Voices, Autonomy & Collective Joy: Inside the UK Press Launch of Seeking Sexual Freedom

A night that opened new conversations

There are evenings that linger long after the last glass is cleared and the final guests have departed.

We had the pleasure of co-ordinating the UK Press launch of Seeking Sexual Freedom by acclaimed Ghanaian feminist writer Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, published by Dialogue Books, which was unquestionably one of those nights. Held at The Idler in London's Victoria on Thursday 26 March 2026, the event drew a vibrant crowd of readers, activists, journalists and cultural voices ready to engage with one of the most important books on the African sexual experience to date.

Led by Ariatu PR founder, Ronke Lawal, the launch was designed to mirror the spirit of the book itself: intimate, candid, courageous and unafraid. A relaxed drinks reception and curated bites set the tone, creating space for the kind of honest conversations that Seeking Sexual Freedom demands. We were intentional about not only setting the tone but also curating a guest list that brought together individuals who would create a safe but also joyful space which would allow for freedom of expression. Community spirit was at the heart of the invited guests not just on a superficial level which at times in this digital era can translate as numbers and follower count - we wanted to ensure that the very essence of Nana came across through who was in the room. Centring Blackness was also a central component of the event; we ensured that the Black British African and Caribbean diaspora was well represented in the room.

What the book is about

Seeking Sexual Freedom takes readers on a journey across the African continent from Senegal to Tanzania and beyond. Sekyiamah meets the gurus, "witches" and aunties who guide girls through puberty rites and marital training, exploring practices such as beading and pulling and illuminating the deeply spiritual, gender-fluid nature of many African traditions. This is not a book that flattens or exoticises. It is one that restores complexity and honours the diversity of African women's experiences of their bodies, sexuality and freedom. It is a work of rigorous research and cultural excavation whilst also being very personal to Nana.

Made possible by Purposeful

The evening was made possible through the generous support of Purposeful ; an Africa-rooted global hub for girls' organising and activism, working with girls who are imagining and building more liberated futures together. Their involvement brought meaningful alignment between the book's themes and the wider ecosystem of organisations working to centre girls' voices and agency globally.

Why this press launch mattered

Events like this do more than sell books and generate a buzz, they create space for communities to see their experiences reflected in literature and space for conversations that don't often reach mainstream publishing stages. Seeking Sexual Freedom arriving in the UK is a cultural moment and The Idler on 26 March was a fantastic venue to host this cultural moment.

Ariatu PR is proud to have brought this launch to life. We believe in amplifying stories that expand the imagination of what literature can hold and Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah's work does exactly that.

Photograhy by: Precious Mayowa Agbabiaka - @bfgriote (Instagram)

Thanks to our Goodie Bag sponsors: @khepergamesinc @creativeconceptions @thenaturallovecompany @fableandfemmeofficial

Why Corporate Teams Struggle To Find The Right Speakers For Events

Most corporate teams do not struggle because there is a lack of speakers. The real problem is that there are too many, and very little to help differentiate between them once you move past the surface level.

At first glance, most speakers look suitable. Their profiles are polished, their topics are clear, and their experience sounds relevant enough to justify a conversation. But once you actually begin matching them against a specific event brief, things become less straightforward. The difference between “interesting” and “right for this room” is where most of the time gets lost.

What tends to happen inside organisations is a kind of quiet overload. Multiple tabs open, multiple recommendations coming in from different people, and a growing list of profiles that all feel like they could work with enough justification. That is usually the point where decision making slows down. Not because people are unsure in principle, but because nothing feels precise enough to confidently commit to.

From a communications perspective, this is familiar. At Ariatu PR, we see how easily narrative alignment gets diluted when too many options enter the frame too early. A speaker is not just filling a slot on a programme. They are shaping how a message lands in a room, and how an organisation is perceived through that moment. That makes selection feel closer to editorial decision making than procurement, even though it is often treated as the latter.

The other challenge is time. Most corporate teams are not dedicating full cycles to speaker research. It sits alongside internal comms, leadership messaging, DEI planning, and a dozen other priorities. So what starts as a search for “the right speaker” often becomes a search for “someone suitable quickly enough to move forward.” This is one of the reasons why we started offering speaker introductions to help clients with sourcing new an dynamic speakers.

That is usually where compromise creeps in. Not necessarily bad choices but choices made from what is visible and available rather than what is most aligned.

This is why more organisations are stepping away from open-ended searching. Not because they want fewer voices, but because they want the noise removed earlier in the process so they can focus on actual fit.

Do it Now Now and Wellcome Launch £1 Million Innovate Now Programme to Strengthen UK Black-Led Research Community Initiatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Do it Now Now and Wellcome Launch £1 Million Innovate Now Programme to Strengthen UK Black-Led Research Community Initiatives

Do it Now Now (DiNN), a Black-led open innovation organisation supporting Black communities and organisations and Wellcome, a global charitable foundation dedicated to improving health through research announce the launch of the latest rounds of DiNN’s Innovate Now Programme. This pioneering initiative provides grant funding and capacity-building support to UK-based Black-led initiatives that seek to improve the wellbeing, or advance the careers, of Black and Mixed Black heritage researchers. With  funding from Wellcome, Do it Now Now is able to expand on the work that they have been doing in this space.

Despite some progress, Black researchers remain significantly underrepresented in the UK research workforce due to systemic barriers that limit access to funding and leadership opportunities. Many grassroots initiatives have emerged to address these gaps, providing mentoring, networking, advocacy and safe spaces. However, these organisations are often volunteer-led which means that they can be underfunded and at risk of burnout or closure.

The Innovate Now Programme will provide up to £1 million in multi-year funding to 45 UK-based Black-led initiatives, combining grants ranging from £13,000 to £48,000 over two to three years with strategic support to strengthen organisational resilience and long-term sustainability. Delivered in collaboration with Wellcome, the programme draws on DiNN’s extensive experience designing and managing programmes that support Black-led charities, social enterprises and community organisations. DiNN is also currently collaborating with funders such as City Bridge Foundation and Impact on Urban Health to deliver tailored grant and capacity-building initiatives that strengthen leadership, operational readiness, and impact for Black-led organisations.

The programme is open to UK-based organisations or initiatives where at least half of the leadership, trustees or key decision-makers are Black. Eligible organisations can be incorporated, such as charities, community interest companies, social enterprises or limited companies or unincorporated groups with appropriate governance arrangements and fiscal hosting is also acceptable. Both university-affiliated initiatives, particularly at non-Russell Group institutions, and community-based initiatives can apply. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a track record of supporting Black or Mixed Black heritage researchers, students or research communities.

“DiNN’s expertise in supporting Black-led organisations ensures the programme combines funding with practical support tailored to organisational and human needs. Together with Wellcome, we aim to build resilient, confident leaders and thriving initiatives that will positively transform the UK research landscape.” - Bayo Adelaja, CEO of DiNN 

“We’re delighted to collaborate with DiNN and support Black‑led initiatives that are expanding opportunities for Black researchers. Launching this funding and capacity‑building programme is a significant step in our work to diversify who leads, participates in and benefits from research." - Faith Uwadiae, Ecosystems Manager at Wellcome.

Media Contacts:
Wellcome

Media Office

mediaoffice@wellcome.org

Do it Now Now

Ronke Lawal

info@ariatupr.com

Notes to editor:

For more information about the Innovate Now Programme and how to apply, visit https://www.doitnownow.com/innovate-now-with-wellcome 

About Wellcome
Wellcome supports science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. We support discovery research into life, health and wellbeing, and we’re taking on three worldwide health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

 
About Do it Now Now (DiNN)
Do it Now Now is a Black-led open innovation organisation that empowers Black communities by expanding access to opportunities, networks, and resources. DiNN has designed and delivered grant and development programmes supporting thousands of Black-led charities, social enterprises, and community organisations, strengthening leadership, operational capacity and long-term impact.

Personal Branding for Black Entrepreneurs: How to Own Your Story and Stand Out

Personal branding isn’t just something that’s trendy, it’s one of the most powerful tools that Black entrepreneurs in the UK can use to cut through the noise, build trust and claim visibility on their own terms in spaces that don’t always want to see them. You could be running a creative business, launching a start-up or growing a public profile; your personal brand is more than just your headshot or social media presence, it’s the way people experience your work, your values, your voice and your vision. When your personal brand is rooted in authenticity, cultural nuance and social relevance, it has the potential to become unforgettable.

Ariatu PR has worked with a wide range of Black founders, entrepreneurs, leaders and creatives—from publishers to podcasters, authors to activists—helping them to craft personal brands that feel as real as they are strategic. One of our long-standing clients, a dynamic media founder and speaker, came to us unsure how to present their voice in traditional media without compromising their values. Through tailored media coaching, brand storytelling frameworks and profile-raising technicals and tactics, we helped them to secure national press, panel appearances and podcast interviews; all while staying true to their identity and mission.

Why does this matter so much? Because for Black entrepreneurs in the UK, personal branding exists in a different context. You’re not just building a business, you’re navigating systemic challenges, cultural biases and still while sometimes being the “first” or “only” in your industry. That means your brand must do more than sell, it must protect, connect and reflect who you are, therefore psychological safety is crucial here. You shouldn’t have to perform or shrink yourself just to be “media ready.” you should feel safe, supported and seen. Our approach to personal branding is rooted in creating space where Black entrepreneurs and founders can speak with freedom and not fear. This is why our personal branding strategy sessions also includes media coaching that doesn't just cover talking points, it builds confidence and a brand voice that can hold its ground in tough rooms or viral moments.

Too often, generic personal branding advice fails to speak to the realities Black founders face in the UK. Messaging that works in a US context or for a mainstream audience, may not resonate when speaking to diasporic communities, community-driven consumers or culturally conscious audiences. We help our clients tell stories that matter to the people they actually want to reach whether that’s through a feature on Bloomberg, a local radio interview in Brixton or a write-up in The Voice, a podcast guest spot on a Black-led platform, or a feature in Forbes Africa.

And of course, no personal brand is complete without a plan for when things don’t go to plan. As your personal brand rises, crisis moments are more and more likely and your personal brand needs the flexibility to withstand them. A tweet taken out of context, a media quote that lands wrong, a failed launch or public criticism can knock even the most confident founder off balance. But when your personal brand is built with strategy and authenticity, you have the tools to recover with grace. We recently worked with an entrepreneur whose comments were misrepresented in a national interview. Because we had developed a consistent brand voice, key messages and holding statements in advance, we were able to manage the fallout quickly, clarify their position with integrity and strengthen their public image rather than damage it.

Ultimately, personal branding is about power; the power to show up fully, to speak with authority and to build a presence that grows beyond trends. For Black entrepreneurs, this power is especially vital. In a market that often overlooks or underestimates us, a strong, value-led personal brand is both a defence and a launchpad.

At Ariatu PR, we’re proud to champion Black founders who aren’t afraid to be bold, honest and different. We believe the world doesn’t need another manufactured persona—it needs more real stories, told well. If you’re ready to shape a personal brand that stands out and stands for something, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to start building a personal brand that’s as impactful as your ideas.

Why Personal Branding Is the Missing Link in Executive Leadership Training

For decades, executive leadership training has focused on strategy, operations, decision-making and emotional intelligence. These are all essential elements of effective leadership, but in today’s hyper-visible, reputation-driven landscape, they’re no longer enough. What’s missing from the traditional leadership toolkit? Personal branding.

We believe that personal branding is not a vanity project, it’s an intentional visibility and influence strategy. Executives who fail to actively manage their personal brand risk being misunderstood, overlooked or disconnected from the very audiences they aim to inspire and lead.

In an era where CEOs tweet, executives give TED Talks and LinkedIn is a virtual boardroom in and of itself, visibility isn’t optional, it’s strategic however many senior leaders are under-utilising their personal platforms. They’re invisible beyond company walls, missing opportunities to lead conversations that define industries and shape public trust.

Personal branding helps leaders articulate their unique voice and values, build credibility outside their immediate circle, become thought leaders in their fields and inspire employees and stakeholders with a consistent, authentic message. A well-defined personal brand also supports corporate reputation. When senior leaders show up with consistency and confidence, they become ambassadors for the business, boosting internal culture and external brand equity.

One of the most profound shifts in modern leadership is the demand for authenticity. Today’s workforce and customers expect leaders to be transparent, inclusive, and value-driven. A polished but distant executive is no longer aspirational—it’s outdated.

Through our executive personal branding training, we guide leaders to discover and express the values that drive them, crafting a narrative that aligns with both personal purpose and professional mission. We work closely with C-suite leaders, founders and senior teams to help them own their voice, not just for keynote stages, but for everyday visibility. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the currency of trust.

Traditional leadership training often ends at internal transformation; better delegation, stronger communication, improved decision-making. But how does that translate to external influence? Without a deliberate personal brand, executives remain reactive rather than proactive in how they’re perceived. They risk being defined by others—journalists, social media, even competitors—instead of crafting their own narrative.

Ariatu PR bridges this gap with training designed to define a leader’s value proposition and audience, identify strategic storytelling opportunities (media, events, digital platforms), build comfort and fluency with press, panels, podcasts, and social content and align personal reputation with business strategy and ESG goals.

This is leadership development that doesn’t just stay in the room, it scales.

For corporations, executive visibility is a competitive edge. Clients, investors, partners, and future hires are all watching leadership. Do your top executives reflect the values and vision of your company? Do they stand out in their sector? Are they trusted voices in times of uncertainty?

Personal branding helps you say yes to all of the above.

When multiple members of a leadership team have strong, aligned personal brands, the result is a more connected, resilient and influential organisation. It builds leadership pipelines, strengthens succession planning, and humanises your business at the highest level.

At Ariatu PR, we specialise in helping executives craft, refine, and elevate their personal brands through tailored training, workshops, and one-to-one strategy. You might be preparing for a public profile boost, navigating change or ready to step into industry leadership; personal branding is the foundation of a powerful presence.

It’s not just about being seen. It’s about being known and trusted. Let’s build personal brands that lead.