Interview: Behind the lens of inclusion - Haddy Ndure on rewriting the script for media
Haddy Ndure is a distinguished journalist, presenter and D&I speaker with a powerful commitment to increasing representation for young Africans in the UK.
From hosting Stories from the Continent to co-founding the Audacity Education Programme, she combines storytelling with advocacy to elevate voices often unheard.
With experience across BBC, ITV, and now Cambridge University Press, Haddy has built her platform by engaging with issues like climate change, education, gender equality and youth empowerment.
Her reach spans broadcasts, digital media, and educational initiatives— always with authenticity and connection.
Film News Blitz presents this exclusive interview with The Inspirational Leadership Speakers Agency, Haddy shares how she found her voice, her vision for the future of media, and the changes she believes businesses must make to genuinely embrace diversity and inclusion.
Q: What does it mean to you to be considered a leading voice for young Africans in UK media?
Haddy Ndure: “I think for me, I’ve been working in radio and TV since I was 15.
“I’ve always known how to use my voice on screen and on air, so I guess for me it has been about translating that into issues to do with the community, national issues, and issues to do with where I’m from.
“I’ve learned to find and also use my voice to advocate for those issues that matter to me and my community, and bring those issues to the forefront and into the mainstream. So to then be defined as a leading voice, it is truly an honour.”
Q: Of all the people you've interviewed, which conversation challenged you most, and why?
Haddy Ndure: “If I had to pick a favourite – and I’ll give you my reason why – my favourite to interview so far has been Sadiq Khan.
“It was on budget day, so it wasn’t anything exciting, and although it wasn’t a sit-down interview and I was just throwing a load of questions at him, it was the beginning of me starting to feel that I can truly make an impact in the work that I do.
“It felt natural to me; it felt like this is what I’m designed to do.
“From then onwards I knew that I had found home for myself, and that was in journalism – in interacting with people and speaking, essentially being able to use my voice in that sense.”
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Q: Looking ahead, how do you see journalism evolving in the digital age, especially in terms of diversity and inclusion?
Haddy Ndure: “I think already in the several years that I’ve been in the industry, I’ve seen how much it’s transforming.
“The traditional barriers are being broken; what was once private is being made public.
“More importantly for me, we’re seeing the use of media and journalism to celebrate differences among people and promote diversity, inclusion, and equity – which is also part of the work that I do now.
“That has been a natural area to dip into because of my experiences in journalism, often being the only Black woman in the room.
“When I saw this question, it made me think about a wonderful phrase from Maya Angelou where she says: “I come as one but I stand as ten thousand.”
“For me, it’s knowing that me being who I am and where I am doesn’t just come from myself. It comes from my heritage, my community, and my origin – I know that and I own it.
“So I think where media and journalism is going is exciting. It’s exciting to be part of it, exciting to see where it’s going, and exciting to contribute to that future.”
Q: What are your top strategies for conducting interviews that really connect with audiences?
Haddy Ndure: “I think for me the main ones would be to listen and to connect. I am naturally a very empathetic person, so for me it’s vital that I connect with my interviewee.
“It doesn’t have to be through a shared experience; you just have to listen and allow them to be comfortable enough to share what they need to share – and what you would also like your audience to take away.
“An obvious one is of course doing your research, but I think it means nothing if you don’t listen, learn, and connect with your guest.
“People, in general from what I’ve learned over the years, want to be heard.
“As journalists, we have to give them that feeling of validation almost, by just allowing them to speak and being comfortable enough to share what they need to share.”
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Q: In your view, what practical steps should businesses take to improve diversity and inclusion in how they communicate and represent people?
Haddy Ndure: “I think you have to engage the people you’re working with.
“You have to engage the people who are working for you and with you, and that comes from making them feel valued. I think that’s really important.
“Businesses should create an environment where people feel that they can truly be themselves, and also create an environment that is inclusive to the communities you’re serving, the audiences you’re serving, and speaking to as well.
“For me, especially as a marketer, I bring that into my everyday work because I’m aware of all these other audiences. You can’t serve an audience that you don’t know exists.
“Once you establish that, then you’re able to serve them. In my everyday marketing campaigns, I’m able to say: actually, we should think about this region and that region, and the sensitivities associated with those regions.
“It’s about having open and honest conversations, making your colleagues feel valued, and tapping into their expertise.
“You’d be surprised, especially in international organisations like the one I work for, how useful it is.
“We have colleagues all over the world, so I’m able to send them something and say: what do you think about this, is this okay for your region?
“Again, it’s about conversations. It has to start from the very top, and it’s about bringing everybody in, making everybody feel valued, wanted, and that their voices count.”
This exclusive interview with Haddy Ndure was conducted by Megan Lupton of The Motivational Speakers Agency.
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