Welcome back to the Pursuit Playbook podcast! In this episode of the Pursuit Playbook, Aprileen talks to Aleesha Bruce, an inspiring student from the London School of Economics (LSE) with Jamaican roots from Leeds.

Aleesha shares her university journey, including the impact of her 6th form scholarship, internships, and her dreams of entering UK politics. Gain insights on navigating university life, career transitions, and balancing heritage. Packed with practical advice, this episode is essential for those considering university or exploring internship opportunities.

5 Key Lessons from this episode:

1. Real-World Learning: Aleesha highlights how internships offer practical skills beyond what you learn in the classroom. Learn how real-world experiences can fast-track your career.

2. Networking Done Right: Building authentic connections is essential. Aleesha emphasises how meaningful, lasting relationships are key to professional success.

3. Juggling It All: Managing time is a critical skill. Aleesha shares her time management tips, using tools like calendars and notes to balance school, work, and life.

4. Unique Skills Matter: Aleesha’s talent for content creation proved to be a valuable asset in her corporate job. Find out how your personal hobbies can boost your career.

5. Value of Diversity: Working in diverse environments fosters growth. Aleesha talks about how experiencing different cultures has enriched her career.

Connect with our Playmakers:

Connect with Aleesha:

- LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleesha-bruce/⁠ - Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/aleesha.bruce/⁠

- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@aleeshabruce⁠ Stay connected with Aleesha’s journey and gain insights on university scholarships, internships, and professional growth through her compelling content.

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button to find us next week and listen to other episodes, actionable advice and insider perspectives only on the Pursuit Playbook!

Join the community at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠ and sign up to our substack at ⁠https://pursuitplaybook.substack.com⁠. Don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This is an AiAi Studios Production, recorded by Aprileen Alexander in May 2024.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: @aiai.studios // Website: ⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠

Welcome to another episode of the Pursuit Playbook. Aprileen welcomes Marcia Fray, who currently leads the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Warner Music Group - Europe, Middle East, Africa and Emerging Markets. Marcia's journey is anything but linear, as she recounts her career transitions from finance to music, and ultimately to DEI—a path shaped by both professional opportunities and personal life changes.

With candid discussions about balancing motherhood with career ambitions, Marcia offers invaluable insights on why DEI became a driving force in her life post-motherhood. Together, Aprileen and Marcia explore the roles of kindness, mentorship, sponsorship, and strategic thinking in building a fulfilling career while navigating through life's unpredictable challenges.

5 Key lessons from the episode:

1. Embrace Career Transitions with an Open Mind: Marcia shares how her career took unexpected turns from finance at Bloomberg and BlackRock to music and DEI at Warner Music UK. Her willingness to say "yes" to new opportunities and openness to pivot proved pivotal in her success.

2. Kindness is a Powerful Professional Tool: Throughout her journey, Marcia emphasises the importance of kindness. Operating from a place of kindness not only fosters a positive workplace but also enhances personal fulfilment and professional relationships.

3. Navigating Motherhood and Career Responsibilities: Marcia gets candid about her struggles with pregnancy and the challenges of balancing new motherhood with career ambitions. She underscores the necessity of support systems and the importance of self-compassion during this period.

4. Leveraging the Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship: Distinguishing between mentors (who provide guidance and advice) and sponsors (who advocate on your behalf), Marcia offers strategies for effectively utilising both to promote career growth and opportunities.

5. DEI as a Strategic Imperative: Marcia speaks to the strategic importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. Addressing diversity gaps and promoting equal opportunities are essential not only for moral integrity but also for creating a more effective and inclusive business environment.

Get to know our Playmakers:

Connect with Marcia -

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciafray/

Stay up to date with careers at Warner Music UK: https://wmg.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/WMGGLOBAL

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button to find us next
week and listen to other episodes, actionable advice and insider perspectives only on the Pursuit Playbook!

Join the community at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠
and sign up to our substack at ⁠https://pursuitplaybook.substack.com⁠.

Don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This is an AiAi Studios Production, recorded by Aprileen
Alexander in June 2024.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: @aiai.studios
Website: ⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠

Welcome to "Pursuit Playbook," where we dive into the journeys of remarkable individuals who are shaping the future with their unique strategies and insights. In this episode, our host Aprileen interviews her long-time friend, Jeanell English, who recently transitioned from a C-Suite corporate executive role to entrepreneur, as co-founder of ⁠Elizabeth & Minnie Publishing. ⁠

Jeanell shares her story, highlighting the crucial skills she acquired in business school that equipped her for running her own enterprise, emphasising the importance of data analytics, modelling, and accounting. She reflects on her experiences in corporate America, particularly the challenges faced by black women and women of colour, and her dedication to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into organisational frameworks.

Jeanell also discusses her passion for book publishing, the significance of intellectual property ownership, and how she leverages her network to create opportunities for herself and others. This episode is rich with wisdom on authentic leadership, the strategic importance of kindness and empathy, and the power of maintaining strong relationships. Whether you're contemplating a career shift, looking to enhance your DEI initiatives, or seeking inspiration to align your career with your core values, this episode offers invaluable guidance.

5 Key Lessons from this episode:

1. The Power of Business Education:

Jeanell underscores how her business school education provided her with essential skills such as data analytics, modelling, and accounting. These competencies have been critical in managing her business and expanding her professional network.

2. Setting Clear DEI Goals:

Jeanell emphasises that effective diversity work requires clear, specific goals to stay focused and create meaningful impact. Her experiences demonstrate how clarity in objectives can transform organisational dynamics.

3. Authenticity and Personal Branding:

Transitioning to entrepreneurship has allowed Jeanell to represent her own values authentically rather than those of an institution. She believes that authentic leadership, driven by personal motivators, is crucial for making a real difference.

4. Mentorship and Strategic Relationships:

Success is often bolstered by the support of mentors, sponsors, and close peers. Jeanell outlines the importance of knowing who holds power within an organisation and building strong, strategic relationships with them.

5. Redefining Success and Embracing Failure:

Jeanell encourages questioning traditional measures of success and urges viewing failures as opportunities for redirection. Her perspective reinforces that failures are learning moments that contribute to long-term growth.

Get to know our Playmakers:

Stay up-to-date with Jeanell's professional journey and initiatives through her social media channels:

- LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanell-english/⁠

- Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jeatothenell/⁠

- Publishing Company: ⁠https://www.elizabethminnie.com/⁠

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button to find us next week and listen to other episodes, actionable advice and insider perspectives only on the Pursuit Playbook!

Join the community at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠ and sign up to our substack at ⁠https://pursuitplaybook.substack.com⁠. Don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This is an AiAi Studios Production, recorded by Aprileen Alexander in April 2024.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: @aiai.studios // Website: ⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠