Systemic change refers to a fundamental shift in the structures, policies, and cultural norms that shape organisations, communities, and industries.

Unlike incremental changes or one-off initiatives, systemic change embeds transformation into the very fabric of an ecosystem, ensuring that progress is sustained beyond individual efforts. It requires intentional action, long-term commitment, and collective participation to dismantle barriers and create new pathways for progress.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires intention, persistence, and, most importantly, action. Every step, no matter how small, counts. 🚶🏾‍♀️💡

Being First

This past week, I found myself in Miami, surrounded by brilliant women from across the Caribbean. For the second time, I had the privilege of teaching the 2025 cohort of Women in Leadership on behalf of the University of the West Indies. My focus? Developing Strategy with a Growth Mindset.

One of the key discussions was about being the first in any space. What do you do when you are the first? How do you ensure that your presence leads to lasting impact? Legacy-building isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about what you make possible for those who come after you.

As I reflected on this, I was reminded of something I started six years ago that has now grown beyond me. I was the first non-HR woman at Virgin Atlantic to be trained as a facilitator for the Global Springboard Programme.

Why me? Because I asked.

I challenged the status quo. Why should only HR professionals facilitate these courses? Supporting women across the business isn’t just an HR function—it’s everyone’s responsibility. Women, more than men, often face challenges in networking and accessing leadership circles. If we want real change, we must be intentional about creating access and opportunities.

I faced resistance. The questions, the side-eyes, the unspoken scepticism: “How does she find the time?”

The veiled suggestion? That I clearly didn’t have "enough" to do. And yet, when people realise that your additional effort comes from the heart and not from ego or personal gain, that’s when they begin to see your passion. That’s when they witness the true potential of what you’re building.

Taking a week out for training and then committing one uninterrupted day a month might not seem like much. But in reality? It was. It meant over-working to ensure nothing fell through the cracks. But oh my, was it worth it.

Today, I am still connected to many of the women from my Springboard cohorts. Seeing their growth, their successes, their journeys—it’s a beautiful, ongoing gift. 🌱✨

Being First is Hard 💥

There’s a sting to it. You take the first hits, often with little to no cover. Being upfront can be tough, and the pushback is real.

I’ve seen this happen over and over again in different industries, different sectors, and different movements. The pioneers, the trailblazers, those who dare to ask, "Why not me?" often face the greatest resistance. It’s lonely. It’s exhausting. It can feel thankless.

But here’s the thing: being first is never just about you. It’s about the path you’re carving, the cracks you’re making in systems that weren’t designed for you in the first place. It’s about making it easier for the next person, and the next, and the next.

So if you find yourself in a position where you’re pioneering something new—lean in.

Expect the resistance. But know that the impact will far outlast the discomfort.

3 Practical Tips for Driving Systemic Change 🔥

1️. Don’t be the "only" one – Leave a trail. Bring others along. Teach them. Open doors. Systemic change happens when many move together, not when one stands alone.

2️. Talk about what you are doing, often – Normalise it. Change needs to be visible and heard. Share your progress. Inspire action. Make it part of everyday conversation.

3️. Build. Build. Build. – Embed the change into systems and processes so that it outlives you. If change relies solely on a few passionate individuals, it fades when they move on. Systemic change sticks when it becomes part of the DNA of an organisation.

A major challenge organisations face is that unless change takes root, it often disappears when the key agitators leave. If your initiative is person-dependent rather than system-driven, the momentum dies. That’s why we must focus on institutionalising progress, not just sparking it.

Full Circle Moments 🌍

Fast forward to today. Once again, I find myself leading the charge on Reverse Mentoring. But this time, the stakes are higher.

This time, I left the security of my corporate job.

This time, I put a full-bodied, unequivocal Hell-Yes on it. 🚀

It hasn’t been easy. The road has been winding, the obstacles real. But progress is happening. I can feel us turning a corner. Momentum is building.

And this time, it won’t stop with me.

What I’ve learned? Every moment in my journey—from challenging the HR norms at Virgin Atlantic, to standing in rooms where no one looked like me, to taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship—has been a building block. Systemic change is not one big moment. It’s a series of moments, stacked on top of each other, moving us forward.

And each of us plays a role.

Additional Resources

P.s. Happy International Women’s Day

Remember, it’s actions that count, not just words. The latest statistics suggest that closing the Gender Pay Gap could take around 100 years. However, I know some incredibly influential leaders read this newsletter. Just imagine, for a moment, what could happen if you walked into the office tomorrow, used your power, and made the decision to take a hit to the bottom line in order to equalise pay between women and men. Just imagine…

We often underestimate the power we hold. I encourage you to harness that power this week and take meaningful action to correct the imbalance.

Let me know how you get on.

Parting Question

With Peace, Love and Determination

P.S. If there is anything in particular you would like to hear about in these newsletters, please feel free to reach out and ask!

Continuing on from last week’s theme of Strategic Career Management - This week, my coach, Sope Agbelusi, is hosting a webinar on active career management. Sign up for "Chess Not Checkers" and take the first step toward a more strategic and proactive approach to your career. You won’t regret it!