John
Uwagboe
John Uwagboe

John's Story

The Journey to Belonging

LEADER.
ADVOCATE.
BUILDER.

John Uwagboe is a bridge-builder who offers a unique blend of leadership strategy, DEI advocacy, and culture-driven entrepreneurship.

He is the founder of Uwagboe’s Kitchen & Grill. What inspires him isn’t more talk, it’s seeing someone create spaces where belonging is real, powerful, and possible.

John Uwagboe

John is an accomplished investor in the Culture and Belonging space.

John Uwagboe Portrait

With notable impact leading data and risk teams for major institutions including Lloyds Banking Group and the Scottish Government. John’s investments focus on creating sustainable "Systems of Belonging" that drive innovation.

John founded Uwagboe's Kitchen & Grill - a thriving cultural hub in Edinburgh that celebrates Afro-Caribbean heritage, fostering community connection through authentic food and shared experiences.

Keynote Speaker & Advocate, John uses his voice to bridge the gap between corporate strategy and authentic belonging, helping organizations unlock the power of their people.

THE JOURNEY

From corporate boardrooms to community kitchens, every step has been about building spaces where people belong.

2008
LeadershipStrategy
LeadershipStrategy

CORPORATE LEADERSHIP

United Kingdom

John begins a decade-long tenure leading data, risk, and product teams for major institutions like Lloyds Banking Group and the Scottish Government, driving digital transformation.

CORPORATE LEADERSHIP
2015
GovernmentProduct
GovernmentProduct

STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION

Scottish Government

Leading complex product teams and implementing risk strategies that would form the foundation of his future 'Systems of Belonging' framework.

STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION
2020
EntrepreneurshipCommunity
EntrepreneurshipCommunity

FOUNDING UWAGBOE'S KITCHEN

Edinburgh

John establishes Uwagboe’s Kitchen & Grill, creating a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates Afro-Caribbean heritage and fosters community connection through food.

FOUNDING UWAGBOE'S KITCHEN
2023
SpeakingAdvocacy
SpeakingAdvocacy

SCALING IMPACT

Global

Expanding beyond the kitchen to speak at major events, advocating for inclusive leadership and sharing insights on building authentic culture.

SCALING IMPACT
2024
MissionFuture
MissionFuture

A MISSION OF BELONGING

Global

Helping organizations build 'Systems of Belonging' that bridge the gap between strategy and culture. Merging all experiences into a unified mission.

A MISSION OF BELONGING

"True inclusion isn't just about presence; it's about power, voice, and the freedom to be authentically yourself."