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Black History Month 2020 is a time to deconstruct notions that were taken for granted and frame a new story that celebrates the here and now and paves a road for Black, British people’s talent. Every story matters and being a part of a bigger conversation that brings enlightened change into every single household is one that needs to be addressed constantly.

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This year has brought to the surface a new way of thinking; a powerful generation of leaders and entrepreneurs who will no longer be silenced and accept the ‘Status Quo.’ This is time for Status Quo Black’ and we are here to give our platform to the unique voices of black, male entrepreneurs who have created their desired present, not following any rules.

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For our second article during Black History Month, following up on our first one featuring six dynamic women founders who have inspired many with their boldness and empowering messages, we wanted to highlight some of the male, black entrepreneurs and MSDUK members who continue to create fascinating businesses and lead by example.

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Entrepreneurship is a massive feat and certainly comes with its set of unprecedented challenges. To shift from societal pressures to plunge into a corporate job to become a full-time business owner takes courage, bravery and discipline.

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Using this opportunity, we would like to showcase 5 inspiring men who have gone against the grain and had it payoff:  Mac Alonge, CEO of The Equal Group, a company that works with leading academics and academic institutions within the field of diversity and inclusion; Curtis Thompson, Founder and CEO of The Local Honey Man, London’s biggest producer of raw honey; Byron Dixon, CEO and Founder of Micro-Fresh, Multi-award winning freshness technology for high performing brands in textiles, healthcare, construction, food and beverages, packaging and the automotive industry. ; Daniel Taylor, CEO and Founder of MDC Group, family-run design business and Michael Barrington-Hibbert, CEO and Founder of Barrington Hibbert Associates, an executive search and advisory firm specialising in financial sector recruitment and retention.

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 During an interview with Mac Alonge, CEO of The Equal Group, we delved into what it’s like running a business, the risks that are regularly faced and how they are handled, and how they have pivoted during the global pandemic.

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No entrepreneurial journey comes without its risks and so much more so when larger external influences become a key deciding factor. For Mac, identifying risks as early as possible is a crucial part of being a business owner. ‘Risks are a part of everyday life, but as a natural pessimist, I always have to try and think about the opportunities that risk often presents and then look for ways to mitigate the risks or come up with contingency plans,’ he said.

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Naturally with risks and trying things for the first time comes a probability of failure. But often failures set up a stronger base for any business, they’re a part of the growth journey. Not all businesses survive their failures however and CEO Mac rightfully believes that failures are always an opportunity to learn. ‘I try and make the most out of my failures and work hard to avoid repeating them. Failure is inevitable, it’s about how you respond – so I always try and respond positively.’

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One of the reoccurring keywords in our interview with Mac has been ‘positivity’, which we truly believe is an essential trait in any entrepreneur who wants to go the distance. As well as positivity, bringing a unique perspective to a business is an essential factor for standing out in an industry and making yourself visible and heard. ‘I try to use my voice to consistently challenge the status quo – as a business we always seek to push the boundaries and deliver an excellent service for each of our clients. I’m authentically passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion, so I hope that authenticity comes across in my personal actions and the way we as a business operate,’ he said.

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It would be practically impossible to talk about business owners and their ventures during these trying times without addressing COVID-19 and the havoc it has caused many businesses, as well as the change it made in the global entrepreneurial energy.  Mac highlighted the importance of investing heavily in online media and webinars Since Covid-19. ‘Prior to COVID a lot of our interactions were in person, we have had to switch these to online, but have found that online interaction has allowed us to be more agile and reach more clients simultaneously,’ he added.

Taking a different route from a corporate job means that creating a structured routine is one of the ways to tackle fatigue, burnout, work/ life balance and a healthy lifestyle.

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‘I’m constantly trying to evolve as a business leader, but two areas that I’m intentionally trying to improve are 1) delegation and 2) articulating our vision more clearly,’ Mac informed us. ‘As our business grows, these two things will be fundamental to ensuring we continue to grow in a sustainable manner.’