Jody ann Findley

Jody, a Black-led consultant, empowers women to advocate for themselves, build resilience, and use creativity to drive cultural change.

Jody, a working-class Black woman and the founder of Mindseta, a Black-led creative consultancy, is passionate about empowering women to advocate for themselves, build resilience, and use creativity to foster cultural transformation.

Key talking points for Jody’s session:

The Power of Self-Advocacy in a Challenging Environment:
Jody’s career spans entertainment, education, and creative consultancy, where she has constantly advocated for herself in industries that often overlook working-class and marginalized women. She will speak about how to develop the confidence to push for recognition, respect, and the right to succeed in spaces that weren't necessarily built for women like her. The importance of setting boundaries, negotiating fair terms, and demanding one's worth in the workplace, even when the systems seem stacked against you.

Resilience as a Tool for Success:
Jody’s story is rooted in resilience — facing systemic barriers, discrimination, and personal challenges. She will discuss how building resilience isn’t just about surviving, but actively using challenges as a stepping stone to greater achievements. Examples of overcoming obstacles like navigating a predominantly white industry, breaking into the creative sector, and transitioning to running her own Black-led consultancy, Mindseta, which focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Leveraging Creativity for Cultural Transformation:
Jody’s work focuses on using creativity — through art, music, theatre, and film — to drive cultural transformation in corporate, educational, and community spaces. She believes that creativity can be a powerful vehicle for challenging norms, confronting injustice, and shifting perspectives. She will discuss how women can use creativity as a tool for not only professional success but personal healing and growth. Creativity allows women to express themselves, advocate for change, and amplify their voices in a world where they’re often silenced.

The Intersection of Gender, Class, and Race:
As a Black woman from a working-class background, Jody has navigated the complexities of gender, race, and class, often being pushed to the margins. Her talk will highlight how these intersections create unique challenges but also foster a strong sense of purpose and drive. She will explore how women from marginalized communities can use their lived experiences to influence and drive change in their fields, communities, and organizations. Jody will provide actionable insights into navigating and transforming these intersections into strengths.
Building Inclusive Spaces:

Jody is passionate about mentoring the next generation of women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. She will share how mentorship, guidance, and building networks can empower young women to feel confident in their abilities and pursue their dreams without limitation. Highlighting her work with organizations supporting young people and communities, Jody will speak on the importance of role models and mentors in creating sustainable change, encouraging women to lift each other up and create opportunities for future generations.

Why Jody? Jody’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and transformation. As a Black-led entrepreneur in the creative space, she has faced and overcome numerous challenges in her career, including racial and gender barriers. Through it all, she has maintained a focus on using creativity to drive change, transform culture, and inspire others. Her journey embodies the spirit of International Women’s Day and demonstrates the power of women to advocate for themselves, thrive in adversity, and lead with purpose.

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