Episode 40 – Yomi Adegoke

This Way Up

For this episode, I interview Yomi Adegoke. I first came across Yomi through her amazing book ‘Slay in your lane’ which she co-wrote with Elizabeth Uviebinené. Slay in your lane is an absolute must-read, from education to work to dating, this inspirational, honest and provocative book recognises and celebrates the strides black women have already made, while providing practical advice for those who want to do the same and forge a better, visible future.

The book is filled with stories from both Elizabeth and Yomi’s own lives, as well as interviews from dozens of the most successful black women in Britain – including BAFTA Award-winning director Amma Asante, British Vogue publisher Vanessa Kingori, Karen Blackett OBE CEO of Group M and Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis.

Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook describes the book as “a gift for anyone who wants to better understand what Black women and girls are up against – and the tremendous resources they draw upon as they make their way in the world”

Yomi is a busy lady. Alongside her book, she also writes for the Observer and The Independent and hosts her own podcast with Elizabeth. So, as you can imagine, during our conversation we cover a lot.

Yomi opens up about the importance of putting herself first and taking a year out of Uni due to depression. We also discuss how during that same year she struggled to find work placements so instead decided to create her own magazine. It was through this significant year that she found her passion as a journalist. Finally, she gives some really inspirational and practical advice on how she launched her book ‘Slay in your lane’.

I’m not going to reveal too much about our conversation as it is much better if you hear it straight from Yomi.