Black Business Week 2026

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PANEL: Belonging in the City: How to build a network that pays dividends

16 Oct 2026
Theater 1
Building a career in finance already means long hours and complex work. Often, it also means being one of the only Black professionals in the room, which brings its own kind of pressure. Real community in the City can change that, giving you access to people who’ve walked the same path, insight into positioning yourself for advancement, and support navigating environments that aren’t always easy to move through. Hear from Black finance leaders on how to make the most of networking opportunities, which spaces are actually worth your time, and why you shouldn’t limit your networks just to the UK. Whether you’re naturally outgoing or find networking draining, this session offers practical advice you can use to ease the process.
Moderator
Valerie Kontor, Founder, Senior Credit Solutions Specialist - Black in Fintech, RBC Wealth Management
Rachel Shorter, Founder, Antilles Network & Group Finance Director - Cerulean