Inside The P Word: The Transformative Power of Inclusion
Underrepresented voices deserve business support that supercharges their talents - cue The P Word. The launch of the third cohort of the programme on 12th July proved that valuable business support can be delivered in a forward-thinking and inclusive environment, in stark contrast to its stuffy and uninspired counterparts.
Gurdeep Chima, CREME centre manager, and Ammo Talwar, Punch CEO, offered insight into why the two organisations collaborated on this program. We're committed to making diversity and entrepreneurship priorities for everyone, and helping develop the wealth of talent that exists within our local communities. Our partnership builds on the work both organisations have done over the past 20 years, and guides the direction of our futures.
“Always have a side hustle alongside your core business or passion” Ammo Talwar - CEO Punch Records
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The programme provides bespoke leadership training and mentoring for the participants, as well as the chance to grow their networks and deepen their understanding of the West Midlands cultural and arts sectors. But The P Word does more than just give technical business facts. We have seen how the bespoke, authentic and open way it's delivered lets people grow as individuals, as well as entrepreneurs.
In my experience such business training events, especially in the corporate world, are often typified by a stench of awkwardness and boredom lingering throughout the room. People there often seem to care more about the stale pastries and cold coffee given than getting to know each other's stories. However, what The P Word’s launch event lacked in refreshments, it made up for in passion, enthusiasm and the clear establishment of a supportive and collaborative environment.
It was heartwarming to hear how The P Word contrasted with participants' past experiences in other programs. For example one participant, Suzanna, spoke openly about how drained she felt in the white male-dominated environments of other initiatives. There, she received no guidance on succeeding as a woman of colour in business. Instead, an air of unwelcome competition existed between the few ethnic minority participants. Other women echoed these feelings, often seeming like a tick-box - the one woman of colour who ought to be in the room. Suzanna admitted these past experiences left her nervous coming into the room on the day of the launch.
But upon entering, she and the group described a collective sense of relief in meeting one another. They spoke of the welcoming environment and how friendly and supportive everyone was. This demonstrates how The P Word provides the conditions, in which participants can focus purely on learning and growth, not race or gender. Here, talented businesswomen can shine regardless of colour.
Gemma Pilgrim, a graduate of the previous cohort, embodied the benefits of the program as she spoke about her experience. Gemma had a dance degree but little technical business knowledge. The facilitators' frank questions initially threw her out of her comfort zone, but ultimately helped refine her focus, alter her approach, and boost her confidence.
Ammo echoed the value of seeking out uncomfortable situations, recognizing that it is in pushing through challenging moments that true personal growth happens. He also encouraged them to move past any hesitations and actively pursue funding possibilities (except from Ammo himself, of course!) in order to enable great work and expand their experiences.
Despite launching during COVID lockdowns, The P Word has already made a huge impact. It has fuelled both personal development for participants and spin-off projects. The first cohort met remotely on Zoom. While imperfect, it still proved rewarding and led to the production of the Black New Street and SHE documentary commissioned during lockdown. As The P Word's third cohort kicks off, the program continues to adapt and innovate. Its mission remains unchanged - to empower diverse talents that are too often overlooked. The stories of growth from graduates like Gemma reveal the life-changing potential when inclusive support enables determined individuals to unleash their full potential.
Programs like The P Word show what's possible when we lift up and make space for marginalised voices and communities. If this is the result of just two cohorts, it provides hope for what could emerge as this work accelerates.
Written by Rohan Ram