February 23, 2023
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people throughout history. It's a month to reflect on the many challenges that black people have faced throughout history, including systemic racism and discrimination. However, it's also a time to celebrate the many accomplishments of black leaders who have made significant strides in their respective fields.
The tech and marketing industries are no exception when it comes to the incredible contributions of black leaders. Despite facing numerous obstacles, black innovators have made significant strides in these fields, paving the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps. In this article, we'll highlight three of the most influential black innovators in the tech and marketing industry. We’ll also discuss the role that diversity and inclusion play in promoting growth on both a human and business level.
Ursula Burns is an inspirational figure in the world of business. She started as an intern at Xerox and worked her way up through the ranks, eventually becoming the CEO of the company. As CEO, Burns was instrumental in transforming Xerox into a digital powerhouse. She led the company through a major restructuring, expanding its services portfolio and driving innovation in the digital printing industry. Under her leadership, Xerox was able to weather the economic downturn of 2008, emerge as a stronger company, and position itself for future success.
Burns is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She believes that diverse perspectives and backgrounds are essential to driving innovation and business success. She also champions women and people of colour in tech, speaking up to ensure they're seen in leadership roles.
David Steward is the founder of World Wide Technology (WWT), a global technology solutions provider. He started the company with just a handful of employees and has since grown it into a company with over 7,000 employees and more than £10 billion in annual revenue. Under Steward's leadership, WWT has become one of the most successful technology companies in the world. The company provides a wide range of technology solutions to clients across a variety of industries, including the government, healthcare, and telecommunications sectors.
Steward has been instrumental in developing the company's culture of innovation and customer service, which has helped it to achieve sustained success. Steward is also a generous philanthropist, giving back to his community through various initiatives focused on education and healthcare. He has established numerous scholarship programs and has made significant donations to hospitals and other healthcare organisations.
Bozoma Saint John is a marketing and branding powerhouse who has worked with some of the biggest names in tech including Apple Music and Uber. Saint John is known for her bold and innovative approach to marketing and branding. She has helped shape the image of some of the most recognisable brands in the world, including Apple, where she was responsible for introducing the Apple Music brand.
Like Burns and Steward, Saint John is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace culture. She has shown commitment to creating diverse spaces in the tech industry by helping to empower leaders of all backgrounds and identities. By actively helping others reach their goals, Saint is a driving force for growth and innovation in her sector.
A diverse and inclusive workplace not only benefits individual employees, but it also benefits the company as a whole. Studies have shown that companies with more diverse workforces are more innovative, more adaptable to change, and more profitable than those with less diversity.
There are several strategies that companies can use to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. One important step is to create a culture that values diversity and encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work. This can include training programs, mentorship opportunities, and employee resource groups. Another important strategy is to prioritise diversity and inclusion in hiring and promotion decisions. Companies can set targets for their leadership teams and prioritise the recruitment of diverse candidates.
The contributions of Burns, Steward, and Saint John highlight the important role that black innovators have played in shaping some of the biggest industries in the world. Their success stories serve as an inspiration to future generations of leaders who are seeking to make their mark in these fields.
As Black History Month comes to an end, it's important to remember that the fight for diversity and inclusion is far from over. We must continue to advocate for change and work to create social environments that are truly representative of the diverse communities around the world. We can make the world a better place for everyone when we embrace and celebrate diversity in our lives. Everyone deserves to be respected, valued, and appreciated no matter how they look or where they come from - let's start creating a fairer future together!
