TRANSCEND
An AFBE Leadership Training Programme
TRANSCEND is a specially curated leadership course that is designed to engage, motivate, inspire and challenge people of colour to help them progress into leadership roles. This course will infuse a new perspective on the ever so little but important subtle social and leadership skills any leader and aspiring leader would need to go above and beyond in their career and everyday life.
Application Deadline:
4th of April, 2025
TRANSCEND is for individuals who are in senior technical and lead technical roles in their organisations with over 10 years of experience who want to
Progress into senior management and executive positions in their careers.
Be mentors and role models to others.
Be the best leaders they can be
Be a beacon of change and hope in their industry.
Already in line with direct reports.
Leadership: if you've only got a minute and you want to see how this works, watch this
“The strengthening of our society through the application of STEM and the improvement of our processes by widening participation are AFBE-UK ‘s raison d’etre. We desire that our engineering companies look at all levels like the communities in which we operate. We are therefore excited to run another TRANSCEND session. This series will equip our senior technical professionals with the tools they need in order to go as far as their abilities take them within the organisations they work in. Make no mistake our attendees don’t need fixing, what we hope these sessions which are very interactive do, is awaken the giant within. I congratulate Roy and his team for putting this all together and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique opportunity. “
Dr Ollie Folayan MBE CEng FIChemE Founder/Co-Chair AFBE UK ScotlandCOURSE OBJECTIVES AND VISION
The TRANSCEND Leadership Programme aims to:
- Inspire effective leadership communication and engagement.
- Encourage strategic transition into management and executive roles.
- Provide awareness to the responsibilities and challenges that come with leadership.
To be a leader at any level, an individual needs to be aware and skilled in the ever so subtle and obvious leadership roles.
All participants must be ready for a change and have the right mindset needed to take the NECESSARY steps to progress into leadership roles.
Leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds remain significantly underrepresented across several sectors. A recent Inclusion Measurement Framework published by Energy and Utility Skills showed a slight increase in its leadership demographic from 5.9% to 7% in 2023. However, the underrepresentation of people of colour at corporate leadership level in most companies and organisations is well documented with very limited progress. In 2017, AFBE UK conducted research that showed there was less than 0.3% of black representation on boards of a variety of organisations. In Feb 2021, the financial times reported that the FTSE 100 has 0 black people at Executive level. The report The Equity Effect by Henley Business school showed a 58% increase in revenue for companies with programme targeted at driving race equity in their companies.
With all of this it is necessary to capture the relevance of diversity in the growth and success of organisations. In 2015 McKinsey published research on Why Diversity Matters, which was recently updated in 2019 – with a business case for why diversity in executive teams remains strong.
The summary of the report is – 25% of gender diverse companies are more likely to outperform their peers while 36% of ethnically diverse companies outperform their peers. Some of the reasons for this conclusion are:
- Non-homogenous or diverse teams tend to have a range of perspectives which adds to a company’s competitiveness in a globalized economy.
- The companies perform better because they can attract and keep top talent – and we know that Exceptional talent comes from all backgrounds – hence diverse.
- All of which translates to – Profits – Bottom line
- Improves a company’s global image and license to operate.
The AFBE-UK TRANSCEND team will run a series of sessions that seeks to unearth the barriers to career progression and chart
a path into leadership.
- Participants shortlisted and informed in April 2025
- Training is hosted every saturday between the 26th of April and the 12th of July, 2025
- Transcend course starts 26th April 2025
TRANSCEND will admit a maximum of 12 participants to attend
The sessions will be highly interactive and engaging.
- Self-Awareness & Bias – Understand personal leadership style and manage unconscious biases.
- Winning Habits – Cultivate resilience, emotional intelligence, and well-being for leadership success.
- Effective Leadership & Management – Apply leadership principles to drive team and organisational success.
- Mentoring & Coaching – Develop skills to mentor, coach, and empower others effectively.
- Agile Working – Adapt to change, enhance collaboration, and drive innovation.
- Conflict Resolution – Manage workplace conflicts professionally using negotiation techniques.
- Advanced Communication & Speaking – Master public speaking, persuasion, and impactful communication.
- Active Listening – Improve listening skills for stronger workplace relationships and engagement.
- Commercial Awareness & Market Understanding – Apply business insights to drive growth and sustainability.
- Negotiation Skills – Build confidence in influencing and persuading stakeholders effectively.
- Organisational Understanding & Workplace Navigation – Navigate workplace structures and power dynamics.
- Glass Cliff & Sticky Floors – Overcome barriers to leadership progression with confidence.
- Navigating Workplace Culture – Develop cultural intelligence and foster inclusive work environments.
- Individual Package:
Individuals sign up for leadership training.
Get in touch to discuss. - Company Package:
Deliver internal leadership training to your organisation.
Get in touch to discuss. - Sponsor Package:
Sponsor interested individuals on the leadership training.
Get in touch to discuss.
Application Deadline:
4th of April, 2025
Participants:
Max 12 participants per course
Course Starts:
26th of April, 2025
Length:
32 hours of training content
Delivery
Online Delivery via Zoom
Language
English Training
COURSE BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The underrepresentation of people of colour at corporate leadership level in most companies and organisations is well documented with very limited progress. In 2017, AFBE UK conducted research that showed there was less than 0.3% of black representation on boards of a variety of organisations. In Feb 2021, the financial times reported that the FTSE 100 has 0 black people at Executive level. The report The Equity Effect by Henley Business school showed a 58% increase in revenue for companies with programme targeted at driving race equity in their companies.
With all of this it is necessary to capture relevance of diversity in the growth and success of organisations. In 2015 McKinsey published research on Why Diversity Matters, which was recently updated in 2019 – with a business case for why diversity in executive teams remains strong.
The summary of the report is – 25% of gender diverse companies are more likely to outperform their peers while 36% of ethnically diverse companies outperform their peers. Some of the reasons for this conclusion are:
- Non-homogenous or diverse teams tend to have a range of perspectives which adds to a company’s competitiveness in a globalized economy.
- The companies perform better because they can attract and keep top talent – and we know that Exceptional talent comes from all backgrounds – hence diverse.
- Improves a company’s global image and license to operate.
- All of which translates to – Profits – Bottom line
Course Outline and Timetable
The AFBE-UK TRANSCEND team will run a series of sessions that seeks to unearth the barriers to career progression and the chart
a path into leadership.
- Participants shortlisted and informed in April/May 2023
- Meeting with Transcend team representatives to discuss training schedule options
- Transcend cohort 2 starts in June 2023
The sessions will be interactive and member led and will address the following aspects.
Training Schedule
- Language: English Training
- Delivery: Online (Zoom)
- Application deadline: 3rd May 2023
- Course start: First week in June 2023
- Lenght: 32 hours of training content
Understanding oneself is the foundation of great leadership. This module explores unconscious biases, winning habits, emotional intelligence, personal values, strengths, and areas for development to enhance decision-making and professional relationships.
Leadership and management require distinct yet complementary skills. This module provides insights into leadership styles, mentoring & coaching, agile working, conflict resolution and people management to drive team success.
Effective communication goes beyond words. This module touches on speaking and active listening skills to enhance verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills, improving clarity, persuasion, and engagement in leadership.
Understanding business fundamentals is crucial for leadership. This module covers commercial & market understanding and negotiation skills to enhance organisational growth.
Limiting behaviours can be varied and can be due to upbringing, experiences and the workplace. Participants will acknowledge and learn how to overcome self-limiting behaviours such as: engaging in below the line thinking, remaining powerless and speechless and putting off investing in yourself. MQ motivational intelligence is a person’s ability to identify and manage negative thoughts and self-limiting beliefs in order to overcome obstacles and accomplish goals.
For sponsorship package, to participate or any enquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Testimonials From Cohort 1
TRANSCEND Advisors
Former Director of Human
Performance, BP, AFBE Leadership Advisory Team
TRANSCEND is a leadership programme created by people who understand the challenges faced by people of colour and the underrepresentation in corporate leadership level. The program covers a wide range of practical skills-building to navigate the business world as a minority ethnic leader.”
It is great to finally see a leadership programme developed by/and for people of colour. I encourage organisations to consider this as an investment in future leaders from underrepresented ethnic groups
Meet The Trainers
Dr Ollie Folayan, MBE, PhD, FIChemE
Co Chair AFBE UK Scotland
Ollie Folayan is a Visiting Professor at the School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, and Head of Process and Safety at Optimus Plus, an engineering consultancy based in Aberdeen. He is also the co-founder of AFBE-UK, an organisation dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in engineering.
A highly accomplished chemical engineer, Ollie holds a BEng in Chemical Process Engineering with Fuel Technology from the University of Sheffield and a PhD in Fuels and Combustion from the University of Leeds. His doctoral research produced five internationally recognised publications in the field of combustion and engineering. Over the years, he has worked on major capital projects spanning Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), Detailed Design, and Commissioning.
In 2018, Ollie was elected a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (FIChemE), recognising his expertise and contributions to the field. He has been a driving force behind successful outreach initiatives such as Making Engineering Hot, NextGen (Scotland), Transition, and Real Projects, aimed at inspiring and supporting the next generation of engineers. His research on role models in engineering, workforce sustainability, and the transition from academia to industry has been published in leading journals.
A respected thought leader, Ollie has chaired high-profile industry seminars featuring key industry leaders and policymakers and is a regular speaker on engineering, leadership, and diversity topics. In 2019, he was appointed to the All-Energy Diversity and Inclusion Task Group by Oil & Gas UK.
Ollie’s dedication to mentoring and professional excellence is evident in his role as a judge for prestigious awards, including:
- Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards (2020, 2021, 2022)
- Offshore Achievement Awards (2019)
- Association for Consultancy and Engineering Awards (2021)
- Oil & Gas UK Awards (2020, 2021)
His commitment to mentorship and inclusion has earned him numerous accolades, including being a finalist for Mentor of the Year at the OGUK Awards (2021) and Diversity Hero at the Herald Awards (2021). In 2021, he was also honoured with the Diversity and Inclusion Award by IChemE.
In 2023, Ollie was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for his outstanding contributions to diversity and inclusion in engineering.
Tolu Falade
TEAM LEAD, AFBE-UK LEADERSHIP TEAM
Tolu Falade is a Production Team Leader at BP, an award-winning engineer, and a recognised BBBA STEM Rising Star 2024 and EMpower Future Leader. With over 10 years of experience in project management and operations, Tolu has a proven track record of driving continuous improvement in subsea operations and delivering high-value projects in the oil and gas industry.
Beyond technical excellence, Tolu is deeply passionate about fostering an inclusive workforce and mentoring the next generation of energy professionals. Through his leadership at AFBE-UK, he actively champions initiatives that create opportunities for diverse talent, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable future for the industry.
A strong advocate for innovation and collaboration, Tolu continues to make an impact by shaping the future of energy through expertise, mentorship, and leadership.
Nkem Njokanma
AFBE-UK Deputy Team Leader
Nkem Njokanma is a dedicated leader and advocate for diversity in engineering, serving as the Deputy Team Leader at AFBE-UK. With a strong passion for empowering professionals and fostering inclusive work environments, she plays a pivotal role in driving AFBE-UK’s mission to support and elevate underrepresented talent within the engineering and technology sectors.
Committed to mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement, Nkem actively contributes to initiatives that help professionals navigate their careers, build confidence, and access meaningful opportunities. Her work is instrumental in shaping a more equitable and dynamic engineering industry.
Abhi Goswami
AFBE Leadership Team Member/ Course Panelist.
Senior Management Consultant, Shell
Abhishek works for Shell, Global and lives in London, United Kingdom. With a career spanning 25+ years in multiple geographical locations across the globe, he enjoys staying abreast of technological breakthroughs and challenges faced by the upstream and industry dealing with the challenges of Energy Transition.
His day job comprises of leading a team of Data and Digital consultants deliver a large transformational change program and creation of a data platform on the Open Subsurface Data Universe (OSDU, a multi-operator, vendor consortium based on
open-sourced architecture. His interests include digital transformation of subsurface workflows, cloud computing and developing a better understanding of how to lower the CO2 footprint of existing operations and promote low carbon scalable energy solutions. His interests include the subject of carbon pricing and potential impact of climate change policies on investment portfolios and reallocation of capital toward low-carbon or climate-resilient activities. Beside work, Abhi enjoys spending quality time mentoring junior colleagues, interns, and students engaged with several charities and non-governmental organisations.
In his personal life, apart from being a sports-tragic, particularly cricket. Abhi is also a keen hill walker and uses every excuse to venture out practicing his rudimentary Munro climbing skills in the Scottish Highlands.
Wilson Moahyi
AFBE-UK Leadership Team Member/ Management Support | Planning Engineer, Power Station
Wilson Moahyi is an accomplished Maintenance Planning Engineer with a proven track record in the utilities and power generation industry. With extensive experience in power plant operations, engineering, and maintenance management, he has played a key role in planning and executing complex projects, including leading major shutdown initiatives to ensure operational efficiency and reliability.
A results-driven professional, Wilson brings expertise in project management, maintenance strategy, and engineering solutions that optimise power station performance. His ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and streamline maintenance processes makes him a valuable asset in high-stakes operational environments.
Wilson holds a degree from the National University of Science and Technology (ZW) and is committed to continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and leadership development. As a member of the AFBE-UK Leadership Team, he actively supports initiatives that promote professional growth, industry diversity, and innovation within the engineering sector.
Rakhi Gupta
Transcend Team Member/ Event Planner | Global CoE Commercial Professional/ Global Fulfillment Leader/ Program Manager
Rakhi Gupta is a dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience in commercial operations, global fulfillment, and program management. With a keen eye for strategic planning and execution, she has successfully led high-impact initiatives across diverse business functions.
As a Global CoE Commercial Professional and Fulfillment Leader, Rakhi specialises in optimising business processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving seamless global supply chain management. Her expertise extends to program management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring successful project delivery in complex, fast-paced environments.
Beyond her corporate role, Rakhi is an integral member of the Transcend Team, where she plays a key role in orchestrating impactful events that foster professional development, leadership growth, and industry networking. Her ability to merge strategic thinking with meticulous execution makes her a valued leader in both business and event management.
Henda Moreso Grion EngTech MIET
R&D Systems Engineer, Siemens Mobility | Brand Ambassador | STEM Advocate | DE&I Champion
Henda Moreso Grion is a highly skilled R&D Systems Engineer at Siemens Mobility, dedicated to driving innovation in railway infrastructure. With expertise in systems integration and requirements management, she ensures that complex engineering solutions are reliable, efficient, and aligned with customer needs.
Passionate about continuous learning and leadership, Henda was selected for Siemens Mobility’s Career Foundation Programme (CFP), where she honed her skills in strategic thinking, communication, and industry leadership. Following the programme, she took on a leadership role, guiding a cohort of 30 professionals in developing essential communication skills to accelerate their careers.
Beyond her technical role, Henda is a dedicated STEM and DE&I advocate, leading a team of over 60 STEM ambassadors and actively promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives within Siemens Mobility. She is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
With a strong foundation in engineering, leadership, and advocacy, Henda continues to champion innovation and positive change within the rail industry, making a lasting impact with every challenge she takes on.
Emma Opara
Transcend Team Principal Legal Counsel, Centrica Storage Ltd
Emma Opara is a highly experienced commercial lawyer with over 18 years of multi-jurisdictional expertise in the energy industry. Her career spans oil, gas, power generation, operations, and utilities, working across West Africa and the United Kingdom with both industry contractors and operators.
Specialising in legal risk management, commercial operations, contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and ESG compliance, Emma provides strategic legal advisory services that support business growth while ensuring organisations remain agile in response to legislative and policy changes. Her expertise extends to structuring and negotiating major project agreements, reinforcing organisational improvement, and driving the transition toward a carbon-neutral energy future.
With a background that bridges private legal practice and in-house corporate roles, Emma has developed a deep understanding of the complexities of commercial negotiations. She recognises that technical expertise alone is not enough—success in high-stakes negotiations and business transactions requires insight, perception, and an ability to navigate diverse corporate environments effectively.
A passionate advocate for mentorship and inclusion, Emma is committed to empowering new entrants in the corporate world, particularly those from multi-culturally diverse backgrounds. She actively champions initiatives that promote career access, leadership development, and equitable opportunities in the industry.
Through her work within the AFBE Leadership Team, Emma continues to drive conversations on leadership, diversity, and the future of the energy sector.
Abdulazeez Bello
Subsea & Pipeline Engineer, PX Group
Abdulazeez Bello is a highly skilled Subsea & Pipeline Engineer with over 10 years of experience in research, design, and integrity management within the energy sector. His expertise spans pipeline installation, inspection, and maintenance, ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of critical infrastructure.
With a strong command of pipeline engineering codes and industry standards, Abdulazeez excels in applying advanced design techniques and integrity management strategies to optimise operational performance and regulatory compliance.
Committed to engineering excellence and innovation, he brings a solution-driven approach to tackling complex subsea and pipeline challenges, contributing to the efficiency and sustainability of offshore and onshore operations.
Donna Sutherland
Donna Sutherland is an accomplished energy executive with a proven track record in commercial strategy, energy transition, and infrastructure transformation. As Head of Commercial at Veri Energy, she plays a pivotal role in identifying and delivering electrification and hydrogen-based decarbonisation solutions for Sullom Voe Terminal and offshore oil and gas assets.
A co-founder of Veri Energy, Donna has been instrumental in securing government grant funding, including being one of only four projects awarded DEVEX grant funding through the UK Government’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund (NZHF). She is highly skilled in building critical value chains that support the transformation of traditional oil and gas infrastructure into sustainable energy hubs.
As a Director of the Scottish Energy Forum, Donna facilitates industry-wide discussions on the economic, industrial, technological, and political aspects of energy. Her expertise spans energy markets, regulatory frameworks, power networks, field development, and large-scale decommissioning projects.
With a strong leadership background, she has successfully led multi-functional teams and high-value projects, earning industry recognition. She was the recipient of the 2022 OEUK Award for Excellence in Decommissioning for leading the Northern Producer FPF Off-station project.
Donna holds a BA (Hons) in Business Administration and Management from the University of Abertay Dundee and remains a key figure in driving the energy transition and shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions.
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