From the very start, a spirit of empowerment and inclusion defined the day. Conference host Rasheed Ogunlaru kicked off with warmth and humour, inviting everyone to applaud their own contributions and asking, “Are you ready for a change?” The resounding “Yes!” set the tone. In his opening remarks, Rasheed acknowledged the challenging times in which networks operate – from economic uncertainty to social change – but underscored the opportunity for networks to lead the way. Delegates were soon on their feet, meeting new peers, and the energy never let up.

 

Inspiring voices delivered both wisdom and practical insight. Matt Jenkins, CEO of headline sponsor Dream & Leap, shared his personal journey and affirmed that diverse teams with authentic inclusion achieve the best outcomes. He praised staff networks as a “vital community” that provides safe spaces and sparks innovation.

 

Cordelia Osewa-Ediae urged network leaders to “Dig Deep, Rise Up – Together,” declaring, “This is not the time for retreats… this is the time for resets.” She introduced a framework to help ERG leaders adapt and unite for impact in challenging times.

 

​Hands-on workshops before lunch kept the momentum high. Delegates rotated through sessions on “Bloom Where You Are Planted" with Ann S Weekes (intersectionality and personal growth), “Show Me the Money” with John Sands (making the business case for networks), and Cultural Intelligence Toolkit with Polly Collingridge and Rob Neil OBE (cross-cultural understanding). These interactive breakouts let participants delve into practical skills and fresh perspectives in smaller groups. Lively discussions ensued as attendees eagerly learned from each other’s experiences.

 

In the afternoon, attention turned to big-picture inspiration. Diversity champion Leon Mann MBE shared how a small grassroots idea can grow into a movement – recounting how his Black Collective of Sport initiative evolved over 15 years into an industry-wide force. His story highlighted the power of persistence and collaboration, reinforcing that networks can achieve what once seemed impossible.

 

A dynamic “Pivot with Purpose” panel followed, where leaders from different sectors discussed how they navigate change in their networks. Their collective message was clear: stay adaptable, keep your core purpose in focus, and embrace change rather than fear it (Jayne Bekoe, Tom Syder, Matt Jenkins and Melissa Sabella).

 

The conference finale was fittingly high-energy. Donna Fraser OBE, a four-time Olympian turned inclusion advocate, closed out the day by getting everyone moving. In her session titled “On Your Marks”, Donna even led a stadium-style wave to wake up the room, then drew parallels between the mindset of an athlete and the drive of network leaders. She emphasised resilience and wellbeing – encouraging everyone to strive for their “personal best” in inclusion work while also taking care of themselves and each other. By the end of her uplifting talk, the room was buzzing with optimism.