Meet Our Day 1 – Masterclass Speakers

Jean Blackstock

CEO JB Consultancy

Jean always believed that organisations thrive when their people do.
This philosophy has guided her 30-year journey from corporate leadership to founding JBC, where she partner with visionary leaders to transform organisational challenges into opportunities.

Her career spans continents and cultures—from rising through senior positions at PWC, Diageo, Cable and Wireless, and Digicel to establishing JBC in 2005.

These experiences taught her something crucial: behind every organisational challenge lies a human solution waiting to be discovered.

When that CEO approached her in 2005 about her siloed teams, Jean saw more than just structural issues. She recognized people who needed better ways to connect, collaborate, and contribute their unique talents.
This human-centred perspective has been her compass ever since.

Jean is curious about how organisations work and, more importantly, how they can work better. Her analytical mind loves untangling complex workforce challenges, while her creative spirit thrives on designing innovative solutions that fit real-world contexts.

As a lecturer and trainer in strategic workforce planning and organisational development, Jean had the privilege of sharing knowledge while continuously learning from others. This exchange of ideas keeps her energized and inspired.

She holds a Masters in Manpower Studies from the University of Westminster and a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations.

She’s a Fellow of the CIPD and a member of several professional organisations. But what truly defines her is her commitment to building genuine relationships with clients across the globe.

Whether she’s working with UN teams, advising private sector organisations, or collaborating with non-profit leaders, she approaches each partnership with equal parts empathy and expertise.

Angelina Blackwood-Hernandez

Career Coach for Black Women in Higher Education

A dynamic HR leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education, Angelina currently runs her own coaching business helping fed up black women in HR in HE figure out what it is that they want to do next so that they can love what they do and thrive doing it.

Her previous leadership roles at Imperial College, University College her successfully lead teams through organisational transitions while developing engagement strategies that outperformed university-wide metrics.

As a Black woman in senior HR, Angelina brings deep insight into the lived realities of navigating systemic barriers, microaggressions, isolation, and the exhausting need to prove one’s worth

Detola Amure

Productivity and Leadership Coach

Detola Amure is a Productivity and Leadership Coach with over 20 years of experience across corporate and entrepreneurial sectors. As the CEO of The Productivity Company, she partners with high-achieving professionals and organisations to build sustainable productivity, overcome mindset and emotional blocks, and build thriving, people-first cultures.

Detola began her career in management consulting and business analysis, working with global brands such as Accenture, Ford Motors, and BSkyB, where she specialised in streamlining systems and improving efficiency. Today, she blends that corporate insight with her expertise as a Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach, Speaker & Trainer, and DISC Behavioural Consultant—helping leaders strengthen communication, emotional resilience, and team performance.

She is particularly passionate about the intersection of productivity and emotional well-being in the workplace. As a Certified Grief Specialist, Detola supports individuals and teams navigating change, burnout, and loss, bringing compassion and clarity to complex people challenges. Her workshops and coaching programmes empower HR professionals and leaders to address hidden barriers that affect team performance and retention.

In addition to her corporate work, Detola is the founder of Super Working Mum, a global faith-based platform that mentors Christian women in purpose, productivity, and leadership. She is also the Founder and Director of the My Little Warrior Child Foundation, providing support for bereaved parents.

An international speaker, host of the Get Productive with Detola podcast, and author of four books, Detola is a trusted voice on productivity, emotional well-being, and high-impact leadership.

Theresa (Akua) Powell

Founder & CEO Dream Catcher Global

Theresa (Akua) Powell is a transformational leadership voice, master coach, and advocate for rehumanizing the workplace from the inside out. With over two decades of experience in HR and people development including frontline leadership in employee relations, she has seen firsthand the cultural and emotional toll of traditional leadership models. Her work is deeply informed by the lived stories of employees and leaders navigating systems that often prioritize performance over presence.

Formerly the Deputy Chief of People & Performance at New York University Abu Dhabi, Akua brings both corporate depth and soulful insight to the evolving conversation around human-centered leadership. Having journeyed through over 86 countries, Akua brings a rich, global perspective to her work; one that deepens her commitment to connection, understanding, and human-centered leadership.

After stepping away from the traditional corporate path, Akua returned with a fresh perspective; one that blends strategy with soul. Her work is grounded in real-life experience, emotional presence, and her signature framework: Unbecoming—a process of letting go of outdated roles and reconnecting with what’s true and aligned. Her approach challenges performance-based leadership and instead embraces values like emotional intelligence, authenticity, and embodied alignment.

Akua’s unique approach repositions emotional intelligence and intuition not as “soft skills,” but as soul-deep strategies for trust-building, retention, and meaningful leadership. She is known for creating reflective spaces where individuals feel safe to pause, reconnect with their values, and reimagine what leadership can look like beyond titles and checklists.

A recent recipient of the Global Transformation Coaching Award in Dubai, Akua’s presence has been described as grounding, expansive, and deeply needed in today’s world of work. Through her coaching, workshops, and international retreats, she creates spaces where people can reconnect with their values, reclaim their voice, and lead with greater clarity and authenticity.
• Masterclass Topic: The Unbecoming Leader: Redefining HR from Within
What if the future of HR leadership isn’t about doing more—but about unlearning what no longer serves us—or the people we serve?

In this masterclass, Theresa (Akua) Powell returns to the HR space with a radically honest invitation: to reimagine leadership from the inside out. Drawing from decades of experience and a deep personal journey beyond the traditional corporate path, she explores how presence, intuition, and authenticity aren’t soft skills—they’re soul-deep strategies for building trust, shifting culture, and leading with integrity.

This isn’t a call to perform. It’s a call to pause. To remember. And to rehumanize HR leadership—starting from within.

Juliette Austin M.A

Global Organizational Development & Culture
Strategist | Executive Coach | DEIB Thought Leader

Juliette Austin is a seasoned global leader with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of Organizational Development, Cultural Competency, and Employee Engagement.

As astrategist and executive coach, she partners with senior leaders to drive cultural transformation and align inclusive practices with organizational performance and innovation.

Juliette is known for her distinctive approach that blends appreciative inquiry and Organizational Psychology to create agile, human-centered strategies.

She has held senior leadership roles at companies such as Zillow Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Canon USA, and EY, where she led transformative Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) initiatives and talent development programs.

Her work is grounded in intercultural fluency and evidence-based methods. Juliette holds a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Hofstra University, as well as certified in the Global Competence Aptitude Assessment (GCAA), the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), and Holistic Wellness.

She designs experiences that enhance self-awareness, reduce bias, and elevate communication across diverse teams.

A first-generation Haitian-American, Juliette resides in both New York City and Accra, Ghana, giving her a lived perspective on global leadership and cultural intelligence.

Juliette brings authenticity, insight, and a grounded presence, inviting audiences to reimagine leadership, inclusion, and the future of work.

Paul Oyewusi

Founder & Managing Director POMA Point Limited

Paul Oyewusi is the Founder & Managing Director of POMA Point LTD, a premier consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses achieve operational excellence and sustainable growth through management consulting, executive coaching, and professional development.

He collaborates with organizations to enhance leadership capabilities, optimize human capital strategies, and drive enterprise-wide transformation.

With extensive experience in talent management, organizational development, and business strategy, Paul has guided companies across multiple sectors in building agile, high-performing teams that fuel business success.

As an HR executive, management consultant, executive coach, and four-time author, he specializes in integrating workforce analytics, leadership development, and strategic planning to help companies attract, nurture, and retain top talent while ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.

Paul possesses deep expertise in navigating the African business landscape while leveraging global trends in human capital management and business innovation.

His ability to translate complex organizational challenges into scalable solutions has made him a sought-after advisor for companies aiming to strengthen their competitive advantage.

Holding professional certifications from the Human Resources Certification Institute (USA), ScrumStudy (USA), and DevSkiller (Poland), Paul continually refines his knowledge through advanced education at leading institutions.

He is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at Rome Business School in Italy, further expanding his expertise in corporate strategy, financial acumen, and leadership effectiveness.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Paul and his wife run the Paul Oyewusi Foundation in Nigeria, advocating for inclusion and skill development among individuals in marginalized communities.

Guided by the belief that “You are what you think,” Paul is committed to fostering business ecosystems that enable organizations and professionals to not only succeed but continuously evolve in a dynamic, fast-changing marketplace.

Vivian Eni

HR professional, Leader, & Career coach

Vivian Eni is an experienced HR professional, leader, and career coach with nearly two decades of expertise spanning the banking, telecommunications, and technology consulting sectors.

Originally from Nigeria, she relocated to the UK in 2007 to pursue a master’s degree in Human Resources and International Business at De Montfort University in Leicester. In 2020, she trained as a professional and personal coach with Barefoot Coaching and is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).

As a first-generation immigrant, Vivian has navigated the complexities of building a corporate career in the Western world without traditional guidance. Her journey, marked by resilience, challenges, and success, inspired her to author her debut book, How to Build a Corporate Career: Lessons from a First-Generation Migrant, which has ranked among Amazon’s top books in Diversity and Inclusion and HR and Personnel Management.

Since the book’s release, Vivian has toured esteemed institutions including King’s College London, LSE, Imperial College, Coventry University in London, and her alma mater, De Montfort University, encouraging young people to pursue career paths aligned with purpose and fulfilment.

She has delivered keynote speeches on prominent platforms such as the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Brunch in t’ City, and multiple International Women’s Day events, in addition to appearances at international book readings, corporate conferences, and leadership forums. Her story has also been spotlighted on influential podcasts including Bread and Butter with Emmanuel Asuquo, Black Create Connect, SHE Can, and Stories Next Door.

Known for her authentic voice and warm delivery, Vivian creates safe, inspiring spaces where her audience feels seen, heard, and empowered. No question is off-limits. Her practical and purpose-driven approach to career development continues to demystify the path to success. Vivian is passionate about guiding the next generation of corporate leaders to recognize their strengths, embrace their potential, and build careers that are impactful, courageous, and true to who they are.

Dr. Sherron Carrion

Global HR Strategist | Leadership Coach | Trusted Advisor

Dr. Sherron Carrion affectionately known as Dr. C. is an accomplished Business Leader specializing in Human Resources, global strategist, and thought leader with over 20 years of experience driving HR innovation, leadership development, and organizational transformation.

As the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Distinct Excellence Global, LLC and personal brand Dr. C Global, she helps leaders, executives, and organizations SEE-IT: Support, Educate, Empower, Impact, and Transform to achieve measurable growth and cultural excellence.

Dr. Carrion holds a Doctorate in Human Resources, an MBA in Management of Technology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, making her a rare blend of strategic HR expertise and technological acumen.

She has successfully led HR operations and talent strategies for an NGO with global reach, impacting teams in 14 U.S. states and multiple countries including Ghana, Kenya, and Sri Lanka.

Dr. Carrion equips professionals and organizations to merge purpose and strategy for sustainable impact. Her work centers on executive coaching, leadership development, culture and engagement strategies, and future-focused HR solutions integrating AI, data-driven decision-making, and global talent trends.

In addition to her corporate expertise, she is deeply committed to training and developing faith-based leaders to lead with integrity, influence, and impact in both ministry and marketplace environments.

Dr. C is passionate about empowering HR professionals, business executives, and emerging leaders to navigate complexity with clarity, lead with humility, and create thriving organizational cultures.

She is a sought-after speaker, empowerment coach, and trusted advisor, delivering keynote presentations and workshops on global HR strategy, leadership, technology integration, and purpose-driven influence.

Mrs ‘Ronke Kokoruwe

Founder Of  iVerbalize.

Ronke Kokoruwe is an outstanding speaker who is intentional about creating spaces of joy and bringing bold energy to her audiences. Her expertise as a consultant and executive coach further enables her to support professionals at the intersection of their leadership and communication skills. All of this is underpinned by a solid legal background.

She qualified as both a barrister and solicitor after undertaking a Master’s in International Environmental Law from the London School of Economics and stepped away from the law after she found what has been described as her true calling.

As the visionary force behind iVerbalize, a leadership and communication training business, ‘Ronke’s purpose is clear – to encourage, equip, and empower leaders to show up and speak with intention. Her expertise extends globally, with a clientele including Google, Barclays and University of Oxford.

She is a TEDx speaker, with a powerful message, ‘The Kindness Manifesto’ focused on the power and transforming impact of kindness. Some of her other topics include ‘The Power of Permission’ which explores how we can give ourselves the green light to step beyond our comfort zones and ‘The Power of Your Voice’, amongst others.

Beyond all of this, ‘Ronke is a wife and mum to 3 children and is dedicated to empowering young women in the developing world to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Running, baking and singing are all part and parcel of her world and laughter and faith are essential to her soul.

‘Ronke embodies the qualities of an inspirational female leader, offering a compelling narrative and wealth of experience that will undoubtedly captivate and motivate any audience.

Matej Mendlik (He/Him)

Co-chair, ProudHR

Matej Mendlik is a dynamic marketing specialist and cofounder of a learning and development company, where he helps organisations unlock the potential of their people through innovative and impactful training solutions.

With a keen eye for brand strategy and a passion for human-centred communication, Matej blends his marketing expertise with a deep understanding of team development and engagement.

Beyond his professional ventures, Matej plays an active role in ProudHR, a volunteer-led queer network dedicated to advancing inclusion and equity in the workplace.

His contributions help shape conversations around LGBTQIA+ representation in HR and Learning & Development, with a focus on authenticity, allyship, and systemic change.

As someone who understands the power of visibility and voice, Matej is committed to creating spaces where diverse identities can thrive and be celebrated.

Joshua Karl (he/him)

HR/EDI Director at Trusted People HR

Joshua is a senior EDI and HR professional with over 20 years of experience, spanning both in-house and consultancy roles. He has partnered with organizations of all sizes from innovative startups to large global enterprises delivering expert HR and EDI solutions, coaching, and training.

His work extends across diverse sectors, including TV, film, and theatre production, as well as energy, transport, retail, education, housing, and the not-for-profit sector.

Collaborating with business owners, senior leaders, and boards, Joshua provides strategic and operational HR support, specializing in HR leadership, organizational restructuring, TUPE transfers, and recruitment.

He offers comprehensive guidance on complex people-related matters, such as conduct, absence management, capability, performance, whistleblowing, discrimination, harassment, dismissal, and appeals.

With a proven track record, Joshua has successfully led and managed high-volume, high-profile, and sensitive employee relations cases and investigations.

In the EDI space, Joshua works with organizations to assess and advance their inclusion journey, using surveys, in-depth conversations, and the development of employee resource networks. He has delivered over 200 workshops and keynote sessions on topics including LGBTQ+ experiences, understanding gender identity, bias and blind spots, inclusive language, disability awareness, Black History Month, anti-racism, and allyship.

Coretha Rushing, SPHR

Board member, Former C-suite Executive, Managing Director, Executive Coach & Mentor

Coretha Rushing has over 30 years of corporate business and leadershipexperience. She worked in various executive roles at Equifax, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, Pepsi, IBM, and CR Consulting Alliance LLC, her HR consulting firm.

She provided consulting services across various industries and served on and supported non-profit and public boards. Coretha served the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), a professional membership organization of 350,000 global Human Resources professionals, for eight years as a board member and as the Board Chair and Board Chair Emeritus. During that time, she served as a keynote speaker at SHRM’s annual conferences, the largest professional human resources conference, with an average attendance of 20,000 attendees.

She continues to serve as a speaker at professional conferences, meetings, and business panels.

Coretha currently serves as a board member of Alight, Inc. (NYSE – ALIT), a leading cloud-based human capital technology and service provider, ThredUp (NASDAQ -TDUP), the largest online marketplace that buys and sells secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories for women and children. She serves as an External Board Advisor for Spencer Stuart, the global search firm.

She is a Managing Director/ Executive Coach with The ExCo Leadership Group, an international executive coaching firm, where she provides coaching to C-suite and high-potential clients.

Ms. Rushing is an advisor to Kano Partners, a private investment partnership.

Coretha retired in January 2020 as the Senior Vice President and Chief \ Administrative Officer for Equifax, Inc. Equifax (NYSE – EFX), a 3B global credit and data analytics organization based in 24 countries. She led the international HR organization, the company’s Foundation, and the business/culture transformation during its most significant financial growth, global expansion, product innovation, and its most critical business challenge – a cybersecurity data breach.

Coretha served as the EVP and Chief People Officer of The Coca-Cola Company. Ms. Rushing was the first woman and person of color to have a role in the company’s 100+ year history. During her tenure, she played an instrumental role in resolving the largest US racial discrimination lawsuit, working with the Board of Directors and a court-appointed board chaired by Alexis Herman, former US Secretary of Labor.

Ms. Rushing led the development of leading-edge people programs and initiatives, which serve as the foundation for its current leadership and employee programs to ensure business success and sustained diversity, including equity programs.

Coretha began her global Human Resources career at IBM, where she held several senior-level roles across all HR disciplines during her tenure, supporting diverse businesses in various IBM US locations.

A native of Virginia, Ms. Rushing received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from East Carolina University and a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Human Resources and Counseling from George Washington University.

She is active in several professional and community organizations.

Jules Sivajoti

HR Strategy, Portfolio & Performance Director at BT

Jules has a background primarily in generalist HR roles and delivering large scale, complex people transformation. She has worked across the FMCG and Telco sectors, supporting technology, product and commercial functions to achieve their strategic ambitions through their people.

Most recently she moved into a role leading the transformation of the People & Culture function at BT, seeking to transition us to a future-fit, agile and value-creative team.

Alongside this, she attempts to balance a busy life / taxi-service for her 3 children and ensuring she has a little bit of time for herself!!

Dimple Mistry

Head, Human Resources (Europe), GIC

Dimple Mistry is the Head of Human Resources for Europe at GIC, with over 20 years’ HR experience. In this role, she is responsible for leading the full spectrum of the HR function across GIC’s European region, including talent strategy, development, organisational culture, and employee engagement.

Dimple has played a central role in shaping GIC’s people agenda for the region, overseeing the expansion of the regional talent base and embedding a high-performance, inclusive, value-led culture. She is instrumental in aligning HR strategy with GIC’s long-term investment mission, helping to attract, retain, and develop diverse talent in a competitive global market.

In addition to her HR leadership, she co-leads GIC’s regional Social Impact efforts, where she champions initiatives that partner with key charities and initiatives that drive community impact and engagement.

Outside of GIC, Dimple is interim Board Chair of a humanitarian charity, Go Dharmic, and HR Board member at UKSIF. She also serves on the Diversity Project’s Steering Committee and holds Board Advisory roles at Reboot and City Hive Academy.

Rooted in her British, East African, and Indian heritage – and informed by lived experience – Dimple brings a deeply intersectional lens to her professional and community roles.

She is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London for her contributions to the industry.

Graham Atkinson

Co-founder and Managing Director of Atkinson HR

Graham is the co-founder and Managing Director of Atkinson HR.

He has enjoyed a career in senior HR roles across the Voluntary and Higher Education sectors including 5-years as HR Director for the National Union of Students.

Graham, and the team at Atkinson HR, provide HR consultancy for a range of non-profits including Shakespeare’s Globe, the Scouts, Ramblers and lots of small charities. He loves getting to work with new organisations in different sectors and learning about their ways of working. A big motivator, for Graham, is adding value to clients and helping them to have an even bigger impact through their work.

Omotoyosi (Toyosi) Akinfemiwa FFA FIPA

CEO/ Founder @ Elizabeth Roberts Accountants and Business Advisors

Natasia Hieber

Founder of We-are-HR | Public Speaker | HR & L&D Expert with 20+ Years’ Experience | Award-Winning CIPD & CMI Centre | Champion of Inclusive, Strategic HR

Sharon L. Denson

Proprietor & Principal Consultant of SLDenson HR Consulting LLC