Show Notes
In this episode Bernice Hewson and Simon Western challenge the conventional coaching paradigm, exposing its tendency to operate in a decontextualized bubble—detached from the social, political, and historical forces shaping our identities. Bernice brings personal insights from her own journey toward racial consciousness, unpacking the ways coaching often fails to engage with racial trauma, frequently misdiagnosing it as imposter syndrome.
Together, they explore the complexities of addressing racial identities in work and coaching, where labels and names carry power—how they define, constrain, and sometimes liberate.
This isn’t about surface-level diversity work; it’s about questioning the structures within which coaching exists. They explore the profound discomfort required to build true racial literacy, the impact of institutional whiteness in coaching spaces, and the need for collaboration to ignite meaningful change. Coaching, Bernice argues, must move beyond individual self-improvement and cultivate a critical awareness—one that challenges dominant narratives and creates space for authentic shifts in practice.
The episode closes with a call to action: to embrace the edges, hold space for the difficult conversations, and commit to coaching as a radical, relational, and socially conscious practice.
Key Reflections
- Racial identity is more than just personal identity; it's a power dynamic.
- Understanding one's racial identity is crucial for effective coaching.
- Coaching often operates in a decontextualized bubble.
- Racial trauma is often misdiagnosed as imposter syndrome.
- Coaching can be part of the solution to systemic issues.
- Emotional resilience is key to holding difficult conversations.
- Institutional whiteness affects coaching practices.
- Using personal experiences as data can inform coaching.
- Language around DEI is evolving and requires confidence.
- Change in coaching requires collaboration and critical consciousness.
Keywords
racial consciousness, identity, coaching, decolonization, belonging, racial equity, personal journey
Brief Bio
Bernice Hewson, founder of
Raising Racial Consciousness, is dedicated to challenging conventional thinking to build a racially equitable society. An accredited coach (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) and emotional intelligence practitioner, she holds a Psychosocial MA in ‘Race,’ Empire, and Post-coloniality.
With over 15 years in corporate leadership, Bernice understands the complexities leaders face in driving meaningful diversity and inclusion strategies. She emphasizes that lasting change begins with individuals and that racially conscious leadership is essential for progress.
Bernice equips leaders and coaches with the knowledge, language, and confidence to engage in critical diversity conversations. Through safe spaces for learning and reflection, she empowers professionals to develop race-consciousness as a core competency, fostering inclusion and equity in workplaces and beyond.
