Empower Gala 2025: Leading with ambition

The third edition of Empower Gala, held at the Ashford International Hotel & Spa, brought together leaders, entrepreneurs and change makers from across sectors and borders under this year’s theme, “Leading with Ambition.”

Hosted by Blé Global, the leadership and organisational design consultancy founded by Dr Blessing Enakimio, the evening showcased the excellence of this platform built for access, fuelled by culture and designed for impact.

Guests enjoyed a red-carpet reception, networking dinner, the presentation of the Blé Global Recognition Awards and a lively afterparty focused on connection and collaboration.

This year, Empower Gala opened its doors to a wider global audience, welcoming attendees from across the UK - including Kent, Surrey, Cardiff, London, Birmingham and beyond - as well as international guests who travelled from Canada and Nigeria to be part of the experience.

Dr Blessing Enakimio opened the evening with a powerful Welcome Address on The Power of One, reminding guests that every ambition begins with one vision, one action and one connection.

Notable highlights included the presentation of 24 Blé Global Recognition Awards, celebrating achievements across a wide range of sectors, and special appointments as Empower Gala Ambassadors for some leaders who have exemplified excellence and leadership through their engagement and ongoing contributions to the mission.

The night also featured a heartfelt Message of Ambition delivered by 11-year-old Tsola, an aspiring tennis professional whose words inspired the audience to pursue their dreams with discipline and determination.

In addition, the night hosted the Structured Ambition Live Debate on Global Economic Mobility: Activating Capital, Culture and Capability, moderated by international journalist Juliana Olayinka, with panellists Amaechi Nsofor (Grant Thornton UK) and Gillian Palmer (Lending Made Simple). The debate explored how business, policy and culture can align to create sustainable growth and opportunity.

“Leading with Ambition is a mindset," Dr Blessing Enakimio, Founder and CEO of Blé Global, said. "This year’s Gala reminded us that leading with ambition is about the structure that sustains it. Access is an asset, one that empowers connections, fosters partnerships and ignites global possibilities.”

Looking ahead, and building on this year’s success, Empower Gala will evolve into The Hall of Ambition, a two-part experience: The Ambition Forum by day and Empower Gala by night.

The Ambition Forum will bring leaders together to solve real transition challenges from succession and post-M&A integration to growth governance and cultural alignment, turning insight into executable strategy.

The evening will continue with the signature Empower Gala celebration, a night of connection and recognition honouring leaders who demonstrate Access, Culture and Impact through transition.

Next year's date is already locked in, with the fourth Empower Gala to take place on Thursday 24 September 2026. You can join the waitlist for the event via the Blé Global website.