PPL Board Member
JD Management
What drew you to a board role?
The strong urge to run to join a board simply came from being tired of the status quo and wanting to shift the narrative and shake the stereotype that there is a lack of diversity across these boards. As a woman of colour, I felt a responsibility and duty to step up and give a voice to many who have been feeling ignored and who require representation at the highest level. It was around the time that I saw Nadia Khan from Women in CTRL, who had launched her ’Seat At The Table’ research series which tracks gender and ethnic diversity in the music industry. She encouraged me to run for it, telling me that the only way to make change is to be a part of it, and if we don’t run for it then how can we do that? That was my real first encounter with thinking about it seriously and realising that there is an opportunity that we women, especially women of colour don’t necessarily think is there for us. Perhaps there isn’t enough information given surrounding boards for other women to realise that there are options out there that we deserve to go for, and that are not out of reach. Often it’s a matter of not knowing the process of applying to join these boards and I think that it is essential for education to be provided around that.
What did you bring to the table?
A different voice, a different outlook, a different perspective. A voice for the unheard. A voice for the underrepresented. Looking around the table at some of these companies, you realise that there has been a gender and diversity imbalance which impacts the type of support and care that is extended to artists of colour and women in the industry. I have worked with a range of talented Black artists, musicians, producers, songwriters and creatives over the years, at every level of success. As a Black woman who has managed, developed and nurtured such talent, I feel a duty to ensure that Black artists and creatives are granted the same access as their peers, and that they are rewarded for their contributions to our industry.
What do you wish you had understood earlier?
If I knew then what I knew now, I would have probably joined some boards earlier. Joining a board isn’t an overnight success and it can take the first few years of joining one to learn and to feel comfortable with the fact that you have your seat at the table. There is a lot of complexity surrounding boards and it may take a minute or two to become familiar with the terminology and language used in relation to policy. I think it’s important to understand and learn about what was happening before you joined the board, what decisions were being made that may inform or impact the decisions that you now choose to make in the present and in future. As a woman you can meet micro-aggression which is played out with a smile, especially as a woman of colour. Sometimes you’re told you’re the only one that wants to make something happen. With that being said, PPL is a fantastic board, the chief exec and the staff are very nurturing and accommodating. They have extended a lot of patience and I’m very fortunate to be on the board for PPL; it’s been a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
WOMEN IN THE ROOM
Ayanna Witter-Johnson
The Ivors Academy Board Member
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Becky Lees
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Bishi
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If you are thinking of joining a board, trust the strength and value of your experiences.
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