SF Recruitment's latest series of Inspiring Women interviews are being released throughout March in support of Women’s History Month.

This second instalment features Natalie Gasson-McKinley MBE MBA, an advocate for diversity and inclusion in business and boardrooms. Natalie received an MBE from King Charles in the New Year's Honours for Services to businesses in the East Midlands.

Along with the many other hats she wears, Natalie is the Chair of Obu, a platform for female angel investors to invest in female-founded businesses, and the Chair of Diversity in the Workforce at Nottingham Playhouse. Natalie is passionate about diversifying boardrooms and decision-making spaces, particularly for women from ethnic minorities.

In this interview, she discusses the work she has done to increasing the percentage of Black Asian Minority Ethnic permanent workforce from 3 to 15% within 3 years at Nottingham Playhouse, the importance of early-seed investment for female-owned businesses and shares her advice and wisdom for those facing similar struggles.

“My mum inspires me. She experienced a very different Nottingham to me. She had some really horrible experiences, but she’s never been anything other than proud to say she is black British. I have so much respect for my mum, she’s really inspiring for me”

Natalie also talks the habits and routines that she practices to take care of herself and manage the stress that comes with her various roles and responsibilities.

Finally, she shares with us the women who have inspired her.  Natalie’s story is an incredible example of how women can use their voices to make a difference and how when women support each other – great things can happen!

You can watch Natalie’s interview here: Natalie Gasson McKinley Inspiring Women Interview