One of our most popular topics on Black Ballad is the workplace – which makes sense when you consider our professionally ambitious community.

From sharing lessons learned navigating hostile workplaces to international entrepreneurship success stories, the Black Ballad archive is a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and the frank and funny side of being a black woman in the workplace.

“People should not be made to work through all the side effects of being on their periods just because of some capitalist expectations.”

– Menstruation Is A Health Issue That Workplaces Need To Take Seriously

“I used university as a springboard into engaging with the local art community, and this really helped me to network with creatives already making significant impact.”

– Creative, But Never Struggling: How Black Northern Artists Are Staying Afloat

“As a senior leader in health, I’m still usually the only black face in a room. I’m still the one that people look to for advice on ‘how to approach diverse communities’ and ‘create a more inclusive team’.”

– The Myth Of A White Monolith: Being A Black Woman In Leadership In Newcastle Upon Tyne

“I’ve mentored someone who considered taking off her hijab for an upcoming interview to prove she can ‘assimilate’ in the working environment.”

– Black, Muslim And Looking For Jobs In The West Midlands

“I tried sourcing a placement on my own which felt impossible – I didn’t have the network.”

– The Struggles and Trials That Face Black Trainee Therapists

“The impact of our work as women is often judged, and its worth set, on who we have worked for and the accolades we've collected.”

– Five Ways We’re Perpetuating ‘Toxic Male Podcaster’ Sensibilities In Our Careers And Businesses

“I refuse to hold on to the belief that we must inherently suffer before making a living wage. The struggle may be real, but it shouldn’t be a necessity.”

– Living In LA Taught Me That The Way We Think About 'The Hustle' Is Dangerous

“The lessons unemployment provides can be all too easy to miss when we engage with it through distress and shame.”

– The Gems Of Unemployment Shine Brightest In A Muddied Market