CBRE's inaugural MCN event; hosted by K&L Gates

On 25 April 2017, Justin Carty MRICS, Senior Director, CBRE extended an invitation to Bola Abisogun FRICS, Founder of DiverseCity Surveyors to attend the inaugural event of the CBRE Multi Cultural Network [MCN]. The successful event was held on 4 May 2017 and kindly hosted by K&L Gates at their elegant offices in the City of London. K&L Gates pride themselves on all matters in relation to 'diversity in the workplace' and describe themselves as an international law firm positioned at strategic intersections in the global economy [see www.klgates.com].

The theme of the event was "Why Cultural Diversity Matters?" The discussion, with a wide and varied audience in attendance, was led by a key-note delivered by Clarence Dixon, Executive Sponsor of the CBRE MCN. It is fair to say that Clarence's journey has encapsulated a body of unique experiences, which in essence, have challenged his own beliefs. It is on this basis and such matters, that Clarence has ultimately demonstrated his commitment and leadership at CBRE.

With the current post-BREXIT sentiment around equality in the workplace and the need for more, not less, tolerance for each others differences, the panel of four including, Natalie Boyd [K&L Gates], Jileen Loo [CBRE], Raj Tulsiani [Green Park Executive Recruitment] and Bola Abisogun FRICS [Urbanis Limited], all embarked upon a lively debate. So engrossed were most of the attendees, initial feed-forward, suggests that the panel discussion concluded far too early!

So successful was the event, we are looking forward to the next one, likely to be in the summer and potentially a much larger and less formal affair - watch this space!

Photo: CBRE's, Justin Carty MRICS (2nd from left) with attendees

Photo: Clarence Dixon, CBRE MCN [Exec Sponsor] addressing attendees

Photo: Panel Members [from left to right] - Raj, Bola, Jileen and Natalie; engage with the audience

Photo: Lively panel discussion; Jileen adds to Bola's commentary!

Photo: Bola sharing real life experiences and perspective with an attentive audience.