“Every single year, there are new Black leaders to amplify and put on our stages. Yes, the environment might feel hostile right now, but as a community we are still stronger than ever and we will only keep getting stronger.”
— Kike Oniwinde Agoro, CEO & Founder, BYP Network.

The words above from our founder, Kike Oniwinde Agoro, framed this year’s Leadership Conference perfectly. At a time when conversations around race, diversity, and belonging are facing increased pushback, the BYP Leadership Conference was a reminder that the story of Black leadership is still being written; loud, proud, and unapologetic.

On 17th September, Black professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, and allies gathered for a day that blended ideas, community, and culture. The atmosphere was alive from the moment attendees stepped into the venue. The hum of conversation, the energy of ambition, and the feeling of belonging filled the space. It wasn’t just another industry conference; it was a gathering of possibilities.

Fireside Chats on Resilience, Visibility and Innovation

The day opened with a message many in the room needed to hear: setbacks are not the end of the story. In the first panel, Tom Adeyoola and Dom Scott unpacked how failure can be reframed as fuel for success. Their session, Turning Setbacks into Comebacks, reminded us that rejection, closed doors, and “no’s” often clear the path for bigger “yeses.” Attendees left that talk standing a little taller, ready to rewrite their own narratives of resilience.

From there, the conversation shifted to the pressures of the current climate. With support from Investec, panelists Fidel Fatodu, Naomi Assi, Robert Clark, and Pav Wakem tackled one of the toughest topics of the day: What does DEI look like in a climate of corporate pushback? Their session, DEI Backlash? We’re Still Winning, cut through the noise with practical advice — stay visible, stay ambitious, and keep moving forward. The message was clear: progress may not be linear, but it is still progress.

Rounding out the morning was a forward-looking conversation about technology. With partners at Deutsche Bank, Eben Spiff and Alex Asomuyide broke down one of the biggest workplace questions of the moment: will AI take our jobs? Their answer: no, not if we choose to see AI as an ally. The session AI = Ally, Not Enemy shifted the room’s perspective. Instead of fear, attendees left buzzing with ideas on how to harness technology as a career superpower — a tool to amplify Black talent, not erase it.

The Next Half of the Event was all about Influence and Leadership

If the morning was about resilience and adaptation, the afternoon sessions were about power and influence.

In Stories from the Frontline, Jermaine Craig, Dr Carlton Brown, Michelle De Leon, and Funmi Olutoye offered personal accounts of navigating business, culture, and media as Black professionals. Their stories were not polished highlight reels but honest accounts of struggle, risk, and triumph. The takeaway was simple but powerful: bold voices create bold impact.

Next, the spotlight turned to how to move beyond DEI and build lasting influence. Laide Sadiq, Leroy Logan MBE, Mickael Sylla, and Hannah Awonuga explored strategies for credibility, visibility, and opportunity. In a shifting environment, their advice resonated: true influence isn’t about fitting into existing structures but about shaping them.

The afternoon closed with a candid and inspiring set of conversations. In Founders and C-Suite Truths, Akil Benjamin and Atinuke Awe spoke openly about the realities of entrepreneurship, the sacrifices, the pivots, and the determination required. On the executive side, Renee Hunt and Kike Oniwinde Agoro shared hard-won lessons from the C-suite. Together, these voices painted a picture of leadership that was as aspirational as it was grounded.

More Than Panel Talks: The Power of Community

While the panels offered invaluable insights, the magic of the conference was just as strong off-stage. In the networking spaces, the energy was electric. Conversations sparked between peers and employers. Ideas were exchanged, LinkedIn handles were swapped, and opportunities were seeded that could shape careers for years to come.

And holding it all together throughout the day was our Host, Kojo Anim. With humour, warmth, and energy, he carried the audience along from start to finish. There wasn’t a dull moment in the room; Kojo kept spirits high, made everyone feel included.

Even the food and refreshments played their part. From canapés to hearty bowls, the meals fuelled more than just the body. They became moments to pause, reflect, and deepen conversations.

Closing with a Night to remember

No BYP event would be complete without culture at its heart. The afterparty, headlined by Not3s, was the perfect close to the day. Music, dancing, and laughter filled the room, a celebration that felt as important as the panels themselves. For the Black professional community, joy is more than entertainment. It is resistance. It is healing. And it is a reminder that leadership is not only about boardrooms and titles but also about identity, culture, and belonging.

Looking Forward

The 2025 BYP Leadership Conference was a day of wisdom, connection, and celebration. From hard truths about failure and DEI backlash to forward-looking conversations on AI and leadership. The conference proved that Black leadership is not only surviving but thriving.

To our incredible sponsors; Deutsche Bank, British Airways, RX Global, Capco, VodafoneThree, Investec, Macmillan, and Beazley, also to our partners, speakers, and most importantly, our community; thank you for making this day unforgettable.

Explore the BYP gallery and BYP YouTube Page for memories from the event.