Black history month: Celebrating success in business

Around the world, Black History Month is celebrated to build awareness and understanding of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It’s a time to share black culture, and to recognise the achievements of individuals from the Black community, such as those in arts and business. 

This live webinar  highlighted the corporate success of black people in Britain and provide insights into how we can encourage more success. By sharing stories and answering audience questions, the event empowered attendees to be more confident in identifying and supporting talent from the black community to thrive.

Along with a panel of experts from a variety of sectors, Sir Ken Olisa OBE shared his story of rising from a modest upbringing in Nottingham to working with IBM, Founding Restoration Partners and becoming the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London. 

Speakers

Sir Ken Olisa OBE, CStJ, FRSA, FBCS

Our Founder and Chair of Trustees, Sir Ken Olisa OBE, is Her Majesty’s representative in Greater London. Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE is a businessman and philanthropist, the founder of two technology merchant banks and the first British-born black man to serve as a Director of a FTSE-100 company. 

Gary Elden, OBE Our Trustee, Gary Elden

The former CEO of FTSE listed recruitment firm,  SThree , 2015 Black British Business Awards “Business Person of the Year” and current Chairperson of Recbid and Amoria Bond. He was awarded an OBE for his achievement and service to Diversity in Business. 

Claud Williams 

Founder of Dream Nation, 2011 Leadership Programme Delegate 

Abigael Bamgboye

Abigael Bamgboye is a digital content creator, founder of @bee.delighted brand and social entrepreneur. A graduate of Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London, through working at the Bank of England, Rolls-Royce and Boston Consulting Group, she discovered that she enjoys combining business and technical analysis to create sustainable solutions that actively improve outcomes for communities. An alumni of the 2018 Aleto Foundation Leadership Programme, Abigael is also a recipient of the Black Impact Class of 2020 Black Entrepreneur Award, and a winner of the Target Jobs Female Undergraduate of the Year Award.