Blé Global

Did you know that organisations that prioritise decision efficiency have been shown to achieve 30% higher profitability than those that don’t? Read all about it...

'A culturally intelligent global brand' - can we say that about yours? Read our latest Newsletter to find out more. #CulturalQuotient #IntelligentBranding

#EmpowerGala24 Blé Global Empower Kent Award 2024 Nominee: Nana Odom Nana Odom is an engineer and leader with over 15 years of experience, transforming healthcare technology management through her passion for technology and patient care. Her pivotal role in activating medical devices at a state-of-the-art hospital in London highlights her influence in healthcare innovation. Born in Accra, Ghana, Nana's early curiosity about how things worked was nurtured by exposure to female engineers, inspiring her journey into STEM. She earned a BSc in Physics from KNUST and later pursued a master’s in Biomedical Engineering, merging her love for engineering with a commitment to revolutionising healthcare. Nana excels in bridging the gap between medicine and technology, fostering collaboration between caregivers, manufacturers, and patients. Her efforts have led to transformative improvements in patient care. She has been recognised with numerous awards, including the Pathology Power List Idols of Innovation 2024 and the TechWomen100 Award. As a champion for women in STEM, Nana actively mentors and advocates for female representation through speaking engagements and career fairs. Married with three children, she also leads a community group for Ghanaians in Ashford, creating spaces for networking and personal growth, driven by her dedication to family, faith, and community. Empower Gala: an appreciation of culture and achievements. Event: Empower Gala 2024 Date: Saturday, 19th October 2024 Time: 5pm Venue: Ashford International Hotel Dress Code: Fashion of Wakanda Expand your network. Book your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3QDCRV3 Brought to you by Blé Global in partnership with Blessing by Blé, Knowledge Incorporated, Ashford Borough Council Kent Community Foundation (KCF) - UK #Kent #Awards #Culture #STEM #Healthcare #Technology

Did You Know? Brands with high Cultural Quotient see a 25% increase in Global Market success. In my experience working across borders, I have seen first-hand how critical Cultural Quotient (CQ) is in shaping a brand’s success on the global stage. When organisations truly understand the cultural nuances of the markets they enter, they not only create stronger connections but also build lasting loyalty. Why is CQ key to global leadership? It goes beyond recognising different customs - it is about knowing how to adapt your brand’s message to resonate authentically in each market. Leaders who invest in cultural intelligence are able to form deeper partnerships, build brand agility, and navigate the complexities of global expansion. If your organisation is looking to expand globally, we are here to provide the strategic expertise you need to leverage Cultural Quotient and position your brand for sustained success. Let us talk about how we can help you unlock new opportunities. Blé Global - Facilitating Global Connections #Brand #Global #Branding #CulturalIntelligence

#EmpowerGala24 Blé Global Empower Kent Award 2024 Nominee: Mercy Muller Mercy Muller is a dynamic entrepreneur and the visionary owner of Camise Hair Salon, a premier establishment in Ashford, Kent. With a strong background in business management and a rich experience as a Personnel Assistant and Cashier at a manufacturing firm in Ghana, Mercy brings a blend of corporate discipline and creative flair to her salon business. Founded between 2022, Camise Hair Salon has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for hairdressing, specialising in both Caucasian and Afro-Caribbean hair. Under Mercy’s leadership, the salon has grown into a thriving enterprise with a skilled team of four professionals. Her expertise is supported by Level 2 and Level 3 certifications in hairdressing, along with advanced training in the latest techniques. Her business is known for delivering a bespoke, high-quality experience to a discerning clientele, blending creativity and innovation with personalised care. Mercy’s ability to transform her entrepreneurial vision into a successful reality reflects her strong leadership, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence. Drawing on her diverse background, Mercy has created a business that not only celebrates beauty but also serves as a testament to her entrepreneurial drive and commitment to elevating the salon experience for her clients. Empower Gala: an appreciation of culture and achievements. Event: Empower Gala 2024 Date: Saturday, 19th October 2024 Time: 5pm Venue: Ashford International Hotel Dress Code: Fashion of Wakanda Expand your network. Book your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3QDCRV3 Brought to you by Blé Global in partnership with Blessing by Blé, Knowledge Incorporated, Ashford Borough Council Kent Community Foundation (KCF) - UK #Kent #Awards #Culture #Beauty #Hair #Entrepreneur

#EmpowerGala24 Blé Global Empower Kent Award 2024 Nominee: Stacey Foster Stacey Foster is a dynamic entrepreneur and the CEO of Fosters Accountants and Consultants Ltd, an innovative accountancy practice she founded in 2016. Stacey began her career at a prestigious London accountancy firm where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant, later advancing to audit manager in Kent and then transitioning to industry roles as a Financial Controller and Finance Director. Her professional journey took a transformative turn when she became a mother in 2016, facing the challenges of returning to work in a male-dominated environment.   The overwhelming guilt of leaving her young daughter in nursery care ignited Stacey’s ambition to create a business that aligned with her values as both a mother and a professional. Fosters was born in 2016 out of a desire for flexibility and a commitment to supporting women-led businesses. The firm distinguishes itself by offering high-quality accountancy services with a personal touch, aimed at helping female entrepreneurs manage their finances confidently while balancing family responsibilities.   Stacey is passionate about advocating for working mothers, closing the gender pay gap, and reforming education to equip future generations with practical life skills. Her own upbringing on a council estate has shaped her resilient character and commitment to empowering others. She believes in the necessity of regulating the accountancy profession to ensure clients receive sound advice from qualified professionals.   Under her leadership, Fosters has achieved impressive growth and supports hundreds of clients in navigating their financial landscapes. Stacey’s vision for the future includes expanding the firm’s presence in London and the South East, and continuing to champion women in business ensuring that they feel empowered to pursue their dreams and succeed. With a focus on community and social responsibility, Stacey Foster is paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial landscape. Empower Gala: an appreciation of culture and achievements. Event: Empower Gala 2024 Date: Saturday, 19th October 2024 Time: 5pm Venue: Ashford International Hotel Dress Code: Fashion of Wakanda Expand your network. Book your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3QDCRV3 Brought to you by Blé Global in partnership with Blessing by Blé, Knowledge Incorporated, Ashford Borough Council Kent Community Foundation (KCF) - UK #Kent #Awards #Culture #Accountant #Finance #Consultant

#EmpowerGala24 Blé Global Empower Kent Award 2024 Nominee: High Chief Nduka Anyanwu High Chief Nduka Anyanwu is the Managing Director and CEO of Nekmark International Global Limited, a company specialising in hospital and laboratory equipment, as well as laboratory furniture. He holds a degree in Public Administration from Ambrose Alli University, and a master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University. He also holds an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration from Pacific Western University, USA. High Chief Anyanwu is a Kent resident and has held key leadership roles, including as former Governing Board Chairman of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) and current Governing Board Chairman of the University of African School of Economics. He holds the title High Chief (Gburugburu I) of Eziama and Mgbaja Autonomous Community in Umuahia North, Abia State, for his contributions to furnishing and equipping local labs and health centres. Nekmark International, founded with $10,000, has grown to a net worth of over $80 million. The company produces over 25 apparatus for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and has equipped over 500 laboratories across Africa. With partnerships in Germany, China, India, and the USA, Nekmark continues to expand globally, driven by a mission to make hospital and lab equipment affordable worldwide. Empower Gala: an appreciation of culture and achievements. Event: Empower Gala 2024 Date: Saturday, 19th October 2024 Time: 5pm Venue: Ashford International Hotel Dress Code: Fashion of Wakanda Expand your network. Book your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3QDCRV3 Brought to you by Blé Global in partnership with Blessing by Blé, Knowledge Incorporated, Ashford Borough Council Kent Community Foundation (KCF) - UK #Kent #Awards #Culture #Business #laboratory

#EmpowerGala24 Blé Global Empower Kent Award 2024 Nominee: Desiree Nurse Desiree Nurse, born in Trinidad and raised by her grandmother Cleopatra, grew up surrounded by the spirit of generosity and resourcefulness. Cleopatra, a beloved community figure, offered advice, food, clothes, and care to those in need. Her home was a sanctuary, deeply influencing Desiree's values and aspirations. At 21, Desiree made the courageous choice to move to England for better opportunities, leaving her 3-year-old daughter behind. With only a suitcase, £40, and immense determination, she embarked on a journey that would shape her future. In England, she worked tirelessly, often juggling three jobs to support herself and eventually reunite with her daughter. Desiree's perseverance led her from cleaning jobs to dental nursing across London. Settling in Chatham, Kent, she noticed the absence of black hair care options locally. Frustrated by the need to travel to London for such essentials, she was encouraged by her mother to open her own salon. Despite the challenge of taking on a mortgage, this idea ignited Desiree’s vision. In 2007, Cleopatra’s Beauti Spot opened, named in honour of her grandmother. The business evolved into a vibrant space for Medway’s growing ethnic community. By 2012, Cleopatra’s Beauti Spot moved to a larger location, becoming a community hub that served diverse demographics in the Medway towns. Desiree's commitment to her community remained strong despite significant health challenges. In 2024, she and her daughter Raine founded Cleopatra's Legacy C.I.C., offering hair-loss and mastectomy products along with salon services. This new venture expanded her mission to uplift others, reflecting her resilience, determination, and enduring sense of community. Desiree’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and the impact of a supportive legacy. Empower Gala: an appreciation of culture and achievements. Event: Empower Gala 2024 Date: Saturday, 19th October 2024 Time: 5pm Venue: Ashford International Hotel Dress Code: Fashion of Wakanda Expand your network. Book your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3QDCRV3 Brought to you by Blé Global in partnership with Blessing by Blé, Knowledge Incorporated, Ashford Borough Council Kent Community Foundation (KCF) - UK #Kent #Awards #Culture #Diversity #Beauty

#EmpowerGala24 Blé Global Empower Kent Award 2024 Nominee: Emerald Ace-Acquah Emerald is a hard-working, community-centred, and passionate young woman who has fervently and consistently used her voice to advocate for others. This began during her final year at Highworth Grammar School for Girls, where she established an Afro-Carribbean Society to create a safe-space and a sense of community among the Black Heritage students. Emerald established the ACS during the COVID-19 lockdown, while serving as deputy Head Girl.   After leaving Highworth, Emerald completed a BA in Psychology and Linguistics at the University of Oxford. During her first week, Emerald was selected to represent her college - Lady Margaret Hall - on the BBC News. Subsequently, she honed her flair for written communication by writing for both the Oxford Blue and the Cherwell newspapers. Her most challenging article was an investigation into the steps that each Oxford college was taking to combat racism after the BLM movement, which required her to interview several college principals. This article positioned Emerald as a thought leader on race-related issues at Oxford and led to her being selected as an interview panellist for the inauguration of Tom Ilube at St Anne’s College. Emerald concluded her degree with a thesis discussing the impact of European colonialism on indigenous language development in Anglophone and Francophone West Africa, which was selected for University of Berkeley’s Annual Linguistics Symposium in April 2023. Upon graduating, Emerald spent five months in Ghana where she interned at the Centre for Social Justice, writing articles advocating for maternity rights and protections for Ghanaian women. She also contributed a chapter to a collected work documenting the experiences of West African market women, which will be published in Springer Nature this year. Emerald has recently begun a role in consulting at Bain & Company where she has been enthusiastically supporting with access initiatives and planning events for Bain’s Black Network. Empower Gala: an appreciation of culture and achievements. Event: Empower Gala 2024 Date: Saturday, 19th October 2024 Time: 5pm Venue: Ashford International Hotel Dress Code: Fashion of Wakanda Expand your network. Book your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3QDCRV3 Brought to you by Blé Global in partnership with Blessing by Blé, Knowledge Incorporated, Ashford Borough Council Kent Community Foundation (KCF) - UK #Kent #Awards #Culture #Diversity #Consultancy

#EmpowerGala24 Blé Global Empower Kent Award 2024 Nominee: Dr Carol stewart Dr Carol Stewart is the current Chair of the Medway African and Caribbean Association (MACA) and Chair of Creative Medway, and has recently been appointed as a Non Executive Director for the Medway Place Board. MACA established the annual Young Black Achievers (YPU) Award, Young People United Diversity Awards and Inspirational Awards, the latter established in memory of Carol’s daughter Safiya Stewart, one of the founders of YPU who sadly passed away in 2015. At the age of 14, Carol joined her local youth club Saints and became an active member advocating for young people in her hometown of Wolverhampton.  She studied to be a part time youth worker and worked part time at the African Caribbean Cultural centre in Wolverhampton and was elected to the management committee. She was part of a group that established the first Windrush awards in 1999, that received regional media coverage. She qualified as a social worker in 1994 and since them has dedicated her life to helping others. She was introduced to MACA when she moved to Kent in 2000 . and was elected to the management commitment not long after then, and re-elected as Chair in 2018. Carol is proud to be part of a team of dedicated board members and volunteers who are passionate about Medway and promoting arts, culture, creativity and heritage. Carol is also a proud ambassador for the Chatham Historic Dockyard. Carol was a finalist for Women of the Year awards in 2022, and Pride of Medway Awards, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from the University of Kent in July 2024. Dr Stewart is also a company Director of her own limited company Chinara Enterprises Ltd, founded in 2008, and has been providing consultancy services to councils, government bodies, recruitment agencies, social workers, care workers, Occupational therapists, leadership programmes across the country, with an associate pool of 20 plus consultants. Empower Gala: an appreciation of culture and achievements. Event: Empower Gala 2024 Date: Saturday, 19th October 2024 Time: 5pm Venue: Ashford International Hotel Dress Code: Fashion of Wakanda Expand your network. Book your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3QDCRV3 Brought to you by Blé Global in partnership with Blessing by Blé, Knowledge Incorporated, Ashford Borough Council Kent Community Foundation (KCF) - UK #Kent #Awards #Culture #Medway #Diversity #Consultancy