Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate African and Caribbean communities and their immense contributions to British society, and Enterprise is proud to join in this celebration acknowledging the tremendous achievements, influence and impact of our Black colleagues, like Wesley – a Management Assistant in our retail operations in Ireland:
Tell us about your career journey at Enterprise:
I’m originally from Zimbabwe and started at Enterprise in 2019. I completed the Management Training Programme in record time, as well as passing with top marks. I’m now a Management Assistant and really looking forward to my future progression.
What about your heritage makes you most proud?
The hardworking nature and strong work ethic are the two things I am most proud of my heritage. It has made me the person I am today, all the way from how my parents were raised to how they raised me. It’s about going above and beyond what’s expected of me and to never shy away from a challenge. No matter what I’m doing, I persevere and aim to always find a solution to any challenge that I’m presented with.
What unique perspective has your heritage given you?
That everything happens for a reason and that if you’re not happy with the outcome find a way to change it.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It is a time where I can reflect and celebrate everyone that has come before me and brought me to be where I am today.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Like many other children when I was younger I wanted to be a footballer.
If you could have dinner with anyone from history who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with Jackie Robinson. For those of you who don’t know who he is, he was the first African American to make it in a Major League Baseball team and it can be argued that he proved to be a catalyst in breaking down racial barriers in the world of sport.
What are your hobbies?
I love going to the gym and setting myself personal goals.
What’s your favourite book?
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. BusinessWeek magazine still ranks it as a best-selling paperback business book 70 years after it was published.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Control the controllable”
Who do you look up to?
CT Fletcher – an American actor, personal trainer, and former powerlifter and bodybuilder.
What motivates you?
What keeps me going is knowing that my hard work, resilience and perseverance will help me achieve greater professional and personal success.
A cause you’re passionate about and why?
Breast Cancer Awareness – because it is something that I have seen first-hand with family members being diagnosed in the past and the struggles it brings.
Describe your journey at Enterprise in one word?
A Rollercoaster.
What initially attracted you to a career at Enterprise?
The many career paths available once you complete the Management Training Programme, and the opportunities to progress either on the retail side of the business, or in HR, Accounting, Marketing etc. Enterprise’s promote-from-within culture is really incredible – I know that the direction in which I take my career is absolutely in my hands.
There is much to celebrate during Black History Month, but at Enterprise we know that now it’s more important than ever to support our colleagues and communities and do our part to help fight racial discrimination and inequality. Join us, and help us effect meaningful, lasting change.
