91%
have considered leaving employment to protect their wellbeing.
Independent researcher · Organisational strategist · Founder
Researching the workplace conditions hidden behind high performance.
I examine how racialised workplace conditions affect wellbeing, progression and organisational risk. I translate the evidence into clear insight, credible measurement and informed action.
Natasha Williams
Founder and Research Director
1,100+
Research participants
13
Foundational interviews
UK
Independent research
Ongoing
Evidence programme
The research
The Cost of Black Excellence
High performance does not always signal a healthy workplace experience.
The Cost of Black Excellence research examines the pressure carried by Black professionals whose success develops alongside continual proving, unequal scrutiny, constrained progression and deteriorating wellbeing.
The work began with 13 in-depth interviews and grew into an independent research programme involving more than 1,100 participants. It gives organisations a stronger evidence base for understanding retention, health, progression and leadership pipeline risk.
Emerging evidence
What high performance has been concealing
Selected findings from the current dataset point to material wellbeing and retention concerns.
65.2%
reported sleep disturbance or insomnia.
57%
reported burnout or emotional collapse.
Figures reflect the current COBE research dataset. Sample bases vary by question and should accompany findings in formal reporting.
Current work
Turning evidence into organisational insight
Executive Research Briefings
Decision-focused briefings for boards, HR leaders and people leaders.
Measurement and Diagnostics
Research-led tools designed to identify hidden workplace burden and organisational risk.
Reports and Commentary
Evidence-led reports, articles and video discussions for organisational decision-makers.
Watch and listen
Research that reaches beyond the report.
On YouTube, I examine workplace evidence, challenge familiar explanations and turn research into practical questions for professionals and organisational leaders.
Featured briefing
Evidence, context and decisions for healthier workplaces
Watch the latest research discussions, interviews and practical briefings from The Cost of Black Excellence.
New research-led videos
Workplace wellbeing, progression, organisational risk and the conditions behind high performance.
Featured executive report
When High Performance Hides Organisational Risk
Understanding the workplace conditions affecting Black professionals and the risks organisations miss when performance data tells only part of the story.
Explore COBE ResearchExecutive Report
When High Performance Hides Organisational Risk
COBE Research
For organisational leaders
Bring the research into your organisation.
Commission a private executive briefing, discuss a research partnership or explore an organisational diagnostic pilot.