Alumnus Shalom Lloyd gives MBA masterclass
ULMS were delighted to welcome back alumna and founder of Naturally Tribal Skincare Ltd, Shalom Lloyd (MBA 2010) to give a guest lecture to current MBA students as part of the MBA Masterclass and Consultancy Challenge Series 2022.
Shalom spoke to an audience of students and staff in the programme’s dedicated Brett Building on Monday 31 January.
Originally a scientist, Lloyd leveraged both her MBA and her cross-cultural background as a British-Nigerian, to create Naturally Tribal Skincare Ltd, a natural chemical-free skincare company built on valuing healthy, ethical and sustainable living whilst empowering African women. Turning to her roots, she sources natural remedies using raw, 100% natural and sustainable ingredients from Africa and employs local women in the Kingdom of Essan, Nigeria. She has built a successful business (recently securing a deal with Harrods) whilst pushing for diversity and cultural awareness in the global business place for herself and others.
Shalom is also Director at JE Oils, a Nigeria-based manufacturer of agriculturally derived oils, which delivers ethical and sustainable products locally, as well as to customers around the globe.
In addition, she is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Emerging Markets Quality Trials (EMQT), an organisation focused on the inclusion of patients of African descent into clinical trials. Shalom spoke about the lack of racial diversity in clinical trials “Black people make up 17% of the world's population, yet less than 3% of us are involved in clinical trials. When my father passed away from cancer, he lived in Africa, and I wonder if he was involved in the clinical trial process, maybe he'd still be with me today. I’m always driven by trying to create a solution”.
Shalom inspired the audience by sharing her journey to developing and leading a cross-cultural organisation, leveraging her science, business and cultural background - and the challenges and barriers she faced along the way.
Shalom said: “My advice to budding entrepreneurs would be to do something you are passionate about – because the journey is tough! Never let a lack of finance stop you. Be genuine, surround yourself with a great team and remember that failure is always a possibility - and even a necessary step towards success”.
Bernie Lyons, who leads the MBA Masterclass Series said: "We are delighted to welcome back our MBA Alumni, particularly those as inspiring as Shalom – she is a truly global leader, with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong sense of purpose, which fits with the aspirations of our MBA students. An inspirational speaker, Shalom made a significant impact on us all".