The Myth of Black Excellence: When Success Isn’t Enough
Barack Obama. Oprah Winfrey. Meghan Markle. Lewis Hamilton.
We celebrate these figures as proof that racial barriers can be broken. But does individual success truly dismantle systemic inequality or just make the barriers less visible?
Obama’s presidency didn’t end racism in America.
Meghan Markle marrying into royalty didn’t change the monarchy’s colonial legacy.
Lewis Hamilton is the most decorated F1 driver in history yet remains the only Black competitor in the sport.
Black exceptionalism demands perfection. Black people must achieve extraordinary feats just to be considered worthy but even then, they are met with scrutiny, suspicion, and resentment.
The Reality of Self-Doubt: A Story of Unlearning and Growth
There's a particular kind of irony in writing about self-doubt. Even as I type these words, a familiar voice whispers, "Who are you to talk about this?" It's the same voice that's followed me from Zimbabwe to the UK, through multiple businesses, through war, through every restart and pivot. And perhaps that's exactly why I should be writing this.
Finding Your Path When Life Has Other Plans
You know that saying about how life is what happens while you're busy making other plans? Well, my story is pretty much that saying on steroids.
I'm Korrine, and at 29, I've been a teenage fashion entrepreneur, a medical student in Ukraine, a war evacuee, and now a brand strategist. But let me start from the beginning
Notes on Seth Godin's Video: "Everything You Probably Don't Know About Marketing"
I recently watched an enlightening video titled “Seth Godin - Everything You (probably) DON'T Know about Marketing” on Behind the Brand. Seth Godin, a renowned marketing guru, delves deep into the intricacies of modern marketing, offering a fresh perspective that challenges traditional beliefs. The video was incredibly informative, providing a wealth of knowledge about the evolving landscape of marketing. To help you benefit from his insights, I’ve compiled a comprehensive summary of the key concepts and practical takeaways discussed in the video. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, these notes will offer valuable guidance on how to navigate the complex world of branding, consumer behavior, and marketing strategy.
Why I found “Breath - The New Lost Art” Disappointing
"The central argument of 'Breath: The Lost Art' champions nostril breathing as superior to mouth breathing, a concept grounded in some scientific evidence, yet emphasized in a way that may simplify the intricate realities of respiratory science. The book posits that adopting nostril breathing can lead to a variety of health advantages. While this proposition engages readers and highlights an often-overlooked aspect of health, it also prompts a critical evaluation of the evidence and presentation style
My January in Books
January has been an enlightening month for me, filled with a diverse range of books that have broadened my perspectives on mindset, productivity, business, philosophy, spirituality, sociology, marketing, and storytelling. Here’s a quick summary of my thoughts on each book I delved into:
"The E-Myth Revisited": Key Takeaways, Quotes, and Implementation Strategies
Having embarked on an entrepreneurial journey spanning over 12 years, I've experienced my fair share of ups and downs, successes, and failures. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my approach to founding a creative agency after years of working as a freelancer. Throughout my career, I've faced numerous setbacks, each one teaching me invaluable lessons about the essence of business. It was through these trials that I recognized a recurring theme behind my past ventures' challenges: a significant lack of systems. This realization led me to adopt a fundamentally different approach when establishing my agency, focusing on the importance of creating robust, scalable systems from the outset.
Storyworthy (Matthew Dicks) - Key Lessons + Free Template
When I first stumbled upon Matthew Dicks' "Storyworthy," recommended by Ali Abdaal, it felt like unearthing a key to a secret garden I had always known existed but never quite found the entrance to. My life, deeply rooted in the art of storytelling - thanks to my father, an author and poet, and my mother, whose wit could turn any mundane event into a captivating tale - always seemed to be on the brink of great narratives. Growing up between the vibrant cultures of Zimbabwe and the UK, I've been acutely aware of the rich oral traditions that form the backbone of my heritage. Now, as a mother and a marketing consultant, the quest to weave these stories into my children's lives and my professional work has become more pressing.
Girls Can Dream Afternoon Tea Networking Brunch
My heart is brimming with joy as I reflect on our recent Afternoon Brunch—a gathering that encapsulated the true essence of sisterhood.
Sisterhood: A Profound Feeling Sisterhood, to me, is more than a word; it's a profound feeling that wraps us in warmth and empowers us to dream, connect, and thrive together. As I stood amidst the vibrant energy of our incredible community, I felt the essence of sisterhood weaving its invisible threads, creating a tapestry of support and inspiration.
Speaking at Executive Branch: Personal Branding and Finding your Why
I am thrilled to share with you the incredible experience of speaking at The Executive Branch event, where I had the opportunity to delve into the crucial topics of personal branding and discovering your WHY. It was such an honour to be part of such an esteemed gathering, and I am excited to reflect on the insights and discussions that unfolded during this impactful event. Guys the girls are really working wow!!
Celebrating Our Sisters and Matriarchs of Movement at NatWest
I am thrilled to share an incredible experience I had, which was speaking at the NatWest Black History Month event dedicated to Celebrating our Sisters and Matriarchs of Movement. It was a profound honour to be part of such a meaningful gathering, and I am excited to reflect on the empowering moments and insights shared during this remarkable event.
A Journey of Influence and Connection: Recognised as MIPAD and Embracing Diversity
I am both thrilled and humbled to announce a monumental chapter in my journey — the recognition as one of the top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in aid of the United Nations. This acknowledgment is not merely a personal milestone; it serves as a beacon for every dreamer, innovator, and change-maker who has ever dared to dream big and break barriers. This is for my girls, Isaiah, Jojo & Shiloh.
Navigating Entrepreneurship as a Multicultural Individual: A Zimbabwean-British Perspective
In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, diversity is a valuable asset. It brings fresh perspectives, unique experiences, and innovative ideas to the table. As someone who was born in Zimbabwe and has been living in the UK since the age of 5, I've embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that has been deeply shaped by my multicultural background. In this blog post, I will share my personal experiences and insights on how this dual cultural heritage has influenced my path as an entrepreneur. Moreover, I'll offer valuable tips for individuals from diverse backgrounds who are aspiring to start their own businesses.
The Price of Speaking Up: Black Women and the Toll of Online Abuse
A 2018 study by Amnesty International found that Black women are 84% more likely to be abused on social media than white women. This is a startling statistic that sheds light on the disproportionate impact that online abuse has on Black women. Unfortunately, things have only gotten worse. In 2020, a study by UK charity Glitch found that online abuse against women disproportionately affects Black women, non-binary individuals, and women from marginalized communities.
Why 'Just Go Home' is Not an Option for African Students Fleeing War in Ukraine
Why don't they just go home?" is a question that I find dismissive of the plight of refugees and overlooks the challenges that many refugees face when trying to rebuild their lives. As a refugee education activist advocating for African students who fled the war in Ukraine, I hear this question far too often.
Sharing My Story with the Independent and BBC
I recently participated in two projects that shine a light on the challenges faced by African students in Ukraine, one year later.
My Day in London visiting the Independent & 5News
As an advocate for refugee rights, it's always been important to me to use my platform to raise awareness about the issues that refugees face. So when I had the opportunity to meet journalist Nadine White at the Independent HQ in London, it was a dream come true. Not only is she a talented journalist, but she's also one of my personal inspirations.
Forgotten Voices: The Struggle of African Students During and After the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
February 24th, 2022 will forever be etched into my memory. It's the day that my world was turned upside down and everything that I thought I knew about safety, security, and humanity was shattered into a million pieces.
At the time, I was a medical student living in Ukraine, a country that I loved and called home. But that all changed when Russia invaded. The days that followed were a blur of chaos and uncertainty. Military tanks were everywhere, and the city was under curfew. Sirens blared, and the sound of bombs exploding in the distance was a constant reminder of the danger that we were in.
Enter my Giveaway to Win an PERSONALISED Stethoscope
I'm excited to announce this giveaway - a personalized littman stethoscope and a copy of my Reflective Practice Journal, plus all of my coursebuddy resources. The winner of this giveaway will receive a stethoscope that is tailored to their needs, with the option to choose their own engraving. And with the journal and resources, they'll have everything they need to reflect on their journey, set goals, and grow as a healthcare professional.
Becoming a UN Women UK Delegate for CSW67
I am honored and overjoyed to share the exciting news that I have been selected as a delegate for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) with the United Nations Women UK. As a lifelong advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment through my platform @birthofchoice, this opportunity to participate in the annual gathering of Member States at the United Nations is a dream come true.