Canerow: Threads of Intergenerational Leadership is a storytelling series capturing the wisdom, resilience, and vision of Black women leaders across generations. Rooted in the Canerow project, these reflections explore leadership, legacy, and community through the voices of those shaping the future. The full interviews will be included in a print publication and released for Black History Month 2025.
Leadership and Identity
Janett Walker's interview reveals a compelling narrative of leadership development deeply intertwined with her identity as a Black woman. Her leadership journey didn't begin with a conscious declaration, but rather through observation and reflection on the leadership styles she encountered as a trainee solicitor. She explicitly states, "My leadership began when I was a trainee solicitor and thought about being in the position of my supervisor and how I would behave with my trainees. I began to think about my leadership journey when I was a junior member of staff." This early self-awareness underscores a proactive approach to personal and professional growth.
The intersectionality of her identity significantly shapes her leadership style. She directly confronts the stereotype of the "angry Black woman" leader, highlighting a conscious effort to navigate societal biases while maintaining her integrity and effectiveness. "I refuse to accept the trope any longer that my leadership could be an angry Black woman and I don't lead with anger unless it's required. I try not to over-police myself or co-switch to the point where I am not allowed to challenge people.”. Janett’s words are particularly powerful in illustrating this ongoing struggle for authentic self-expression within the constraints of systemic racism.
A pivotal moment in her leadership development was the difficult but necessary decision to remove certain individuals from her inner circle who were not conducive to her leadership vision, even if it meant sacrificing long-standing relationships: "Who I have in my spaces and circle of trust is important to me. Having people who have been in that space for a very long time but aren't actually very good for me or the way that I want to lead ... meant making tough decisions about not having them in that space anymore". This act demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing authenticity and building a truly supportive leadership environment.
Career, Trust, and Personal Growth
Janett’s career path reveals significant challenges stemming from racism and sexism within the legal profession. Her eighteen years as a lawyer were marked by consistent experiences of both forms of discrimination, culminating in her realization that her career advancement was being systematically blocked due to the colour of her skin, as well as her race and gender. This candidly shared experience is a powerful testament to the systemic barriers women of colour face in predominantly white male-dominated spaces: "I was a lawyer for 18 years and as a Black woman the intersectionality of being Black and a woman meant that I was subjected to racism and sex discrimination, and I knew that I reached a point in my career where I knew I wasn't going to get any further simply because I am Black."
Her journey of learning to trust reflects a nuanced understanding of human nature and the complexities of building trust. It's not a naive or readily granted trust but a carefully cultivated one built upon observation and experience: "By making lots and lots of mistakes, I am a lot less trusting now than I was ten years ago because I see people now, what they do and who they are, I wait a while before I trust them, take my time to get to know them, explore who they are first and find out more before taking further steps." This cautious approach is a testament to her resilience (although she prefers to use the word “resourcefulness" as “resilience" tends to reinforce the message of the strong Black woman trope/stereotype) and the lessons learned from past experiences.
Her commitment to personal growth is evident in her pursuit of self-care and continuous learning. She engages in activities such as meditation, racial trauma and embodiment practices, regular exercise including zumba and piloxing, and massages, along with reading, listening to podcasts, and attending seminars and webinars. She adds that music IS life! This commitment reflects a holistic approach to well-being, essential for navigating the challenges of leadership.
Legacy and Success
Janett envisions her legacy as creating impactful change for Black people in Cumbria and beyond. Her short-term focus is on solidifying Anti Racist Cumbria, but long-term she aims to build capacity through mentorship and fostering emerging leadership: “It would be nice to be remembered for having made some kind of change, an impact and a difference to Black people's lives here in Cumbria…As we come towards the end of the first three years of ARC I've started to think about how I will hand over the baton, I want to expand the team to include more people who are Black and display leadership skills and have passion for the work.” This emphasis on mentorship and succession planning highlights a forward-thinking approach to building lasting impact.
Her definition of success is deeply rooted in making a tangible difference in people's lives. For her, success lies in hearing people express their gratitude for the organisation's existence – that is what makes the work worthwhile. This human-centric approach to defining success showcases the heart of her mission. “People saying to me 'I wish Anti Racist Cumbria was here when I was a child' is so important to me, making a difference in individuals' lives and creating an impact.”
The interview highlighted the following key themes:
Intersectional Leadership: Janett's leadership is inextricably linked to her identity as a Black woman, navigating systemic racism while authentically leading.
Authenticity and Self-Care: A dedication to self-care and a commitment to authentic leadership, even when challenging, are central to her approach.
Resilience and Perseverance: The interview showcases resilience in overcoming systemic barriers and the determination to create lasting change.
Mentorship and Legacy: Building a sustainable future through mentorship and capacity building are key components of her long-term vision.
Community Impact: Janett's definition of success is intrinsically tied to creating a positive impact within her community.
Janett’s experiences, perspectives, and leadership philosophy are a powerful testament to the importance of intersectional leadership, resilience, and commitment to creating positive social change.
This image of Janett Walker was illustrated by Tinuke Fagborun and commissioned by The Ubele Initiave.
