2025 is our year of ambition!
Celebrating Black Futures
Leadership Conference 2025
Wednesday 28th May 2024
London, UK
Welcome to the forefront of change! Our annual leadership conference, "Celebrating Black Futures," is not just an event—it's a convergence of industry leaders, sponsors, allies, influencers of all backgrounds and alumnae. It's a unique opportunity to network, share ideas, and be both inspired and inspiring.
Our platinum and Main sponsor
Our primary sponsor
Our annual leadership conference is a gathering of industry leaders, sponsors, allies, influencers, and alumnae—an opportunity to network, share ideas, and inspire and be inspired.
It's a celebration of achievements, an affirmation of who we are, and a glimpse into the inclusive future we aim to create—one where everyone belongs and maximises their potential and thrives without exception.
Why attend?
Inspiration
Exchange insights with leaders and allies who share your vision.
Community
Mingle with a global network pushing for meaningful change.
Experience
Hear testimonials from Solaris alumnae emboldened by Love, Leadership, and Results.
Strategic Networking
Gain allies for career advancement and talent connections to support diversity and inclusion goals.
Our Speakers
-
Yetunde Hofmann
Programme Director Solaris Executive Leadership Development Academy
-
Paulette Mastin
Partner ReedSmith
-
Rosalind Kainyah MBE
Portfolio Non-Executive Director and Founder Kina Advisory Ltd
-
Steve Foots
Group Chief Executive Officer – Croda International Plc
-
Carolanne Minashi
Global Head of Inclusion - HSBC
-
Nadia Minors
Vice President Compliance, Vocalink Limited
-
Dr. Ego Obi
Founding Principal - Ethiq Consulting
-
Pretty Sagoo
Managing Director of Defined Benefit Solutions and Member of the Group Executive Committee - Just Group
-
Dia Thanki
Founder and CEO Alchemy Machines Ltd
-
Zainab Weller
Head of Strategic and Special Projects - Santander UK
-
Claire Ighodaro CBE
Audit Chair KPMG
-
Aia Malik
Global Business Director, Croda Pharma - Croda
-
Craig Cuffie
Chief Procurement Officer - HSBC
-
Folake Johnson
Customer Care Director, Barclays UK
-
Michelle Lydon
President Human Resources – Croda International Plc
-
Leana DeChausay
Director Global Banking and Markets Transformation at HSBC, public speaker, Founder - ‘Fortifying True Self’ Podcast
-
Wande Adu
Head of Product Solutions, Securities Services, HSBC
-
Phil Siveter
Chief Executive Officer, Thales UK
-
Lloydette Bai-Marrow
Managing Partner Parametric Global Consulting
-
Gertrude Chaville Parkin
Head of Trade Compliance Legal and Contracts, Thales UK
-
David Otudeko
Assistant Director, Head of Prudential Regulation - Association of British Insurers
-
Jess Palmer
Senior Manager, Culture Transformation Strategy, Santander UK
-
Rob Anarfi
Group Chief Risk Officer, Beazeley
-
Lisa Vital
National Head of Sales Support and Corporate Banking Origination, Barclays Bank Plc.
-
Vivian Cole
VP, Banker Experience, Chief Commercial Office, Global Banking GB at HSBC
-
Ailisha Ogunmefun
Head of Change, Flood Re
-
Adelaide Forbes
Group People Director - Macro Group
-
Siobhan Williams
Head of Digital Learning and Innovation, Thales UK
A Summit of Minds
It's where leaders of all backgrounds unite—believers in the value and difference a genuinely inclusive world can make. Engage in a summit of minds where we learn, connect, collaborate, and shape the future. Celebrate achievements and diversity in an environment where you unequivocally belong, irrespective of your background and experiences.
Speakers
Business leaders and inclusion advocates will touch on front-of-mind topics. They will provoke, be authentic, share perspectives, and provide insight into tangible progress for the good of all.
Who Should Attend
Business and executive leaders who consider themselves Allies, Supporters, Champions, Visionaries, and advocates of a genuinely inclusive world. Our delegates—men and women business leaders—from various industry sectors, united by one purpose: a belief in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognising that only together can we win!
What was said by our attendees in 2024
-
“The day has been hugely inspirational – the key messages I took away were a focus on purpose, connections, authenticity, networking – we really have learned so much”
-
“What is truly inspirational is that you have the opportunity to network with people who are like you, think like you and you also have access to an awesome calibre of leaders from all backgrounds”
-
“This conference helps the black woman believe in her identity, believe in her worth and in the contribution she can make”
Our conference topics and themes
-
Now is the time to create our future
-
Breaking Ceilings Purpose Driven Leadership
Purpose Driven Leadership – Establishing a culture of Thrive
-
Landing that promotion
-
Navigating your Career
A stakeholder centred approach
-
Leading in your own skin
Your difference, your superpower!
-
The contribution of allyship
-
Set your own table and build your own board
Striking out
-
Pivotal Leadership
-
Securing your seat in the C-Suite
-
Remember Love Wins!
-
Keep the ladder down
Lifting as we rise!
-
The Power of Ambition
Highlights and Testimonials from our 2024 Conference
JOIN US
*
JOIN US *
Our annual leadership conferences are a great place for industry leaders, sponsors, allys influencers and alumnae to network, share ideas, inspire and be inspired. It is our time to celebrate achievement, who we are and what the future holds for an inclusive world of work and life in which everyone and without exception has an opportunity to maximise their potential and know that they belong.
Drinks and Networking Reception
6-8pm
Stay on for our Networking Drinks to continue the dialogue, share perspectives, and establish meaningful connections for you and your teams.
Sponsored by
Get in touch.
If you have any questions about the conference or would like additional information please contact us using this form.