Diversity of Thought

Diversity of Thought is a series of interactive speaker sessions to inform, invigorate and convene the next generation of UK minority ethnic leaders. In partnership with Business West, BeOnBoard’s Diversity of Thought series aims to support accomplished talent at middle to senior management level into trustee and Non-Executive Director (NED) roles.

It is a unique programme, the first of its kind originating from South West England, and our aim is to support ambitious Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) people with impactful knowledge, and inspiring real-life stories, to move them up to leadership positions.

Our first speakers are…

MICHAEL ADENIYA

October 13th, 12.30pm – 2.00pm

Michael Adeniya is an award-winning B2B events and digital marketing strategist. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer of UK Black Business Show, the largest event in the UK and Europe for Black entrepreneurs, career professionals and allies to the Black community. As Managing Director of Clarion Events Life Science Division he spearheaded almost 10 x revenue growth from £650k to more than £4m, introducing multiple income streams and international product launches across Europe, Asia and America.

“The impact a team or community can have when they all feel like they belong, that only comes with creating inclusive environments and intentionally inviting diverse people and their thoughts to have a seat at the table and truly listen, encourage and support.”

MYA-ROSE CRAIG

October 20th, 5.30pm – 7pm

Mya-Rose Craig is a prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author (Birdgirl), speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 she started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 became the youngest person ever to see half of the birds in the world. Mya-Rose set up Black2Nature to campaign for equal access to nature, concentrating on visible ethnic minority (VME) communities who are currently excluded from the countryside and campaigning to make the nature conservation and environmental sectors ethnically diverse.

“I believe that equality for all is essential in our society and that this should include equality in – and equal access to – education, health and nature, leading to equality in jobs and society. We need a fair society for all in order to achieve one that functions well.”

LUBNA SHUJA

October 27th, 12.30pm – 2.00pm

Lubna Shuja is the incoming President of the Law Society. She will be the first President of Asian heritage, the first Muslim, and only the seventh female President since The Law Society’s inaugural year in 1825.

Having qualified as a solicitor in 1992, Lubna is now sole practitioner at Legal Swan Solicitors in Birmingham, a firm she set up in 2007.

Lubna has been a member of the Law Society Council since 2013, currently sitting on the society’s board and chairing its Strategic Litigation Group and previously serving as the inaugural Chair of the Law Society’s Membership and Communications Committee (2018-2021).

“Diversity of thought and diversity of leadership is important because we must reflect the society we serve. The perspectives of those with different backgrounds and viewpoints can contribute to pragmatic problem solving. It makes business sense to attract and retain the best talent because clients want to see and deal with people who look like them.“

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

Draw Inspiration from a BAME leader to become a role model.
Lively discussion with a knowledgeable expert on topical issues.
Receive rich insights in an intimate and interactive forum.
Take home key pointers and tips from well respected BAME leaders
Increase your networks to commence or continue your climb to leadership positions.