In this blog, Fahmida Choudhury, PhD Researcher at the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship, introduces the second cohort of the P-Word, an innovative leadership development programme rooted from the community up, led by Punch Records.
After a successful first year of The P Word in 2021, the programme returns for a second round to develop a new set of talented creatives – and the best part about it is that it will take place in-person this year!
Meet this year’s pool of creative talent
The 2022 cohort includes photographer Tianna J-Williams; haircare owner Dionne Samuels; music artist and producer PR3; artist and educator Haseebah Ali; director Tee Visuals; creative producer Sea Osuji; actor and filmmaker Elishah St Juste; jewellery business owner Cassandra Wiggan; and dancer and choreographer Gemma Pilgrim. For more information about the creatives and details of their business click here.
What is The P Word?
The P Word is a nine-month leadership programme designed to develop the entrepreneurial skills of up and coming creatives in the music and arts sector. The project is in collaboration with the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) here at Aston University, and is facilitated by one of its practitioner partners Punch Records who specialise in supporting creative talent from diverse backgrounds.
Its aims are to:
- To combat professional and practical ‘roadblocks’ inhibiting the business growth and potential success of ethnic minority creatives from the Midlands.
- To encourage business support providers to ensure diversity is represented and supported accordingly to the needs of the creatives engaged in the industry.
- To develop the skills of emerging creative practitioners in a way that will enable them to prosper professionally.
Session one took place on March 17th and was all about leadership. The cohort received expert advice from Damini Sharma – owner of construction health and safety services business The OM Group. Here are some of their takeaways from the day:
- “I’ve had to learn the value of failure to learn the value of success” – Damini Sharma
- “Leadership is about trusted support” – PR3
- “To be a good leader you have to establish yourself first before you can pass that knowledge on” – Gemma Pilgrim
Why join The P Word?
The P Word offers bespoke leadership training, mentoring, and commissioning opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in the creative industries seeking to maximise their business development skills. Tailored with diversity in mind, the programme features exclusive workshops delivered by regional experts in business management. They provide practical advice on the tools required to branch out and run a successful business.
For further updates about The P Word please sign up to their Newsletter, follow them on LinkedIn, or connect to their social networks Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also see what other exciting projects CREME are involved with here.
