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Black History Month: Carly reflects on her experience of Black Health and Wellness
This year, the theme for Black History Month is “Time for Change: Action Not Words”. At Moorhouse, it’s time for action not just words in relation to Black Health and Wellness. As part of our Black History Month celebrations, we asked some of our colleagues what this means to them, and how they look after their own health and wellness.
Last week, we spoke to Zuby Okemefuna, Client Director in our Life Sciences team. This week, we spoke to Carly Ward, Manager from our Digital and Data team.
Carly, what does health and wellness mean to you?
To me, health and wellness means having an evolving understanding of your wants and needs, and incorporating space for them across all key areas of your life. This could include day-to-day actions like prioritising time for what reenergises you, communicating preferred ways of working, or investing time in relationships that sustain you. I also believe it includes giving yourself grace and time to change behaviours or try new things as your wants and needs change.
How do you take care of your health and wellness?
The ways I take care of my health and wellness can differ based on the day or week. In line with my more extroverted tendencies, it can involve spending time with friends and family, travelling, checking out new restaurants, or enjoying live music. But often, it also includes activities that help me recharge, such as reading, watching a new series, or just getting enough sleep! For me, that balance is an important and ongoing alignment.
What is your top tip to others?
A tip I would suggest is to try and decipher between ‘critical’ and ‘nice to have’. Everyone has a wide range of interests, and sometimes it feels like the days run out of time! I have realised both the value and genuine need to understand when and how to say “no”, or at least, “not right now”. This is not yet something I have mastered, but continue to work on to maintain my health and wellness.
Which black British person has inspired you?
Growing up outside of the UK, many black British figures became known to me later in life, or through the global world of entertainment. Through Chewing Gum, I was introduced to Michaela Coel, a British screenwriter and actress. I find her inspiring as someone who has navigated both artistic and business demands to create, produce, and star in shows inspired by her experiences, whilst also using her platform to accelerate conversations around health and wellness.
Thank you to Carly for sharing your personal experience. Next week we will hear from other colleagues on their experience of Black Health and Wellness.
Author: Carly Ward
Carly Ward is a Manager in our Digital & Data team, with experience working with clients across a variety of sectors on their strategic initiatives. Across her nine years in consulting, she has been particularly passionate about developing approaches that centre around people, support the realisation of key technology and business objectives, and effectively translate high-level strategy into tangible execution. In her free time, she continues to try and perfect her Spanish, and hopes to start learning French soon.