Dom Mitial’s Post

It is Black History Month, and I will be the first to admit that my awareness of allyship as a People Leader has grown tremendously over the past few years. I owe all of this learning and growth to incredibly talented black employees I have had the great fortune of working with. One of my former teammates, Forest Woodley, SPHR, MBA, once called me an accomplice to black employees and not just an ally, and I am not sure I have ever been prouder to be called anything in my career. To be recognized by passionate and accomplished black professionals like Forest Woodley, SPHR, MBA as a safe space is an honor. I fully understand the privilege I have as a white woman in the workplace. I see it on display constantly, and while I believe I worked hard and faced stigmas and uphill battles in my career, I know that doesn't take away that I am fortunate and privileged. 'Asha Pope, MHRM is a true inspiration in the People space, and thanks to her and the safe space she creates for white peers, I have grown as a person, leader, and ally. Thank you for the privilege of your friendship 'Asha Pope, MHRM, and for allowing me to check my internal bias and ask uncomfortable questions that allow me to grow as a human. I encourage everyone to spend this month learning, growing, and working to be an ally and an accomplice. Lean into tough conversations and difficult questions and learn how you can show up as a better advocate every day. #blackhistorymonth #blackintech #diversitymatters

Black History Month may be over, but your allyship is required all year round! Here's how leaders and organizations can effectively support Black employees throughout the year: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Prioritize clear and honest communication, explaining decisions and the rationale behind them. 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Demonstrate vulnerability, acknowledge your own mistakes, and provide consistent recognition for your team's contributions. 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺𝘀: Establishing effective feedback mechanisms is crucial. Evaluate how effective feedback channels are such as engagement surveys, one-on-one meetings, and team forums. 𝗖𝗼-𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: Success should be viewed as a collective effort rather than individual achievement. Promote collaboration and teamwork, encouraging your Black employees to contribute their unique perspectives. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Be open to feedback, willing to learn, and committed to ongoing improvement. Continually assess your strategies and adjust them as needed. #allyship #deib #leadershipandmanagement #blackhistorymonth #workplaceculture

As a Black leader with access and proximity to power, when you say or hear the designation “Black” to define us, what meaning does it have? Stagnating, Reclamatory, or Other? See below👇🏾Reclamation Next #ReclamationNext #blackleaders #blackleadership #blackcommunities

What voices are “allowed” to be heard? What emotions and from whom are “allowed” to exist? You see my leadership career began in 2011 and as a novice leader I contorted myself to fit the “standard” image, and I suppressed my emotions as I learned very quickly that only a sub set of people who were allowed to showcase a variety of emotions and still be viewed as a credible leader. Fast forward to 2024, my roots are deeper, I am clearer on who I am as a person and leader. Though I do not contort or hide parts of myself, chile I am loud about who I am 😂. Now I recognize that there is a cost and sacrifice for your authenticity. The cost for not hiding yourself can come in many forms such as having not as many opportunities be shared with you, or not being invited to the decision making table, and the sacrifice includes invisible burdens that lead to fatigue and shows up physically in your body. As we continue to celebrate BHM, let’s continue to analyze the voices that are uplifted and not, analyze the groups of people who are leaving companies, analyzing who is being promoted, and who are the ones that continue to carry the work of others on their backs. Celebrating Black History doesn’t have to be a performantative act, there’s power in seeing and honoring the risk takers, honoring truth tellers, and disrupters in your organization. Good medicine never feels good going down but baby it will have feeling better and back to your vibrant self! Cheers 🥂

Accountability is the new black. We live in the golden age of excuses. - "It's the pandemic's fault." - "There's too much competition." - "It's not the right time." Excuses keep us from reaching our goals. Let that sink in... When we shift focus from what we can't control to what we can, we take back our power. Accountability requires radical truth! It's hard to say, "I'm performing at a level 4 and pretending I'm performing at a level 10," but it's essential. Honesty and accountability makes us better leaders, entrepreneurs, and human beings. We learn, grow, and become more resilient. When we override our excuses, we become unstoppable.

Honoured to Meet the Inspiring Baroness Floella Benjamin! 🙌🏾 During Black History Month, I had the incredible opportunity to meet the legendary Baroness Floella Benjamin, who shared her wisdom and powerful insights on overcoming adversity. Her story of resilience deeply resonated with me as a Black professional, and I wanted to share some of her invaluable lessons with my network: ✨ The 4 C's to Live By: * Consideration: It's so important to show kindness and empathy towards others. We’re all on different journeys, and understanding this can make the world a better place. * Contentment: Having a happy and content heart allows us to help others, and I truly believe that when we find peace within ourselves, we’re more empowered to lift others. * Confidence: Floella emphasised the importance of self-love – to look in the mirror and be proud of who you are. This hit home for me, as confidence has been key in my own journey. * Courage: Having the courage to stand up for what's right is essential. Whether it's moral courage or speaking up for others, it makes a difference. At E.ON, I've been fortunate to work in an environment where growth and diversity are valued, and moments like this remind me why representation and inclusion are so critical. Baroness Benjamin’s words remind us that we are all capable of greatness, and we should never shy away from our values or our potential. Let’s continue to celebrate and uplift each other not just during Black History Month, but every single day! 💪🏾✨ #BlackHistoryMonth #FloellaBenjamin #Diversity #Inclusion #4Cs #Empowerment #Leadership #EON #RepresentationMatters

A European country has its first black leader. Why is this significant to me? I remember rocking up to my job at the investment bank, and an older black experienced man pulled me aside and told me, "Congratulations for getting here. A black man of your generation will never make it as leader here. Maybe your children can be leaders. " I remember thinking, "Maybe you will never be a leader, but don't speak for me." You obviously don't know about my qualifications and my work ethic. I spoke to my Pakistani friend at the bank, telling him what I encountered. Unity in minority. He replied, "he's right, you know. Who would pick a blackman as a leader." I was pretty shocked since we were friends. I explained that the head of American Express was a black man. A black man would eventually be the CEO of McDonalds a few years later. Obviously, Obama would become the first black president. Credit Swiss First Boston and a few others would emerge. But most of that was in the future, and I could just quote the black leaders of the time. I left that discussion thinking, "Be careful who you call friend," as I now felt my "friend" was a racist. The black "colleague" was also an enemy of progress. I never acquiesced to always being at the bottom. Can't understand why they would have wanted me to. Fast forward, and we have a string of black leaders. While I don't always agree with their politics, they have been visible. The narrative has changed (in a way). I don't know much about this man or his politics. His mere appointment should help some black boys (like I used to be) wade through the opinions of so many that we can never amount to anything. The optics are meaningful. I pray you do a great job, Mr Vaughan Gething. Until then, you have changed what some people can imagine in their minds. Surely, that's a good thing.

⭐⭐The A Team⭐⭐⭐ True greatness isn’t achieved alone—it’s built through collaboration and a shared vision. I remember back in 2011 when Enoch shared the idea of Black Professionals United Kingdom with me, it was just a page he opened on Linkedin and it was known then as Edinburgh Black Professionals. Rather than being a passive listener, I was an active supporter and encouraged him not to sleep on the page but start something. Fast forward to 2024, Black Professionals United Kingdom is now not just a vision but a mission to leave a lasting legacy. 🤝✨ When we come together, we harness the strength of diverse perspectives, turning individual efforts into collective impact. Collaboration is not just about achieving immediate goals; it’s about laying the foundation for a legacy that inspires future generations. Let’s commit to working together, lifting each other up, and creating something that lasts far beyond ourselves. Because as they say, 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' 🚀 Here’s to the power of teamwork, shared dreams, and building a legacy that will stand the test of time. Akosua Tosin Joshua #CollaborationOverCompetition #LegacyBuilders #StrongerTogether"

🎉 Celebrating Black History Month beyond February, take a few minutes to read “Who is Black? One Nation’s Definition” by Floyd James Davis. It's short, I PROMISE! 😆 Davis, Floyd J. (2014). Who is Black? One Nation’s Definition. PBS. https://lnkd.in/gST7pYgf. SUMMARY: Davis goes back to the origins of the term Black by the USA’s cultural definition and clarifies the often misinterpreted terms; race, culture, and ethnic group. The label “Black” was originally imposed by White people on Black people without consent as a control tool to restrict access. 💧 The One-Drop Rule effectively stigmatized Black people and is still relevant today. #blackhistorymonth2024 🤔 LEADER REFLECTION: As leaders, what additional labels (created by dominant group members) do we impose on Black people without their consent? #dei BONUS LEADER QUESTIONS: Is it possible for Black leaders to impose labels on themselves and other Black people that were created by non-Black people? ⭕ How can we be allies and break the cycle of internal oppression as leaders? #leadershipcoaching #deileadershipcoaching Alt. Text. Photo of the article with the title "Who is Black? One Nation's Definition. by F. James Davis." The subheading reads "The One-Drop Rule Defined."

During #BlackHistoryMonth, I would like to honor the indomitable spirit and inspiring #leadership of black pioneers and visionaries. Their relentless drive and perseverance for respect, representation and inclusion lit a fire in our hearts and continues to inspire every generation to strive for excellence.   Their legacies are reflected in many contemporary Black leaders across business, politics, sports, arts, education and more. And I can certainly attribute being a conscientious, courageous and a committed leader to the influences of these trailblazers, who have shaped me both personally and professionally. Living into t­­he belief that “𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯, 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥,” I’d like to share a few ways in which I continually, respectfully and wholeheartedly honor Black history and ensure its living legacy:   🔥 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹, 𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: Drawing infinite inspiration and confidence from phenomenal ‘first’ women like Rosa Parks and Ursula Burns – the first Black CEO of a Fortune 500 company – enables me to envision “what if” and “why not” possibilities. Their impactful actions inspire me to boldly address challenges, overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.   ❤️ 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀: Following the examples set by education advocates Booker T. Washington and current day literary critic, professor and historian Henry Louis Gates Jr., I am dedicated to elevating diverse talent. By cultivating an environment that nurtures skill-building, self-belief and confidence, we equip our colleagues and people in our community to write their own success stories.   🌱 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵: Inspired by leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and co-founder of Black Lives Matter movement Alicia Garza, I encourage you to build bridges between diverse thoughts and create safe spaces for authentic dialogues. I believe that respectful and honest discourse has the power to unite rather than divide.   I recognize that I have the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to carry the torch of Black brilliance forward. By embracing and embodying the indomitable spirit and actions of our black trailblazers and history makers, we can all be catalysts that help inspire a more equitable and accessible world for everyone. #BlackHistoryMonth2024