Imagine a leadership team where every individual regardless of gender, race, sexuality, or any characteristic that deviates from the traditional white male leader stereotype feels fully empowered to lead. 

Envision a workplace where leaders are authorised from above, supported from below, and able to step confidently and authentically into their roles. 

In such an environment, individuals would show up as their whole selves, and organisations would benefit from the full breadth of talent, insight, and innovation that true diversity brings.

Unfortunately, for many, this vision remains far from reality.

Dr Ruth Pombi Chiraga’s doctoral study, which explores the lived experiences of Black women in senior leadership roles, paints a starkly different picture. The research revealed that systemic racism expressed through microaggressions, biased evaluations, and negative projections frequently undermines the authority of Black women. 

Caught in the double jeopardy of race and gender Black women are often perceived as deviating from the conventional leadership prototype. As a result, they often face significant barriers to recognition and acceptance as legitimate leaders.

This talk will draw on the speaker’s doctoral research, examine relevant literature, and invite the audience to reflect on key themes. The session will explore theoretical ideas developed from the study.

About Ruth Pombi Chiraga

Ruth is an Organisational Consultant and Executive Coach who also holds a Visiting Lecturer role on the Tavistock MA in Consulting and Leading in Organisations: Psychodynamic and Systemic Approach. She began her career as a Registered Nurse and progressed from clinical team leadership roles to senior leadership positions within the NHS and the private health sector. 

Ruth’s journey has been challenging, often leaving her feeling out of her depth and questioning what more she needed to do to truly feel a sense of belonging and authorisation to lead in some of the organisations she worked in.

It was during her MA in Leading and Consulting in Organisations that Ruth began to make sense of her leadership experiences. She became curious about whether other Black women in senior leadership roles had similar experiences, and if so, how they coped. This curiosity led to her doctoral research, which explored the lived experiences of Black women in senior leadership, specifically whether they found it challenging to exercise full authority. She also sought to understand why some Black women appear to thrive, while others merely survive.

Ruth’s fun fact: Growing up, Ruth had a fear of dogs and would run away whenever she encountered one. Over time, this fear has evolved into a complex relationship—one of both love and fear. She now longs to be a dog owner but often wishes dogs could speak a language she could understand, so she might better know what they’re thinking.