Welcome!
I’m delighted to have you here at the launch of this inclusive new space for women in leadership. As you may have guessed, I’m Estella Edwards, a social entrepreneur who brings my heart and soul to everything I do and everyone I work with.
This platform may be new, but three decades of experience brought me here, a journey of
knowledge, nurturing and understanding to develop the skills to now share with you.
“90% of UK women admitted to feeling inadequate or incompetent at work,” and 73%
don’t feel they deserve their current success”. (The Hub Events Study)
My passion and role in life are to support women in leadership roles across all generations and
guide them to be seen and heard within any industry. As I understand the crucial working cogs to the top systems, I guide underrepresented women to be visible in their own space.
Here’s how this works…
My Journey
It’s a pleasure to base this platform in Birmingham, where I’m anchored and
grounded, having worked here for 33 years. You can discover more about my passions and
personal journey here.
Follow me on Linkedin to dive into my full career background. Here’s an overview of what led
me to be here with you today:
● Ten years ago: Founded a social enterprise, [The Future Melting Pot CIC], providing
valuable work experience and training to young people, helping them into employment
or education.
● Worked across the Public, Private and third sectors, starting a career as a social work
assistant and navigating the way to Chief Executive within domestic violence.
● Became a senior Neuro-linguistic programmer (NLP) and executive coach.
● Set up 1996 Sisterhood to provide a forum of empowerment for women of all ethnic
backgrounds to discuss areas of concern.
● Trained at Windsor Leadership and participated in training with National Leaders.
My Why
Having paved my own unique path to success myself as a woman of colour with an abundant career spanning public, private and third sectors, my knowledge and lived experience give me a deep understanding of what’s lacking in the workplace. And of what we can achieve.
Yes, there’s a gap to be filled in the ‘leadership coaching’ market. What’s missing is visibility and representation, a focus on wellbeing and purposeful relationships, a safe space.
“BME individuals made up only 10% of the workforce, and only 6% of top management positions.” (The McGregor-Smith Review, 2017)
It’s more of a void than a gap.
All BME groups are more likely to be overqualified than White ethnic groups, but White employees are more likely to be promoted than all other groups. (The McGregor-Smith Review, 2017)
This platform is more than me, more than the individual. It’s designed to evolve as a collective space to lead for the benefit of the economy and future generations.
Find out more about my Whys here:
Self Belief and Imposter Syndrome
The foundations of this work revolve around the art of self belief, around the magic and breakthroughs that come from understanding self; from knowing (and owning) your thoughts; from a robust and holistic approach to wellbeing.
The Platforms
My offering is designed to give you all the tools you need to build the foundation for absolute success across your personal life and in excelling beyond even your current career goals.
I’m both honored and excited to bring this to you: My 6-month programme, quarterly digital magazine, annual networking forum and executive coaching.
Let’s do this – The Art of Self Belief
Are you ready for change? Do you know yet what you’re capable of achieving? What’s holding you back?
Watch this space for my inspiring ‘The Art of Self Belief’ podcast episodes, the first season spotlights Women of colour who have navigated their journeys to industry leader in spite of limiting self belief, and in spite of their socialisation. Coming September 2022.
Myself, my team and my wider network will also share thought provoking and educational material right here on the blog, in the newsletter and on my social media channels so be sure to connect.
Lots of love everyone,
Estella