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A trusted partner in culture, leadership & progression

The Black Sherpa helps under-represented people overcome hidden challenges, build confidence, and connect with others so organisations can create fairer, stronger teams that thrive together.

We support organisations in creating cultures that value every voice and drive high performance through inclusion and respect.

From career climber
to Sherpa

I’m Yam, strategist, award-winning programme creator, and advisor to leaders shaping the future of work. I began my career as one of many under-represented leaders finding my way and learning to lead within systems that weren’t always designed to support people like me. That experience fuels my purpose.

Why The Black Sherpa?
Because too many brilliant leaders from under-represented backgrounds hit invisible barriers... dismissed as “not ready” when the truth is a lack of sponsors, outdated cultures, and unseen obstacles.

After 20 years in life sciences, I knew how to build capabilities, manage change, and drive growth. But podcasting revealed the real game-changer: starting conversations that matter.

Through The Black Sherpa Podcast, I’ve heard what’s often left unsaid... the real challenges, the breakthroughs, the hard truths. I now help executives and organisations learn those truths faster, act smarter, and build inclusive cultures that last.

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A smiling man with short hair and beard, wearing a white button-up shirt, standing against a dark background.
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Former Global Strategy Leader at MSD/MERCK:
Commercial Excellence, Learning & Development & EBRG Leader

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PF Awards Winner 2024:
Excellence in Education
(Lead Your Career™)

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Host of The 5 Star Black Sherpa Podcast:
Spotlighting social mobility & career progression

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Coach, Culture Strategist & Leadership Partner:
Humanising workplaces
and driving high performance

Trusted By

  • Logo with a DNA helix and the words "TICKET to BIOTECH" in bold white text on a black background.
  • Book cover titled 'The AMOS Bursary' with black background and white text.
  • Black and white logo for P2F5 Awards, with text 'awards' and 'official judge' inside a circle.
  • Black background with the word "Soliol" written in large, white, rounded letters.
  • MSD logo consisting of a geometric icon with four overlapping circles and the white text 'MSD' next to it.
  • A red book with black cursive lettering and the text 'Let's Talk' in black beneath it.
  • Text reading 'Chemia Reset' on a black background.
  • Logo for Black Professionals in Life Sciences (BPLS), featuring an abstract atom symbol with a heart inside, and the text 'BPLS' and 'Black Professionals in Life Sciences'
  • Pixelated logo with the text 'MELANOMA F OCUS' in white and yellow font on a black background, with the letter 'O' stylized as a crosshair or target symbol.
  • Logo of Camino Communications featuring a stylized yellow crescent shape and a yellow dot above, with the text 'CAMINO COMMUNICATIONS' underneath in white on a black background.
  • Letters cut out and arranged to spell 'Class of the Town' in a collage style on a background split into white and yellow sections.

Change doesn’t start with everyone.
It starts with someone.

At The Black Sherpa, we’re on a mission to help you and your business unlock under-represented talent and build the culture of the future.

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