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 is an accomplished investor in the Culture and Belonging space.
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.
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.
SCALING IMPACT
Global
Expanding beyond the kitchen to speak at major events, advocating for inclusive leadership and sharing insights on building authentic culture.
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.
STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION
Scottish Government
Leading complex product teams and implementing risk strategies that would form the foundation of his future 'Systems of Belonging' framework.
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.
