Generation Success and Reed Smith Unite Britain's Future Black Business Leaders with BAME Figureheads at Event to Mark Black History Month

LONDON, October 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Over 100 of the nation's future Black leaders attended an insight event to learn from leading Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) figureheads. The event was held at global law firm Reed Smith's London offices.

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At the event, future leaders were given the opportunity to listen to the personal career stories of six high-powered business leaders. Moderating and opening the discussion was founder of Generation Success James Adeleke. James launched the not for profit to support diversity within the workplace and tackle the issue of under-representation of BAME talent in particular. Having struggled himself with finding BAME role models whilst growing up - James admits he would have named an all-white list including Bill Gates, Elong Musk and the PayPal Mafia (Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, Reid Hoffman, Luke Nosek and Ken Howery who  have become billionaires) if asked - he recognises first-hand the need for young professionals and students to be inspired by BAME senior leaders.

Next to share their story was Reed Smith partner Gautam Bhattarchyya. Gautam grew up in North London, and admits to not getting the best grades but utilising his drive, energy and willingness to learn to build his career. Despite already achieving career highlights such as being the law firm's founding managing partner in Singapore, he said he "still has more to achieve". Gautam shared an important lesson for the audience: what defines you is not your success but what you do with it; to mentor and to open doors for others is far more valuable than can be quantified or put into words.  

This sentiment was echoed by others on the night, who each shared their own tips for success. Ursula Henry Head of Membership, Funding and Communications at the Banking Standards Board Ursula Henry's story truly struck a chord. She quoted Bob Marley, telling the audience 'you never know how strong you are unless being strong is all you have', while Catherine George EMEA Campus Lead at Amazon Web Services emphasised to the audience that they are the owners of their own futures.

The event also featured an inspiring success story from 17-year old whizz kid Dalton Scott who spoke of how despite the challenges he has faced, he has worked to upskill himself to compete with developers with 10 years' experience. He is now applying to study at Oxford.