To celebrate this year’s theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, Selom Bulla – Director of Sales, SMB Business Applications at ANS, kindly shared his story about navigating life through a series of stereotypes, microagressions, and how he approaches this.
How long have you been at ANS?
I started my career with a summer job in telemarketing for a small IT consultancy while still at university, working hard to prove myself—thanks to all the stories I’d grown up with about overcoming stereotypes and misconceptions related to “the colour of your skin”. Apparently, I made enough of an impression for them to ask me to stay on, but I dutifully returned to finish my degree. Fast forward to graduation and in need of a reference, I went back to my old employer, who promptly offered me a job on the spot.
Determined to make myself indispensable, I threw myself into the work and grabbed every opportunity that came my way. Within a year, I’d become a shareholder. I earned more equity through good results and eventually found myself as the major shareholder and managing director by my mid-twenties.
The following years were a wild ride—growing the team to over 60 people, building a great reputation for customer outcomes, earning awards, and navigating the ups and downs of running a small business.
In December 2023, the company was acquired by ANS, where I’m now leading the SMB Biz Apps sales team. It’s an exciting change of pace, being part of a fast-moving, private equity-backed organisation. And while my role might be different, my entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey with ANS will take me next!
How have you overcome any challenges faced either personally or professionally?
Growing up in a small, middle-class town in Berkshire, I realised early on that I might face some challenges my classmates wouldn’t. The neighbourhood taunts to “go home, blackie” or “go back to your own country” during childhood became more overtly racist encounters as a teenager, complete with the occasional verbal and physical confrontation.
As time went on, this evolved into stereotypes and, over the past two decades, has taken on a subtler form of more nuanced “micro-aggressions”. Rarely does more than a week or two pass without an experience of this sort, whether in my personal or professional life.
Most of these incidents now are unintentional and, generally, without any real malice. I’ve (perhaps wrongly) learned to ignore the majority, having realised long ago that picking my battles is far more productive than constantly finding myself in confrontations.
Despite this, I’m hardly walking around with a chip on my shoulder. I’ve got a solid sense of humour and can laugh at myself, my background, and just about anything else. But there are times when it’s important to point out that something someone has said isn’t okay.
When I do, I aim to be polite and well-intentioned, and this approach usually leads to either a heartfelt apology or a thoughtful conversation rooted in mutual curiosity. Sometimes, it even sparks a lively debate, but the outcome is almost always a better understanding for both parties than before.
Why is BHM important to you?
Black History Month is a crucial opportunity to celebrate the rich contributions and resilient spirit of Black people throughout history. It sheds light on narratives and perspectives that are often absent from mainstream education.
However, the question I always like to ask is: should these lessons be confined to just one month? While a dedicated month certainly highlights Black history and helps raise awareness, a truly inclusive curriculum would weave these stories—and those from other underrepresented groups—into the fabric of year-round education.
In a diverse, multicultural society, history should reflect the full range of experiences, cultures, and contributions that shape our world.
An integrated approach to teaching history would help students gain a more accurate and comprehensive view of the past and a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness and experiences of modern society. Learning about Black history, as well as the histories of other communities, shouldn’t feel like an add-on but rather a vital part of understanding how societies evolve and thrive.
By embedding diverse histories into the curriculum, we not only honour these contributions but also equip young people with a broader perspective. This, in turn, fosters a more empathetic and informed generation, better prepared to navigate and contribute to our multicultural world.