An important conversation on financial equity & inclusion with Annie Gichuru

Straight Up Small Business

Today I’m joined by the incredible Annie Gichuru to talk about a topic that is not only very close to my heart, but one that is crucial for business owners to find more understanding around as we strive for a more inclusive world.
Having come across Annie’s work as I was looking to do DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) work, I enrolled in her course called Represented, which I found eye-opening, uncomfortable and changed who I am for good.
Annie is a racial equity coach and consultant for online entrepreneurs, and has helped many prominent business leaders build intentionally inclusive businesses. She is deeply passionate about representation through a racial justice lens, and combines her experience as an internationally certified life coach, love of storytelling and extensive career as a Human Resource specialist to deliver a transformational online program for all business owners who are ready to build a racially diverse, inclusive and equitable business.
In our conversation, Annie shares her previous 15-year history in Human Resources, where she discovered a lack of real discussion around race in the corporate world. The heightened conversation following the public execution of George Floyd in 2020 prompted Annie to step into the gap and start having these important conversations.
Though we live in a modern and ‘progressive’ world, there remain systems of exclusion that exclude marginalised people from financial opportunities and services. Annie describes how people of colour have been held back historically, and how this causes them to have to work extra hard for financial freedom and stability. She emphasises the importance of becoming equitable in our practices so that we are giving people opportunities where they may otherwise become stuck simply due to their identity and the colour of their skin.
While many people are afraid to enter the conversation on race and inclusion, Annie reminds us that no human is perfect and that life consists of making mistakes. She encourages us to be willing and open to learn, and to approach the work of inclusion with curiosity rather than fear.
The journey towards racial equity may be uncomfortable and challenging, but it is necessary for creating a better world. I hope this episode gives you a new perspective on embracing curiosity and learning so you can be part of paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

LINKS:

Book mentioned: Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson

QUIZ

REPRESENTED Course
Where to find Annie:

• Instagram: @annie.gichuru
• Website: https://anniegichuru.com/

Where to Find Bec:

• Website:https://straightupbookkeeping.com.au/
• Instagram: @straightup_bookkeeping
• Facebook: @straightupbookkeeping
• LinkedIn: @straight-up-bookkeeping