By Dr Ollie Folayan MBE, co-founder of diversity and inclusion organisation, AFBE-UK
Even just a few days into 2026, the pace of work, politics, and public debate already feels increasingly unsettled.
At times like this, the turn of the year offers a natural pause for reflection – particularly on moments from 2025 such as our largest-ever ceremony, the AFBE-UK Gala & Awards in Aberdeen.
During an evening of inspiration and entertainment themed The Tapestry of Impact, I shared closing remarks alongside Dr Iyke Onyegiri. I reminded the audience that progress is often built on simple, quiet ideas – and that, over time, a few recurring themes have consistently stood out in my own thinking.
I noted that many of my favourite things begin with the letter C: my love of cake, the fact that AFBE-UK was birthed in Croydon, my career in chemical engineering, and the sense of coming together that Christmas brings.
Reflecting on the success of the AFBE-UK Diversity & Inclusion Awards at P&J Live, with energy and engineering firmly in focus, three specific “Cs” stood out to me.
Community
The word company has its origins in the Late Latin word companio – literally, the person you sit with to break bread. It is a reminder that organisations were never meant to be transactional alone. At their core, they were built around shared endeavour, camaraderie and mutual support.
Community, in this sense, is not about grand gestures. It is about the colleague who takes time to help another. The person who inspires without agenda. The quiet act of kindness in a workplace that may otherwise feel relentlessly busy.
If organisations are to thrive in the years ahead, the question is simple: can they create more of that spirit – and recognise its value?
Connection
The second “C” speaks to moments that alter the course of a life.
A story I shared on the night at the P&J Live highlighted a student from a disadvantaged background who, while balancing caring responsibilities, fell just short of the grades required for university. Recognising his potential, a lecturer called a colleague and urged them to give the student a chance. That single act of belief changed everything.
That student went on to earn his degree and become one of the most influential scientists of his generation: His name was Sir Geoff Palmer.
For many people, the most lasting impact will not be measured in projects delivered or targets met, but in the connections they create between individuals, opportunities, and belief.
Celebration
Too often, celebration is treated as something that follows achievement. However, it can also be seen as a catalyst for progress. Celebration builds momentum and reinforces resilience, allowing teams and individuals to acknowledge both successes and the lessons learned along the way.
As choreographer Robert Battle once said, “dance is a manifestation and celebration of the tenacity of the human spirit.” The same applies to our work, innovation, and community. In a climate where culture wars are becoming more amplified, choosing to celebrate one another, our organisations, and even our nation becomes an act of quiet defiance.
This was the message we aimed to communicate at the AFBE-UK Awards night in November. Our goal was simple: to recognise collective effort and shared experiences with genuine applause rather than cynicism or restraint. Sometimes, making a little noise together is exactly what brings people back together.
Ultimately, this comes down to three core ideas: community, connection, and celebration. These are not just slogans, but practical forces that shape workplaces and open doors. They offer a vital reference point as 2026 begins, with AFBE-UK continuing a consistent programme of events and initiatives designed to foster unity and ensure lasting impact.
Dr Ollie Folayan MBE is co-founder and co-chair of AFBE-UK, which supports young people, including those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds into STEAM careers. Through a mix of in-person and online initiatives, AFBE-UK has engaged thousands of pupils, students and graduates across the UK, with a strong presence in London, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
For more information, visit – https://www.afbescotland.org/
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