The Power of Proximity: Inside The Powerlist Gala
For years, I had heard about The Powerlist, that revered list of Black Britons who occupy positions of serious influence, shaping culture, commerce, and policy across the UK. It always seemed like an elite circle, a world that existed behind heavy wooden doors I’d never be invited to open. Rooms filled with people whose names carried weight, whose decisions shifted industries. Rooms I didn’t imagine myself standing in, much less belonging to.
That changed in 2023 when a long-time supporter and sponsor extended an invitation. They had watched my journey – seen me breaking through barriers and championing a vision of leadership that was not only diverse but sustainable. My focus has always been clear: representation isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart business. That invitation became a moment of recognition, an entry point into a world I had long admired from afar.
I remember walking in for the first time feeling both inspired and humbled. For years, I had assumed that such gatherings – celebrations of Black excellence on a national scale – only existed in the United States. Yet, as I looked around that London ballroom, I realised something powerful. I hadn’t been excluded from these spaces; I had simply been too busy doing the work to look up and see the thriving, interconnected network of Black excellence already here in the UK. Now, I am honoured to be part of that circle.
To me, The Powerlist represents the best of what happens when talent meets purpose. It is not just a celebration of individual achievement but a reflection of an ecosystem – a living network of professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs who understand that real change only happens when we all play our part. From corporate boardrooms to creative studios, from policy-making halls to start-ups, each person contributes to a larger mission: driving systemic change that lasts.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of this remarkable celebration of Black British brilliance – a testament to legacy, excellence, and community.
The incomparable Afua Kyei, CFO of the Bank of England, was named the UK’s most powerful Black person. I would go further and say she is one of the most powerful women in Britain, full stop. Her story resonated deeply with me: a woman who refused to be confined by expectation, thriving across boundaries in a world that often demands that women of colour choose one lane. She has redefined what it means to lead and reminds us all that strength and grace can coexist.
Another standout honouree was Kanya King CBE, whose grace and humility continue to move me every single time. A quiet force with a loud legacy, Kanya has shaped culture for decades, giving voice and visibility to so many who came after her.
The Powerlist Gala is not simply an event – it is a moment of reflection and renewal. A celebration of collective progress. A recharging of energy for the work that lies ahead. Because while we pause to celebrate how far we’ve come, we know that there is still more to do.
Because as we all know… the marathon continues.
By – Patrice Gordon
Founder & CEO, Eminere
www.eminere.co.uk
Images By – @becauseimgarry @devantayj
