In this week’s Fair Play Talk’s interview, Sean Alleyne, COO of Credit Suisse UK Investment Banking Legal Entities, and finalist of the Black British Business Awards, explains why it’s vital that business leaders really connect and listen to Black and minority talent to successfully attract and retain them. He also shares his career journey, the challenges he faced along the way, as well as some sound advice for Black/minority youth to encourage them to pursue their dream job.
Fair Play Talks: Can you briefly tell us about your career journey to date?
Sean Alleyne: I am currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Credit Suisse UK Investment Banking Legal Entities where I am responsible for ensuring the effective governance, operation, and control of relevant activities. I joined Credit Suisse in 1997 and spent over 18 years in Internal Audit, where I was responsible for numerous audit and transformation projects. In 2015 I joined the UK Investment Bank management team and was appointed COO for Credit Suisse AG London Branch. Prior to joining, I was an audit manager at Sanwa International, however I qualified as a Chartered Accountant while working at Coopers & Lybrand.
Fair Play Talks: What specific challenges did you encounter along the way to the top?
Sean Alleyne: The financial industry is highly competitive and working in large, global, and complex organisations made it hard, especially earlier on in my career, to effectively navigate. It was quite challenging understanding when it was the right time to make important changes in my career, such as deciding on whether to leave an organisation or role to purse another opportunity. Pursing new opportunities will always present the challenge of having to learn and understand the different elements of the role, while being required to deliver exceptional results.
Fair Play Talks: In your opinion, are there any specific challenges that Black professionals face on their journey to the top that White/other groups do not face in your industry?
Sean Alleyne: Yes, I think there are. However, in many cases these challenges are not always overt, especially in relation to the implicit biases Black professionals encounter throughout their careers. This often results in Black professionals having a harder time finding authentic sponsorship and mentors, who are instrumental in shaping an individual’s career path and progression.
Fair Play Talks: Are you involved in promoting Black talent, race equality or other diversity initiatives?
Sean Alleyne: Absolutely. I am the Executive Sponsor of the UK Black Talent Programme, which focuses on increasing representation and advancing the careers of Black talent within Credit Suisse. I am also Senior Sponsor of the UK BAME Employee Network and a Trustee for the Credit Suisse EMEA Foundation. The Foundation focuses on improving the educational attainment, employability, and aspirations of disadvantaged young people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In addition, I am a mentor to several individuals both within and outside of the bank.
Fair Play Talks: In your opinion, are companies doing enough to stamp out discrimination and what more could they be doing to promote racial equity in the workplace?
Sean Alleyne: Overall, companies have started on that journey, but there is still room for improvement. In most cases conversations have taken place, but more needs to be done to turn these conversations into tangible and meaningful actions. Companies need to look at the policies, processes, and practices that they deploy to attract, identify, and retain talent. It’s important that senior leaders also recognise and work towards addressing the structural and inherent biases that have manifested within the selection criteria. As we know, careers thrive through access to opportunities, which is commonly acquired through sponsorship and not just through hard work alone.
Fair Play Talks: Given the focus on diverse talent, what more can organisations be doing to attract Black/minority talent, as well as retain them?
Sean Alleyne: Organisations need to broaden the channels used to attract talent, especially at the entry and early career levels. They can so by introducing programmes such as the Apprenticeship Scheme and targeting non-traditional universities for internships.
It’s vital that we connect and listen to our Black and minority talent to understand what they need, as the traditional approach to attracting, and most importantly retaining talent, may not be sufficient due to inherent biases. By listening and looking through the lens of our Black and minority professionals, we can create a culture where all feel a sense of belonging and can thrive.
Fair Play Talks: In your opinion, can organisations promote equality and fairness to enhance belonging and inclusion that will resonate with all groups?
Sean Alleyne: Most definitely. Organisations should promote a culture of open-mindedness, curiosity, and reflection to help colleagues recognise inherent biases within us all. This mindset will support the shift to understanding how these biases impact the way we operate. This to me is the key to unlocking and helping people see the exclusion and inequality different groups face. Once people are aware, then education is the next step, which organisations can support with through honest conversations and toolkits. Ultimately, this will help individuals connect with those they may not traditionally engage with and help enhance the culture of belonging and inclusion.
Fair Play Talks: Can the Black and other minority communities be doing more to promote race equity?
Sean Alleyne: Yes, but to be clear the burden is not on the Black and minority groups to change. These groups should support others as they go on the journey of understanding and break barriers, through honest and courageous conversations. Therefore, the community has a core role to play if they want to see that change. However, a true conversation is two-way and therefore individuals need to be respectful and open, as this a great way to understand both perspectives. Lastly, Black and minority communities should act as a support mechanism and be there to raise the aspirations of the next generation.
Fair Play Talks: What was your reaction when you heard that you’re one of the 2022 Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) finalists?
Sean Alleyne: I was absolutely thrilled and equally humbled, as I know there are many talented individuals within the Black British community and workplace. So, to be recognised in this way, I truly appreciate being named as a finalist.
Fair Play Talks: How important are awards and organisations like The BBBAwards in the UK to promote Black/minority talent and Black role models?
Sean Alleyne: They are incredibly important, as there is a lack of representation and celebration of achievement from the black community. Historically, we have been overlooked or underplayed, so awards and organisations which provide us with a platform are creating the necessary change. Especially for the next generation, these platforms are vital as they can change views and be a source of inspiration. The BBBAwards in particular are one of the most trusted and established platforms that does just that. Clearly, Sophie and her team have a strong track record in identifying and showcasing Black British Business talent, which is amazing.
Fair Play Talks: What advice would you give to young Black/minority youth to encourage them to pursue their dream job or business venture?
Sean Alleyne: Go for it! You can do and achieve anything you put your mind to. Recognise that the journey will not be easy, it may take a long time and there will be setbacks but be persistent and show resilience as you move towards your goal. It is all about staying focused and learning from your setbacks, as they will make you stronger. Ultimately, just be curious, have fun and enjoy the journey, and do not do what others expect you to do, do what you want to do. Remember advice from others is simply advice and not an instruction.
Fair Play Talks: Who is your inspiration/role model in the DE&I space?
Sean Alleyne: DE&I is a means to an end, and ultimately it represents those who do right by others regardless of their background, race, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. So, for me my role model is my father. The dignity and integrity with which he operated when progressing to the top of his career, really inspired me. He was always open, approachable, and wanting to serve others more than being served.
Fair Play Talks: What podcast/vlog/book would you recommend to help other Black professionals get ahead?
Sean Alleyne: I couldn’t narrow it down, as there is a wide range of podcasts, academia, and news articles that one should explore. However, I would advise Black professionals to be open to different sources of information, and to not operate solely within an echo chamber. So, seek the opinions of others, obtain different views, and try new things, as this will widen your perspective and increase your exposure, resulting in the enhancement of your skills, experience, knowledge, and network, which will help you get ahead.
Check out the full list of this year’s BBBAwards finalists here.
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Read our interview with Tesco’s Campaigns Director Kené Umeasiegbu on racial equity at work here.
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