Gerry Anyanwu’s Journey to Empowerment is Breaking Barriers
“Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.”
Gerry Anyanwu; Founder at Fully Human
For Gerry Anyanwu, success wasn’t something she had ever claimed for herself—until a friend pointed it out. That moment changed everything, allowing her to redefine success on her own terms. Having faced significant challenges, Gerry has channelled her lived experiences into creating positive change. She is the founder of Fully Human, a coaching business that uses culture-based coaching to promote workplace happiness. But her impact extends far beyond coaching—she is also a primary school governor leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the co-chair of a family-focused employee resource group, the founder of The Uncommon Collective (helping young people into employment), and the co-founder of Join Our Table (a movement increasing Black women’s visibility in the media industry). At the heart of her work is a clear mission: to give people the confidence and platform to take ownership of their own stories.
Creating Spaces for Representation and Visibility
Gerry’s work is rooted in access, representation, and empowerment. She has dedicated herself to breaking down barriers and ensuring that Black women and young people have the opportunities they deserve. Through The Uncommon Collective, she supports young people in navigating employment challenges, while Join Our Table provides Black women with opportunities to be seen, heard, and celebrated in an industry where they are often underrepresented.
One of her proudest achievements has been opening up access to industry events where Black female representation was previously low. By creating these opportunities and holding space for women to show up as their full selves, Gerry is driving meaningful, lasting change.
Finding Strength in Community: How DiNN Has Played a Role
Gerry believes that thriving in today’s world isn’t something that happens alone—it takes a village. Do it Now Now (DiNN) has been an important part of that village, offering encouragement, peer-to-peer support, and a safe space to connect and grow through the Starting Up programme.
Black entrepreneurs often face systemic challenges when it comes to accessing funding, resources, and educational support. Gerry has tackled these obstacles by leaning into her network and building relationships with people who can open doors. “Your network is your net worth,” she says, emphasising the power of collaboration in overcoming barriers.
Leading with Action: The Power of Imperfect Steps
Gerry knows first-hand that perfectionism can hold people back. Her advice for anyone looking to start or grow their business? “Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.” Many aspiring entrepreneurs delay their dreams in pursuit of perfection, but Gerry believes that taking action—learning, adapting, and growing along the way—is the real key to success.
Her leadership is defined by action and community-driven change. Whether she’s mentoring young people, advocating for Black women in media, or guiding businesses towards more inclusive workplace cultures, Gerry leads with the belief that representation and visibility are fundamental to progress.
A Vision for the Future: Amplifying Black Voices in Leadership
For Gerry, success is about more than personal achievement—it’s about collective progress. She believes that Black voices must be heard in decision-making spaces, shaping the industries and systems that influence society.
By ensuring representation at leadership levels, she is working towards a future where underrepresented communities are not just invited to the table, but are actively shaping the conversations and decisions that matter.
As she continues to grow Fully Human and expand her advocacy work, Gerry remains committed to one clear purpose: creating spaces where people can step into their power and take control of their own stories. “I give people a voice so they can become the main character in the story of their life,” she says. And in doing so, she is shaping a world where success is defined by resilience, self-belief, and the power to uplift others.
