In the Know: Reflecting on the Power of Storytelling
Now You're Talking Network
Connecting female millennials globally to opportunities & resources so that they earn more and are more confident
Good morning, Maya Ophelia here ?? ! Welcome to our October recap newsletter!
As we closed out Black History Month, I've been reflecting on the theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ and what it means to me.
To me, it's a powerful theme that provides an opportunity to embrace and celebrate our differences in the face of harmful stereotypes and microaggressions. We're not a homogenous group; our unique experiences and perspectives contribute to the strength of our community.
I was born and raised in the UK, but my Caribbean heritage has always played a big role in shaping my identity. Through the food, music and family traditions, the influence of my Caribbean roots are loud and proud!
During Black History Month, the number of events can be overwhelming. When I choose events and organisations to support, I always look for those who are genuinely committed to the community year-round, such as Now You're Talking!?
While celebrating Black history and culture is a part of my everyday life, Black History Month serves as an important reminder to engage and educate myself about various cultures and traditions outside of my own.
By sharing and learning from each other's stories, we can foster greater understanding and unity within our diverse community.
Thank you and see you at an NYT event soon.
The rest of the newsletter is packed with a recap of our recent BHM event as well as our usual reads, listens and member updates. Enjoy!
???? ?EVENT RECAP: ?NYT Network x Skyscanner Present: Reclaiming Narratives - The Power of?Storytelling ??
We enjoyed a heartfelt Power of?Storytelling?event on Thursday 24th October. It?was a powerful evening of?storytelling, connection, and celebration.
We loved hosting this event in collab with?Skyscanner?gathering together to uplift the voices and achievements of Black women and highlighting the transformative power of sharing your story.?
The night included:
???A?storytelling?workshop for professionals delivered by the incredible? Oriade Joycelyn Adenuga
???Honest and insightful panel discussion with superstars Mary Kemi A. ,? Augustina A. , Medina Wright and Amber Shand MBCS who discussed navigating career challenges, overcoming stereotypes, and thriving in their fields
?? Moving Poetry & Spoken Word Performances from @toniverse @rzahlia & Pelumi Obasaju
Congratulations to our 13 raffle winners (check your emails for how to redeem your prizes) and to everyone who bought a ticket, we’ve raised just over ￡200 for charity? Thank you to everyone who joined us, connected over the delicious African and Caribbean cuisine, and shared in the celebration of Black culture.? Let’s keep reclaiming our narratives and lifting each other up!?
???? Reflecting on 1-54 Art Fair ???
A short reflection by NYT Team member Oriade Joycelyn Adenuga
The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is renowned for its dedication to African art, featuring the work of artists from Africa and its diaspora. Held in the stunning neoclassical Somerset House in Central London, this exhibition successfully brought together different worlds through a unified African lens, making the overall experience nothing short of spectacular.
As a member of the African diaspora, I am always eager to immerse myself in art that reflects the culture I hold close to my heart but rarely get to experience firsthand. Thanks to NYT, I seized the opportunity to attend the first and only international art fair dedicated to African art.
The exhibition exceeded my expectations in terms of scale and impact. The display spanned various wings, with art filling entire walls. Each piece was supported by knowledgeable staff, who provided further context and background.
The curatorial choices were not only thoughtful but also profoundly impactful, as they represented the personal elements of the artists’ lives. Each piece conveyed messages that extended far beyond the artwork itself.
I was particularly moved by Sesse Elangwe, a Cameroonian visual artist blending surrealism and figuration. His striking focus on the ‘larger-than-life’ eyes of his subjects captivated me. One of his works, depicting a beautiful woman with a red low cut, obsidian skin, and enormous eyes, drew me in immediately. Positioned against a mirror, the piece created an immersive experience, as I found myself reflected within Elangwe’s work. Known for pushing viewers to engage in self-reflection, Elangwe’s placement of his painting against a mirror made this self-examination feel inevitable.
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I was equally moved by Thandiwe Muriu, a photographic artist whose vibrant, colorful works were a quintessential representation of African art. Her use of varied textiles and bright hues, combined with the central focus on the female form, sparked important conversations about the role of women in society—particularly within African cultures, where such discussions are often overlooked.
This being my first time attending such an exhibition, I felt a deep sense of pride in my African heritage. Rather than the subconscious dissonance often felt by diasporans who long for a connection to their roots, I felt a sense of unity and belonging.
Thanks to the thoughtful curation, powerful messages and perspectives of the artists, I walked away feeling more connected to my culture. I left Somerset House with a sense of African pride, charged with energy as I made my way back through the bustling streets of Charing Cross. I encourage you all to attend next year!
Google’s Vanessa Kingori on leadership, change, and inclusion in the AI era.
‘Pinpoint your highest-impact bets, then go all in. Bold ideas need bold resourcing.’ The Secret to a Great Planning Process for your company and team— Lessons from Airbnb and Eventbrite
Making Money Just to Make Money Won't Be Enough. Awesome article from Michelle Jackson on ‘What Will Actually Motivate You?’
Looking for new podcasts by women? Check out this playlist from The International Women’s Podcast Festival for inspo.
How to find and join the next breakout startup - A great listen from Ben an early team member at Notion, serial community builder and angel investor.
The Pros And Cons of Going Sober in Your Career - Listen to this new podcast from Per My Last Email talking about going sober, and how it can affect your career. Hint: There are some downsides too…
Patience is hosting the Soulful Wellness Fair in London this month. It is a comprehensive one-day event designed to empower busy women to prioritise their well-being and achieve a sense of balance in their lives. This immersive experience offers a curated selection of workshops, activities, and a marketplace focused on holistic wellness and self-care. Network members get 10% off here. See you there!
Noeline Gunaratnam is organising an online event on Unlocking Inclusive Leadership on Thursday 7th November. This online event is a chance for your members to connect with thought leaders and industry experts, hear insights from top diversity advocates, and explore practical strategies to drive equity, diversity, and inclusion within their own organisations. Join here.
Mary Kemi A. will be speaking at The Portfolio Collective’s upcoming Portfolio Career Festival in London next week! A portfolio career is any sort of working style that combines diverse passions, jobs and ways of making money - and it’s something nearly half the working world is already doing. You can save ￡50 on the cost of your ticket here with her exclusive discount code: MARYPCFEST. Hope to you see you there!
?? We are looking for new NYT Network team members! ?If you are interested in contributing to the success of the NYT network through writing, event organising or collaborating with corporate partners, simply hit reply and let us know who you are and what your skills are! We can’t wait to hear from you.