they are a little naive or have an unrealistic view of the world.    Not so my friend and colleague Jennifer Amen Izekor in her work in the UK.   Whether it is with the police, health professionals, or youth workers, Jennifer is fully aware of the reality of the challenges they face. She has experienced many herself.    When she first learnt about cultural intelligence #CQ, Jennifer could see immediately the potential for it to be a vital tool for community organisations. So she designed a program combining the CQ tools with inclusive leadership skills that has been a game changer.    Speaking with Jennifer since I first met her on the #CQFellows retreat has often left me in awe and appreciation of the work she has done. When I interviewed her recently for my #podcast #TheShift I was also inspired and encouraged.   The a-ha moments of learning and awareness that people come to in her training are moments of awareness we can all experience and help others to do so also. I’ll put the link to the episode in the comments below so you can listen and be inspired also.   And if you are in London next week there is a great opportunity to hear more about this vital work at a special learning event. You will meet Jennifer and her Above Difference Limited team and our mutual friend and mentor David Livermore and discover how to Transform Cultures, Change Behaviours and Engage Communities with Cultural Intelligence. https://lnkd.in/gJ7BR-hh #CulturalMetacognition #CulturalIntelligence #InclusiveLeadership #CQStrategy

Making an Above Difference, Difference in Maternity Care "The truth is that teamwork is at the heart of great achievements." — John C. Maxwell At Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest NHS Trusts in London, a team of Cultural Safety Champions from across Maternity and Neonatal Care are working to drive meaningful change in addressing disparities for women and birthing people from marginalized communities. Their ability to improve outcomes is closely tied to how well they function as a team. Yesterday, it was a privilege to launch a bespoke programme supporting them on this journey through the Above Difference Limited 'Transforming Cultures, Changing Behaviours, and Engaging Communities' model. The passion and diversity of experiences in the room were humbling, and the positive feedback after the first day left me with a warm glow. 😀 I'm excited about the work Above Difference is doing with Maternity Services across multiple Trusts and ICBs—Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, @Capital Midwives, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, @NHS East of England—and we’re eager to roll out across the five North East London Trusts next year. As a mother of a young Black woman, the findings of the 5X More report hit close to home. And as the daughter of an NHS midwife, it’s an honor to bring our model to the frontline. Hearing Shirley Peterson, Divisional Director of Midwifery, describe our programme as a “game changer” has been incredibly rewarding. Teams united by a clear vision, shared values, and a solid understanding of their “why” are much more effective. It's often assumed that if the cause is clear, the team’s “why” should be too. Using Simon Sinek’s "Start with Why" helps challenge assumptions and creates a new, powerful narrative. This process can transform a group committed to a cause into a powerful team capable of lasting change where it matters most. Looking forward to the rest of the programme, where we’ll draw on tools like Cultural Intelligence, Change Leadership, and Intentional Inclusive Leadership. It’s all in the mix! We are committed to equipping leaders at all levels to shift the dial—talking and walking —and we're excited to continue this journey with our clients, bringing the unique Above Difference approach. 100% alignment with values, I'm in my hppy place!!! 😀 Nina Khazaezadeh Wendy Olayiwola BEM, FRSA, FRCM, RM, RN FNF Global health Leadership Scholar Joan Myers OBE, QN #InclusiveLeadership #CulturalIntelligence #TransformingCultures #MaternityCare