Google & INvolve spotlight UK’s Top 10 Black Business Role Models

INvolve and Google have unveiled the UK’s Top 10 UK Black Business Role Models list, this week.

In partnership with Google, INvolve has spotlighted the 10 exceptional senior Black executives and future leaders who are excelling in their own areas of expertise; while paving the way forward when it comes to creating more inclusive workplaces. The role models were identified from this year’s EMpower Ethnic Role Model Lists.

“We are really excited to be a part of this; and contribute to being able to shine a spotlight on the amazing amount of Black leaders that we have across the world,” stated Google’s Managing Director of Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA, Alex Okosi. During the selection process, Okosi said he was “blown away by the tremendous amount of work the top 10 have done”; the “impact they are having”; as well as the “level of success they have achieved. “They have overcome a lot of odds to get to his level; and are incredibly inspiring,” he pointed out. 

INvolve CEO & Founder Suki Sandhu said he was “beyond proud” of the partnership with Google “to celebrate Black role models in business from our EMpower lists”. “They are truly driving change, challenging stereotypes and inspiring the next generation,” he added. You can listen to Okosi’s interview with Sandhu on the Top 10 UK Black Business Role Models in the video below.

THE TOP 10 BLACK BUSINESS ROLE MODELS

This year’s Top 10 UK Black Business Role Models, include:

• Belton Flournoy, Director of Digital Identity and Security, Protiviti UK: Originally from Houston, Texas, Flournoy has since bought his expertise across to the UK; and leverages his platform and power to drive positive change both at Protiviti UK and through his role as Co-Founder of Pride in the City. He knows that inclusion doesn’t just happen; and so has spent his career being an active change maker. 
• Roni Savage, Founder & Managing Director, Jomas Associates (Engineering & Environmental): As the Founder and Managing Director of Jomas Associates (Engineering & Environmental), Savage is a powerful, visible Role Model; and has spent her career leveraging her position to drive positive change. As a Black woman in a historically male-dominated industry, she has spent her career paving not just a path for herself, but for her peers and a future generation of engineers. 
• Christina Liciaga, Head of Customer & Products for Europe & CIIOM, HSBC: Now the Head of Customer & Products for Europe & CIIOM at HSBC, Liciaga leverages her knowledge, network and platform for others. She is passionate about creating an inclusive workforce. 
• Dominic Carter, Group Chief Commercial Officer, News UK: From starting out as a magazine runner to becoming the Group Chief Commercial Officer at News UK, Carter is a visible Role Model for his peers and the business world at large. He has seen the media industry change over his 32-year tenure; and is committed to creating a workforce that is inclusive and representative for all.
• Edleen John, International, Corporate Affairs and Co-Partner for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Director, The Football Association: As the International, Corporate Affairs and Co-Partner for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Director at the Football Association, John is an expert in breaking barriers in business. She believes in taking risks, especially as someone working in an industry that has historically operated based on who you know rather than what you know. 
• Janet Onyia, Project & Programme Manager, Accenture: Through her role at Accenture and as the Scotland Lead of the Accenture African Caribbean Network (AACN), Onyia has been blazing a path for Black professionals for almost a decade. Onyia is helping to create a business fit for the future and a place where everyone can succeed.
• Leila Thomas, CEO and Founder, Urban Synergy (seconded from the Talent team at London Stock Exchange) Group: From her experience working at Reuters to becoming the Founder and CEO of Urban Synergy, Thomas is ensuring that she is a visible Role model to others. She attributes her drive to the many valuable role models in her life; and understands the importance of leading by example.
• Celia Fraser, Insights & Analytics Lead, Capital Group: A graduate from the University of Houston and now an Insights & Analytics Lead and Capital Group, Fraser has a proven track record for driving change across business. She is a vocal and committed advocate and inspires others in her field and beyond to pave their own pathways to success.
• Sengova Kailondo, Senior Associate, Hogan Lovells International LLP: Born in Sierra Leone and now a Senior Associate at Hogan Lovells International LLP, Kailondo uses his position as a role model and vast experience to shape his industry into a more inclusive one for everyone.
• Toib Olomowewe, Organisational Development & Learning Manager, Royal Dutch Shell: Through his role as the Organisational Development and Learning Manager at Royal Dutch Shell, Olomowewe is using his vast experience to level the playing field; and is rewriting the rules to ensure future generations can succeed. 

For more information on the 10 UK Black Business Role Models, click here. This year’s EMpower Ethnic Minority Role Model Lists, published by INvolve, reveal the diversity champions driving equality and creating inclusive environments for ethnic minority talent across the world. Click here to read more.