BYP Network NYC Leadership Summit 2023

headlined by

#BYPKnowledgeIsPower #BYPNYCSummit

Calling all Black professionals and advocates in the US, BYP Network is bringing a format of its celebrated annual BYP Leadership Conference across the Atlantic with a physical event on 19th May 2023 at the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel in New York City.

12:00 - 12:45 PM

Registration, Networking and Exhibition

Meet leading companies who are looking to recruit Black talent and hear about their latest career opportunities.

1:00 - 1:15 PM

Welcome & Introduction

Welcome to the first BYP Network NYC Leadership Summit for Black professionals and diversity advocates. Meet the BYP Network CEO as she introduces her vision to empower the community with the knowledge and wisdom of the senior professionals from a variety of industries.

Speakers

Kike Oniwinde Agoro

BYP Network Founder & CEO

Dee McDougal

Head of diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Capco

1:15-1:50 PM

Changing the Black Narrative: Creating Space to #BeYourselfAtWork - Sponsored by Capco

Change the description of this session to the following –

Advancing your career requires continuous efforts to stretch your limits, acquire new knowledge, and foster personal growth. Along the way, you may encounter setbacks and failures, but these experiences serve as valuable lessons for improvement. 

Learn how to embrace your authenticity and stay true to yourself by honing your skills and cultivating your unique strengths. Allowing you to climb the ladder of success and break the barriers that hinder your progress.

Key themes:

  1. Unspoken rules of engagement within consulting
  2. Competencies and qualities that are needed for consulting (introvert vs extrovert) + transitional skills.
  3. The importance of staying within a company, learning and building your career especially early on. But also know when to leave.

Join us for this enlightening session to gain practical knowledge and tools to recession-proof your career, empowering you to thrive even in the most challenging economic environments.

Speakers

Randall Sawyer

Partner at Capco

Trevor Williams

Partner at Capco

Nisaa Askia

Marketing Manager and founder of Black@Capco

Iruka Brown

Managing principle at Capco

1:55 - 2:20 PM

Corporate America: How to get to the top - Sponsored by Gartner

Are you eager to advance your career and climb the corporate ladder? Join our session on "Corporate America: How to get to the top" and discover the strategies that successful professionals have used to achieve their goals.

During this session, you will learn the importance of networking and building relationships with key stakeholders in your organization. We will discuss effective communication techniques, such as active listening and clear articulation of ideas, that will help you convey your value to decision-makers. Additionally, we will explore the skills and knowledge you need to develop to stand out from the competition, including leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Our panel of experienced executives will share their insights on the challenges they faced on their path to the top, including overcoming bias and discrimination. They will also provide practical tips for maintaining a work-life balance, managing stress, and staying motivated during challenging times.

Whether you're just starting your career or have been in the corporate world for years, this session will provide you with valuable information to help you succeed.

Speakers

Kike Oniwinde Agoro

BYP Network Founder & CEO

Rhonda Scales-Thacker

Gartner - Group Vice President, Enterprise Technology and Architecture

Marlene Pelage

Global chief financial officer of Mediabrands

2:25 - 2:50 PM

Interactive networking session

A facilitated networking session for you to form new business connections

2:50 - 3:15 PM

Recession Proofing: How to survive through the downturn

In today’s unpredictable economic climate, it is essential to prepare for potential downturns. This conference session keynote will focus on “Recession Proofing: How to Survive Through the Downturn” offering valuable insights and strategies to help black professionals navigate challenging times.

The panel will address the unique challenges faced by black employees in times of economic uncertainty and share actionable advice on building a recession-proof career. They will discuss the importance of financial literacy, upskilling, and networking in creating a stable foundation for long-term career success. Additionally, the speaker will delve into the significance of mental resilience and self-care in maintaining productivity and well-being during tough times.

Attendees will learn:

  1. Essential financial management strategies to build a robust safety net.
  2. How to identify and acquire in-demand skills to increase job security.
  3. Techniques for developing and leveraging professional networks for support and opportunities.
  4. The role of mental resilience and self-care in navigating challenging circumstances.
  5. Strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, leading to more resilient organizations.


Join us for this enlightening session to gain practical knowledge and tools to recession-proof your career, empowering you to thrive even in the most challenging economic environments.

Speakers

Omose Ighodaro

Co-founder of Afrovibes.com

James Francis

Founder & CEO of Paradigm Asset Management

Gary Stewart

Managing Director at Techstars

3:15 - 3:45 PM

BREAK

3:50 - 4:15 PM

Breaking Barriers in your industry

This conference session focuses on breaking barriers and advocating for Black professionals across diverse industries, addressing the challenges they face and exploring practical strategies to create inclusive and equitable work environments. Despite progress, Black professionals continue to encounter underrepresentation and systemic inequalities, hindering their career growth and success. By delving into these issues, we aim to foster constructive dialogue and collaboration among industry leaders, employees, and stakeholders.

During the session, expert panelists will share their experiences, insights, and actionable advice on dismantling barriers that hinder the advancement of Black professionals. Topics covered will include promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives, addressing unconscious bias, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, as well as celebrating and highlighting the achievements of Black professionals.

Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on implementing effective measures to create a level playing field and fostering an inclusive corporate culture. Through collective effort and understanding, we can work together to advocate for Black professionals, empowering them to reach their full potential and contribute to the growth and innovation in their respective industries. Join us in this critical conversation to help break down barriers and create a more equitable and diverse professional landscape.

Speakers

Caryn Campbell

Executive Director of Misty Copeland Foundation

Rashad Chambers

Founder and President of Esquire Entertainment

Kenneth Johnson

President and Diversity Consultant at East Coast Executives

4:20- 4:45 PM

United Across Borders: Advancing Globally

Join us in exploring the transformative potential of global unity among black professionals at our conference session, "United Across Borders: Advancing Globally." This session will delve into the importance of fostering cross-border collaboration and solidarity for black professionals worldwide, and the crucial role that Africa plays in this endeavor.

We will discuss how black professionals in various fields can leverage international networks, resources, and opportunities to create a lasting impact on their industries and communities. By highlighting the successes and challenges of black professionals, we aim to inspire and encourage attendees to break down barriers, build alliances, and contribute to a more inclusive global economy.

Africa, as the cradle of human civilization and the world's second-largest continent, plays a pivotal role in shaping the global narrative for black professionals. With its rich cultural heritage, vast resources, and burgeoning young population, Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the way in innovation, entrepreneurship, and social change.

In this session, we will examine how African countries are creating opportunities for black professionals both on the continent and abroad. We will also explore the potential of African diaspora networks to foster global partnerships, drive economic growth, and promote a sense of belonging and identity.

By engaging in this critical dialogue, we aim to empower black professionals worldwide to unite across borders and collectively advance their careers, communities, and the global society at large. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share your passion for creating a more equitable and inclusive world.

Join us as we celebrate our shared heritage and chart the course toward a brighter future for black professionals, united across borders and committed to advancing globally.

Speakers

Omose Ighodaro

Co-founder of Afrovibes.com

Abdul Karim Abdullah

CEO of Afrochella

Kike Oniwinde Agoro

BYP Network Founder & CEO

4:50 - 5:15 PM

Pet to Threat: Smashing the glass ceiling

This session will explore the phenomenon of "pet to threat" - a pattern of stereotyping and marginalizing Black women in the corporate workplace. Despite their qualifications, expertise, and experience, Black women are often underestimated, dismissed, and undervalued in the workplace due to gender and racial stereotypes. They are often seen as "pets," or friendly, approachable figures who lack the authority or competence to be taken seriously. However, when they assert themselves or challenge the status quo, they are quickly labeled as "threats," or aggressive and confrontational individuals who pose a risk to the workplace harmony.

Using the lens of intersectionality, this session will examine the impact of pet to threat on the well-being, career progression, and organizational culture of Black women. The session will draw on recent research on the experiences of Black women in the corporate workplace, as well as best practices for creating inclusive and equitable work environments. The session will also provide practical strategies for Black women to navigate the pet to threat dynamic, including ways to assert themselves effectively, build allies, and advocate for change.

Overall, this session aims to raise awareness of the pet to threat phenomenon and its harmful effects on Black women in the workplace. It also aims to equip attendees with tools and knowledge to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their organizations.

Speakers

Shelomi Gomes

Organisational Psychologist / Executive Leadership Consultant

Niani Tolbert

CEO & Founder of #HIREBLACK Initiative

5:15- 5:30 PM

Final Words

Speakers

BYP + Headline

Speakers

Kike Oniwinde Agoro
BYP Network Founder & CEO

Dee McDougal
Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Capco

Kike Oniwinde Agoro

BYP Network Founder & CEO

Dee McDougal

Head of diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Capco

5:30 - 6:30 PM

Drinks Reception, Networking and Exhibition

BYP + Headline

Speakers

Kike Oniwinde Agoro
BYP Network Founder & CEO

Dee McDougal
Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Capco

17:30

DRINKS RECEPTION, NETWORKING, EXHIBITION

Allocated speakers for NYC