Accelerate Your Leadership Journey
Developing leaders through the lens of the
ethnic-cultural experience
Your Move to Leadership
Leadership is more than a title - it’s an opportunity to create impact
At Roots Inspire, we empower ethnic-cultural diverse professionals like you to break barriers, navigate unwritten corporate rules, and take charge of their leadership path with confidence and authenticity.
The Experience
During a six-month programme, you will receive 1:1 career coaching from ethnic-cultural corporate leaders, gain tailored career guidance from experts and obtain access to a powerful network.
93%
of Roots Inspire alumni now feel more confident to bring their full self to work
92%
of Roots Inspire alumni now have a better understanding of corporate dynamics
91%
of Roots Inspire alumni are now clear on how to achieve the next step in their careers
“I spent 18 years in Banking, often being the only person of colour in the room. It’s time to change that!”
SERGIO PANDAY
Co-founder & CEO, roots inspire
“I spent 18 years in Banking, often being the only person of colour in the room. It’s time to change that!”
SERGIO PANDAY
Co-founder & CEO, roots inspire
Key Benefits
1:1 Career Coaching
Tailored guidance from Leadership Mentors who bring lived experience and actionable strategies to help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Leadership Development
Workshops and Unfiltered Convos designed to enhance your personal brand, build sponsor relationships, and manage stakeholders with impact.
Community Connections
Join a trusted network of like-minded professionals, leadership mentors, and peers committed to supporting your leadership journey.
Strategic Career Insights
Gain clarity on unwritten corporate rules, influence your career trajectory, and drive meaningful outcomes.
Real-World Results
Over 70% of programme participants achieve career advancements within a year, backed by career coaching sessions rated 4.6/5.
Programme Details
Compare our three programmes side by side to find the path that best supports your leadership journey.
CAREER STARTERS
Gain clarity and direction to build a strong career foundation
CAREER STARTERS
Gain clarity and direction to build a strong career foundation
REQUIREMENTS
Less than 3 years of experience
INDIVIDUAL TRACK
5 monthly career coaching sessions
Led by
Ethnic-cultural Senior Professionals
GROUP TRACK
4 group interventions:
2 content workshops +
2 Unfiltered Convos
Topics
i) Power of Authenticity
ii) Crafting Your Career
COHORT SIZE
Max 35 – duration of 5 months
EMERGING LEADERS
Increase visibility, expand connections, and accelerate your path to leadership
EMERGING LEADERS
Increase visibility, expand connections, and accelerate your path to leadership
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum 3 years of experience
INDIVIDUAL TRACK
1 coaching intake
5 monthly career coaching sessions
Led by
Ethnic-cultural Leaders
GROUP TRACK
6 group interventions:
3 content workshops +
3 Unfiltered Convos
Topics
i) Visibility with Values
ii) Making Meaningful Connections
iii) Negotiating Your Career
COHORT SIZE
Max 25 – duration of 6 months
EMERGING EXECUTIVES
Navigate corporate dynamics and position yourself for senior leadership
EMERGING EXECUTIVES
Navigate corporate dynamics and position yourself for senior leadership
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum 10 years of experience
INDIVIDUAL TRACK
1 coaching intake
5 monthly career coaching sessions
Led by
Ethnic-cultural Senior Leaders
GROUP TRACK
6 group interventions:
3 content workshops +
3 Unfiltered Convos
Topics
i) Creating Your Brand
ii) Building Sponsor Relationships
iii) Navigating Corporate Politics
COHORT SIZE
Max 20 – duration of 6 months
CAREER STARTERS
Gain clarity and direction to build a strong career foundation
REQUIREMENTS
Less than 3 years of experience
INDIVIDUAL TRACK
5 monthly career coaching sessions
Led by
Ethnic-cultural Senior Professionals
GROUP TRACK
4 group interventions:
2 content workshops +
2 Unfiltered Convos
Topics
i) Power of Authenticity
ii) Crafting Your Career
COHORT SIZE
Max 35 – duration of 5 months
EMERGING LEADERS
Increase visibility, expand connections, and accelerate your path to leadership
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum 3 years of experience
INDIVIDUAL TRACK
1 coaching intake
5 monthly career coaching sessions
Led by
Ethnic-cultural Leaders
GROUP TRACK
6 group interventions:
3 content workshops +
3 Unfiltered Convos
Topics
i) Visibility with Values
ii) Making Meaningful Connections
iii) Negotiating Your Career
COHORT SIZE
Max 25 – duration of 6 months
EMERGING EXECUTIVES
Navigate corporate dynamics and position yourself for senior leadership
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum 10 years of experience
INDIVIDUAL TRACK
1 coaching intake
5 monthly career coaching sessions
Led by
Ethnic-cultural Senior Leaders
GROUP TRACK
6 group interventions:
3 content workshops +
3 Unfiltered Convos
Topics
i) Creating Your Brand
ii) Building Sponsor Relationships
iii) Navigating Corporate Politics
COHORT SIZE
Max 20 – duration of 6 months
Eligibility & Criteria
Our programme serves as a strategic pathway, designed for ambitious, UK-based professionals who are ready to take their careers to the next level:
- Difference as a strength: our programmes centre the experiences of underrepresented ethnic-cultural professionals and welcome anyone drawn to this focus.
- Experienced high performers: you bring at least the required years of professional experience and a track record of delivering results.
- Aspiring changemakers: you aspire to lead with impact, authenticity, and influence within your organisation or industry.
Ready to Make Your Case?
Learn how to turn your growth ambitions into a clear case for leadership progression. Get practical language to position the programme as a strategic next step for you and your organisation, and secure your manager’s support with confidence.
Preparing to Apply
We’re looking for committed ethnic-cultural professionals who are ready to invest in their leadership journey and contribute to an inspiring cohort of peers. To ensure a great fit, here’s what we’ll need from you:
Background Information
Share your personal details and upload your CV or a link to your up-to-date LinkedIn profile.
Motivational Questions
Tell us about your career journey,
leadership aspirations, and how you envision the programme supporting your growth.
Professional Reference (Optional)
Strengthen your application by
including a brief recommendation from a colleague, mentor, or manager who can attest to your leadership potential.
To receive a notification when applications open, register your interest here below.
A Look at our Inspiring Mentors
- Ference LampMERRILL LYNCH, MANAGING DIRECTOR“From my mentees, I expect commitment, curiosity and eagerness. You can expect me to show you, success is possible.”
- Gitanjali PonnappaNEGOTIATEHER, STRATEGIST“Careers often hinges on skillful negotiation and navigating relationships. We can together explore this dynamic to achieve your goals.”
- Niraan De SilvaVNLIFE, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER“Gaining a deeper understanding of the person across the table is an essential soft skill for leadership."
- Robert WongHONEYWELL, DIRECTOR OF SALES“I hope to provide my mentees with the confidence and inspiration to chart their own successful course.”
- Sue StephensMETA, GROWTH BUSINESSES LEAD“I fundamentally believe talent is distributed equally, opportunity is not.”
- Sumitra MoellerABN AMRO, MANAGING DIRECTOR“One of the key tools of career advancement is cultivating the courage to be genuine.."
Register Your Interest
Are you ready to accelerate your leadership journey?
Express your interest in our next cohort, and be among the first to receive updates when applications open. Let us help you take the next step toward advancing your career.
Register Your Interest - Individual Participants
Register your interest for this invite-only event to secure a chance to attend. Please note that spots are limited, and invitations will be extended based on event criteria.
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