Lesa
Black History Month

Introduction

I have worked for Bupa for five and a half years helping the business make sense of customer feedback. This helps us understand what’s working, what isn’t, and what products and services will make real differences in people’s lives. When I interviewed for the role at Bupa, I got a strong sense of purpose. Coming to work every day to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives felt fulfilling. My role is varied; some days I build customer experience surveys or work with internal teams to drive better experiences for our customers. Other days, I test new products and services or uncover insights that allow us to innovate.

I love my job and have worked on impactful research projects, such as understanding the gaps in women’s health services and support, enabling us to create products and services that make a difference in women’s lives.

Inclusion at Bupa

I think in general, the tide is turning regarding ethnic minorities in the workplace. I am part of initiative at Bupa called the Executive Advisory Committee. We provide strategic input and advice to the CEO and his Exec team on key decisions that affect the organisation’s direction. I work with other leaders within Bupa in a multifunctional and ethnically diverse team, using our expertise and life experiences to bring different perspectives to influence decision-making. This is a great example of walking the talk around inclusion. It has also been a phenomenal learning opportunity and has aided my personal development.

We also have a thriving race and ethnicity community at Bupa, which helps drive the message of inclusion. It’s nice to see other ethnic minorities speak frankly about the things affecting their mental health, support each other, and create a deep understanding that allows us to be better allies.

It continues to be difficult to find Black female role models in senior business positions. At Bupa, we have Tara Lajumoke (Chief Transformation and Strategy Officer), and it has been refreshing to hear her engage with the race and ethnicity community and see her bring her authentic self to work. Small cues, such as how she carries her hair or her level of honesty and authenticity, signal that “it’s okay to be you and still succeed.” Representation matters, so I make a conscious effort to be a good role model for those starting their careers. For young Black people entering the world of insights, I would say your difference is your superpower. Lean into it; you bring a perspective no one else can. It takes time to be comfortable being authentic in the workplace, but a level of professional authenticity is what it will take to succeed in your career.

Black History Month

Black History Month isn’t something I celebrate per se, but I always feel energised when it comes around because it’s a time to celebrate the achievements of Black people in history. I always learn something new, and my children learn more about their history and come home excited to talk about the achievements of people who look like them. As a Black woman, the challenges of being Black are all too real daily, so I choose to use this month to focus on the positives. I think it’s important for companies to acknowledge Black History Month in meaningful ways that go beyond lip service. Create spaces for really listening, educational initiatives and cultural celebrations within the workplace.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s remember that every day is an opportunity to honour the progress made, learn from the past, and continue the conversations that drive us towards a more inclusive and understanding society. Together, we can make a lasting impact.