On 19 February 2025, the 7th Floor Learning Zone at London Broadcasting House became a hub of inspiration, collaboration, and insightful discussion as BBC Embrace hosted Empowering the Next Generation of Inclusive Leaders. The event brought together 75 attendees, including distinguished industry pioneers, BBC leaders, and emerging talents, to explore the evolving landscape of inclusive leadership in an AI-driven world.
A Transformative Conversation on Inclusivity
In an era marked by digital transformation, the event aimed to answer a crucial question: How inclusive can we truly be? As AI reshapes leadership and collaboration, the need to redefine inclusivity and representation has never been more pressing. Through a series of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and spotlight interviews, attendees engaged with thought-provoking insights on amplifying new voices, fostering intergenerational learning, and creating space for diverse leadership to thrive.
Dynamic Speakers and Thought Leaders
The event, hosted by Simi Jolaoso, Foreign Correspondent & Investigative Reporter for BBC News, featured an outstanding line-up of speakers who shared their expertise and experiences in leadership and diversity.
Keynote Speakers:
Philip Robinson, Head of Portfolio Performance, BBC Product
Festus Akinbusoye, Former Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
Both speakers highlighted the critical skills and approaches necessary for success as an ethnically diverse leader, reinforcing the importance of representation and visibility within the UK and beyond.
Spotlight Interviews:
Moderated by Lalita Taylor, Executive Producer and Event Director, the spotlight interviews provided a platform for inspiring individuals to share their leadership journeys:
Horatio Gladstone, Founder, YDWC
Eman Martin-Vignerte, Director Political Affairs, Bosch
Banke Kuku, Founder & Creative Director, Banke Kuku
Jenovive Chinyere, CEO, Dream West Africa
Their experiences underscored the power of perseverance, cultural competency, and strategic visibility in achieving leadership success.
Engaging Panel Discussion
The panel discussion, moderated by Nyasha Michelle, Director Political Affairs at Bosch, featured a distinguished line-up of professionals who delved into the evolving role of inclusive leadership:
- Lopa Patel MBE, Chair, Diversity UK
- Rose Sandy, Founder, Harper Collins Academy and Publisher
- Ramaa Sharma, Inclusivity Expert, Reuters Institute
- Chantal Brooks, Head of Operations, BBC Chief Customer Care Group
- Sharold Palmer, Head of Digital and Embrace Staff Network, Financial Times
- Daniel Ikuenobe, CEO, Elevate Africa
The panel explored strategies for embedding inclusivity in corporate structures, the importance of networking, and how businesses can create a culture where diverse talent not only enters but thrives. One attendee remarked, “your knowledge and confidence really underlined the theme of the event. Thank you for your considered candour and insights.”
Closing Fireside Reflections
The event concluded with an insightful fireside discussion, moderated by Philip Robinson and featuring:
Matthew Card, Software Engineering Manager, Core Data Platform
Dr Mena Wisdom, Emergency Medicine Consultant
Their reflections provided attendees with key takeaways on the future of inclusive leadership and the steps needed to ensure continued progress in diverse representation.
A Catalyst for Change
BBC Embrace, in partnership with African Achievers and the Global Reputation Forum, successfully delivered an event that not only celebrated diversity but also equipped attendees with the knowledge and strategies to drive inclusivity in leadership. The overwhelming engagement and enthusiasm from participants reaffirmed the event’s impact, demonstrating a collective commitment to fostering a leadership landscape that truly represents the UK’s diverse talent.
As BBC Embrace continues to champion inclusivity, this event serves as a vital milestone in the journey towards building a more equitable and representative leadership future.