The Power of the Outsider: A Journey of Discovery

’Samuel Kasumu has written an important - and very moving - book about the outsider phenomenon.’
- Robert Peston

’The personal is so well mixed with the analytical... This is really great to read!’ - Kadie Kanneh-Mason

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Samuel Kasumu was the most senior black advisor in Boris Johnson’s government, until he left in April 2021. Throughout his time in Whitehall, Samuel became increasingly aware that he was an outsider - that his own experiences, assumptions and language were so different to many of those he found himself surrounded by in Downing Street.

In this book Samuel considers who outsiders are, why they are not talked about enough and how it can be a source of strength that leads them to become high achievers. He argues that the success of many great people can be explained by their outsider status.

Drawing on his own experiences in government, growing up and beyond, as well as the stories of other outsiders, famous and lesser known, Samuel shows how outsiders are more likely to be trailblazers and break barriers, how they have a greater sense of perspective and progress and how our differences can be a force for good - in politics and beyond.

Samuel Kasumu is an award-winning social entrepreneur, commentator, and strategist. Until his resignation in April 2021, Samuel Kasumu was the most senior Black advisor in government and served as Special Advisor to Boris Johnson on the Civil Society and Communities brief. His work included leading on the cross-government vaccine deployment, and while under former Prime Minister Theresa May he was a member of the Race Disparity Audit Advisory Board.

Samuel is the founder of Inclusive Boards, an executive headhunting firm specialising in non-executive board appointments across sectors. Samuel has been involved in setting up and growing a number of initiatives to support the progression of Briton’s black and minority ethnic population, including a student network connecting peers with employers and a campaign that supported over 8000 start-up businesses.

He has won numerous awards for his work including Barclays Business Enterprise Award, the CBI’s Young Star of Enterprise Award, and Entrepreneur Champion of the Year.