Adonica Black is a global talent and culture executive, attorney, board director, and international keynote speaker who builds motivated, high-performing workforces that drive enterprise value and sustainable growth. As Global Senior Director at Aptiv, a Fortune Global 500 mobility technology company with 200,000+ employees across 50+ countries, Adonica leads Talent Strategy, Development, Culture, and Brand. She partners with C-suite leaders to align workforce motivation, talent pipelines, learning ecosystems, and inclusive culture with long-term business performance.
Her expertise spans employer brand differentiation, leadership development, AI-enabled talent strategy, and culture integration across multigenerational global workforces. Adonica’s approach strengthens internal mobility, reduces regrettable attrition, and elevates employee experience by connecting purpose, career growth, and motivation at scale.
Beyond Aptiv, she serves on multiple boards, advising on human capital, governance, culture, and impact. She speaks globally on motivated workforces, inclusive leadership, talent strategy, employer brand, and AI-driven transformation.
Ingrid Hu Dahl is an author, speaker, and leadership coach. She is the author of Sun Shining on Morning Snow: A Memoir of Identity, Loss, and Living Boldly, which traces her journey through identity, loss, and the courage to live boldly. As the founder of her own coaching and consulting practice, she brings over two decades of experience in leadership development across corporate (Meta, Gap Inc, Capital One), media (KQED), nonprofit (BAVC Media, Academy for Educational Development), and social justice organizations. A TEDx speaker and founding member of Willie Mae Rock Camp in Brooklyn, Ingrid is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and guiding the next generation of leaders. She is certified by the International Coaching Federation and the Center for Creative Leadership. Dahl is a global lecturer and speaker, and an advisory board member for the Institute for Women’s Leadership at Rutgers University, her alma mater.
Beth Berila, Ph.D., is an Equity-Focused Coach, Consultant, Facilitator, and Educator. With over twenty years of experience in social justice and DEI education, Beth is skilled at meeting people and groups where they are and engaging them in transformation toward justice. Her approach combines mindfulness, somatics, transformational coaching, and best practices in equity and inclusion to help transform individuals and organizations. She holds a certificate in Organizational Development Consulting and Change Leadership from Georgetown University.
Beth is also an engaging speaker and workshop facilitator who speaks on a variety of topics around transformational leadership, equity and inclusion, and mindfulness. She is relatable, funny, and real, helping people apply DEI training to their lives, leadership, and organizations.
In her coaching, she is a thought-partner to help leaders integrate DEI principles in their lives and work. She helps clients connect to their insights and wisdom to lead with an equity approach.
Casey has twenty years of experience in Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Casey envisions and believes in creating an equitable and sustainable world. They do this with humility, vulnerability, empathy, and rooted in love and joy. Casey possesses a proven track record of leveraging their excellent interpersonal skills to converse clearly and compassionately and build lasting relationships with individual and organizational clients. Additionally, Casey is an exceptional motivator and collaborator who effectively spearheads improvements for clients that enable their personal and professional growth.
Jessica is recognized internationally as an inspirational keynote speaker. Born without arms, Jessica flies airplanes, drives cars, and otherwise lives a normal life using her feet as others use their hands. She is the first person without arms to earn a black belt in ATA Martial Arts and the Guinness World Record for being the first armless person in aviation history to earn a pilot's certificate. Convinced that the way we think has a more significant impact on our lives than our physical constraints, Jessica chose to pursue a degree in psychology at the University of Arizona. Since then, she has traveled to 26 countries on six continents, sharing her inspirational message.
Highly sought-after keynote speaker, leadership expert, author, and coach Michelle Edelen is one of the most compelling, captivating, and charismatic voices in motivational speaking today. She empowers audiences with her transformational principles. Fondly revered as 'The Excellence Engineer,' she facilitates robust workshop training and brings a unique perspective of diversity, equity, and inclusion to high-level corporate leaders and their employees. Leveraging over 30 years of leadership experience in the public and private sectors, Michelle has a unique talent for making meaningful connections with audiences and the ability to help others maximize their strengths. Michelle's leadership expertise has landed her on major stages. She has given keynote speeches on live and virtual international stages including Shawn Fair's Leadership Experience Tour, and Cardinal Innovations DEandI Conference.
Ruth Rathblott is a disability diversity expert on inclusion within organizations. She is an inspiring TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and an award-winning former nonprofit leader. She was born with a limb difference and speaks with leaders on issues of equity and belonging, the gifts of being unique, and the freedom of accepting our differences. Ruth was profiled as a CEO in The New York Times’ Corner Office and received Goucher College’s Excellence in Public Service Award, among other awards, for her outstanding leadership in the nonprofit sector. She has spent her entire career focused on providing opportunities for those who have been underrepresented. She serves as a board member of The Lucky Fin Project.
Ady is a results-oriented Professional, Enterprise Coach, and IC Agile accredited trainer, boasting two decades of expertise in steering intricate projects, portfolios, and multidisciplinary teams across diverse sectors within iterative environments. His career spans strategic and operational roles, fostering high-functioning teams and robust stakeholder engagement for startups and established enterprises.
An adept Enterprise Architect and Leadership Agility coach, Ady excels in managing intricate teams and driving organizational change. Customer-centric, adaptable, and driven by challenges, he thrives in hands-on roles. Currently, he leverages his wealth of skills and experience to empower leaders, teams, and organizations, aiding them in excelling in delivery execution and embarking on successful agile transformation journeys.
Breandan Ward is an engaging and purpose-driven leader, He brings a proven track record of developing and unlocking potential, delivering excellence in service, change and governance, and achieving strategic outcomes in various leadership capacities within both corporate and non-profit sectors on a global scale. Guided by a steadfast commitment to core values of inclusion, innovation, and collective achievement, his passion lies in empowering individuals with lived experiences of disability and promoting diversity at all levels of organisations. With a 15-year background in investment banking in London and New York, he currently support leaders, teams and organisations to deliver more inclusive impact and outcomes through coaching, consulting and education.
Afua Hagan is an award-winning Broadcaster, Journalist, and TV Commentator who has become one of the most prominent voices on diversity and inclusion in Britain. Regularly appearing on ITV’s This Morning, Good Morning Britain, Jeremy Vine, BBC, Sky, CNN, LBC, Times Radio, and talkRADIO, she is known for her opinionated, charismatic, and thought-provoking commentary. Afua is also a distinguished commentator on the British Royal Family, offering expert insights across both UK and international media.
With an extensive background in journalism and editorial leadership, including serving as Editor-in-Chief of Glam Africa magazine and Features Editor at Pride magazine, Afua brings depth and authority to her work. As a keynote speaker and moderator, she covers topics such as Diversity and Inclusion, Unconscious Bias, Gender Equality, Sustainability, Resilience, and Personal Empowerment. Celebrated for her advocacy and influence, Afua Hagan continues to shape vital conversations in media, culture, and society.
Kate Walsh, an English Hockey gold medalist, leads as Team Captain for Great Britain and England. With unwavering dedication, she's secured two Hockey Writers Club UK Player Of The Year titles and earned recognition as a finalist for the World Player Of The Year Award in 2003. Named Great Britain Hockey Athlete Of The Year in 2007, Walsh's illustrious career spans from her debut in 1999 to commanding international tournaments, including three Olympics and four Hockey World Cups. Despite setbacks, like a broken jaw in the 2012 Olympics, Walsh persevered, epitomizing resilience. Honored with an MBE, she inspires as both an athlete and motivational speaker.
Kellie Maloney, formerly known as Frank Maloney, made history in 2014 as the most prominent British boxing promoter to undergo gender reassignment. Her courageous journey has significantly advanced visibility and support for the LGBT community. Before her transition, she managed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, elevating him to global stardom and setting new standards in boxing promotion. Kellie’s career spans three decades, including promoting boxer David Haye to a world cruiserweight title. Her resilience through personal challenges in the public eye has made her a role model for embracing authenticity and overcoming adversity. Recognized as the 'Transgender Champion' at the 2015 Glamour Women of the Year Awards, Kellie continues to raise awareness through public speaking and media engagements. Recently returning to boxing to support women’s boxing, Kellie remains a powerful advocate for inclusion and acceptance, sharing her inspiring story globally.
Charlie Martin is a trailblazing racing driver and LGBTQ+ activist. In 2020, she made history as the first transgender driver to compete in the Nurburgring 24-hour race. In 2024, she finished 2nd in class at the Lamborghini Super Trofeo support race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, proudly waving a Pride flag on the podium. Realizing she was transgender at age 7, Charlie's journey to becoming a professional racer was marked by overcoming significant adversity without family support. Starting with just £1,500 from a summer job, she has risen to prominence in a male-dominated sport. Charlie works with charities like Stonewall to enhance LGBTQ+ visibility in sports and sits on Motorsport UK’s LGBTQ+ inclusion committee. She’s a BMW ‘Friend of the Brand’ and an ambassador for the FIA’s Girls on Track UK program.
Jason Robinson is a legendary sportsman, excelling in both Rugby League and Rugby Union. As the first Black British man to captain the England Rugby Team, Jason is renowned for his sidestep, speed, and defensive prowess. He began his career at Wigan before playing for Bath, Sale Sharks, Fylde, the England National Team, and the British & Irish Lions. Over his illustrious career, Jason played 281 games and scored 171 tries, earning MBE and OBE honors. Now retired, Jason founded JR Talks and JR Sports Stars to inspire underprivileged communities. Despite a challenging upbringing marked by domestic abuse and racial identity struggles, Jason became a world-class athlete. His story of overcoming adversity and achieving success is shared through motivational speaking, emphasizing mental resilience, social mobility, diversity, and inclusion. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards.
Martina Witter is a Director at Rapha Therapy & Training Services, an award-winning Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, Confidence Coach, and keynote speaker. She hosts the podcast Rivers to Resilience and is an author and resilience expert. Martina founded Black Mental Wealth and co-founded Black Women in Business and Professionals Network. As Vice Co-Chair of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Race Equality Panel and Co-Chair of the Pro-Manchester Wellbeing Champions Committee, she leverages over 20 years of experience in wellbeing and mental health. Martina underscores the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in leadership, focusing on how managing one's emotions enhances personal resilience and effective leadership. She integrates self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills into her work, employing scientific techniques and mindfulness to boost mental health and resilience.
Fehinti Balogun is a distinguished multimedia creative who uses his platform and artistry to drive conversations on climate justice and equality. As an acclaimed actor, Fehinti has starred in major projects across HBO, Netflix, ITV, BBC, and Paramount Plus, addressing critical societal issues through compelling performances.
Beyond acting, Fehinti is an accomplished writer whose work has been featured in top publications like the New York Times, highlighting his ability to engage audiences with complex issues. He has also delivered powerful talks at prestigious platforms, including Cambridge University, the UN’s COP 26, and NBC Universal, with his TED Talk on climate action reaching over a million viewers.
Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Fehinti emphasizes the importance of human connection to shift perspectives. Through his art, advocacy, and speaking engagements, Fehinti continues to inspire and empower individuals, driving meaningful action for climate change and equality.
Smita Tharoor is the co-founder of Culturelytics, leveraging artificial intelligence to understand organisational culture, and founder of Tharoor Associates, a coaching, training, and organisational development firm. A TEDx speaker, broadcaster, and award-winning thought leader, she specialises in Unconscious Bias, leadership development, cultural agility, and behavioural change. Smita’s global experience spans the UK, India, Europe, Asia, and the USA, working with sectors including healthcare, banking, education, and B2B industries. An Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, certified NLP Practitioner, ICF-accredited coach, and mindfulness practitioner, she is also a visiting lecturer at leading universities. Her acclaimed podcast Stories Seldom Told ranks in the top 5% globally, heard in over 100 countries. Recipient of the Global Diversity Leadership Award, Smita is passionate about fostering self-awareness, embedding coaching cultures, and helping leaders and organisations navigate bias, resilience, and change for lasting impact.
Zafar Bhunnoo is a real estate developer, entrepreneur, and educator with nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of urban design, mental wellbeing, and inclusivity. He has been involved in projects and portfolios valued at over £2.5 billion, combining commercial acumen with a deep commitment to systemic change. Growing up in London as the child of first-generation immigrant parents, Zafar was shaped by strong family values, traditional expectations, and the challenge of navigating systemic barriers. His leap into entrepreneurship, while raising a young family, brought both risks and strains on mental health—experiences that fuel his passion for speaking openly about anxiety, identity, and the importance of inner work. Today, his work focuses on aligning capital with conscience, developing projects that prioritize community wellbeing and environmental sustainability, and advocating for greater inclusion in both business and sport.
Audrey Pantelis is an inclusion strategist, speaker, and leadership coach who helps organisations turn good intentions into lasting impact. With over 30 years in education - including as the founding Head of a Free special needs school - Audrey blends deep practical experience with insights into how systems work, and how people thrive. She speaks on inclusive leadership, cultural intelligence, and creating workplace cultures where everyone can belong and succeed - not just be included on paper. Audrey’s sessions are engaging, story-rich, and grounded in real-world practice. She brings both challenge and compassion, helping audiences shift mindsets, build confidence, and walk away with tools they can use immediately. An accredited Resilient Leaders Elements coach, Cultural Intelligence (CQ®) facilitator, and C-Me profiling practitioner, Audrey works nationally and internationally with schools, trusts, corporates, and nonprofits. If you're looking for a speaker who makes inclusion real, practical, and powerful - Audrey brings depth and clarity.
Nick is an award-winning learning leader with over 20 years’ experience helping people thrive. From FTSE 100 companies to high-growth disruptors. He’s trained thousands, coached hundreds, and transformed teams across a multitude of industries with his signature blend of bold delivery, practical tools, and lived experience.
His journey began in chaos: undiagnosed ADHD, kicked out at 16, and leaving his small northern town at 19 after coming out. His twenties were about survival. Today, he’s built a career helping others do more than survive, he helps them soar.
Nick is known for creating game-changing frameworks that unlock superpowers in individuals, teams and cultures. His delivery style is high-energy, high-impact, and built for real transformation, not just inspiration. He’s also a published author, a proud voice for LGBTQ+ inclusion, and a relentless advocate for turning adversity into advantage.
Lorraine Wright MBE is a British–Ghanaian entrepreneur, Oxford Executive MBA graduate, and strategic advisor with 15+ years of cross-sector experience in tech, education, real estate, and social impact. She specializes in helping professionals and organisations turn bold ideas into operational strategy, blending commercial insight with deep cultural intelligence.
As Head of Partnerships at Amicable, she leads growth strategy, workplace-wellbeing integrations, and commercial ecosystem development for the UK’s leading separation and divorce support service. Her work focuses on embedding human-centred wellbeing into business performance, enabling employers to better support teams through major life transitions.
Lorraine is also a celebrated community-builder. Through UGCY and Resonates Well CIC, she has positively impacted over 25,000 young people, earning an MBE in 2022. With prior roles at Meta, UBS, and Accenture, she brings global experience in digital transformation, partnerships, and leadership. Her talks empower audiences to lead with empathy, resilience, and purpose.
Mark Cross is the 2025 European Business Analyst of the Year and a globally respected cybersecurity and business transformation consultant, educator, and international speaker. With over 25 years of experience spanning business analysis, architecture, and engineering, Mark helps organizations align secure delivery with strategic business outcomes—reducing rework, de-risking transformation, and embedding resilience into change initiatives.
Creator of the Three Steps Left framework, he equips teams to adopt a practical, secure-by-design mindset that integrates cybersecurity into everyday delivery rather than treating it as an afterthought.
A passionate advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace, Mark draws on his lived experience as an autistic professional to champion the creative power of diverse thinking. His signature theme, “Superconnections,” explores how cognitive diversity fuels innovation, collaboration, and learning.
Mark chairs the IIBA Cyber Special Interest Group and collaborates with BCS, CIISec, and CyBOK to advance responsible innovation and cybersecurity practices worldwide.
Stef Reid is a British Paralympic long jumper and sprinter, a World Champion, four-time Paralympian, triple Paralympic medallist, and five-time world record holder. Off the track, Stef holds a biochemistry degree and has pursued diverse passions—acting, modelling (becoming the first amputee to walk the London Fashion Week runway), and leadership roles as Vice President for The Leprosy Mission UK and British Athletics. She competed in the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics and starred in Dancing On Ice 2022, reaching the quarter-finals and proving you can skate with an artificial foot. A talented athlete from an early age, Stef dreamed of a rugby career until a boating accident at 15 led to the amputation of her right foot. Her resilience and determination transformed adversity into opportunity, inspiring audiences worldwide through her achievements in sport, media, and advocacy.
Susi O’Neill is a technology strategist, keynote speaker, and Founder Director of EVA, a consultancy focused on making AI and frontier technologies practical, inclusive, and trusted. She helps business leaders cut through hype to design people-centered technology strategies that drive real performance. Trusted by global organizations including Bank of America, SWIFT, Finastra, and Kaspersky, she delivers keynotes and workshops that translate complex AI concepts into clear, actionable decisions. With a background in leading global content and thought leadership at Kaspersky, she brings a strong storytelling approach to AI transformation. Recognised among the Top 50 Global Women in Content, she is also the author of Rethinking the Hype Cycle, helping leaders navigate emerging tech trends with clarity. Her work focuses on enabling organizations to adopt AI responsibly, build digital trust, and empower teams for sustainable innovation.
Jonathan Olufowobi is a global leader, international speaker, and CEO of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), a United Nations–aligned initiative that identifies, connects, and celebrates high-impact leaders across the world. Through his leadership, Jonathan Olufowobi has built trusted relationships with presidents, CEOs, policymakers, and global changemakers, gaining firsthand insight into the principles that drive authentic influence and transformative leadership.
He is the author of Tips From The Top, a forthcoming book distilling lessons from conversations with some of the world’s most influential figures, offering practical guidance on purpose, impact, and leadership at the highest levels.
Jonathan Olufowobi’s work centers on elevating excellence, strengthening global networks, and amplifying African and diaspora leadership on the world stage. His keynotes inspire audiences to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction—turning access into opportunity and influence into meaningful change.
