Awura Abena Simpe, Presenter, Writer and Consultant

Awura Abena Simpe is an Amsterdam-based presenter, writer and consultant. With a background in law, entrepreneurship, and media, she empowers individuals and organizations through workshops on career planning and inclusion. Awura is dedicated to building genuine relationships and inspiring meaningful change in the workplace.

Awura, you’ve had quite a career journey! From attorney to entrepreneur, managing editor, and now a presenter. What’s been the driving force behind these shifts?

My journey has always been about exploration—seeking what feels right for me at each stage of my life. Starting as an attorney gave me a solid foundation, but I realized I craved more variety and a space for creative expression. This desire for growth led me to entrepreneurship, media, and now presenting. Each career shift has taught me something new about myself, helping me discover what truly excites and fulfills me.”

Your switch to managing editor at Cosmopolitan was a big move. How did that come about?

It was a surprise, honestly! The editor-in-chief DM’d me about the role. I didn’t have a journalism background, but I had plenty of experience in leadership, strategy, and writing. It turned out that all my previous roles, even as a attorney and entrepreneur, prepared me for this. It was a perfect blend of skills I’d unknowingly been building.

What advice do you have for professionals looking to switch careers like you did?

Reflect on where you want to go, research the field, and understand the steps required—whether it’s building a portfolio, getting additional training, or even doing an internship. People can offer valuable insights, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Sometimes the fastest path to growth is learning from others’ experiences.

You’ve been an entrepreneur and worked in corporate roles. Which gives more freedom?

Entrepreneurship offers more freedom because you create your own opportunities, but it comes with 100% responsibility. In corporate, you have stability, but growth can be limited by the company’s structure. I thrive when I’m free to explore, which is why I love entrepreneurship. But after five years of running my own business, I did crave the stability that corporate work offers, especially after the challenges of the pandemic. Now, as a presenter, I’ve moved back to a more entrepreneurial path—blending creativity with the freedom to shape my own journey.

What’s your take on career growth—how often should someone switch roles or industries?

Personally, every two to three years, I feel an itch to switch and grow. It’s important to constantly be in environments that challenge you. If you’re not growing, it’s time to move on. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or in a corporate role, always look for ways to stretch your abilities.

Now you’re a presenter! What’s your niche, and how do you prepare for presentations?

My focus is on personal and professional development, career planning, and inclusion in the workplace. Preparation is everything! It starts with understanding the client’s goals, researching the topic, and then writing and rehearsing until every topic/challenge is covered. I also spend a lot of time networking and continuously improving myself through mentorship and learning.

Speaking of mentorship, how has being both a mentor and mentee helped your career?

Mentorship has been a game-changer! My mentor is a national TV presenter, and she’s helped me focus and cut out distractions. Having someone guide you can accelerate your growth by years. I’ve been mentoring young professionals too (through Fè Space) and it’s incredibly rewarding to pass on what I’ve learned.

Any recent projects you’re particularly proud of?

I’m working with names like Samsung, Nike, and Kruidvat. I host workshops on personal branding and inclusion and moderate events for entrepreneurs, young professionals and students. It’s exciting to collaborate with such diverse clients and make an impact in these areas.

Personal branding is about telling the world who you are, what you do, and why. It’s your story, and you need to communicate that consistently, both online and in person. It’s essential for building credibility and standing out in today’s professional world.
— Awura Abena Simpe

Personal branding is a hot topic. What’s the essence of it, and why does it matter?

Personal branding is about telling the world who you are, what you do, and why. It’s your story, and you need to communicate that consistently, both online and in person. It’s essential for building credibility and standing out in today’s professional world.

How do you engage an audience during presentations?

It’s all about connection. Eye contact, body language, tone of voice—all of that keeps people engaged. I mix storytelling with theory, interactive tasks, and group discussions. The goal is to ensure the message resonates. Being present and reading the room is essential. You have to feel the audience’s energy and adapt on the spot.

How do you make sure your message is impactful?

The secret to making a message truly impactful is vulnerability. For example, in my inclusion workshops, I could focus on facts and theories, and while that’s important, it’s not enough to move people. You need to make it personal. I share my own experiences—like the time someone asked why my event wasn’t wheelchair accessible or why ticket prices were so high. That feedback made me realize I had blind spots, too. When you open up about your own missteps, the audience feels safe to do the same, and that’s when real conversations—and change—begin.

So vulnerability opens up the audience. How does that change the outcome of your workshops?

It goes beyond the surface. People become more open, and instead of just listening, they engage in a conversation that hits the core. It’s where real change begins—when people recognize their own blind spots and feel safe enough to discuss them. Vulnerability allows us to move from theory to action.

Speaking of inclusion, what do companies still need to learn when it comes to diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

The biggest issue I’ve seen across my career is related to power. People at the top often don’t want to give up their power. They’re comfortable in their roles and might be out of touch with what’s happening on the ground, yet they hold on to their positions. Companies do diversity days and workshops, which are important, but if they don’t change the structure—if they don’t address the power dynamics—the impact of these activities is limited. You can empower individuals all day long, but if the system itself doesn’t change, these individuals are ironically unable to use the power in the systems in which they exist.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced when working with companies on diversity?

The challenge often lies in the disconnect between different layers within a company. Employees at the middle or lower levels are usually eager for change, but they these companies have the most risk with losing a connection with our multidimensional population. Those in leadership positions have often been there for years, making it even harder to overcome the resistance to change. In some organizations, diversity is lacking even at the entry level, so it’s a struggle at every tier, not just at the top.

First define what does sustainability means for you. Is it financial stability, work-life balance, creative freedom, or all three? Once you have that clear vision, plan the actions needed to achieve it. A lot of creatives have big dreams but forget that those dreams require big actions.
— Awura Abena Simpe

Switching topics a bit—what advice would you give someone looking to switch careers or industries, especially to something like what you do?

First, save your money! Ideally, have six to 12 months of savings to give yourself financial breathing room. Second, do your research. Learn everything you can about the new role or industry you want to enter. Take workshops, find mentors, and build a strategy. And then act—plan small steps that expose you to the new reality so you can get a clearer picture of whether it’s really what you want. You may need an in-between step before you land exactly where you want to be.

What challenges have you faced throughout your own career, and what would you do differently looking back?

Early on, as a attorney, the biggest challenge was not having peers. I was often the only woman, the youngest person in the room, and the only POC/Black person, so I didn’t have anyone to share relatable experiences with. As an entrepreneur, I realized I loved the creative, visionary side but found the scaling and long-term operational aspects quite difficult. And as a managing editor, I learned that freelancing aligns more with my personality than being in a corporate structure, so I now use corporate roles more as stepping stones for growth, rather than a goal in itself.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to creatives or entrepreneurs wanting to build a sustainable career?

First, define what sustainability means for you. Is it financial stability, work-life balance, creative freedom, or all three? And what does that look like? Once you have that clear vision, plan the actions needed to achieve it. A lot of creatives have big dreams but forget that those dreams require big actions. It’s also important to recognize that there may be unglamorous steps along the way—like taking on commercial projects or side hustles to build a financial foundation. Don’t shy away from the “unsexy” work. It can be a bridge to get you where you really want to go and build further.

Finally, how do you stay true to your purpose while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and freelancing?

Staying true to my purpose means constantly reflecting and recalibrating. I always ask myself: Am I growing? Am I aligned with my values? When I feel off-track, I pause and reassess. The key is flexibility—knowing when to stick to your plan and when to pivot. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to change direction if it serves your long-term vision. That’s part of the journey too, and can sometimes lead to unexpected exciting paths you didn’t imagine.

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