Designed to bring together current and aspiring leaders from diverse professional backgrounds, the forum created space for sharing insights, lived experiences, and strategies for building futures rooted in purpose and pride.

Attendees included students, staff, and guests from entrepreneurial, corporate, academic, and political spheres. Featured guest speakers included Obi James, Professor Martin Tuuli, and Dr Ashiedu Joel.

The event was opened by Dr Sarah Barnard, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, who highlighted the School’s commitment to inclusive leadership and how its guiding ethos of Progress with Purpose aligns with the values of Black Excellence UK.

The first speaker was Obi James, Founder and CEO of Obi James Consultancy and author of Let Go Leadership, who explored identity-led leadership. She urged attendees to consider how they show up within the systems they’re part of, even when those systems are unjust.