Mission Marcher Report: 001

Last week, I embarked on an inspiring journey to the Black Business Week and the Black Business Show 2024 at the Excel in London. The energy was palpable, the connections were genuine, and the wealth of knowledge shared was nothing short of empowering. ?? I want to take a moment to reflect on this incredible experience and encourage each of you to engage in events that celebrate our community’s achievements and drive.

?First and foremost, I must express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, Claudine Reid MBE , for the invitation. Claudine has always championed growth, visibility, networking, and impactful initiatives within our community. Her commitment to elevating our voices and businesses is a testament to the power of mentorship and community support. ??

?As I delved into the show guide, I found myself excitedly planning my itinerary, eager to hear from the thought leaders and innovators shaping our future. I was particularly keen to learn how to improve my initiatives, such as the "Become Talk Cards" and "H4RT Dance" in XR. The conversations around how the business sector creates "Pockets of Space" for mental health and well-being were refreshing. And as a fellow stage manager and creative cultural producer, I couldn't help but admire the seamless organization of the event—kudos to everyone involved! ??

The Black Business Week Experience

The first half of my experience was immersed in Black Business Week, which offered an extensive range of discussions on topics vital to our community. From foundational strategies to sustainability, growth, technology, and even exiting a business, there was something for everyone. I found myself bouncing between sessions, reluctant to miss a moment of the wisdom being shared.

?Key Highlights:

Day 1: Black Men in Business

- "You can't eat off your own people." This stark reminder highlighted the importance of supporting each other while also seeking opportunities beyond our immediate circles. ??

- Relevance? The notion that there is no lasting career in the entertainment industry resonated deeply, urging us to continuously innovate and adapt. ??

- Manage your expectations. The reality that we can't control who likes us serves as a powerful lesson in resilience. ??

Day 2: Black Tech Experience

This day was rich with insights that were difficult to condense, but here are some key takeaways:

- Innovation and Agency: An agile approach is crucial for thriving in today’s fast-paced world. ??

- Seize opportunities when ready, not when perfect. Adrian’s words were a strong reminder to act decisively. ??

- Strengthen your skill set by pivoting frequently. Salena's insight encourages us to embrace change. ??

- Build your "Play Book." The host emphasized the importance of having a strategy tailored to our goals. ??

- "Black women are from the future." Elizabeth’s powerful statement encapsulated the forward-thinking mindset we should all adopt. ??????

- "Stick to your WHY!" Pamela Aculey 's reminder to remain anchored in our purpose is invaluable. ??

Day 3: Black Media, Culture, and Sports Talk

The conversations on this day were enlightening:

- Build your capital first to achieve creative freedom, as noted by poet Sophia Thakur. This idea is pivotal for anyone looking to thrive in the creative industries. ??

- Diversification is essential for achieving better results when scaling your business; ensure you maximize your current operations before expanding into new areas. ??

- Create your own board of directors. This advice encourages us to surround ourselves with mentors and advisors who can guide our journeys. ??

The Black Business Show Experience

?As I transitioned into the Black Business Show, the atmosphere was charged with inspiration and innovation. The sessions were dynamic, featuring a range of topics that resonated deeply with the audience.

?Session Highlights:

Podcast Power: Building a Brand Through Audio Storytelling

1. This session was exceptionally well-structured, covering everything from how to start a podcast to monetization strategies and finding the best platforms. The host guided us through a series of insightful questions, while each panel member offered rich, substantive answers that took us on a captivating journey. ???

2. I was thrilled to map out my first draft on how and why I will launch a podcast centered around my brand initiative, #BeComeTalkCards. The panel’s knowledgeable responses were invaluable, and Bernard P. Achampong’s Fast Money, Slow Money, and Long Money analogy has left me pondering new possibilities. ??

3. I’m officially a supporter of the #ToMySisterHood podcast! Their business model, grounded in community, authentic growth, and a clear target audience, resonates with me not only as an individual but also as a Caramel Soldier. Keep #marchingstrong, Courtney Daniella Boateng and Renée Kapuku! ????

In Conversation with Dean Forbes

The straightforward approach of Dean Forbes during his conversation with Dr. Raphael Sofoluke, Founder & CEO of the UK Black Business Show & Week, was refreshing. He emphasized:

1. The importance of knowing your leadership style and why he opts for an Authentic Leadership style that transcends international borders in his daily dealings. ??

2. The necessity of reflection and review—evaluating your progress every 30 days, 3 months, at the 5th month, and over 5 years. This intensity is understandable when managing a ￡2 billion business. ??

3. The value of being the first to deliver bad news, as this creates safe spaces in the workplace and allows you to define your narrative. ??

Your Guide to Accessing Finance

Hosted by my mentor, Claudine Reid MBE, Chair of the Advisory Committee at Lloyds Banking Group, this session offered critical insights:

1. The importance of speaking the language of the room; accessing finance doesn’t always mean cash. ??

2. Asking the question: "In what ways can you support me?" The answers you receive can be worth their weight in gold! ??

3. Understanding your social responsibility and how it ties into financial decisions. ??

In Conversation with Steven Bartlett

Facilitated by journalist and author Yomi Adegoke, this session was packed with wisdom:

1. Failure is a price you have to pay when starting a business. ?

2. The R.I.C.E. analogy provided a framework for assessing success. ??

3. The Law of Averages reminds us that consistency is key. ??

4. The Strength of Why is crucial; remember the equation: Purpose = Direction. ???

5. Building resilient teams and understanding the nuances of recruitment were also focal points. ??

6. Failure = Feedback = Knowledge = Power. ??

Last words...

A huge shoutout to all the stallholders and vendors! It was invigorating to see such a diverse range of products and services on display. Keep marching strong and earning your stripes! ?????

Overall, the main themes emerging from all the talks, panels, workshops, and networking conversations at this year’s UK Black Business Show were:

Community | Authenticity | Storytelling.

?I’m eager to see how these themes manifest in my future #missionmarches as the #CaramelSoldier. Until next year, #salute! ???

Join the Conversation

?The insights and experiences I gathered from the Black Business Week and the Black Business Show are just the tip of the iceberg. I encourage everyone to participate in similar events. They not only offer valuable knowledge but also create opportunities for networking and collaboration within our community.

As we continue to support each other in earning our stripes in life, I invite you to share your thoughts on this post. What resonated with you? What additional insights can you contribute to our collective growth? Let’s keep the conversation going—tag someone who needs to hear about this event, and let’s uplift each other as we march forward together. #Salute

#BlackBusinessWeek #BlackBusinessShow #Community #Authenticity #Storytelling #GrowthMindset #Networking #Mentorship #Entrepreneurship #BeComeTalkCards #H4RTDance #PocketsOfSpace #MissionMarches #CaramelSoldier #ExcelLondon #UKBusiness