43: Mantras for navigating workplace barriers with Romeo Effs, CEO Lumorus

43: Mantras for navigating workplace barriers with Romeo Effs, CEO Lumorus: The Elephant in the Room podcast is back this week with our guest Romeo Effs, Founder and CEO of Lumorus, a global consultancy focusing on addressing the disconnect, inequality and upheavals within society that stem from a lack of sustainable, forward-looking governance and leadership. In this episode we speak about his name (Romeo), journey from Jamaica, a fairly successful international corporate career.......... Experiencing racism in the UK His views on adapting like a chameleon (or Code-Switching) both as a survival tactic and as a strength The epiphany that prompted the setting up of Lumorus Why it is important to take an intersectional lens to address issues around equity and inclusion He shares his mantras for men of colour navigating the barriers in society & the workplace. Role models and what drives him on this journey of change We also spoke about the concept of 'bringing your whole self to work' currently bandied about as the panacea to all ills. Success of the concept usually rests upon the idea of psychological safety within teams and organisations. To put a cat amongst the pigeons - should we not consider whether we really need to bring our whole self to work? Or only those parts that enable us to fulfil our potential and thrive? And what does that mean in reality. Romeo also believes that people of colour have been over-mentored, what they need now is sponsors - people who open the doors to roles, promotions, bonuses, prestige projects within the organisation.