It’s #PrideMonth! Celebrate with us as we spotlight talented members of the LGBTQ+ community making WBD #AlwaysProud.

First up is UK-based Digital Creative & Production Manager Benjah Pozi-Quansah, who tells us about launching the Black Britain Unspoken program, how his improv comedy skills come in handy at work, and much more.

Q: What do you do at WBD? How long have you been with the organization?

A: I work in the UK marketing department, heading up social and digital content creation for brands including discovery+, Discovery Channel and TLC. We have a great team, and I’m lucky enough to manage some really talented creatives and producers who make fantastic content across all major social platforms. I also handle strategic operations for the social and digital team.

I'm known as a “boomerang,” because I left the company, gained experience elsewhere, and then came back! My experience with Warner Bros. Discovery spans over 11 years. I spent over half of this time working as a producer, but have also worked in technical, operations, sales and marketing arenas.

Q: Tell us about one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on at WBD or one of your most fun days here.

A: Hands down, it has to be launching the Black Britain Unspoken (BBU) programme with WBD in 2021. After George Floyd’s death, I joined the BEING Business Resource Group (BRG). I wanted to do something that was extra meaningful for Black History Month the following year, so with the help of Emma Cassady and Mawuli Fia (two co-chairs of BEING), we came up with an initiative that aimed to do three things: diversify the commissioning on discovery+ and put Black stories at the forefront, give an opportunity to up-and-coming Black filmmakers, and exist as an authentically Black-led grassroots initiative. We pitched our idea, got the green light, secured a budget, and BBU was born.

We collaborated with the Charity Media Trust to secure over 100 submissions from Black filmmakers. We gave ten the opportunity to pitch their idea to a panel made up of WBD commissioners and Black industry talent. Three of the final ideas were greenlit for production, and each filmmaker was allocated a budget and assigned a full task force of WBD talent, including producers, production managers, editors, commissioning editors and more. Each filmmaker was supported and mentored along the way, and premiered their films on discovery+ in time for UK Black History Month.

I’m super proud that we supported three incredible, diverse creatives and their films, launching their careers in the sector. Because I steered and produced the initiative, I was really able to utilise my experience from all of the various sides of the business that I’ve worked in.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community and just beginning their career journey?

A: When you are part of a minority, it can be easy to feel like the world or your work environment isn’t designed for you. Something I’ve learned is to not view different perspectives as obstacles but as strengths. If everyone was the same, the world would be boring. As I’m a part of three minorities (being Black, gay and neurodiverse), I know from first-hand experience how hard it can be, but I say, celebrate your uniqueness and bring your authenticity with you into every room you enter. Know that you are special because people who create change are people who think differently.

Q: What does Pride mean to you?  

A: For me, Pride means accepting and loving yourself inside and out, celebrating all of the aspects of you that make you special, and standing up for what’s right. Pride is being unshakable in your spirit and existing as your truest, authentic self all the time.

Q: What feeds your soul outside of work?

A: I do improvised comedy! I’ve been doing it for about eight years, performing as part of a troupe and as an MC for improv comedy events. It’s really helped in my career as improv is all about actively listening, supporting your teammates, and being present and flexible. It’s also come in handy when I’ve been presenting, hosting events, or on a panel.

I also have a penchant for reality TV, anime, long-distance cycling, keeping myself fit in the gym, playing percussion, and I’m an avid video-gamer!