BE UK is a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in the United Kingdom, dedicated to fostering leadership excellence and community empowerment within the Black community. BE UK engages in a range of activities designed to inspire, educate, and empower a new generation of Black leaders through initiatives that focus on mentorship, education, and community involvement.
The Black Excellence Leadership Forum is designed to bring together aspiring Black leaders from across the professional landscape to share insights and connect with each other. The forum will welcome a wide range of guests from entrepreneurial, corporate, political and academic backgrounds. The goal of this event is to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and personal growth within the context of reclaiming and celebrating Black narratives.
Hear from influential Black leaders who are reshaping their fields and reclaiming these narratives, gain valuable insights about practical strategies for leadership, and connect with like-minded professionals to expand your network.
Guests will have the chance to hear from distinguished speakers Olusiji Sanya (CFO and Co-Founder of ) and Councillor Ashiedu Joel (Culture Change Magnet and Leadership Fellow). Their talks will provide valuable insights into leadership, cultural intelligence and economic empowerment, offering practical strategies for navigating and excelling in leadership roles.
Olusiji Sanya holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from in Nigeria, a master’s in international finance from the , and a doctorate in economics and finance from the . An experienced economist with strong commercial acumen and a good understanding of policy, he is also a Co-Founder and CFO of Tranzfar since its inception in 2017. Tranzfar is a UK-based financial technology company with operations across 100 countries. In addition to these roles, Olusiji serves the Chairman of the board of directors for in Nigeria.
Ashiedu Joel is the founder of , an equity, diversity, inclusive leadership and cultural capital company. She is an experienced practitioner with over two decades’ experience of supporting organisations, groups and individuals. Her practice focuses on constructive engagement and dialogue across racial, cultural and socio-environmental settings, promoting opportunities for collaboration. Ashiedu is a certified advanced cultural intelligence trainer and facilitator, an independent domestic abuse advocate, and is also an Elected Council Member of Leicester City.
Discussing the upcoming forum, Ayodeji Akiwowo, Founder of Black Excellence, said: “I am passionate about this event because it embodies the very reasons we founded BE UK. We aim to empower and uplift Black leaders, reclaim our narrative, and build a lasting legacy of excellence and community strength.
“I am delighted to be welcoming two leading speakers in Councillor Ashiedu Joel and Oulisiji Sanya to discuss their careers and insights on leadership.”