Meet The Black Sherpa

I’m on a mission to advance social mobility by ensuring ALL talented people from disadvantaged backgrounds or marginalised communities have the foresight and confidence to maximise their potential.

WHY?

The personal growth and career progression of talented people from disadvantaged backgrounds or marginalised communities is often subject to narratives and behaviours that make it even harder to succeed.

I created the Black Sherpa Podcast to help right these wrongs. To super charge personal development and empower social mobility one frank conversation at a time. 

I’m your host, Yam. A commercial leader with 15 years’ experience at one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical organisations. As a father of two, I hope to play a part in creating the equitable, diverse and inclusive society I would like for my children, and others like them.

Fatherhood made me think differently about my career. I had a great time in my 20’s, I didn’t have a clear vision or plan for my future (pretty common). I worked tirelessly but never prioritised how I invested my time and efforts in a way that truly benefited both me and my employer (also common). I had the type of network that helped get things done but wasn’t engaging them in a way that helped me (criminal missed opportunity).

BLESSINGS…

My parents gave a lot to build a prosperous future for my siblings and I. I moved as a one year old from my native Zambia to the UK as they pursued a career in the National Health Service. As I matured I gained better understand of my behaviour. I realised the social and cultural differences in my upbringing gave me a unique mix of skills that are valuable. Resilience, adaptability, ingenuity and a sense of humour to name a few.

LOOKING BACK…

At the start of my career I wasn’t ready to thrive in a corporate environment. I didn’t have the information I needed to truly understand “how” to get ahead and failed to ask the right questions. My view of the world was too small to think big enough to accelerate my growth and impact.

I have experienced many of the cliché narratives black men in the UK face. It doesn’t effect everyone in the same way. In my case it meant I became an expert in covering insecurities and developed a bad habit if seeking validation in the wrong ways and places.

TODAY…

I am clearer than ever on my true. There is a liberating power in embracing the fact that life isn’t fair, it won’t be for some time. Until then, there are many simple things most can do to level the playing field particularly when it comes to your career.

I have learned that good processes matter, relationships matter, and great results come if you pay close attention to both. I can be brutally honest about my position and what it may take to get to the next destination. I am better equipped to ask for the help I need to achieve my goals and give the type of support that may enable others.

TIME FOR THE BLACK SHERPA…

The podcasts name was inspired by the Sherpas of Nepal. They serve as humble guides, whose expertise is invaluable to visitors attempting the most challenging of journeys. The “climbing a mountain” metaphor reflects what it can take to achieve social mobility, an equally challenging journey.

As the Black Sherpa, I am that humble guide, helping my guest tap into and share lessons from good and bad times in their career. The experiences that have served them well in the long run. Practical insights our community can apply to safely and quickly climb their own mountain and achieve equally epic feats.    

“Just think of my guests advice like cheat codes for the corporate game of snakes and ladders”

Connect with Yam for more info.