In this blog, the Co-Presidents of the Black in Business Club, Nothando Ntombela and Aristide Gabla, at London Business School, share the Club’s mission, its impact on the LBS community, and the initiatives shaping its future. They reflect on its goals, the importance of fostering Black excellence, and offer advice for making the most of the LBS experience and beyond.
What motivated you to take on the role of Co-President of the Black in Business Club, and what did you hope to contribute through your leadership?
Aristide: My commitment to the Black community at LBS started before I even arrived. Shortly after my admission, the Black in Business Club reached out to me. They introduced me to the club, and we spoke about moving to London and settling into LBS. That sense of community stayed with me, and I want others to experience it too. LBS has a very diverse cohort, but Black students remain underrepresented, particularly those from North America, LATAM and Europe. Through my leadership, I want to help those who join feel welcome, have a good experience and access career opportunities. We also run buddy programmes for prospective Black students and applicants. For me, that is a practical way to support more Black students in finding their way to LBS.
What positive impact do you think the Black in Business Club has had on the LBS community, both for Black students and the wider student body?
Nothando: BiB has created a community where black students are connected, supported and equipped to pursue their ambitions. It opens access to opportunities and networks that can bring their career aspirations within their reach, while fostering genuine relationships built on shared experiences. A key example is the 95% discount that our team arranged for BiB members to attend the AVCA Conference (a prestigious annual investment summit). Taking such a key learning and networking opportunity from £950 to just £50 for BiB members, make this much more accessible and allows students to engage with the companies and leaders they hope to work with in future. Another example is the Jollof Party we hosted a few weeks ago, celebrating black heritage and traditional cuisine while unwinding and having fun together. Our events are open to members and allies, which has given everyone a chance to meet, learn, laugh, enjoy new cultural experiences and make memories. Across the wider LBS community, BiB is one of the key affinity clubs and plays an important role in sparking critical conversations about diversity and inclusion, building awareness and creating safe spaces to share experiences, ask questions and learn from one another. In line with this, our members are presentations in all their MBA classes on Black History Month and driving important conversations on DE&I and representation, which go a long way in educating, equipping and broadening the perspectives of LBS students overall.
Can you share a specific moment, initiative, or experience during your time with the Club that made you realise the difference it was making?
Aristide: For me, it was the enthusiasm we saw when recruiting the team this year. We built our Executive Committee very quickly and people came with ideas and a real willingness to contribute. One of our priorities is helping members attend conferences and build a network across London. The interest in this was so strong, and the ideas so promising, that we ended up building a Conferences team twice the size we had initially planned. That showed me how much people value the club and want to help shape it. There is a lot to look forward to this year.
What are the club’s main goals, and how do you see them impacting students at London Business School?
Nothando: We want membership to mean you are well-equipped, connected, resourced and supported. Our goal is simple – to open doors for career advancement and build a trusted network members can turn to from anywhere in the world, for any sector, idea, initiative or opportunity. Our members should leave LBS ready to lead, with a clear path towards their ambitions and a community they can count on along the way. Practically, we plan to run a range of events from social gatherings like Afrobeats Parties to career-focused events like Industry Roundtables with key corporate partners, while acting as an extension of the LBS Career Centre by creating both access and awareness of networking- and job-opportunities in the fields our members are most interested in.
Are there any initiatives or events the Club has organised during your time as Co-President that you are particularly proud of, and what impact did they have?
Aristide: I have only recently taken over as Co-President, and our immediate focus has been Black History Month. One initiative I am particularly proud of is the discount we arranged for members to attend the AVCA conference. They can attend for £50 instead of £950, which makes that opportunity much more accessible. Shout out to our great Conference Team! We have also arranged roundtable conversations and coffee chats with Black employee networks at Bain and McKinsey. These give members the chance to ask questions, build relationships and learn directly from people at those firms. It is still early, but these initiatives reflect what we want to do this year: use the club to open up opportunities for our members.
How has your experience leading the Black in Business Club shaped your perspective on what inclusive leadership looks like, and how has LBS influenced the way you think about your role as a future business leader?
Nothando: After only ~6 weeks in the role, so far the experience has further strengthened my belief that leadership is primarily about service. We’ve approached the plan for the year anchored on 2 key questions – ‘What will best serve our members goals’ and ‘How do we create an enabling environment for our members in LBS and beyond’. Through BiB, I’ve learnt the importance of- and sharpened my ability to- seek diverse opinions, give every voice space and to not just listen to, but to actively incorporate different perspectives and needs, even when they lead to uncomfortable conclusions or conversations. Leading the Women’s Network before LBS grounded my commitment to representation, and BiB is deepening how I put that into practice. LBS is shaping me into a leader who listens with humility, welcomes challenge and uses their influence to equip others for success.
What advice or message would you share with the next generation of Black business leaders who are beginning their careers?
Aristide: First, be yourself, be proud of your heritage and work hard. Those who came before us sacrificed a great deal for us to access the opportunities we have today. I believe we honour them by continuing to pursue excellence and moving things forward. Second, keep opening doors for others when you are in a position to do so. Remember the people who supported you, and offer that same support to someone else. Above all, let the quality of your work speak for you. You deserve to be recognised for your ability and what you contribute. What we want is fair access to opportunities and the chance to show what we can do.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your time leading the Black in Business Club, and what would you like to see the Club continue to achieve?
Nothando: I hope to leave a legacy of impact, authentic community and growth, where we continue to set the bar higher and lift each up along on the journey. I want the Club to become a cornerstone of the LBS alumni network, with a growing community whose reach and impact goes far beyond graduation. Years later, members should still be able to turn to BiB and find the same support and sense of community, only with a wider and more diverse network across the globe. We hope that the BiB remains a community that members want to be a part of and actively contribute to, for life.
Find out more about the Black in Business Club at London Business School