Celebrating Black History Month: Sojern's Inspiring Talk with Javeno Mclean

For Black History Month, we are celebrating and recognising Sojern’s black employees in travel and technology. Black History Month takes place annually every October in the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Ireland, allowing us to share, celebrate, and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. The event began in the U.S. in the 1920s and was first celebrated in the U.K. in 1987.

At Sojern, we know that a feeling of belonging matters, for both the well-being of the individual and our organisation. A huge part of fostering this sense of belonging is building a culture where individuals feel respected, seen, and heard. To highlight the contemporary contribution of black Britons, we had the honour of welcoming Javeno Mclean, business owner at J7 Health Centre, master trainer, and ex-athlete, to lead a live Q&A session with Sojern employees.

Javeno Mclean is a worldwide phenomenon who is spreading his unique message across the globe—Exercise is for all.

‍J7 is a health facility located in Manchester, U.K., and was born from a dream Mclean wrote on a piece of paper in his mother's kitchen. He envisioned a one-floor gym where he could connect and feel the energy of everyone there and a place that truly welcomed all. 

Mclean dedicates his time for free to his clients with physical disabilities, cancer, and rehabilitation for stroke survivors, and dementia sufferers, to name a few. Today, J7 is a dedicated place for those looking for support for their health and fitness goals. In a lively, inspiring conversation, Mclean shared his mission to change the way we see ourselves and others. He shares the gift of connecting with people and the ability to empower all, a message that resonates with millions and how each of us has the power to make the world a better place. 

“Javeno is an inspiration to all. He is a man of the people, extremely relatable and his message of kindness, empathy, and compassion was motivating and exceptionally moving. The feedback from his session was overwhelming, conversations across our global offices and positive feedback pouring in from all corners of the world,” said Róisín McBrierty, Sojern workplace experience manager.

“He is incredible! What an amazing human,” said Emma Blackshaw, Sojern senior customer success manager. “I didn't think I would be tearing up in the office half an hour ago.”

"My brother is working from home today and he walked by at the start of the call and asked ‘Is that Javeno!? Can I stay and listen as well?’ Was a great session,” said Ollie Godfrey, senior program specialist at Sojern. 

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Moving Forward

As we commemorate Black History Month, we are committed to driving for more cross-cultural awareness, representing and reflecting on each individual’s lived experiences, and creating a future where folks of every identity and background feel represented and celebrated every month of the year.

To learn more about Sojern’s culture and core values, check out our careers page.