Black entrepreneurs and employees in the UK face persistent barriers to career growth, including being disproportionately denied business loans, difficulty in entry into the corporate world, and a lack of strong mentorship and professional networks. Research shows that only 39% of Black founders receive approval for their loan applications compared to 67% of their White counterparts. To explore these challenges and inspire new pathways into entrepreneurship and corporate experience, the University of Sussex Business School hosted “In Conversation with Dr Joanna Abeyie MBE CC” on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, as part of its Black Brilliance in Business (BBIB) series, funded by the Black at Sussex project.

The event brought together Black students from across the University for an open discussion with Dr Joanna Abeyie—former BBC Head of Creative Diversity and founder of Blue Moon & Partners—and Bud Johnston, project manager for Black at Sussex. Together, they explored the barriers Black professionals can face when entering corporate roles and pursuing entrepreneurial paths like uneven access to mentors and sponsors, and organisational cultures that do not support authenticity or progression. Drawing extensively on her own career and business experience, Dr Abeyie reflected on the structural challenges she has navigated like absence of economic and networking capital for job search, while emphasising the importance of confidence, integrity, leadership skills, and authentic self-expression.

In a lively and interactive session, Dr Abeyie drew on her experience of launching her social impact business as a teenager and an earlier journalism career. She encouraged students to identify issues and niche areas that spark their interest, align these with their personal values, and intentionally build the skills needed to turn ideas into sustainable ventures. The discussion offered practical insights and early-stage strategies aimed at helping students begin their entrepreneurial and corporate journeys with clarity, purpose, and values-based leadership. Some of the tested strategies Dr Abeyie suggested are early research of the organisational culture before applying for roles and asking questions during job interviews to ensure a good fit. Others are knowing when to leave if the organisational values are compromised against the students’ integrity and values.

Learn more about the Black at Sussex project and its work to enhance the learning and career preparation of our Black students.