BYP Leadership Conference & Careers Festival 2025

Shape Your Professional Journey at the BYP Network Leadership Conference and Careers Festival this September!

The BYP Network Leadership Conference and Careers Festival is back for its seventh edition this September, and it promises to be an unmissable event! With the theme of ‘Accelerating Growth,’ this year’s event focuses on empowering Black professionals by providing them with invaluable career opportunities from our partner companies. Whether you’re looking to switch jobs, pivot your career, or progress to the next level, this event is designed for those ready to take charge of their future.

We’re proud to have incredible sponsors like Deutsche Bank, British Airways, RX Global, Capco, VodafoneThree, Investec, Macmillan, Beazley and many more supporting this event!

The Careers Festival is specifically tailored for early career talent; students, recent graduates, and professionals with 2+ years of experience. It’s a unique chance to connect with leading companies, learn about their cultures, and accelerate your career development. We collaborate closely with our partners to deliver engaging and impactful workshops that ensure attendees leave inspired, energised, and equipped to move forward in their careers.

Don’t miss out! Secure your spot today and get ready to take the next step towards your dream career!

Event Details:

• Date: 17th September 2025

• Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Venue: Leonardo Royal Hotel, Tower Bridge, London

What to Expect at Careers Fest:

• Connect with top employers actively seeking diverse talent.
• 1-1 speed networking with recruiters

• Gain exclusive insights into company cultures and career paths.

• Participate in expert-led workshops with practical career advice from industry leaders.
• Expand your professional network and open doors to future opportunities.

Watch Careers Fest 2024 testimonial video.

What to expect at the Leadership Conference:

Our Leadership Conference track is designed for senior managers and experienced hires who are ready to elevate their careers. This exclusive event offers a day filled with valuable insights from top industry experts on topics such as Building Your Executive Presence, Thriving in Non-Diverse Spaces, and Authentic Leadership.

Attendees will gain access to a large exhibition area featuring leading companies, participate in keynotes, fireside chats, panel discussions, and presentations, all carefully designed to help accelerate your career.

Additionally, the ticket includes food and drinks, and grants you exclusive access to the afterparty, an invaluable opportunity to network with senior professionals and industry leaders in a relaxed and informal setting.

This event is tailored for individuals looking to invest in their professional growth. You'll be joining a community of high-level professionals, innovators, and future leaders who are committed to advancing their careers. The connections and insights you’ll gain here can have long-term value for your career.

If you are interested in purchasing this ticket as an individual or for your organisation, please email partnerships@bypnetwork.co.uk.

Watch Leadership Conference & Careers Fest 2024 session videos here and combined gallery here

We’ve got an incredible line-up of speakers, sessions, and topics to help accelerate your career. From getting hired in 2025 to navigating corporate politics and leveraging AI you won’t want to miss this opportunity.

See conference agenda below:

2025 Leadership Conference Agenda

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12:00 PM – 1:00 PM - Registration + Refreshment

1:00 PM – 1:15 PM - Conference Host - Kojo Anim

1:15 PM – 1:30 PM - Welcome Address – Kike Oniwinde Agoro, Founder & CEO, BYP Network

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM - Keynote Fireside

Mastering the Art of Adaptability: Turning Career Setbacks into Opportunities
Speakers:

• Tom Adeyoola, Executive Chair of Innovate UK
• Dom Scott, Managing Director of Lifetime Connect

2:00 PM – 2:40 PM - Sponsored by Investec
The End of DEI? How Black Professionals Can Still Get Ahead Despite Corporate Backlash
Speakers:

• Fidel Fatodu, Corporate and Institutional Banking
• Naomi Assi, Private Bank
• Robert Clark, Investment Banking (M&A)
• Pav Wakem, Real Estate

2:40 PM – 3:20 PM - Sponsored by Deutsche Bank
AI & the Future of Work: How to Use Technology as Your Superpower, Not Your Replacement
Speakers:

• Eben Spiff, End User Computing Architect, Chief Technology Office
• Alex Asomuyide, Head of User Experience & Design, Group CIO for Credit Risk

3:20 PM – 4:00 PM - BYP Panel
Lessons from the Frontline: How Black Leaders Are Winning Despite the Backlash
Speakers:

• Jermaine Craig, Founder, Kwanda
• Dr Carlton Brown, Founder, Marshall & Brown
• Michelle De Leon, Founder, World Afro Day
• Host: Funmi Olutoye, Multimedia Journalist, Producer/Director & Writer

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM - Buffet Lunch

4:30 PM – 5:10 PM - BYP Panel
Beyond DEI: Building Influence and Securing Opportunities
Speakers:

• Laide Sadiq, Netflix Documentary Director & Producer
• Leroy Logan MBE, Author; Founding Member, Black Police Association
• Mickael Sylla, Managing Principal, Capco
• Host: Vinrelo "Niecey Josey", Celebrity Stylist & Brand Strategist

5:10 PM – 5:50 PM - Founders Panel

So You Want to Be a Founder? The Truth Behind Entrepreneurship
Speakers:

• Akil Benjamin, Managing Director, DOES
• Atinuke Awe, Founder, Five X More
• Host: Abadesi Osunsade

5:50 PM – 6:30 PM - Fireside Chat

The C-Suite Tell All: Lessons from a Black Leader
Speakers:

• Renee Hunt, Technology Leader, Advisor & Executive Coach
• Bree Johnson, BBC Correspondent

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
CEO’s Closing Remarks + Networking (with refreshments leading up to the Afterparty)

7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Afterparty with Live Entertainment