Truly leveraging diversity and optimising talent development is tough. Yam brings an energy and expertise to working through this challenge like no other. I value his positive and insightful challenge; his authentic curiosity to overcome the barriers that hold us back; and his action orientated mindset to make a change, and make the difference to others.

Ben Yellowlees
Learning & Development ManagerJ&J Innovative Medicine

Nyambe Sumbwanyambe is building something vital with The Black Sherpa, a space where inclusion isn't performative, it's personal. His work inspires leaders to act with empathy, equity, and impact. What sets him apart is his ability to turn lived experience into strategic guidance that empowers organisations.

Octavia Goredema MBE
CEO of Fire Memos and Author of Prep, Push, Pivot

In a time when many organisations are grappling with DE&I fatigue and stretched resources, Yam brings a clarity of purpose that re-energises the conversation. Working with him has been a turning point—proof that inclusive innovation isn’t a luxury, it’s a leadership imperative.

Ian Chamberlain
Director & Founder, Life Science Access Academy

Yam has an unparalleled ability to connect with people, bring out their best whilst also persuasively challenging them to question and think differently. He is a natural leader, skilled communicator, effortless presenter and tactful facilitator and his power to connect is the power that drives change.

SARIKA PASSI
National Oncology Projects Manager UK | APA Global Co-Lead, MSD UK

Yam is an exceptional facilitator who unlocks people's potential, ignites passion, and creates opportunities. I have witnessed his remarkable ability to gain buy-in and lead industry-level projects that involve multiple senior stakeholders to rally together in addressing significant societal DEI gaps that exist within the professional world. What truly sets Yam apart is his ability to step into any situation and inspire confidence that positive, tangible results will follow.

Pascal Phillips
Medical Capabilities Lead | Northern European Hub Eli Lilly

Yam’s genuine investment in meaningful dialogue is evident, making it an honour to discuss topics that are both personal and important. His ability to actively listen—without judgment—empowers his guests to speak with confidence, knowing their voice contributes to a platform grounded in purpose and positive impact.

Anand Madhvani
Regional Business Director, GSK

Yam possesses that rare combination of deep learning and development knowledge, along with an emotional intelligence that is truly exceptional—qualities that cannot be taught or learned.

His ability to frame the challenges we faced as a business was invaluable. He helped me make sense of the developmental opportunities available for our team, guiding us toward growth and improvement. What stood out most was his insightfulness; he not only supported the team but also accompanied me on my personal journey. Yam helped me identify and embrace the opportunities that arise from leading through constant change and uncertainty.

Jessica Fine
Digital Transformation Lead, Human Health Digital, Data and Analytics at Merck

Yam has a strong presence across industry where he’s respected and trusted. Through his experiences he’s been able to support communities, facilitate important discussions at conferences, and drive innovation in ways which unify up and coming professionals with those who have been in industry for a considerable period of time.

Steven Fuller
Founder of Race in STEM / The IN GROUP Communities Director

As the complete package, Yam can help drive meaningful and sustainable change and development and his support of diversity aligns perfectly with modern organisational values that prioritise equitable opportunities.

John Dangerfield
Head of Governance, Process Assurance and Foundational Capabilities at MSD

Yam is a leader I have long admired, trusted and respected. You can’t help but leave a discussion with Yam feeling inspired or reflective, the reason being a resounding sense of authenticity that is so important in leadership. When you bring together this leadership quality, a high degree of business acumen and the passion for such a critical mission, you really do have the perfect combination to make a difference.

Robert John
Operational Excellence Lead, HH International at MSD, Trustee, Stemette Futures

Yam’s approach is simultaneously incisive, energising and direct, employing methods that genuinely had an immediate impact on my outlook. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I enjoyed the process of mapping my priorities and energies too, leaving me empowered to make necessary changes and go confidently in new directions. The clarity of Yam’s insights is what I was struck with - his ability to distil his conclusions into practical guidance backed by clear experience and expertise in the field. Highly recommended.

Jeffrey Boakye
Author, Educator, Broadcaster

When I see the mission and vision of ‘The Black Sherpa’ I have been able to witness first hand the experiences and learnings that Yam has incorporated into this very important work. I truly believe that having a leader that has ‘walked the walk’ is so important in creating and earning credibility and Yam brings this in significant proportions. On a personal level, Yam has not only been able to navigate a corporate world effectively but has been a truly human centred individual that has an insatiable ability to captivate the hearts and minds of those he partners with.

Jazz Singh Kooner
HR Business Partner – Mid Europe, MSD

Yam is an exceptional leader and coach with a unique ability to connect, inspire, and add real value. His extensive experience across multiple leadership levels makes him an invaluable asset to any organisation seeking impactful coaching and community engagement.

Antonio Tombanane
CEO The Edge Hub

I have found Yam to be an exceptionally reliable and innovative leader. His strategic mindset and high leadership behaviors have been instrumental in driving meaningful change and transformation. His commitment to unlocking under-represented talent and building inclusive cultures aligns perfectly with the mission of "The Black Sherpa," which emphasizes that the leaders of tomorrow will be defined by the cultures they create and the lives they elevate. I wholeheartedly recommend Yam as an outstanding consultant, friend, and visionary leader.

Arnaud Faguer
Executive Director, Human Health Global Learning & Development, MSD

Yam kindly hosted an episode of a podcast series focussing on melanomas in people with dark skin tones, a complex topic to unpick with lack of education, awareness often resulting in late diagnoses. With emotional intelligence, sensitivity and clarity, he expertly interviewed healthcare professionals and a patient to tease out various health inequalities stemming from lack of medical training and general awareness of melanomas in people with dark skin tones.

Susanna Daniels
CEO Melanoma Focus

Having worked with Yam across the last decade, I know all about his vision and dedication to transforming attitudes and beliefs around what inclusive leadership is and can be. He has the skill of being able to insert himself in any environment, build trust and rapport, and show genuine curiosity about people leaders, work-places, and the culture that binds them, whilst quickly diagnosing issues and challenges that prevent leaders building genuinely equitable foundations for talent to rise up.

Tim Philip
Global Brand Lead, Chronic Cough, Merck

Yam is a natural leader—the kind who brings people together, sets the tone, and uplifts everyone around him. He was the glue that held the team through change, always advocating for equality, fairness, and unity in everything we did. His influence extended far beyond his role.

I wholeheartedly recommend Yam to any organization looking to unlock performance through inclusive leadership, to close talent gaps, and drive sustainable growth. His rare combination of strategic thinking and deep empathy makes him not just a high performer—but a transformational force.

Mark Whitfield
Executive Director, Novartis

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