Former Glenmoor student Megan ran a successful workshop for our students in the summer term. Since graduating from Glenmoor, Megan published the acclaimed book “Flourish: How to Thrive in the Workplace as an Ethnic Minority’.
When did you decide to write your book?
After lots of media attention to the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, I started writing an online blog about racial injustices across the world, including racial injustices and discrimination that I or my friends and family had also faced. I then decided I wanted to ‘do more’ to help people so the best way I knew how was in the workplace. I started writing about what it’s like to be Black, Mixed or another Ethnic Minority in the workplace, sharing tools and stories that I hoped would help people. I feel so proud knowing that it has already helped young people in preparing themselves for life post education.
What were the challenges you faced when writing it?
Writing the book was so hard! I wanted to give up so many times, as it just felt like a mountain I would never be able to climb. It was overwhelming sharing something so personal with the whole world. I’m lucky to have had a great support system whilst I was writing who kept pushing me and encouraged me to ACTUALLY finish it.
Some of my favourite feedback has been: “Important reading for anyone from an ethnic minority beginning their career or experiencing problems in the workplace. And for employers and allies, read this book and learn how you can help and be part of making working life inclusive for everyone.” You don’t need to be the target audience of this book, it’s important to understand the perspectives of others.
What has your career journey looked like to date?
Oh, it has been a rollercoaster. After leaving Glenmoor in 2013, I studied travel and tourism at college for a year. Then I went into Marketing and did this for 8 years across many industries from charities, tech, weddings and more. Then in 2020 I knew I needed to change my career and started studying again for my CIPD in People Practise to embark on a career in HR. So alongside working with schools on careers and diversity, equity and inclusion I also work in people & culture for a luxury travel company. I’m so happy to now work in a role where I make work a place people belong and feel safe (and want to turn up to!)
Was there any advice given to you, or a pivotal moment that made you decide what your career path looked like?
When I was in my first marketing role, I was 17 and my boss (who is now one of my closest friends) was 23 - she said I should always aim for my salary to be higher than what my age was. E.g. - At 25 I should make at least £25,000. (Cost of inflation in 2024 not considered!) This ALWAYS pushed me to negotiate my salary and ensure whatever work I was doing I was being paid fairly for.
What would your advice be to students looking towards their future outside of school?
Don’t feel pressure to pick what your whole career is going to be now. Choose what you want to do, for now. You can change careers and you’re allowed to change your mind. Don’t feel like your subjects and grades are going to dictate your whole future. They will massively help you - but I’ve changed careers and I’m studying again at 27!