19th January 2016

JHPR’s Wednesday Wonder Woman – Miranda Brawn, founder of the Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Scholarship

Every Wednesday JHPR spotlight a woman doing amazing things within her business field. As champions of startups and small business owners we will be selecting a wonder woman to profile each week.

This week we would like to introduce Miranda Brawn , investment banker, barrister and founder of the ‘Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Scholarship’.

With a background as an investment banker and a barrister, Miranda Brawn has spent her career at some of the most prestigious global financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase Bank and Goldman Sachs International. She is Vice Chair of the Black Cultural Archives, Patron of the Black British Academics, committee board member of City Women Network, global speaker (LAMDA trained) and presenter providing commentary on television and radio.

 

Miranda is also a business and diversity leader who continuously demonstrates her outstanding devotion to diversity, equality and inclusion outside of her full time work. In 2015, she led a new initiative to help close the race diversity gap in the UK Corporate sector. She was voted one of the Top 30 most inspirational women in the City of London by Brummel and featured in the CityAM Top 20 “Women in the City” Powerlist.

 

What is your business?

My recent initiative is called the “Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Scholarship”.  This is an annual scholarship to help young people in full time education from black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds become future leaders, while increasing race diversity and equality in Britain’s workplace. The scholarship will include up to £1,000 funding, one-to-one mentoring sessions with me, CV clinics and work experience opportunities. The successful candidate will also get VIP access to the “Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Annual Lecture”, which is sponsored by The University of Law and will be held during UK Black History Month.  There is also a mentoring programme for students and professionals who require help with their careers.

How long has your business been trading?

My diversity scholarship was officially launched on 8th January 2016.  That said, I have been involved in diversity and mentoring etc. for over 15 years now.

 

What inspired you to start your business?

Britain is diverse however this is not reflected in a range of sectors i.e. corporate and media etc. The scholarship is part of my on-going diversity initiatives to help close the race (and gender) diversity gap in Britain’s workplace.

 

What has been your greatest business achievement?

Being able to use my success, experience and knowledge to give back to society to encourage positive social change and help others to achieve their dreams.

 

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced along your business journey?

The main challenge is achieving a healthy work and life balance.

 

How is your business contributing to your community or society? 

I am a global speaker for various industry events which includes topics such as business, finance, law, education, fintech and of course diversity sharing key information.  My Scholarship also strives to make education and diversity key for progress and success. Young leaders from a BAME background will be provided with an incentive and opportunity to help prepare themselves for a successful career. A focus on diversity and leadership can be transformative and help increase diversity in many sectors. We have all heard the old business adages: diversify or die; don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Today, that axiom takes on new shades of meaning and truth. New eggs must certainly be placed in the basket, and those eggs should not look the same. The global economy is marked by variation, different beliefs and unique desires. To satisfy the needs of an increasingly complex and diverse society of consumers, business must capitalise on talent who understand those needs. The evidence is mounting that diversity leads to economic growth and business success. Hence, my scholarship will help to contribute towards Britain’s future economic growth while creating positive change to society.

 

How has media coverage helped to raise your profile?

Media coverage such as television, radio, print and online has been highly beneficial for my personal brand awareness and promoting my work. I have been blessed with a lot of opportunities which include several public speaking opportunities as a result of this.

 

Best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?

Listen! The best business leaders are the greatest listeners.

 

Where is your product or service available?

Applications for the scholarship will open in February 2016 and close on 2nd September 2016. You can retrieve information about the Scholarship on the Black Cultural Archives website http://bcaheritage.org.uk/ where I am their Vice Chair.  In addition, I have my own website coming out in February 2016 with further details about my Scholarship, Annual Lecture and Mentoring Programme.

 

Business website and social media handles.

Twitter: @brawnm https://twitter.com/brawnm

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MirandaBrawnEsq

Linkedin: Miranda Brawn Esq MBA MCSI FRSA

 

If you know a wonder woman that you would like to nominate be sure to send us an email to info@jhpr.co.uk along with her details and why you think she should be celebrated or contact us via our twitter page @JessicaHuiePR.

Don’t forget to hashtag #JHPRWWW !

By JHPR

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