Founder, Visible Global

Karina recently launched her business and has rich experience leading multicultural teams and transitioning from a large organisation to becoming a solo founder. She developed the “Spaghetti Theory” of leadership, which she may touch on during the discussion.

CEO, Royal Society for Blind Children

Julie joined the Royal Society for Blind Children in October 2023; she is thrilled to be leading such a dynamic and successful charity. Julie is committed to supporting the most vulnerable children and young people in society. In her previous roles, she’s been immersed in children’s services development both in the UK and internationally.

Her work has included three CEO-ships with roles in the public sector, including Assistant Director for Children’s Services Greater Manchester, alongside voluntary sector appointments that included national responsibility for the rollout of Extended Schools on behalf of the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families).

As CEO at RSBC this is Julie’s first role in the vision impairment sector; her knowledge and understanding are borne from her lived experience, as her daughter has been registered blind since birth.

Head of Partner Frameworks and Commercial Alignment, LSEG

Lola has over 30 years of legal and business experience. After qualifying at Allen & Overy in the Corporate, Media & Technology practice, she went on to hold in-house roles at GlobeCast Northern Europe and Schroders Investment Management. She joined LSEG in 2013 as part of the Legal team, working on major business integration projects and later leading the Information Services Legal team in New York during a four-year relocation.

Returning to London in 2020, Lola transitioned into a business leadership role as Head of Commitments Operations. In 2024 she was promoted to Head of Partner Frameworks & Commercial Alignment in the Data & Analytics Division, overseeing risk, compliance, governance and operations for the Partners team, and serving as Chair of the Commitments SteerCo. Alongside her operational work, she has played a significant role in driving innovation culture at LSEG—mentoring nearly 100 Innovation Champions globally and leading initiatives such as the Women’s Network Leaderthon and the Summer Intern Innovation Project.

Lola is also a committed DEI leader, having co-led the European chapter of the Black Employee Network (BEING) and co-designed the 2024 change programme raising awareness of the lived experiences of Black and Latinx colleagues, including a senior-leader workshop series and the Ripple Conversations podcast. As a media host and presenter, she has fronted LSEG events including the 2023 company values launch and the London Fashion Week Market Open. Beyond work, she is a trained Mental Health Champion, an active member of the Christian Network, and spends her free time playing the flute, dancing, and pursuing healthy living.

Executive Director, Morgan Stanley

Farhan is an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, where he  leads the Data, Analytics, and AI capability within Internal Audit. Farhan has built high-performing Data and AI teams and delivered innovative solutions across banking and consulting over the past 15 years.

Farhan also serves as a Steering Committee member of the Morgan Stanley Muslim Faith Forum, championing initiatives that promote faith, philanthropy, and cross-network collaboration.

Head of Cloud and AI for Enterprise and Commercial, Microsoft

Henrique is UK Head of Cloud & AI for Enterprise Commercial at Microsoft. A technology leader with 20+ years experience in software services and technology sales, both in private and public companies. Previously Managing Director for a UK HR tech business, he has held leadership positions across a number of high-growth technology firms, which have led him to run growth businesses at Accenture and Salesforce. Henrique is based in London, where he lives with his wife and 2 young children. 

Partner, McDermott Will and Schulte

Usman Khan is a debt finance partner at McDermott Will & Emery specialising in real assets (real estate, infrastructure and energy). He advises private equity sponsors, credit funds, sovereign wealth funds and other investors on a range of financing structures. Recognized by Legal 500 for his commercial acumen and calm approach under pressure, Usman has a strong cross-border focus to his practice.

Beyond work, Usman is passionate about mentoring, supporting the next generation of professionals in the City. As a steering committee member of the City Muslim Network, he is committed to fostering a more inclusive and connected business environment. Outside of work, he enjoys playing sports and spending time with his family.