My (True) Story….so far
Black History month provides a focus on our rich and diverse culture and its’ contribution to society and the workplace.
When approached to write this blog I thought – “no problem – I’ve told my story many times” …..but the theme of Reclaiming Narratives has given me the opportunity to reflect on the parts of my story that I leave out – typically the difficult, challenging, negative – after all – who wants to hear about that!
I have spent over 25 years successfully delivering complex global technology enabled business transformation programmes – and I really enjoy what I do. I’m fortunate that I have been able to spend over 10 years working in industry – including the Manufacturing and Mining sectors before moving into Professional Services. During the last 15 years I have progressed from Manager level and joined the Partnership of KPMG UK in 2020, becoming the firms first Black Heritage Female Partner.
In a nice, neat paragraph I’ve summarise my career history but there is more to my story. Let’s start with my origins. My parents came to the UK from Ghana in the late 60’s (Dad)/early 70’s (Mum) and they were met with the reality of being black immigrants at that time. On his arrival my dad knocked on many doors to find a place that had rooms to rent for black tenants.
This is not an unfamiliar story, but he never spoke about it. Both of my parents would only share the positives about our early years in the UK – and we had great childhood memories. Weekends were filled with visiting other Ghanaians in their homes. I remember fizzy drinks and crisps because these things weren’t available in our house!! I now understand that we socialised in our own community because it kept us safe.
I also shy away from talking about the challenges of my education – At the age of 8 we moved out to the London suburbs –and I went to a new school. The positive of the story was that I did well academically and passed my 11 plus! The part I leave out is that my sister and I were the only black children at the school at that time. That was the first time that I came up against the reality of what it was like to look the way that I did – i was bullied – a lot. I overcame this with support from my parents and I learnt to use my wits – I was clever, funny, good at sport and learnt very quickly how to stand up for myself.
I went to university in a town in the north of England. I joke about it and say it was like going into the wild West–but it wasn’t much fun. There was little ethnic diversity in the town– I stood out – and it was tough – but I was lucky that I made lots of good friends who supported me and I’m still close to many of them today. My course was fantastic and set me on the path to the career that I have today.
I’ve spoken about my career history and all the positives that have happened over the last 25 years or so but there’s much of my story that I leave out. I don’t mention what it’s been like to turn up on a building site or n a timber yard and be the only black person, let alone black woman for miles around, pretending that I don’t hear the comments from some of those working around me and with me – because I’ve got to get on with the job, deliver the outcomes and I’m determined to do the best work that I can.
I often gloss the challenges of moving into professional services and becoming a different Dinah. Changing the way I speak, dress, trying to fit in and trying not to be “too black” – (which was guidance I received on a number of occasions!). When I moved to KPMG that was the first time that I really understood what it meant to “bring your whole self” to work. The leadership actively encouraged this. When I joined, I was very open about the fact that I wanted to help the firm to create a pathway to leadership and partnership so that anyone who looks like me could feel comfortable and confident that they had the right environment to progress.
The successes I have had are also tempered by several disappointments and challenges – but that’s what life is about. By telling my true story I want others to understand the inherent struggles that need to be overcome, and the obstacles to be navigated quite often before you can even show up to start your working day.
I can’t overstate the value of being able to operate in a work environment where you have allies, coaches, mentors and sponsors who create the space for you to do your best for you to be your authentic self.
My story isn’t finished and there will be obstacles to navigate and hurdles to get over – but I’ll keep going – and encourage others to share their true stories as an inspiration for those in similar situations, not just on Black History month – but all year round.
Dinah Cobbinah, KPMG UK Partner, FS Operations Strategy & Transformation