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Putting the spotlight on UK Black Business Role Models

Welcome to this special EMpower feature on the Top 10 UK Black Business Role Models presented by Google. We have in-depth interviews with ten exceptional senior 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.

To learn more about this feature and the importance of Black business role models watch the video of EMpower Lists founder, Suki Sandhu OBE, speaking with Alex Okosi, Managing Director, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA. Alternatively read our in-depth interview with Alex.

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Our EMpower Top 10 UK Black Role Models

Headshot of Belton Flournoy

Belton Flournoy

Director of Digital Identity and Security – Protiviti UK

Belton knows that inclusion doesn’t just happen and has spent his career being an active changemaker. Originally from Houston, Texas, Belton 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.

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Headshot of Roni Savage

Roni Savage

Founder & Managing Director – Jomas Associates (Engineering & Environmental)

As a Black woman in a historically male-dominated industry, Roni has spent her career paving not just a path for herself but for her peers and a future generation of engineers. As the Founder and Managing Director of Jomas Associates (Engineering & Environmental) Roni is a powerful, visible Role Model and has spent her career leveraging her position to drive positive change.

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Headshot of Christina Liciaga

Christina Liciaga

Head of Customer & Products for Europe & CIIOM – HSBC

Christina knows what it takes to create a successful start up, having founded her own business at 18 years old. Now the Head of Customer & Products for Europe & CIIOM at HSBC, she leverages her knowledge, network and platform for others and is passionate about creating an inclusive workforce.

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Headshot of Dominic Carter

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, Dominic 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.

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Headshot of Edleen John

Edleen John

International, Corporate Affairs and Co-Partner for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Director – The Football Association

Edleen believes in taking risks, especially as someone working in an industry that has historically operated based on who you know vs. what you know. As the International, Corporate Affairs and Co-Partner for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Director at the Football Association, Edleen is an expert in breaking barriers in business.

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Headshot of Janet Onyia

Janet Onyia

Project & Programme Manager – Accenture

Janet has been blazing a path for Black professionals for almost a decade. Through her role at Accenture and as the Scotland Leadd of the Accenture African Caribbean Network (AACN), Janet is helping to create a business fit for the future and a place where everyone can succeed.

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Headshot of Leila Thomas

Leila Thomas

CEO and Founder – Urban Synergy, Seconded from Talent team at London Stock Exchange Group

Leila attributes her drive to the many, valuable role models in her life and understands the importance of leading by example. From her experience working at Reuters to becoming the Founder and CEO of Urban Synergy, Seconded from Talent team at London Stock Exchange Group, Leila is ensuring that she is a visible Role model to others. In her words ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it’.

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Headshot of Celia Fraser

Celia Fraser

Insights & Analytics Lead – Capital Group

A graduate from the University of Houston, and now an Insights & Analytics Lead and Capital Group, Celia 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.

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Headshot of Sengova Kailondo

Sengova Kailondo

Senior Associate – Hogan Lovells International LLP

Sengova’s family knew he would be a fantastic lawyer, and they were not wrong. Born in Sierra Leone and now a Senior Associate at Hogan Lovells International LLP, Sengova uses his knowledge, position as a role model and vast experience to shape his industry into a more inclusive one for everyone.

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Headshot of Toib Olomowewe

Toib Olomowewe

Organisational Development & Learning Manager – Royal Dutch Shell

In Toib’s words, ‘There was a whole set of rules to a game I didn’t know’ when he first began working. Through his role as the Organisational Development and Learning Manager at Royal Dutch Shell, he is using his vast experience to level the playing field and is rewriting the rules to ensure future generations can succeed.

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