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The BYP Network Leadership Conference is an annual event focused on equipping Black professionals to become leaders in their organisations and within the community to progress Black economic empowerment.
Join thousands of Black professionals and allies to learn high-level skills from top leaders across industries, make impactful connections and be prepared to into their leadership potential.
For the first time in BYP Network history we will be bringing you TWO incredible days of learning and development as we go deeper in our mission to ‘change the Black narrative.’ As part of our ‘Decade of Proactive Change’ series, our theme this year is #CollaborationIsKey as we dive into forming strategic partnerships across industries, seniority, countries and communities.
Topics including: “Opening Your Doors of Business”, “Taking Your Local Network to Global Heights” and “Progression X The Collective Diaspora” and “The secret behind fund-raising”. This only scratches the surface as there will be over 40 sessions, 60+ speakers and two jam-packed days of thought leadership content and networking with 8,000 attendees.
Partner, Head of Africa, TPG
Yemi Lalude is a Partner at TPG and leads investment activities for the firm in Africa. In addition to his Africa-specific role, he is a leader on emerging market investment activities in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications sector for the Rise Fund.
Prior to joining TPG, Mr. Lalude was the founder and Managing Partner of Adlevo Capital, a venture capital firm focused on technology investments in Africa. Previously, he was a Principal at GGV Capital, a leading Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm focused on investments in the US and China.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Lagos, a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Creative Innovator & Tech Entrepreneur
will.i.am has been recognized by seven Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a CLIO Award, the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award, and an Honorary Fellowship by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
He a member of the World Economic Forum’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Advisory Committee and Global Artificial Intelligence Action Alliance that monitors the impact of technology on society, people and work. He also co-chairs the World Economic Forum’s
Generation AI working group that examines the interaction of AI and youth across education, play, data rights and privacy.
will.i.am collaborates with global brands on creative campaigns and events, among them Accenture, AB InBev, Atom Bank, Bacardi, Beats Electronics, Dr. Pepper, Intel, Lexus Europe,
Mercedes, Nestle, Pepsi, Salesforce, Super Bowl, The Coca-Cola Company and VAAY. He is the Chairman and Founder of XUPERMASK, creator of a smart mask designed in partnership
with Honeywell. In the Artificial Intelligence sector, he is the Founder & CEO of I.AM+, a company that develops AI-based customer service applications using natural language interaction.
After an eight year hiatus, will.i.am and Black Eyed Peas are topping the international music charts again with multiple hits from TRANSLATION, their 2020 modern Latin crossover album featuring collaborations with J Balvin, Shakira, Becky G, El Alfa, Maluma and Ozuna. will.i.am’s i.am Angel Foundation supports in-class and after-school STEAM education programs for 1,200 disadvantaged youth in grades K – 12. The foundation also funds the Boyle
Heights STEM Magnet High School, and the i.am Scholarship program that provides gap funding for college students. As a member of the FIRST robotics organization’s board of directors, will.i.am also serves as a global advocate regarding the vital importance of STEAM skills development as the basis of an educated workforce that can fill the jobs of today, and
tomorrow.
Presenter, Producer, Youtuber
Mosique Lavontelle, otherwise known as MLavontelle, is an award nominated presenter, producer and youtuber, online, on television and on radio. She’s best known for her signature online shows, namely; #MLavontellePresents, LdnLux Entertainment, a music chart show on Link Up TV during lockdown called #TheHotlistUK as well as presenting on popular radio stations, hosting awards shows and public events.
Although MLavontelle is best known for presenting, she has credible experience as a Radio Producer, Freelance Voiceover Artist and Interviewer.
Over the years, MLavontelle has become widely known as an advocate for both Blood Donation and Sickle Cell Awareness as a proactive black blood donor, using her platform effectively to spread awareness. With an NCTJ accredited degree in journalism and years of experience in the business, MLavontelle is a brand that continues to ring bells in the UK entertainment industry.
Korn Ferry Institute President, Founder of Leadership U for Humanity
Jean-Marc Laouchez is a Korn Ferry Senior Partner based in New York. He is a member of Korn Ferry Global Leadership Team, and he leads the Korn Ferry Institute.
KF Institute conducts primary and applied research on leadership, talent and work, develops new Intellectual Property and performs advanced analytics and thought leadership projects.
Jean-Marc recently created Leadership U for Humanity, a social impact initiative of the Korn Ferry Charitable Foundation to increase the pipeline of diverse leaders for the corporate world.
Jean-Marc is also a Board Member of Trace TV, an international urban music and culture media entertainment and empowerment group.
Prior to these roles, Jean-Marc was Chief Knowledge and Transformation Officer at Hay Group and co-led the integration of Korn Ferry and Hay Group.
Before joining Hay Group, Jean-Marc served as Brazil CEO and first global partner-elect of Axialent, an international corporate culture and leadership development firm.
Jean-Marc developed his consulting skills at McKinsey & Company. He was a leader of the Organization Practice and served large clients in Brazil, Europe and the USA.
Prior to consulting, Jean-Marc worked at Banque Indosuez as a Private Banker and International Controller. He also completed an MBA at the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) and at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Coppead), and a BA at Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP).
Jean-Marc is originally from Martinique. He and his Colombian wife have two daughters.
Brand Strategist & Creative Consultant
With over 7 years of experience in branding, talent management and creative partnerships under her belt, Elizabeth Sobowale is fast becoming one to watch in the Entertainment and Creative industries. Elizabeth received a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and Communications at the University of Hertfordshire whilst gaining valuable experience as an intern in the industry. She believes that communication is the key in building an effective and
successful brand with long-lasting impact. This communication principle is evident in Elizabeth’s work in building brands of African descent. As a multi-disciplined individual, Elizabeth has executed several projects at management level relating to Branding, Marketing, tour management, public relations, creative direction and promotions.
Presenter, Social Entrepreneur, Founder Selfie
Bisi Akins is a presenter, host and founder of social enterprise 'Young Gifted Initiative' (YGI). She has hosted & presented at various events across Europe & Africa covering everything from music, hair & beauty, entertainment, corporate engagement to charitable causes.
Bisi is the embodiment of modern Nigerian Britishwoman, she has gained her following through her authentic interactions and relatable content that has stayed consistent as she has seen her following grow.Her charismatic and radiant personality translates through audio and visual mediums making her the perfect voice for engaging audience.
Creative Innovator & Tech Entrepreneur
will.i.am has been recognized by seven Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a CLIO Award, the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award, and an Honorary Fellowship by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
He a member of the World Economic Forum’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Advisory Committee and Global Artificial Intelligence Action Alliance that monitors the impact of technology on society, people and work. He also co-chairs the World Economic Forum’s
Generation AI working group that examines the interaction of AI and youth across education, play, data rights and privacy.
will.i.am collaborates with global brands on creative campaigns and events, among them Accenture, AB InBev, Atom Bank, Bacardi, Beats Electronics, Dr. Pepper, Intel, Lexus Europe,
Mercedes, Nestle, Pepsi, Salesforce, Super Bowl, The Coca-Cola Company and VAAY. He is the Chairman and Founder of XUPERMASK, creator of a smart mask designed in partnership
with Honeywell. In the Artificial Intelligence sector, he is the Founder & CEO of I.AM+, a company that develops AI-based customer service applications using natural language interaction.
After an eight year hiatus, will.i.am and Black Eyed Peas are topping the international music charts again with multiple hits from TRANSLATION, their 2020 modern Latin crossover album featuring collaborations with J Balvin, Shakira, Becky G, El Alfa, Maluma and Ozuna. will.i.am’s i.am Angel Foundation supports in-class and after-school STEAM education programs for 1,200 disadvantaged youth in grades K – 12. The foundation also funds the Boyle
Heights STEM Magnet High School, and the i.am Scholarship program that provides gap funding for college students. As a member of the FIRST robotics organization’s board of directors, will.i.am also serves as a global advocate regarding the vital importance of STEAM skills development as the basis of an educated workforce that can fill the jobs of today, and
tomorrow.
Korn Ferry Institute President, Founder of Leadership U for Humanity
Jean-Marc Laouchez is a Korn Ferry Senior Partner based in New York. He is a member of Korn Ferry Global Leadership Team, and he leads the Korn Ferry Institute.
KF Institute conducts primary and applied research on leadership, talent and work, develops new Intellectual Property and performs advanced analytics and thought leadership projects.
Jean-Marc recently created Leadership U for Humanity, a social impact initiative of the Korn Ferry Charitable Foundation to increase the pipeline of diverse leaders for the corporate world.
Jean-Marc is also a Board Member of Trace TV, an international urban music and culture media entertainment and empowerment group.
Prior to these roles, Jean-Marc was Chief Knowledge and Transformation Officer at Hay Group and co-led the integration of Korn Ferry and Hay Group.
Before joining Hay Group, Jean-Marc served as Brazil CEO and first global partner-elect of Axialent, an international corporate culture and leadership development firm.
Jean-Marc developed his consulting skills at McKinsey & Company. He was a leader of the Organization Practice and served large clients in Brazil, Europe and the USA.
Prior to consulting, Jean-Marc worked at Banque Indosuez as a Private Banker and International Controller. He also completed an MBA at the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) and at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Coppead), and a BA at Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP).
Jean-Marc is originally from Martinique. He and his Colombian wife have two daughters.
Partner, Head of Africa, TPG
Yemi Lalude is a Partner at TPG and leads investment activities for the firm in Africa. In addition to his Africa-specific role, he is a leader on emerging market investment activities in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications sector for the Rise Fund.
Prior to joining TPG, Mr. Lalude was the founder and Managing Partner of Adlevo Capital, a venture capital firm focused on technology investments in Africa. Previously, he was a Principal at GGV Capital, a leading Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm focused on investments in the US and China.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Lagos, a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Presenter, Producer, Youtuber
Mosique Lavontelle, otherwise known as MLavontelle, is an award nominated presenter, producer and youtuber, online, on television and on radio. She’s best known for her signature online shows, namely; #MLavontellePresents, LdnLux Entertainment, a music chart show on Link Up TV during lockdown called #TheHotlistUK as well as presenting on popular radio stations, hosting awards shows and public events.
Although MLavontelle is best known for presenting, she has credible experience as a Radio Producer, Freelance Voiceover Artist and Interviewer.
Over the years, MLavontelle has become widely known as an advocate for both Blood Donation and Sickle Cell Awareness as a proactive black blood donor, using her platform effectively to spread awareness. With an NCTJ accredited degree in journalism and years of experience in the business, MLavontelle is a brand that continues to ring bells in the UK entertainment industry.
Presenter, Social Entrepreneur, Founder Selfie
Bisi Akins is a presenter, host and founder of social enterprise 'Young Gifted Initiative' (YGI). She has hosted & presented at various events across Europe & Africa covering everything from music, hair & beauty, entertainment, corporate engagement to charitable causes.
Bisi is the embodiment of modern Nigerian Britishwoman, she has gained her following through her authentic interactions and relatable content that has stayed consistent as she has seen her following grow.Her charismatic and radiant personality translates through audio and visual mediums making her the perfect voice for engaging audience.
Brand Strategist & Creative Consultant
With over 7 years of experience in branding, talent management and creative partnerships under her belt, Elizabeth Sobowale is fast becoming one to watch in the Entertainment and Creative industries. Elizabeth received a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and Communications at the University of Hertfordshire whilst gaining valuable experience as an intern in the industry. She believes that communication is the key in building an effective and
successful brand with long-lasting impact. This communication principle is evident in Elizabeth’s work in building brands of African descent. As a multi-disciplined individual, Elizabeth has executed several projects at management level relating to Branding, Marketing, tour management, public relations, creative direction and promotions.
Discover how the need for transformation has accelerated the need to focus on your culture, your workplace, your people.
Learn the ins and outs of the definitive playbook for current and aspiring leaders looking to curate true ripples of change.
The past year has also taught us the need for collaboration in businesses, especially when it comes to solving world issues. But before we can start looking at the global level, we must be able to look back into our local community
You’ll hear leading local and international insight on designing, implementing and engaging with impactful collaborative projects across business, community and society.
Technology and the digital transformation has impacted how “we do work”, from automation to data insights. Certain technologies can be implemented to not only advance your ways of working
Gain unparalleled tech insight to understand how you can positively elevate your technical journey for your business and your people.
The past year has seen an exponential growth in businesses, from side hustles to unique innovations making their stamp in the world. Businesses that have worked with others, and alongside their communities have seen continued growth throughout the pandemic.
Learn how to advance your business through the power of collaboration, how you can go outside of your comfort zone & industry to advance your impact while gaining strategies to reposition your business
As we emerge from the pandemic, new ways of working and new ways of thinking will continue to be at the forefront of successful businesses. As we have learnt, putting people first will only give a return in success.
Discover how the need for transformation has accelerated the need to focus on your culture, your workplace, your people.
For both current and aspiring black leaders, it can be challenging to gain access to certain opportunities and doors that support progression of black leaders.
Learn the ins and outs of the definitive playbook for current and aspiring leaders looking to curate true ripples of change.
