Interview with Rachel Riley
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We shine the spotlight on all underrepresented groups throughout the year but every October, we take the opportunity to reflect specifically on the meaning behind Black History Month. More importantly, we strive to place particular attention on the career and successes of members of our Collaboration Community who have Black heritage. It is a month in which we celebrate this vibrant culture while contemplating the complex historical narrative, and look ahead with positivity and a commitment to ensure that Black communities and colleagues are recognised for their contribution to all parts of society.
It was therefore a great pleasure to speak to Rachel Riley, Director of Commercial Strategy and Planning at British Airways, about her interpretation of this year’s theme and the importance of Black History Month. Rachel is a graduate of our Ethnic Senior Leaders Programme and in this interview, shares her insights on the programme and her career progression.
What was the reasoning behind you taking part in the ESL Programme?
I was nominated by our parent company, IAG (International Airlines Group), as one of the ethnically diverse senior leaders at British Airways. Prior to my nomination, I hadn’t been very aware of WiHTL & DIR and the range of initiatives taking place to shift the dial on diversity across our industry. Once I found out more about this, other opportunities being provided by WiHTL & DiR and the impact the organisation was having, I was very honoured to have been nominated and to be able to take part in the first cohort of the programme.
What was the biggest learning/takeaway from the programme?
The first cohort of the ESL programme “Get Board Ready” had a focus on becoming a board member / non-executive director, which is not something I had even considered for myself previously, so one huge outcome was simply awakening myself to that potential. Outside of that, some of the key discussions we had really highlighted for me how incredibly challenging the issue of subtle or unconscious bias and covert racism is. That has inspired me to be more proactive in tackling the difficult conversations that are sometimes necessary and help to create a more inclusive society each and every day.
How did completing the programme help in progressing your career?
As it happens, towards the end of the course I was successful in getting a promotion! Although years of career experience were critical in landing that position, undoubtedly the new insights gained from thinking about organisations from a board / director’s lens also contributed. Since then, I’ve also jumped at the opportunity to join the board of a Music Education charity, putting to good use much of the learning and guidance I received from being on the programme.
Describe the importance of paying it forwards.
Wouldn’t the world just be a better place if we all just remembered to pay it forward? Paying it forward means taking the opportunity to support someone else’s journey, just as mine has been supported in the past. It’s also a tremendous opportunity to reflect on where I was when I had that support and be able to proudly celebrate the progress I’ve made since as a result.
How do you interpret the Black History Month 2024 theme — 'Reclaiming Narratives' — and what is the importance of BHM to you?
For me “Reclaiming Narratives” means correcting information or ideas that have fed the beasts of racism or highlighting hidden stories in an effort to give a more balanced picture of our history, with the aim of shifting misperceptions and unfairly negative stereotypes.
I would love for there to not be a need for a Black History Month, that we lived in a more equitable society for all, and that the colour of my skin wasn’t as big a contributor to the assumptions people may make about me. I’m hopeful that the genuine conversations that are had throughout the month can help broaden perspectives and understanding, so that we may pave the way forward to create a more inclusive society all year round.
What or who inspires you towards success and why?
Who….my amazing family who not only challenges me but keeps me grounded. What…..the desire to keep learning new things, continuously growing so that I can compare myself today with who I was yesterday and be proud of positive change. That has been, and no doubt will remain, fundamental to my development as an individual, a mother, daughter, sister or friend, as well as progression in my career.
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