Sharing knowledge from those that have been there and got the t-shirt, is vital to moving your business forward and gaining the motivation and inspiration to keep going. Hear first-hand experience from high profile founders and entrepreneurs with a relatable, authentic story to tell. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and gain vital insight from our esteemed panel of guests:

Dr Ava Eagle Brown, Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE, Bernie Davies & Joel Blake OBE.

Join us to gain an insight into their incredible careers and wealth of experience as we celebrate Black History Month.

See below for more details on our panel:

Dr. Ava Eagle Brown

A multi-award-winning International Speaker, Author and Transformation mindset business coach, Dr. Ava Eagle Brown coaches, trains and speaks globally to help others shift their mindsets to change their lives and businesses ultimately affecting their bottom-line. She proves that your past doesn't have to determine your future. She is the author of her memoir The Mango Girl and calls herself (#themangopreneur) with a skin and haircare brand in the same name. Her recent exploits include starting a hair and skin line called The Mango Girl. She has shared stages with the likes of global leaders like: Levi Roots, Eric Thomas, Nick Vujicic, Hollywood -Sheryl Lee Ralph, amongst others of influence and status in this space.

Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE

Game changer, campaigner, activist, she has over 37 years, experience in the Communications, Marketing and PR industry, advising corporates, public sector, educational establishments and government championing equality, diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Honoured by Queen Elizabeth II, and received 2 doctorates for her work in the Entrepreneurship, Global Diversity and Equality arena, she was recently nominated for and accepted into the prestigious St George’s House, Leadership organisation based at Windsor Castle, Windsor, and was invested with an Honorary Fellowship by Kings College University London, January 2020.

She has published her first leadership book, “7 Traits of Highly Successful Women on Boards", promoting the path to and greater gender and race diversity in company boardrooms.

Bernie Davies

Having held senior positions in top UK law firms and also running her own practice for half her legal career, Bernie Davies is no stranger to the challenges that face business owners and managers. Davies has distinguished herself over the years by utilising effective networking and business development skills, which have earned her the respect of her peers as well as significant media interest. Bestselling Author, Business Strategist, Mentor, Personal Brand Expert and sought after speaker; Bernie has presented globally at several events including the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, the Caribbean and all across the United kingdom. Bernie's latest Bestselling book Your Business Your Way, a unique perspective on business development, achieved the accolade of Amazon Number 1 Hot New Release in all its 3 categories of HR-Training, Coaching and Mentoring and Management and Leadershop skills. Bernie continues to serve the business community as the Introbiz Swansea and west Wales Franchise owner and as Founder and CEO of Bernie Davies Global.

Joel Blake OBE

Joel is a multi-award-winning businessman and public speaker, with a passion for financial technology and entrepreneurial leadership. Joel is the Founder & CEO of www.gfaexchange.com an award-winning B2B FinTech company, that benchmarks and monitors the portfolio performance of financial services firms. He is the former Executive for Access to Finance and Growing Business for the GBSLEP, and advises professional and public sector bodies, on business support models and strategies. Joel is also the President of the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, Board Director of Birmingham Tech, Board Director of Performances Birmingham (Town Hall and Symphony Hall), National Ambassador for the Institute of Leadership and Management, and a Fellow of the National Centre for Entrepreneurs. He was awarded an OBE for Services to Business Support and Enterprise in 2016.