October is Black History Month in the UK, a time to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of individuals with African and Caribbean heritage to British society, as well as to promote a deeper understanding of Black history worldwide.
This year, the Black Experience Community is proud to champion the theme of "Reclaiming Narratives," emphasising the importance of recognising and correcting historical narratives while focusing on joy and celebration. With this in mind, we asked members of the Black Experience community to share their stories - how do they find success and fulfilment in their roles, and what advice they would give to others looking to follow in their footsteps.
Can you share more about your role and some of the exciting projects you're currently working on?
Faith Appah, Enterprise Sales Coordinator:
I work as an Enterprise PC Enablement Sales Specialist, where my primary responsibility is to collaborate with our Payment Consultants (PCs) on their current enterprise deals. My role involves supporting them through the entire sales cycle, from prospecting to closing, with the goal of converting these prospects into long-term Dojo customers. One of the most exciting aspects of my role is the growth we’re experiencing as a team. We’ve been expanding into larger enterprise accounts and penetrating new industries that we hadn’t previously tapped into, including Dentistry and Lodging. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities, allowing us to innovate and tailor our approach to industries with unique needs, which is incredibly rewarding.
Joy David, Product Manager for International Expansion:
In my role as an International Expansion Product Manager at Dojo, I’m at the forefront of driving growth into new markets, ensuring operational readiness, commercial success, and product-market fit. Recently, I led the successful launch into the Italian market—a complex but rewarding programme that covered everything from initial discovery and market research to navigating regulatory landscapes and designing a new remuneration structure for our self-employed sales teams.
Currently, I’m leading the initiative to unlock acceptance of a particular scheme for our European markets. This will open up significant Total Addressable Market (TAM) and create an additional revenue stream. From initial planning to collaborating with external partners, I’m involved in every step of the process, which has been incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I’ve played a key role in the rollout of Banking Windows and Cashback features across our European markets—initiatives that have reduced churn and expanded our market reach.
What inspired you to join Dojo?
Joy:
What drew me to Dojo was their ambition and commitment to understanding and building for their customers. They’re doing some really exciting things in the payments space, and I wanted to be part of that journey. I was also interested in the opportunity to work on international expansion, especially in markets like Italy where the landscape is both challenging and full of potential. The company’s focus on learning and growth really stood out to me too—it’s the kind of place where you can take on responsibility early and make a real impact.
Faith:
I was looking for a fresh challenge. My background is primarily in SaaS and consulting sales, and I was eager to diversify my experience by working with a top-tier company with a strong product offering. When I came across Dojo, I was impressed by its reputation and innovative approach in the market. My top priority during my job search was finding a company that not only excelled in its industry but also offered a product I could stand behind—and Dojo checked both of those boxes. The opportunity to grow with a dynamic company and work on groundbreaking projects was the ultimate motivator for me to join.
What do you enjoy most about working at Dojo?
Joy:
The best thing about working at Dojo is definitely the culture. Collaboration is huge here, and I love that I get to work with so many different teams—whether it’s compliance, legal, commercial, data or other product teams—to solve big problems. I also really enjoy the fact that I get the freedom to take ownership of projects. I’m always encouraged to think strategically, but I also know I have a strong support system behind me. Plus, there’s always something new and exciting happening, which keeps me on my toes.
Faith:
What I enjoy most about working at Dojo, aside from the snacks and coffee perks, is the people and the culture. The work environment here fosters collaboration and team spirit, which makes coming into work something I genuinely look forward to every day. The sense of community is palpable, and the cross-functional teamwork is outstanding. Whether I’m working with sales, marketing, or product development teams, there’s a shared commitment to excellence, which makes achieving our goals together even more satisfying.
What advice would you give to others in the Black community looking to pursue a career in your specialism?
Joy:
I’d say the most important thing is to stay curious and resilient. The tech and payments industry can be tough, but if you’re willing to learn fast and think outside the box, there are a lot of opportunities. Having a strong network is key—find mentors and peers who can support you along the way. And don’t shy away from leadership opportunities, even if they feel out of your comfort zone. Taking on those roles has been the best way for me to grow.
It’s also important to remember that representation matters. By stepping into these spaces, you’re paving the way for others in the Black community to follow. Stay true to yourself and know that you can make a big impact, both for yourself and others.
Faith:
My advice would be to take bold steps and always stay curious. A career in sales, especially enterprise sales, is full of opportunities if you’re willing to push yourself and think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to leverage your existing skills, even if you haven’t held an official sales title before. Many skills from other roles are transferable to sales—communication, problem-solving, relationship-building—and they can help you stand out. Highlight those skills during your job search and focus on how you can add value to potential employers. Most importantly, embrace continuous learning, whether through mentorship, training, or self-development. That curiosity and drive will set you apart.
Want to know more about Life at Dojo?
Find more information on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Dojo here.