The Pursuit Playbook

Long before anyone was a Belieber and Justin Bieber became a household name, Shani Gonzales was already a fan. This instinctive foresight and her unwavering self-confidence have been the cornerstones of her illustrious career, culminating in her present positions. Shani holds the dual roles of Executive Vice President and Managing Director at Warner Chappell Music UK and the Head of International A&R at Warner Chappell Music. Her track record in the music business is distinguished by her knack for signing and guiding some of the most influential artists of our time, including DJ Khaled, Juice Wrld, and Bibi Bourelly, who has penned hits for the likes of Camila Cabello, Rihanna, and Selena Gomez. Among the high-caliber talents she has played a part in developing are Labrinth, Justin Bieber, MeLo-X, Nate Cyphert (famous for his work with Florida Georgia Line), Nic Nac (linked with Chris Brown and DJ Khaled), Poo Bear, P2J (producer for superstars like Beyoncé, Doja Cat, WizKid), Saint Jhn, Travis Scott, and WondaGurl, known for her production work with Drake and Rihanna. In her leadership capacity at Warner Chappell Music UK, and in tandem with her A&R international duties, Gonzales is pivotal in broadening the publisher's UK roster. She selects artists with a focus on diversity and has been influential in acquiring talents such as BOJ, Central Cee, Daniel Blumberg, Emma-Jean Thackray, Legendury Beatz, P2J, and The Snuts. Her advocacy for international cooperation has been relentless, ensuring that Warner Chappell Music’s global network of esteemed artists works together harmoniously, fostering cross-border artistic partnerships. Shani's extraordinary career achievements, while a product of her relentless effort, are also a testament to the influence of her Jamaican and Trinidadian heritage, thanks to her parents' unwavering support, open-mindedness, and nurturing. In this discussion, we delve into the nuances of managing one of the leading publishing divisions within a major music company. We explore how Shani synergizes her seasoned judgment with the fresh perspectives of her team, even in areas where she continues to grow. And, we'll uncover her three key strategic plays. You can follow Shani on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shani927/ Join the community and sign up to the newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠⁠⁠⁠ This is an AiAi Studios Production - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: @aiai.studios This podcast was recorded in April 2023.

In today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Dorothy Burwell for the second instalment of our Boardroom series. If you missed Episode 10, where Dorothy first joined us, make sure to listen to that enlightening discussion before diving into this episode. I'm Aprileen, your host, and today with Dorothy, we're taking a deep dive into a crucial topic for aspiring leaders and executives: getting boardroom ready. Known for her strategic acumen in communications, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management, Dorothy brings a wealth of experience from her roles across FGS Global, Pennon Group Plc, and Post Holdings, not to mention her significant start at Goldman Sachs. Our discussion transcends typical boardroom preparations. We don't just talk about the skills and experiences required; we explore the often-overlooked aspects like understanding the importance of having an updated Board CV and how this differs to a regular CV. Consider, for instance, the dynamics of navigating interpersonal and DEI issues at the executive level, where stakes and sensitivities are significantly higher. How do you address and incorporate these critical elements into corporate strategy and culture genuinely and effectively? Dorothy and I delve into these complex questions, drawing from her extensive background and personal experiences. If Dorothy's insights strike a chord with you, or if you have your own questions about navigating the boardroom, and what it means to be board ready, feel free to send us your thoughts or queries athello@meetpursuit.com. Your input could be featured in one of our upcoming episodes. Get ready for an enriching and thought-provoking discussion! You can follow Dorothy on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dorothyburwell/ Join the community and sign up to the newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit ⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠⁠⁠ This is an AiAi Studios Production - ⁠⁠⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠⁠⁠ IG: @aiai.studios

Meet Dorothy Burwell, an experienced strategic communications partner, born in the US, currently living in London. With a remarkable career trajectory that began at Goldman Sachs, Dorothy’s arsenal of expertise spans nearly two decades across multifarious sectors, from natural resources to transport and technology. She’s steered communication strategies of giants such as Shell, easyJet, Adidas and many more. Beyond aiding her clients in navigating the complex maze of stakeholder engagement and reputation building, Dorothy plays an instrumental role at Finsbury, orchestrating global marketing initiatives while championing diversity and inclusion. But it's not just about business for her. She passionately dedicates her time to upholding consumer rights and fostering societal inclusion, marking her position on the council of trustees for Which? and helming the London Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, an international women's charity and NGO. She also balances her career with passions such as dance, creative arts and travelling. Having carved a niche for herself in the boardrooms of FGS Global, she is a Non-Executive Director at Pennon Group Plc – a FTSE 250 Company, and a Board Director at Post Holdings – a Fortune 500 Company. Dorothy's illustrious career is a testament to her unwavering dedication, hard work, planning and preparing for opportunities. If you're eager to dive deep into the art of connecting, communicating, and championing causes, and balancing them all, this episode is for you! Key Takeaways: · Her advice on coming into your first leadership position and managing personal expectations · Tips on managing corporate transitions; different roles in the same company or different roles in different companies within different industries · Dealing with personal and cultural identity in the workplace · Finding the right balance for you; balance is an individual’s choice · How she got her first boardroom role · Her three strategic career plays You can follow Dorothy on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dorothyburwell/ Join the community and sign up to the newsletter at ⁠⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠⁠ This is an AiAi Studios Production - ⁠⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠⁠ IG: @aiai.studios Published: 25/10/2023

Meet Thandi Maqubela, a self-described Sartorial Lawyer. She’s a distinguished commercial lawyer who has carved out a noteworthy career in both the UK and South Africa. As a dual jurisdiction lawyer, Thandi boasts 11 years of rich experience, transitioning from private practice into a pivotal role as an in-house legal expert. Currently at the helm as Director of Legal atDeloitte, she's known for her impeccable due diligence, contract negotiation acumen, and an unparalleled knack for risk management. Educated at the University of Johannesburg and further specializing in anti-trust law from the University of the Witwatersrand, Thandi's educational foundation laid the groundwork for her ensuing excellence. Beyond her legal acumen, she is celebrated for her strong interpersonal skills, her ability to build trust across organisational hierarchies, and her unwavering commitment to pragmatic solutions. From leading teams of lawyers, spearheading learning and development in-house, to being a pivotal member of the Tax and Legal Black Action Plan Steering Committee, Thandi's multifaceted contributions to her craft is undeniable. But to us, the Pursuit Community, Thandi is a Renaissance Woman. She’s someone who’s mastered the art of balance, what it specifically means to her, nurturing diverse passions – reading, skincare, fashion – and refining boundaries. She’s a testament to the power of curiosity, continually growing and recognising that nuance is key to the art of understanding. Key Takeaways: · Her experience and advice on adapting to the UK corporate world · Her advice for mothers ambitious to succeed · The impact of a sponsor on her career · The balance between career identities and personal branding · Her three strategic career plays You can follow Thandi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thandi-maqubela-03a91333/ and her IG for her sartorial recommendations: https://www.instagram.com/thandimaq/ Join the community and sign up to the newsletter at ⁠⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠⁠ This is an AiAi Studios Production - ⁠⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠⁠ IG:@aiai.studios Published: 18/10/2023

Meet Kysha Gibson, an experienced management consultant in the telecommunications, media, and technology sector. As a pivotal figure in Accenture’s UKI Strategy & Consulting Management Board, Kysha, Managing Director, and Partner, is shaping the future workforce of the company by spearheading the Analyst Consulting Group (ACG). With 900+ diverse talent under ACG, she envisions them as the forefront of tomorrow’s leadership, both within Accenture and the broader industry. Kysha attended the prestigious Wharton School for her undergrad, a recipient of a full scholarship and received an MBA, IE Business School, in Spain, also under scholarship. Much like her educational footprint, Kysha is extremely curious about the world, its cultures, and people, having travelled to over 120 countries. In this conversation, we delve into her journey toward carving out a crucial ‘seat at the table’ in her career. She shares insights into her driving purpose, a profound passion for people, and the significance of nurturing early-stage talent in her leadership trajectory. Key Takeaways: · Her advice knowing when to move on from a role · The impact of an MBA on her career · Adapting management styles as she progresses her career, and tips on managing these transformations · How to advocate for yourself in the workplace · Her three strategic career plays You can follow Kysha on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyshagibson/ Join the community and sign up to the newsletter at ⁠⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠⁠ This is an AiAi Studios Production - ⁠⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠⁠ IG: @aiai.studios

Anna-Lisa is business leader who proudly wears her heart on her sleeve; she doesn’t perceive this as a weakness, but more a strength and a testimony to her mantra – ‘Leading with Love, not Title’. Born and bred in Trinidad and Tobago, unique circumstances brought Anna-Lisa to the UK, where she’s built a successful career and personal life. These circumstances alongside her work ethic led her to take career risks, quite early on, resulting in a storied career across diverse industries. Anna-Lisa believes in building genuine relationships through earnest listening and embraces the philosophy - ‘Good business is always personal. Listen without prejudice, and care deeply about what you do and the impact you have on your clients and communities.’ She’s an advocate for mentorship, a guiding light for young talent and fervently supports the rise of the next wave of female leaders within her communities. Key Takeaways: · Her advice on tracking important milestones in your career · Strategies for having career conversations at work · How a career break can elevate your career · Crafting your personal leadership style · Her three strategic career plays You can follow Anna-Lisa on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-lisa-wilcox/ Join the community and sign up to the newsletter at ⁠⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠⁠ This is an AiAi Studios Production - ⁠⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠⁠ IG: @aiai.studios

Akima, with an educational background rooted in Cambridge, holds a prestigious position as a litigation lawyer and Partner at Hogan Lovells – a law firm celebrated as one of the top three in the UK by Law.com in 2022. Her extensive academic journey also spans France, endowing her with fluency in French, Spanish, and English. Acknowledged as a 'Maven,' Akima actively champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. She dedicates her efforts to mentorship, specifically aiding young Black women and women of colour within her communities. Her pathway to partnership, marked with varied experiences, highlights the robust networks and communities she has meticulously nurtured. A steadfast and continual learner, Akima is grounded in the belief of perpetual personal self-development. Her unwavering love for her homeland, Grenada, has previously secured her a role as an ambassador to the Holy See. This dedication further paved the way for a recommendation to the Grenada High Commission in London. Her firm commitment to the diaspora is evident. She founded Hogan Lovell’s Caribbean Desk, a significant initiative that provides invaluable advice to clients on transactions, projects, and disputes across the Caribbean region. Key Takeaways: · Her advice on practicing authenticity and maintaining genuine behaviour in the workplace · Managing pregnancy alongside a significant career advancement · Emphasising the critical role of establishing robust relationships and networks · Striking a balance between motherhood and career aspirations · Her three strategic career plays You can follow Akima on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akimapaullambert/ Join the community and sign up to the newsletter at ⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠ and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit ⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠ This is an AiAi Studios Production - ⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠ IG: @aiai.studios

In today's instalment, we welcome back Vanessa Belleau, the creative mind behind High Fifteen, for a continued discussion in part two of our series. If you haven't yet checked out Episode 4, we recommend giving it a listen after you finish this one. I'm your host, Aprileen, and together with Vanessa, we go beyond the surface to explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in a more nuanced way. We delve into our own interpretations of DEI and how these concepts intersect with our lived experiences. While there's an abundance of workplace training available on topics like "How to Be Anti-Racist," "Understanding Microaggressions," and "Practicing Inclusion," what's often missing is the genuine support employees need when faced with these situations in real time. To illustrate, consider the comment "you're so articulate" when said to an employee of colour. This phrase could elicit a completely different reaction compared to when it's directed at a non-employee of colour. The question then arises: how can you convey your emotions in a way that ensures both parties feel understood? Throughout this episode, I present Vanessa with real-life workplace scenarios, sharing my reactions and seeking her perspective on inclusion, as a belonging and inclusion strategy expert. If this resonates with you, and you have your own questions or situations you'd like to share, drop us an anonymous email at hello@meetpursuit.com. We might just address it in an upcoming episode. Enjoy! You can follow Vanessa on LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/vanessabelleau/ ⁠and ⁠www.instagram.com/highfifteen_/⁠ Join the community and sign up to the newsletter at ⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠ and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit ⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠ This is an AiAi Studios Production - ⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠ IG: @aiai.studios

In this episode, get to know Vanessa Belleau, the visionary behind High Fifteen. Founded in 2019, High Fifteen was created to address a key business need: the marriage of strategy, insights, passion, and commercial sensibility, all while putting people first. With over 14 years of experience and collaborations with more than 80 brands across various industries—ranging from fashion and beauty to FMCG and services—Vanessa offers a unique blend of sharp strategic insights, unbridled passion, and a dash of humor. From a full-time gig to building her own empire, one brick at a time—Vanessa opens up about the initial jitters that almost held her back, and the catalytic moment that propelled her to take that daring first step. A mix of strategic thinking, building meaningful and authentic relationships led her to build an impressive roster of clients. Key Takeaways: Importance of pushing oneself out of their comfort zone Building visibility and establishing the "Why" for working with you Strategies for attracting clients Transition from a team to a solo mindset Her three strategic career plays You can follow Vanessa on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vanessabelleau/ and www.instagram.com/highfifteen_/ Join the community and sign up to the newsletter at www.meetpursuit.com and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/ This is an AiAi Studios Production - www.aiaistudios.com IG: @aiai.studios

Martina Toby is an expert healthcare professional specialising in Women’s health across diverse backgrounds and age groups. She started her career as a Genitourinary physician before pivoting to a General Medical Practitioner and then stepping into entrepreneurship, with her soon to be launched menopause care business. As she moves into the next phase of her professional journey, her focus has shifted toward education and advocacy. She is actively working to dispel the stigmas surrounding menopause, while also developing new, specialised care products. Central to her practice is a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that individuals encounter during menopause. Martina’s impressive professional shifts were not seamless and involved what she refers to as ‘’stooping to conquer’’. One standout throughout this process is she made these career moves whilst being a mother of two young boys under the age of 3. Key Takeaways: Her strategies for crafting and navigating a career pivot The mindset and competencies necessary for a career pivot How she attempts to balance motherhood with all the other hats she wears The realities of entrepreneurship Her three strategic career plays You can follow Martina on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/dr-martina-toby-ab905812a/⁠ and join the Shades of Menopause community: www.instagram.com/shadesofmenopause/ Her menopause care business can be found at: https://esme.co.uk/ and www.instagram.com/esmehealth/ Join the Pursuit community and sign up to the newsletter at ⁠www.meetpursuit.com⁠ and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit ⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠ This is an AiAi Studios Production - ⁠www.aiaistudios.com⁠ IG: @aiai.studios

Nina Patel is a product and technology innovation leader with experience working with well known luxury retail brands such as NET-A-PORTER, Harvey Nichols and FARFETCH. She’s what we would call a ‘Frequent Flyer’, someone who prioritises career development through coaching and mentorship, value networking. With a foundation in consulting, she made a strategic shift to luxury fashion more than ten years ago. Throughout her journey, she has delved into diverse technical and operational stints, decoding how technology continually reshapes the fashion world. A consistent thread woven throughout Nina's journey is the emphasis on balance in every facet. This guiding principle has afforded her the breathing room to recalibrate during challenging periods of her career. Nina is passionate about empowering female and minority talent, serving as an advisor, investor and mentor to many incredible female founders. She has a commitment to inclusion, mentorship of minority groups as well as driving innovation and demonstrates this via various Non-Executive Roles (NED) at Women for Women International, Sadler’s Wells and Institute of Digital Fashion. Key Takeaways: Her strategies for doing the triple jump - switching location, role, and industry How she’s navigated exits to ensure she has a break in between roles The importance of building strong female relationships and networks The impact of London Business School MBA on her career Her three strategic career plays You can follow Nina on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/msninapatel/ Join the community and sign up to the newsletter at www.meetpursuit.com and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/ This is an AiAi Studios Production - www.aiaistudios.com IG: @aiai.studios

Javeste Dulcio is the Chief Legal Officer at Balance Homes, a start-up whose main investor is Serena Williams’s husband, Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit. Javeste is a Harvard educated lawyer, currently living in London and has worked in-house, at a family office and now at a start-up. She’s what we would call a ‘Frequent Flyer’, an accomplished professional woman in a senior role, deeply embedded in her field but will pivot for the right opportunity. Javeste’s story is about growing up in the Bahamas, where her parents' commitment to raising confident, self-assured children influenced her determination to attend an Ivy league college in the US before then attending Harvard. Delving deep into Javeste’s career, we get an understanding of how she eventually came full circle with her initial ambitions to utillise her legal skills in helping her community. Key Takeaways: Her reasons for and decision to study law and what steps she took to get to Harvard How different it is to being an in-house lawyer to being a Chief Legal Officer (CLO) at a start-up The role of a CLO and how it has evolved Some of her experiences being the only person of colour in a room and how she’s handled this Her three strategic career plays You can follow Javeste on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/javeste/ Join the community and sign up to the newsletter at www.meetpursuit.com and don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/ This is an AiAi Studios Production - www.aiaistudios.com IG: @aiai.studios

Welcome to **The Pursuit Playbook**, a ground-breaking podcast that explores the inspiring journeys of Black Women and Women of Colour who have made significant strides in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces. The podcast offers a detailed, play-by-play examination of the careers and lives of the women featured. Each episode culminates with the spotlighted women sharing three pivotal strategies or "plays" they've adopted throughout their professional journey, giving listeners an insight into their personal "playbook." Hosted by Aprileen Alexander, a Strategic Finance specialist and DEI advocate, who has worked in corporate for over 15 years and supported companies on implementing equity strategies within the workplace. Expect in-depth conversations, relatable anecdotes, and actionable takeaways. Each episode offers a deep dive into various career-related topics, ensuring you walk away enriched and inspired. Website | www.meetpursuit.com/ IG | @meetpursuit - www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/ LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/inthepursuitof/ Work with Aprileen, email hello@meetpursuit.com