Welcome to REPRESENTED, the podcast. This is your weekly dose of inspiration that’ll support you to build a racially inclusive online business without letting the fear of getting it wrong get in the way. These episodes will provide insights, strategies, and discussions that break down barriers and empower you to navigate the racial equity landscape. I’m Annie Gichuru, your host as well as a Racial Equity Coach who supports online business owners such as coaches, course creators, membership o ...
…
continue reading
Did you know that conversations around race are the most avoided topic in workplace DEI efforts? Despite corporate commitments to diversity and inclusion, real conversations about race often get pushed aside, left simmering under the surface, unaddressed and unresolved. In this episode of Represented Podcast, I sit down with Khayshie Tilak Ramesh, …
…
continue reading
Did you know that less than 2% of the world's documented history is dedicated to African stories? Despite being the cradle of humanity, much of Africa's rich history remains untold or worse, misrepresented. In this episode of the Represented Podcast, I sit down with Valerie Keter, a Kenyan historian and filmmaker committed to truth-telling and pres…
…
continue reading
Can faith and performance exist in the same breath? As we build on from the past two episodes in this heart to heart to women of colour, I’m reflecting on how my Christian faith, the very thing that’s sustained me for over 20 years in Australia, also got tangled up in performance culture. I share how I misunderstood humility as playing small, how c…
…
continue reading
If you’ve ever found yourself resting but still feeling guilty, or needing to do something even in your quiet moments, this episode is for you. In Is It Safe to Slow Down? I’m speaking directly to the women of colour who’ve spent their lives performing, striving, and adapting because survival demanded it. But now? You’re wondering if there's a soft…
…
continue reading
What if your need to constantly prove yourself… wasn’t just about ambition? What if it came from years of being told, directly or silently, that who you are isn’t quite right? In this tender and personal episode, I’m speaking directly to women of colour. To the ones who’ve softened their accent, hidden their cultural identity, overachieved, and ove…
…
continue reading
In this follow-up to last week’s deep dive into the roots of colonialism, I’m shifting the focus to what it actually looks like to decolonise your business in practice, especially if you’re a solopreneur or coach. We’re going beyond the surface to talk about: 🎙 Why your assumptions about your "ideal client" might be rooted in bias 🎙 How colonial mi…
…
continue reading
Have you ever wondered what colonialism has to do with your coaching business today? In this eye-opening episode, we’re taking a step back to explore the roots of colonialism, beginning with the pivotal Berlin Conference of 1884-1885. If you've been inspired by recent episodes featuring my students courageously navigating racial equity, today's dee…
…
continue reading
What happens when you realise the version of “equality” you grew up with was shaped by privilege? In this episode of REPRESENTED, I’m joined by Tania Carcenac, a life coach, women's circle facilitator and graduate of my REPRESENTED program, who grew up in apartheid-era South Africa. It’s a conversation about proximity, privilege, and what it takes …
…
continue reading

1
59. “Is It OK to Use the Term Black?” A Candid Conversation About Race, Parenting & Coaching Ft. Sarah Townsend
1:04:33
This week’s episode is one of the most heartfelt and honest conversations I’ve had on the podcast. I’m joined by Sarah Townsend an activator, coach, facilitator and graduate of REPRESENTED who shares what it really looks like to move from silence and fear to meaningful action in the work of anti-racism. Sarah came into this work believing she was a…
…
continue reading
Later this week on March 21st is not only my birthday, but also the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It's a day that calls on all of us to reckon with racism, because racism is not something in the past, it's alive and evolving today. In this episode, I take you on a journey through the Eras of Racism. From the Transa…
…
continue reading
When was the last time you questioned whether the path you were on was truly yours? For Eman Ismail, that moment came when she found herself racing home from a corporate job, hoping her two-year-old son would still be awake. Night after night, she arrived to find him fast asleep on the couch, waiting for her. That moment of heartbreak became the ca…
…
continue reading

1
56. International Women's Day As a Solopreneur: How to Make an Impact from Behind the Screen
32:52
It’s International Women’s Day on 8th March. The hashtags are trending. The corporate brunches are happening. The cupcakes have been ordered. But let’s be honest, does any of this actually change anything? As a solopreneur, I don’t have an office to walk into where HR is running an IWD event. I don’t get the morning tea, the networking panels, or t…
…
continue reading
Does your business genuinely make people feel like they belong? Or are you unintentionally sending a message that certain people don’t? In this episode, I sit down with Sonia Thompson, an inclusive marketing strategist, Forbes contributor, and someone whose work has deeply influenced how I think about representation. Sonia’s approach to marketing i…
…
continue reading
AI is shaping the world faster than we can keep up. But what happens when the technology meant to serve us erases us instead? My guest today, Christelle Mombo-Zigah, is exposing a critical issue: digital colorism: the biases in AI that distort, misrepresent, and sometimes completely erase people of colour in digital spaces. Born and raised in Franc…
…
continue reading
AI is everywhere right now. From content creation to time management, it’s making running an online business easier than ever. But what if I told you that the very tools we rely on could be harming our businesses and our communities without us even realising it? In today’s episode, I'm tackling something that’s rarely talked about in online busines…
…
continue reading
I'm so excited this week to bring to you Marie Beecham, an influential speaker and thought leader who has reached millions through her insightful approach to antiracism. Marie’s unique perspective is a breath of fresh air in a world that often feels divided. She has a way of teaching race and equity with nuance, offering space for critical thinking…
…
continue reading

1
51. [PART 2] Warrior Heart: From Cultural Strength To World Champion Featuring Shantelle Thompson OAM
45:50
Last week Part 1 laid the foundation by revealing Shantelle’s early life and how she discovered the warrior within. Now, in Part 2, we dive even deeper into Shantelle’s story and the drive behind her activism and advocacy. We explore: 🛡 Social Justice & Equity: The impact of Shantelle’s work through the Kiilalaana Foundation and the Warrior Heart c…
…
continue reading

1
50. [PART 1] Warrior Heart: From Cultural Strength To World Champion Featuring Shantelle Thompson OAM
42:23
What does it mean to fight for your identity, culture, and sovereignty? To embrace your truth, step into your power, and create a path that’s meaningful not just for yourself but for others too? In this powerful episode of the Represented Podcast, I’m joined by Shantelle Thompson OAM—a proud Barkindji/Ngiyampaa woman, mother of five, and 3x Brazili…
…
continue reading
As we wrap up the year, I’m reflecting on the joy and purpose this podcast has brought not just to me, but to the incredible community we’ve built together. From celebrating Kenyan traditions with family this Christmas to producing 50 meaningful episodes, this year has been full of connection, growth, and gratitude. In this special episode, I’m sha…
…
continue reading
If you’ve ever felt like public relations is a world reserved for others...those with more resources, confidence, or visibility, this episode is for you. I’m chatting with Nina Dafe, founder and CEO of The Far Above Rubies Collection, who helps women go from stumped to savvy when it comes to PR. As an award-winning content marketer, freelance write…
…
continue reading
What does racial equity truly look like in 2024, and are we moving closer to or further from that vision? In this episode of Represented, I sit down with Elizabeth Lang, the Founding CEO of Diversity Focus, a consultancy driving change in workplace culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Elizabeth's journey from community development to speaking…
…
continue reading
Launching can be a whirlwind, but what if it didn’t have to be? In this episode of Represented, I'm chatting with Chelsea Wallace, Launch & Evergreen Funnel Strategist and Copywriter who’s reshaping how we approach online launches. Whether you’re a coach with a launch model or curious about evergreen funnels, Chelsea shares the latest tried and tes…
…
continue reading
How do you thrive in a system that often overlooks you? How do you create opportunities when none exist? On this episode of Represented, I’m joined by Yemu Phiri, a powerhouse consultant, educator, and advocate who’s reshaping the narrative for migrant women of colour in Australia. With over 18 years of experience across industries like mining, oil…
…
continue reading
Creating scholarship programs for your coaching business can be a powerful way to increase accessibility—but only if done right. In this episode, I’m sharing: 🎙 The real reasons online business owners create scholarship programs—and why being clear on your intention is non-negotiable. 🎙 Why I caution coaches and actually tell them not to create sch…
…
continue reading
What truly sets inclusive businesses apart? It’s not just their services or branding, it’s how they communicate their values through an Inclusion Statement. In this episode, we’ll explore: 🎙 What an Inclusion Statement is and the many names it can go by, from DEI Statement to Belonging Statement. 🎙 Why every business needs one, especially in today’…
…
continue reading
What if success could be redefined on your terms—without compromise, burnout, or constant over-qualification? Monique Shields, the powerhouse behind Seven Pines Leadership and host of Ambition Without Compromise Podcast, has spent her career guiding women of colour CEOs and founders toward a liberated version of leadership that honours who they are…
…
continue reading

1
41. Introducing Life Coaching to China: A Journey of Courage and Compassion Featuring Liwei Yang
54:34
Imagine bringing life coaching to a country with 1.4 billion people. Where the concept is nearly unheard of. That’s the mission certified life coach Liwei Yang is pursuing with passion and purpose. She's redefining what it means to live authentically within and beyond cultural expectations. As an independent researcher turned technology consultant,…
…
continue reading
In this candid episode, I sit down with Dr. Kathomi Gatwiri, one of Australia’s foremost Afro-diasporic scholars and psychotherapists. As an Associate Professor and researcher, Kathomi’s work dives deep into topics many of us are only beginning to scratch the surface—from racial trauma and blackness to the urgent need for decolonisation in academia…
…
continue reading
What does it really take to lead with courage and create spaces where everyone feels like they belong? It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about making bold, intentional choices. On today’s episode, I have a powerful conversation with Crystal Whiteaker, author of Brave Leadership is a Choice - An Inclusive Guide To Creating Belonging where we di…
…
continue reading
What does it take to go from feeling stuck to living a life filled with joy and purpose? In this episode of Represented, I’m joined by Hezeliya Kariuki, a life coach who has dedicated her career to helping women answer that very question. Hezeliya’s journey wasn’t always smooth—failing in school, hiding behind humour, and avoiding challenges were o…
…
continue reading

1
37. The critical role of relationship building in racial equity work featuring Tony Nabors
1:16:49
I'm thrilled to introduce you to Tony Nabors, the Founder of Racial Equity Insights, who brings over 20 years of experience in anti-racism work. Tony has held transformative roles, including being the first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a public housing authority in Washington state. He’s now living a truly global life, having re…
…
continue reading
Have you ever stopped to question who defines "best practice" or what it really means to be "professional"? I’m breaking down how these seemingly neutral terms often act as codes for whiteness, shaping the standards we’re all expected to follow—whether in the workplace or the coaching space. We’ll explore three critical areas where this plays out: …
…
continue reading
Lately, I've been talking a lot about microaggressions and last week I facilitated a live training on Microaggressions 101 to dive deeper into this topic that many people still don't know about, yet they occur in everyday language. In this episode I break down what microaggressions are, share some of the most common examples we see in everyday life…
…
continue reading
In this powerful episode of Represented, I sit down with Ama "That Inclusion Lady" Agyapong, a renowned Inclusion advisor, coach, and speaker with over 15 years of experience, to discuss the impact of white supremacy culture on Black women in America today. We explore the harsh realities of misogynoir and how, even in 2024, Malcolm X’s famous words…
…
continue reading
Mumbi Hinga is a dynamic business coach, filmmaker, and film festival director whose journey from nursing to entrepreneurship is as inspiring as it is unconventional. With over two decades of experience, Mumbi has transformed her career across multiple industries, from owning a store to becoming an ecommerce expert, a filmmaker, and the co-founder …
…
continue reading
Has it ever dawned on you that how you price your offers as coach could be predatory? In this episode, I’m joined by Simone McNish, a DEI Consultant and Inclusive Content Strategist dedicated to breaking down oppressive systems in entrepreneurship and organisational spaces. Simone shares her journey from social media management to leading important…
…
continue reading
I'm honoured to sit down with Katie Kurtz, a specialist in the field of trauma-informed care. With over 15 years of experience as a licensed social worker and certified coach, Katie brings unparalleled expertise to the conversation. She’s not only a leading figure in trauma-informed training and consultation, but she also plays a pivotal role in sh…
…
continue reading

1
30. Breaking Free From Personal & Societal Limitations with Award Winning Coach Sudha Balaji
46:51
It's with great joy I introduce you to Sudha Balaji, an international award-winning life, leadership, and wellbeing coach for women of colour. Sudha’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—she's someone who has courageously aligned her life with her heart and soul, experiencing freedom and joy without sacrificing who she really is. As a migrant wom…
…
continue reading
Meet Marion Tan, a visionary personal brand strategist and the founder of Hearten and Hone. Marion's approach is refreshingly different—she champions empathetic messaging over the often manipulative tactics seen in traditional marketing. Her mission is clear: to amplify the voices of human-centred thought leaders who want to make a real impact, all…
…
continue reading
Are you ready to take a deep dive into the world of inclusive branding? Join me in this episode as I sit down with Tess Palmyre, the visionary founder of Brandable, an agency that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in brand strategy, communications, and design. Tess Palmyre is a trailblazer in the field, working tirelessly with purpos…
…
continue reading
Taking a short podcast break during Australian school holidays and will be back with you from 5th August. This is an opportunity for you to re-listen to some of your favourite past episodes or take the time to watch the guest interviews on YouTube. If this podcast has been of value to you and supported your understanding of anti-racism work, I'd lo…
…
continue reading
You'll definitely want to set aside about 50 mins for this conversation because it's simply a must-listen. Whether you are new to antiracism work or you've been doing this work for years, there so much to glean from. In this enlightening episode, I host a panel discussion with students from my recent round of REPRESENTED. Join me and Amy Robertson-…
…
continue reading
I'm thrilled to share the latest episode featuring the incredible Misty Johnson, a Social Media Self-Care Coach and the inspiring host of The Unplugged Woman, Unplugged Podcast. Misty is on a mission to help us all embrace “JOLO” - The Joy of Living Offline. She guides her clients to unplug from social media in a simple, sustainable, and stress-fre…
…
continue reading
Meet Caroline Brunne—a survivor coach, author, professional speaker, and entrepreneur. Caroline has transformed her traumatic experiences of childhood sexual abuse and incest into a beacon of hope and strength for others. Through her memoir, "More Than One Thing Can Be True: A Story of Survival," Caroline shares her healing journey, offering a raw …
…
continue reading
One of my students recently realised that true allyship isn't just about calling people out—there's a more effective and impactful approach that feels sustainable. This prompted me to share the things a lot of people are getting wrong about racial equity and in so doing making their journey a lot more complex than it needs to be. Key takeaways you'…
…
continue reading
I'm joined by the phenomenal Annastacia Wainaina—a renowned speaker, coach, culture and leadership strategist, podcaster, author, and passionate advocate for children's protection and adoption. Annastacia's magnetic presence and unwavering commitment to making a difference have touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all…
…
continue reading
Meet Stephanie MacKinnon, an internationally award-nominated Certified Life and Liberatory Leadership Coach, who brings over a decade of community facilitation experience and a Master's in Adult Education. Stephanie's expertise lies in helping changemakers and business owners navigate and resist the oppressive impacts of late-stage capitalism to re…
…
continue reading
I sit down with Brenda Gaddi, the inspiring founder and managing director of Women of Colour Australia (WoCA). Brenda, a first-generation migrant from Manila, has spent over a decade building communities and advocating for racial equity. We explore the origins of the term "Women of Colour," discuss Brenda’s personal journey, including how her mothe…
…
continue reading
Building on the allyship discussion we've been having for the last couple of weeks, today we're diving into the concept of white saviourism. This often unnoticed behaviour can undermine genuine allyship and perpetuate harmful dynamics. I'll break down what white saviourism is, explore relatable examples, and discuss how to avoid it to become a more…
…
continue reading
I'm exploring a topic that's evolved significantly over the past few years: racial equity in small online businesses, particularly in the personal development and coaching industry. In 2024, we're witnessing a shift in the landscape of racial equity work. While global interest may have waned, especially within corporate structures, there's a resoun…
…
continue reading