Standing Firm in Power and Pride: From NHS Career to Mediation

Standing Firm in Power and Pride: From NHS Career to Mediation

This Black History Month, the theme “Standing Firm in Power and Pride” resonates deeply with me — as a Black woman in the UK with Jamaican heritage, as someone who built a career in the NHS, and as a mediator helping people move from conflict to resolution.

My Roots, My Foundation

Growing up with Jamaican parents, I learned early the importance of respect, community, and resilience. These values shaped me, and I carry them into every professional space I step into.

Being part of the NHS workforce for many years gave me first-hand insight into both the beauty and the challenges of working in high-pressure, diverse environments. I saw how dedicated professionals gave their all, but also how easily misunderstandings, cultural differences, and stress could create conflict.

Lessons from the NHS

My career in the NHS taught me three important lessons:

1. Every voice matters. In healthcare, from consultants to porters, every role is vital — and every voice deserves respect.

2. Conflict is natural. In fast-paced, high-stress workplaces, disagreements will happen. What matters is how they’re managed.

3. Dialogue is powerful. Some of the most positive changes I witnessed came not from policies, but from people sitting down and talking honestly.

These experiences are part of what drew me into mediation.

Mediation: Standing Firm with Fairness

As a mediator, I help workplaces, communities, and organisations address disputes in a way that is fair, confidential, and constructive. My NHS background means I particularly understand the challenges faced by healthcare teams, but my work now also extends into business, housing, charities, and community disputes.

Mediation is not about taking sides — it’s about standing firm in fairness and creating a safe space for people to be heard. My heritage, career, and values all come together here: empathy, resilience, respect, and the courage to help people face difficult conversations.

Representation and Inclusion

As a Black woman in mediation, I also recognise the importance of representation. Too often, people from diverse backgrounds don’t see themselves reflected in certain professions. By being visible, I hope to show that mediation is for everyone — and that impartiality and fairness can be enriched by cultural understanding and lived experience.

Black History Month is about remembering the struggles and celebrating the contributions of Black people across the UK. For me, it’s also about honouring the everyday work we do in our communities and workplaces to build fairness, trust, and unity.

Looking Forward

Standing firm in power and pride means standing tall in who you are, drawing strength from your roots, and using your skills to make a difference.

As a mediator, I’m proud to help others find their voice, resolve their conflicts, and move forward with respect and understanding.

As Jamaicans say, “Wi likkle but wi tallawah” — we may be small, but we are strong. 💪🏾

As the Jamaican motto reminds us, “Out of Many, One People.” Through courage and dialogue, unity is always possible.

👉 If your organisation, workplace, or community is facing conflict, mediation can help. Let’s find a way forward together.

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