In today’s episode of Speaking of Inclusion… I am joined by Erefa Coker, a specialist in talent acquisition and cross-cultural integration. Erefa is the founder of Imo Talent, a company bridging the gap between global organisations and top talent from Africa. In this conversation we explore how biases, both conscious and unconscious, surface when it comes to considering the skills and expertise of people outside of our familiar frames of reference.
It's an honest look at the hesitations, assumptions, and sometimes uncomfortable realities that organisations face when considering hiring people on a globally remote basis.
Erefa candidly details the barriers she encounters, from questions of trust and language to subtler (and sometimes not so subtle) forms of anti-Black racism. As we unpack these issues together, I encourage you to listen with curiosity and to reflect on your own internal responses as the discussion unfolds.
Here are three key takeaways from today’s episode:
Bias in Talent Acquisition: Despite an undeniable abundance of skilled and motivated candidates in Africa, biases often mean organisations bypass African talent in favour of more familiar locations. These attitudes reveal much about ingrained perceptions around culture, qualifications, and trust.
Cross-Cultural Opportunities and Learning: Offshoring isn’t just a business decision, it’s an opportunity for genuine cross-cultural exchange. Erefa describes how organisations and talent both benefit when they move past assumptions and embrace the rich perspectives that emerge when global teams collaborate.
The Persistence of Anti-Black Racism: Our discussion doesn’t shy away from the discomfort of recognising how anti-Blackness can show up in the workplace, within hiring processes and even among Black communities themselves. Erefa offers her lived insights on colourism, name biases, and the exhausting reality of second-guessing one’s place in so many professional interactions.
As you listen, I’d like you to reflect on this question:
How do your own reservations (about geography, culture, or simply the unfamiliar) affect the way you view potential candidates, or source new talent?
We said we'd include in this episode's show notes:
Erefa’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erefa-fynecontry-coker/
Ima Imo’s website: www.imo-talent.app
Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.
www.KatieAllenConsulting.com
Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – “No Drama” by Alder