There is something powerful about watching the business world evolve in real time where diversity isn’t a buzzword but a blueprint. At this year’s Scottish Ethnic Minority Talent Summit & Festival 2025, I saw firsthand how Scotland is reshaping what leadership, innovation, and opportunity looks like and everyone’s invited to the table.
The summit brought together ministers, CEOs, academics, and students to celebrate inclusion and reimagine the future of business in the UK. Representing the University of Edinburgh Business School, I spent the day surrounded by people who proved that diversity isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s an economic advantage.
I’m grateful to have access to events like this through Edinburgh Business School network. Opportunities such as the Scottish Ethnic Minority Talent Summit allow students to step beyond the classroom and engage directly with industry leaders, policy makers, and entrepreneurs. Experiences like this remind me how much the Institution encourages us to connect with real world conversations and build the skills to make meaningful change.
The first panel, AI and Sustainability in the Modern Workplace, explored how technology is transforming industries, how we must use it responsibly. The speakers reminded us that AI is a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it. In other words, ChatGPT can help write your to do list, but it can’t make your morning coffee (yet, anyway).
Next came the Burnout and Hybrid Working panel, where Anastasia Pjatakova, founder of Unsume, gave the advice every overachiever needed to hear- celebrate small wins. She reminded us of that ticking something off a to do list isn’t the end, it’s proof that progress is happening. From journaling to setting aside an hour for the gym, the takeaway was clear: your wellbeing is your greatest investment. Her point about journaling and setting boundaries hit home, especially as someone balancing university, work, and ambition (and too much caffeine).
Then, in a powerful discussion on Diversity in the Workplace, speakers like Lucy Butters, CEO of Elembee and author of Cultural Intelligence in Practice, and Rani Dhanda explored how culture shapes leadership. Their message was simple: inclusion is not about hiring diverse teams, but understanding how different people work, think, and thrive.
Between sessions, the summit turned into a networking paradise, a vibrant mix of established organisations and ambitious innovators. I made my way through the stands of Morgan Stanley, Royal London, BBC, and Boby AI, each showcasing initiatives that genuinely empower diverse young professionals to step forward and succeed. Boby AI demonstrated how technology can be tailored to support business owners and streamline workflows. Proof that the future of work is about combining innovation with inclusivity.
At the BBC stand, I spoke with Sanjeep, their Inclusion Director, who shared the range of opportunities open to young ethnic voices. From creative content to journalism and behind the scenes production. It was inspiring to see such a major organisation not just talking about representation but actively creating platforms where those voices lead the conversation.
As evening fell, the conference suits were replaced with black tie elegance for the Awards Gala. Filled with laughter, live African fusion music, and well-deserved recognition. Between the elegant outfits and a delectable three-course dinner, I shared a table with incredible people in business especially Pam and Luk, who reminded me that consistency and confidence will take you anywhere… as long as you believe you belong there.
Seeing organisations led by people of colour being recognised on stage filled me with pride. It was more than an event it was a statement that Scotland’s future is inclusive, ambitious, and beautifully diverse.
Leaving the event, I carried more than a notebook full of insights - I carried a sense of belonging and momentum. As a young woman of colour born in Scotland, it was powerful to see diversity treated as direction. The message was unmistakable: Scotland’s business future isn’t waiting for permission to change. It already is! Diversity isn’t just part of the conversation; it is what is driving it forward, and I’m proud to be part of that movement.