Episode 3

full
Published on:

19th Mar 2025

Being a visual role model for your brand – with Michelle De Leon [S3, EP3]

In this episode of Start Being Visible, Mildred sits down with Michelle De Leon, the founder and CEO of World Afro Day®. From her personal journey with Afro hair to leading a global movement for recognition and equality, Michelle shares the experiences that shaped her mission.

They discuss the power of embracing natural hair, the inspiration behind World Afro Day, and Michelle’s incredible advocacy work—including her recent campaign to update the UK Equality Act to protect Afro hair.

Michelle also opens up about her mother-daughter journey, her decision to change her name, and how she’s stepping into new spaces as a public speaker.

This conversation is about visibility, identity, and the importance of challenging societal norms.

Key topics discussed:

  • Growing up without a mother and raising a daughter
  • Michelle’s decision to change her middle name and the powerful story behind it
  • Embracing natural Afro hair and breaking generational beauty standards
  • The inspiration and impact of World Afro Day®
  • Workplace hair discrimination and the fight for legal protections
  • The importance of visibility and using your voice for change

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About the Podcast

Start Being Visible
With Mildred Talabi
Welcome to the Start Being Visible podcast.

My name is Mildred Talabi. I’ve spent the past decade plus mastering the art of personal branding in my career, as a former journalist and communications professional, and in my business which has taken on various forms over the years.

I now spend most of my time championing and coaching women to increase their influence, income and impact through being visible on platforms like LinkedIn and beyond.

In this podcast, I’ll be sharing with you some of my insights into the journey to being visible, as well as bringing you amazing candid conversations from professional women who have chosen to step out of the shadows and into the limelight in their work lives.

We’ll discuss the highs, the lows and the in betweens of being visible so that you can find the courage, the knowledge and the resources you need to start being visible in your own life.

Hit the subscribe button to never miss out on our weekly episodes.

If you like what you hear, please leave a review and spread the word.

You can find me on all the main social media platforms as "Mildred Talabi".

About your host

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Mildred Talabi

Mildred Talabi has spent the last decade mastering the art of personal branding in both her career and business as a former Journalist and PR and Communications professional.

Today she specialises in helping female leaders build powerful and authentic personal brands through being visible on LinkedIn.

She is a recognised LinkedIn Influencer, with over 50,000 followers, a 4x published author and the founder of Visible Women Tribe - a global membership community for high-achieving women in business and leadership.

Find out more at mildredtalabi.com.