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CONNECTING BLACK TALENT WITH EMPLOYER BRANDS

The IAmBlack Conference was a groundbreaking event focused on Unleashing the Power of Black Talent and Employer Brands. The conference brought...

 Glasgow

  • University of Strathclyde

The Technology and Innovation Centre, G1 1RD

Gear Up for 2025

30 EMPLOYERS

28 SPEAKERS

500 DELEGATES

20 INSIGHTFUL
SESSIONS

take aways

Insights & Trends

Gained insights into current trends and challenges in attracting and retaining Black talent across various industries.

Strategies

Gained strategies and best practices for building strong employer brands that resonate with Black professionals, students, and business owners.

Connections

Forged valuable connections and build lasting relationships within the Black community, fostering a supportive network for career growth.

Sponsors

sponsors

Headline

Strategic Supporters

Speakers

TOBI BAKRE

Actor, Host, Influencer

ENOCH ADEYEMI

Founder, Black Professionals United Kingdom

IKEM ODIKANEKWU

Director, BlackRock

MUSAB HEMSI

Partner, Anderson Strathern LLP

LỌ́LÁ BÉJIDÉ

Founder, Soluman Consultncy LTD

TOSIN OGUNLESI

Lead Business Analyst, Natwest Group

CARLA HENISON

DEI Business Partner, Hymans Robertson

SADE ADEYEMI

Head of People, Wrangu

KYLE MURTAGH

Presentation Skills Trainer, Confidence by Design

ONYINYE IGBOKWE

Co-Founder, Knowvate Hub

DOMINIC DOWLING

Group Manager, Business Growth, Glasgow City Council

LEE ANN PANGLEA

Head of Scotland and Northern Ireland, CIPD

TAMAR TAMMES

Managing Partner, Burness Paull LLP

JACINE RUTASIKWA

Co-founder, Matugga Distillers

JACK FREELAND

Senior Solicitor, Immigration, Shepherd & Wedderburn

EDAFE ONERHIME

Executive Director, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

PAULINE MURPHY

Head of People Analytics and Governance, Scottish Enterprise

MAYA ROUSEN

Senior Executive, Scottish Enterprise

TAHIRA NASIM

International Trade Specialist, Scottish Enterprise

GILLIAN MARTIN MSP

Minister for Energy, Just Transition and Fair Work

BOLA ADESINA

Director, AI Governance, DEI and Workplace transformation

TEDDY NYAHASHA

IP&I Finance Director, Lloyds Banking Group

NICK MURRAY

Co-Founder, Foras

FRAMA ABOH

Senior Vice President, Legal Entity Risk and Controls, BNY Mellon Edinburgh 

KẸ́MI KỌ́MỌLÁFẸ́

Global Business Experience Specialist

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC

AZARIA FRANCIS

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant

CLLR SUSAN AITKEN

Leader, Glasgow City Council

LINDA MCMAHON

Head of UK and APAC Trustee and Depositary, BNY Mellon

concluded schedule

9:00AM – 10:00AM

DELEGATES ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION

EXHIBITION CENTRE

Arrival, registration and breakfast with an opportunity to visit exhibition stands and meet employer brands.

10:00AM – 11:00AM

MORNING PLENARY SESSION

MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

The opening plenary session will set the context for the day.

11:00AM – 12:00PM

AI AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

Our speaker will take us into the future of work powered by AI. This is an opportunity to gain knowledge about future careers and to assess your role in the future world of work.

10:00AM – 11:00AM

BLACK TALENT: HIRING & RETENTION

BREAKOUT HALL 1

Join us for an enlightening session led by one of the foremost experts in talent development as we delve into the critical topic of “Black Talent: Hiring and Retention Strategies.” In this dynamic talk, our esteemed speaker will navigate the complexities and opportunities of fostering a truly inclusive workplace environment.

11:00AM – 12:00PM

CV REVIEW, INTERVIEW PREP, CAREERS GUIDANCE, MENTORSHIP SIGN UP

BREAKOUT HALL 3

Do you want to boost your career prospects and get expert advice? Join this event and sign up for CV review, interview prep and careers guidance from seasoned professionals. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and skills.

11:00AM – 12:00PM

MASTERCLASS: PUBLIC SPEAKING

BREAKOUT HALL 2

Learn public speaking tips from a coach and peers in this 60-minute Masterclass. Craft, deliver, and practice your speech with confidence and impact. 

10:00AM – 11:00AM

ENTREPRENEURS PITCH COMPETITION

BREAKOUT HALL 4

Do you have a brilliant business idea or product? Join the Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition and present it to a panel of experts for a chance to win funding, feedback, and exposure. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your innovation and network with potential supporters.

12:00NOON – 12:45PM

FIRESIDE CHAT: SUCCEEDING IN YOUR CAREER WITH IKEM ODIKANEKWU

MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

An intimate chat with Ikem Odikanekwu, a first-generation immigrant who is now a Director at BlackRock, the largest asset manager in the world. He will share his insights and tips on how to achieve your career goals. Join this fireside chat and get inspired by his story!

12:00NOON – 12:45PM

CV REVIEW, INTERVIEW PREP, CAREERS GUIDANCE, MENTORSHIP SIGN UP

BREAKOUT HALL 3

Do you want to boost your career prospects and get expert advice? Join this event and sign up for CV review, interview prep and careers guidance from seasoned professionals. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and skills.

12:00NOON – 12:45PM

ENTREPRENEURS PITCH COMPETITION

BREAKOUT HALL 4

Do you have a brilliant business idea or product? Join the Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition and present it to a panel of experts for a chance to win funding, feedback, and exposure. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your innovation and network with potential supporters.

12:45PM – 1:30PM

TIME FOR LUNCH

CONCOURSE

Grab lunch, visit exhibition stands and network.

1:30PM – 2:15PM

AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION

MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

This session will set the context for the afternoon. We will be hearing from our Headline Sponsor’s Keynote Speaker, Teddy Nyahasha, as well as Councillor Susan Aitken and a representative from Scottish Enterprise, Maya Rousen. 

2:15PM – 3:00PM

HOW TO NEGOTIATE A SALARY

MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

Salary negotiation needn’t be daunting. Learn how to negotiate a salary like a pro at this session. Discover the best strategies, tips, and techniques to get the pay you deserve. Come along to boost your confidence and income.

2:15PM – 3:00PM

PANEL DISCUSSION: DEI BEST PRACTICE

BREAKOUT HALL 2

Hear from a panel of experts and practitioners on how to implement DEI best practices in your organisation. Learn from their experiences, challenges, and successes. Ask questions and join the discussion! 

11:00AM – 12:00PM

PERSONAL BRANDING FOR GROWTH

BREAKOUT HALL 2

Join us in an exclusive conversation with Teddy Nyahasha, the dynamic IP&I Finance Director at Lloyds Banking Group. Get ready to uncover insider insights and pose your burning questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights at this fireside chat and Q&A session. 

1:30PM – 2:15PM

CV REVIEW, INTERVIEW PREP, CAREERS GUIDANCE, MENTORSHIP SIGN UP

BREAKOUT HALL 3

Do you want to boost your career prospects and get expert advice? Join this event and sign up for CV review, interview prep and careers guidance from seasoned professionals. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and skills.

2:15PM – 3:00PM 

ENTREPRENEURS PITCH COMPETITION

BREAKOUT HALL 4

Do you have a brilliant business idea or product? Join the Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition and present it to a panel of experts for a chance to win funding, feedback, and exposure. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your innovation and network with potential supporters.

3:00PM – 4:00PM

ARE YOU READY FOR LEADERSHIP?

MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

Do you aspire to become a leader in your field? Have you found yourself in a leadership role? Join this event and learn what leadership is, why it matters, and how to develop your leadership skills. Join this session to unleash the leader within.

3:00PM – 4:00PM

DEI & HR PROFESSIONALS: PEER LEARNING & NETWORKING

BREAKOUT HALL 4

Join this open conversation session where you can connect with other hiring managers, DEI and People professionals. Share best practices, and learn from peers in the field. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your network and skills!

3:00PM – 4:00PM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: WHERE TO BEGIN

MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

Are you interested in starting your own business? Join this session and learn the basics of entrepreneurship, from finding your idea to launching and growing your venture.

3:00PM – 4:00PM

CV REVIEW, INTERVIEW PREP, CAREERS GUIDANCE, MENTORSHIP SIGN UP

BREAKOUT HALL 3

Do you want to boost your career prospects and get expert advice? Join this event and sign up for CV review, interview prep and careers guidance from seasoned professionals. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and skills.

3:00PM – 4:00PM

RESERVED FOR WELLNESS BREAK

BREAKOUT HALL 4

Conferences can sometimes be full-on! Don’t forget to take a break here and catch up on emails, connect with family, or simply close your eyes and take a breather.

4:00PM – 4:05PM

ENTREPRENEURS PITCH COMPETITION - WINNER'S PRIZE PRESENTATION

MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

Join us as we celebrate the winner of the IAmBlack Conference’s Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition. Witness the presentation of the grand prize to the most innovative and impactful business idea.

4:05PM – 4:15PM

CLOSING SESSION

MAIN CONFERENCE HALL

This is the final session to reflect on the day, appreciate everyone who has played a part and share some points around the legacy of I Am Black Conference 2024.