Breaking Barriers: From Challenges to Change
Join us for a transformative and inspiring session celebrating leadership, resilience, and equity. Breaking Barriers: From Challenges to Change brings together voices and stories that highlight the journeys, triumphs, and influence of leaders and business owners from ethnic and racial minority backgrounds.
Through candid conversation and shared experiences, this session will explore what works in practice, how progress can be sustained, and the role each of us can play – whether as a leader, mentor, sponsor or advocate – in shaping a more inclusive and equitable business community. Above all, the event aims to empower attendees, sharing real stories, practical tools, and creating a supportive space for growth and connection.
What to expect:
- A focused panel discussion with inspiring leaders, exploring journeys to leadership, overcoming systemic barriers often referred to as the ‘Black and Brown glass ceiling’, and using influence to uplift the next generation
- Open, inclusive dialogue that welcomes all participants, whether you are of an ethnic and racial minority background or as an advocate committed to driving change
- Practical strategies and tools to support career progression, build confidence, and expand your influence
- Dedicated networking time to share best practice, foster meaningful connections, and strengthen the business community
- Signposts to resources, mentors, and networks to help attendees define and achieve their personal and professional goals
Our objectives:
- Inspire through the lived experiences of ethnic and racial minority background leaders, motivating individuals to pursue and achieve success on their own terms
- Encourage honest and reflective conversation about race, identity, and inclusion in the workplace
- Equip participants with actionable strategies to navigate bias and systemic barriers
- Engage allies and sustain collective action that drives measurable change
- Celebrate excellence and leadership, showcasing the legacy and impact of those breaking barriers today
About the Speakers:
Atif Mahmood is the Co-founder of Livaty, an organisation that helps SMEs and non-profits accelerate their growth through grants and tax relief. Livaty’s innovative grant subscription model acts as an external funding department for organisations, making high-quality funding support both accessible and affordable for those who need it most.
Before founding Livaty, Atif worked within the tax relief sector, supporting a wide range of organisations in securing financial benefits through R&D and other incentives. Recognising a gap in affordable, hands-on support for smaller organisations, he launched Livaty to make a more meaningful difference.
In just over a year, Atif has developed a unique model, built strong relationships with clients across multiple sectors and become an active contributor to several professional and community groups across Manchester, all with the goal of creating lasting impact and inspiring growth.
Cecilia is an expert criminal defence solicitor with extensive experience in representing high-net-worth clients in business, the creative industry, and sport. She provides comprehensive legal support at all stages of criminal proceedings, from investigation to trial.
Her practice is centred on client needs, with a strong emphasis on discretion and strategic representation. As a highly regarded solicitor, her reputation is built on trust, diligence, and referrals from satisfied clients.
Nathan leads the HR practice for Michael Page across the North West and North East, specialising in senior to executive-level HR appointments. He has a strong track record of driving inclusive hiring processes that result in highly intersectional placements.
Passionate about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) and Social Impact, Nathan actively champions meaningful change in both the workplace and wider community. As a person of Black mixed-race heritage, he is committed to fostering understanding, empathy, and action to create equitable opportunities for all.
Nathan chairs PageGroup’s UK DE&I & Social Impact Board and advises the Northern DE&I Board. He leads national DE&I initiatives across Unity@Page (Race & Multiculture), Women@Page (Gender), and SocialMobility@Page.
Nathan was inducted into the 2025 Change Maker Advocacy List for the WeArePoWEr / Northern Power Women, won the ‘Life Changer – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion’ award at the 2022 PageGroup Life Changer Awards and was shortlisted for the ‘Diversity & Inclusivity Champion’ award at the 2021 Made in Manchester Awards. He also presents at HR thought leader events, with a focus on how to create diverse and inclusive working cultures, including how to attract top talent with an inclusive approach.
Interested In The Event?
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
