Question 3

London commercial office professional

I have to work harder than my white colleagues.

The advice I've received from mainly my family who have worked in other industries as BAME is that I have to work harder than my white colleagues and face the possibility of my hard work not being recognised by superiors and in terms of remuneration.

Technology professional

I was briefed that it is a very old-school industry.

I received what I feel is good advice considering I am new to the industry. I was briefed that it is a very old-school industry, similar to banking in as much as you will not find many females or BAME individuals at the top of the profession.

HR professional

It is always important to speak up and educate people on this kind of topic.

Of course, I am quite close with a few other BAME employees and this is a topic that we always relate to. It's very much evident that we ALL have gone through some kind of discrimination or ignorance from people in the industry/workplace. I've been told to remember that it is always important to speak up and educate people on this kind of topic. Also that as someone who is BAME we may have to work harder in this industry than others but hopefully this will change over time.

Planning lawyer

Be the best at your job that you can be. You will find you have allies that champion you, if you are good. 

Be the best at your job that you can be. You will find you have allies that champion you, if you are good. It makes life easier. Also, you can't change people who don't want to change, so save your energy for the battles you can win.

Finance professional

Do not shrink or feel shy, challenge injustice.

I have mentored and give lots of different advice depending on the circumstances. I would say that one of the most important things is to keep focussed on what you want to achieve. Do not let the racists succeed in pushing you down or out. Do not shrink or feel shy, challenge injustice. Try to surround yourself with supportive people that you can learn from.

HR professional

Diversity is an advantage.

Diversity is an advantage, and use it to your advantage. There is a cultural capital we can offer each other. There is a lot you can learn from your white counterparts and vice versa, as we have mostly been brought up in different environments. Everyone will bring a different and alternative way of looking at things and it is good to learn from people where possible.

Commercial property professional

Not every company is racist so make yourself indispensable.

To ensure that you look at every day as an opportunity, to make yourself better in terms of gaining as much knowledge, experience and involvement as possible. Not every company is racist so make yourself indispensable and gain as many skills to make yourself as saleable as possible.

Finance professional

Stand up for what is right. Speak up for the vulnerable. Do not suffer in silence.

Housebuilder

Don’t be afraid to make those connections — they will be the foundation of your future success.

Racism, conscious and unconscious, will always be there in one form or another. What you can control is how you approach situations and the level of professionalism you exhibit. You will always find people that are ready, waiting and willing to be your champions. Don’t be afraid to make those connections — they will be the foundation of your future success.