After growing frustrated with the lack of progress businesses were making towards achieving their ethnic diversity targets, Denise Myers was inspired to found Evenfields Careers, a recruitment company which helps tackle discrimination within the hiring process.
Unemployment rates among 16- to 24-year-olds are highest for people from a Black ethnic background (27%), according to data from the Office for National Statistics. This is almost three times the rate compared to people of a white ethnicity (10%).
By providing career guidance for ethnic minority students, advertising roles at inclusive organisations and promoting the benefits of diversity within businesses, Myers aims to address this imbalance and help jobseekers from diverse communities advance their careers.
Here, Myers explains the challenges faced by Black female entrepreneurs and why setting up the Black Talent Awards has been the proudest moment of her career so far.
What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
Navigating and overcoming systemic barriers and racial challenges that Black female entrepreneurs face is an ever-present challenge. I am constantly having to over-explain the purpose and need for the work I do to prospective businesses.
The effect is exhausting but I have made tackling racism and racial bias my life’s work. Having experienced discrimination myself in the job application process earlier on in my career, I can empathise deeply with the struggles of the candidates I help as a recruiter.
The job requires persistent effort, resilience and innovative strategies to break through these barriers. You have to be indefatigable and relentlessly determined.
What do you think makes a good leader?
Emotional intelligence is the cornerstone of effective leadership. A good leader should exhibit characteristics such as integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion and resilience.
Emotional intelligence allows leaders to connect with their team on a deeper level, understand their needs and motivations and guide them through challenges with empathy and strength.
How would your co-workers describe you?
I hope they would describe me as someone who takes the initiative, is fair and leads by example. I strive to motivate and guide others effectively, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
My goal is to inspire my team to achieve their best while maintaining a sense of fairness and integrity in all our interactions.
What do you look for when you’re hiring for your leadership team?
I look for individuals who can complement my capabilities and experience, creating a well-rounded and effective team.
I seek out people who can challenge me and bring new perspectives, but who also align with my values and the purpose of the business. It’s important that they share a commitment to our mission and contribute to our collective goals.
What is the best bit of business advice you’ve ever received?
No one has it figured out 100% of the time. We are all continuously learning and evolving, so it’s important not to be too hard on yourself if you don’t have all the answers.
Instead, focus on your progress by comparing yourself to where you were last week or last year, rather than comparing yourself to others. This perspective helps maintain a positive outlook and encourages continuous personal and professional growth.
What’s the biggest business challenge you’re facing at the moment?
As a small business, one of the biggest challenges is the overwhelming amount of noise and distractions we face.
It’s difficult to stay focused and not get side-tracked by other things that need attention. Maintaining clarity and focus on our core objectives is what keeps us grounded. It’s important not to lose sight of that.
What’s the main driver of change in your organisation?
Currently, it’s technology. Keeping up with technological advancements is challenging enough, but striving to stay ahead of the curve requires even more effort.
There is a constant need to learn and adapt to new tools and systems to remain competitive and efficient in our operations. As an organisation, we need to embrace change and learn about how technology can aid, rather than impede or overtake, our work. This is particularly important in a people-centric service like ours. The success of the business is based on human relationships, which can’t be outsourced to tech.
What book do you think every business leader should read at least once?
I believe every business leader should read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. The principles outlined in this book are fundamental, not only for business success, but also for personal development and life in general.
What’s been your proudest achievement in your current role?
Launching and establishing the Black Talent Awards. I founded these in 2022 to celebrate exceptional yet relatable role models who are smashing glass ceilings and promoting fairer and more equitable work environments.
I think the awards help recast Black narratives from one of negativity to one of success and empowerment. The fact that we continue to garner vital sponsorship from globally recognised corporations indicates a resounding commitment from organisations to even the employment playing field and promote inclusion – not just because it’s ethically sound but because it makes commercial sense.
Through the awards, I’ve met many incredibly inspirational people – such as Nik Muchatuta, a Black female engineer who is working to improve diversity and inclusion within the nuclear energy sector and Leon Donald, who was brought up in care, acquired an MBA and is now helping his employer, Tesco, spearhead a long-term strategy to drive fair and equitable representation for the Black community. Being a part of this initiative and witnessing its positive effects is incredibly rewarding.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your successor?
Work with people and organisations that share your values and goals. This makes your work easier and more enjoyable because everyone is on the same page.
When your partners understand and support your mission, you can focus on making progress together without constant misunderstandings or conflicts. This alignment helps create a more productive and positive working environment, allowing you to achieve your goals more effectively.
