In this edition of Leadership Insights: 3 questions with…, we speak with Nafissa Norris, a dynamic leader who thrives on building communities that celebrate diversity, champion inclusion, and create spaces where people feel seen, safe, and empowered.
As Head of Membership and Engagement at the Conscious Advertising Network (CAN), Nafissa engages 200 global members, driving transparency, challenging outdated norms, and proving that effective advertising can work for everyone. With a career spanning luxury fashion, events, film, and content production, she brings a unique perspective on culture, storytelling, and audience engagement – all while mentoring others, championing equity, and sprinkling a little joy into everything she does.
Here, she reflects on the lessons she’s learned about authentic leadership, inclusive team culture, and the practices that have shaped her approach to leading with empathy and courage.
And here’s what Nafissa had to say…
1. If you could rewind the clock to when you started out on your leadership journey, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell myself: don’t shrink to fit into spaces that weren’t designed with you in mind. For too long, I thought I needed to downplay parts of my identity, be a chameleon to blend in, avoid asking that lingering question, or overcompensate to prove my worth. You’ll tell me to “jump” and I’ll ask, “how high?”… Looking back, I can see how those moments chipped away at my confidence, which was already fragile as a young woman of colour in the entertainment industry (and usually the only one in the room).
I’d remind myself that my heritage, lived experiences, and intersectional perspective are not limitations but a unique advantage. They bring nuance, empathy, and creativity into everything I do. Leading authentically, without apology, is where the real impact happens. I’d encourage myself to use my voice and that my questions are valid, regardless of how my elocution compares to those in the room. And if the right spaces don’t exist, I have the ability to shape them.
Being weird is wonderful, who defined “normal” anyway??
2. What is the best advice you have been given about creating a positive team culture or being a leader?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to not make assumptions. It sounds simple, but it’s transformative. We often think we know what someone else needs, what motivates them, or what barriers they might face, but assumptions can be harmful, even when well-intentioned. Instead, ask. Listen. Create the space for people to tell you what they need on their own terms, while being self-aware of your own biases.
Even if you’re considered an “expert,” that expertise comes only from your lived experience and the knowledge you’ve consumed, it doesn’t mean you know it all. And too often, we underestimate the power of lived experience compared to what’s listed on a CV. Making space for those voices can surface insights and perspectives that change the whole dynamic of a team for the better.
That lesson has been invaluable in building inclusive teams and communities, both in my professional work and voluntary roles. When you stop making assumptions, you avoid stereotyping, you leave room for authentic conversations, and you nurture genuine psychological safety. In the communications industry, we spend so much time focusing on external messaging that we can overlook how we interact with each other internally as human beings.
For me, allyship means being present with curiosity and humility. It’s about actively listening, staying open to learning, and challenging our assumptions – especially the ones we didn’t know we held.
3. What is the one book or podcast that has most influenced your approach to leadership?
Shelina Janmohamed’s Story of Now: Let’s Talk About the British Empire has been a powerful influence on me. It deepened my understanding of how history shapes identity and systems today, and reinforced my commitment to tackling inequality with courage and intersectionality. It’s a reminder that leadership is about context, legacy, and responsibility, and that we can’t drive change without acknowledging the roots of the systems we’re trying to transform.
On a different but equally valuable note, the “The Squiggly Careers” podcast by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis has given me practical tips, tools, and advice for navigating my own squiggly career with confidence. I often recommend it to my mentees, and the coaching format is super easy to digest, relatable and fun. Leadership is about adaptability, curiosity, and continuous growth, and I love the idea of being a life-long learner.