Mike Dunckley

🚀 Become a BFUTR Partner today to connect with thousands of highly skilled Black professionals, allies, and influential business stakeholders across the global tech ecosystem.🚀 Additional Partnership Benefits: 1. Enhance Your Talent Pipeline: Achieve your business goals with a diverse network of Black tech talent by forging direct connections with a vibrant and skilled network of Black tech professionals. 2. Accelerate Your Business-to-Business Connections: Engage with global companies and executives who share your values and vision. At BFUTR, it's not just networking—it's about building meaningful, value-driven relationships that open doors to new business opportunities and collaborations. 3. Become an Employer of Choice: Elevate your brand's appeal in the competitive tech landscape by partnering with BFUTR to attract top-tier talent who share your values and goals. Secure your chance to participate in the transformative partnership experience at BFUTR 2024! 👉 Sign up now to become a partner:  https://obsidi.com/bfutr/ #BFUTR #TechSummit #Networking #TechIndustry #TD #BecomeAPartner #BlackinTech #Obsidi

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Experience Afrotech 2024: Culture, Tech, and Soul Food We dive into the amazing experience at Afrotech, highlighting networking opportunities and supporting black-owned businesses like Soul Food Vegan. From incredible food to valuable insights, this conference is a must for anyone in tech. Don't miss out! #BlackTechCommunity #NetworkingOpportunities #SoulFoodVegan #TechConference #HoustonEats #CareerGrowth #BlackOwnedBusiness #TechNetworking #CajunCuisine #thefutureisblack #thefutureisblackpodcast #afrotech2024 #afrotech #afrofuturism

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Imagine... A recruitment event with three companies under the same roof. This is how you make life easier for potential candidates at a conference as large as AFROTECH . For years, I've pitched partnering with non-competitive companies for years. Well Snap Inc., Fidelity Workplace, and Coinbase did it and won. Loved #Snap's presentation on how to maximize your presence on the platform and augmented reality programs for creators. Plus, they gave a map to their #SnapSpectacles show room. Gotta love a dope marketing experience! #Experientialmarketing #recruitmentmarketing #marketing

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🌟 Highlights from AFROTECH 2024 🌟 Attending AfroTech 2024 was an inspiring experience, filled with insights and meaningful connections. Here are my key takeaways: 1️⃣ Representation Matters – Seeing diverse talent shaping tech and creative industries was powerful and motivating. 2️⃣ Collaboration Over Competition – The focus on community and knowledge-sharing reinforced how much we achieve together. 3️⃣ Adaptability Drives Innovation – Success in today’s fast-changing world depends on staying flexible and committed to growth. 4️⃣ Authenticity Wins – Staying true to yourself is key to building meaningful connections and impactful work. Grateful for the experience and ready to apply these lessons! If you attended, what were your biggest takeaways? #AfroTech2024 #DiversityInTech #Innovation #Community

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What does your future hold? 🔮 🌟 The Future Isn't Just Coming - It's Already Here As shared by Morgan DeBaun, "The truth is, the future is being written right now. Technology is evolving faster than ever..." But here's what excites me: While innovation is transforming our world, it also presents many opportunities for reinvention – especially for experienced women professionals who bring wisdom to the table. 💫 This is just another reason why I'm hosting "Re-imagining Yourself for 2025!" – a 3-day event designed specifically for women over 40 who are ready to maximize technology's potential and write their own future. 🎯 Join us to: • Discover how to leverage emerging tech trends, such as AI • Connect with like-minded women ready to transform their careers • Create your personal roadmap for 2025 and beyond Ready to take control of your technology journey? Secure your spot now! https://lnkd.in/eS5WSNBy p.s. be sure to follow Morgan DeBaun to keep up with her work #ai #aitools #aitrends #womenintech #womeninai #CareerReinvention #futureofwork #womenover40 #personaldevelopment

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How many people would you say you met at AFROTECH? Drop a comment and let us know who your favorite new connection is! Also, don’t forget to check out our new episode on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eU-3Y28r #Afrotech #blackintech #networking

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Officially launching on October 1, and we’re now accepting pre-enrollments for membership! Our platform is built with a clear mission: to empower minority business owners like you to secure the investments needed to thrive and grow. Here’s what you can expect as a member: 1. **Expert Guidance and Training:** Learn from industry experts with courses and resources that break down the complexities of the investment process. Discover how to craft a winning pitch, develop a compelling financial model, and understand exactly what investors are looking for. 2. **Tailored Support and Community:** Connect with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who understand your unique challenges. Benefit from mentorship, advice, and the support of those who have been where you are and know how to help you succeed. 3. **Direct Access to Investors:** Our platform puts you directly in front of investors who are actively seeking opportunities like yours. We help you present your business in the best light, making it easier for investors to see your potential. 4. **Tools and Resources for Success:** Gain access to practical tools, templates, checklists, and interactive webinars that prepare you to approach investors with confidence and clarity. Everything you need to be investment-ready is right here. 5. **A Pathway to Growth:** When you’re prepared to attract capital, you’re prepared to grow. Our platform is designed to help you scale your business, enter new markets, and achieve your long-term goals. By joining now, you’ll secure your spot ahead of our official launch and be among the first to access all the benefits of the Investor Readiness Platform. Don’t miss out—pre-enroll today! Visit (https://lnkd.in/ev3hP7Ry) to start your journey toward becoming truly investment-ready. Let’s build a brighter future for minority-owned businesses, together!

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🌟 Enhancing Tech Job Outcomes for Black Professionals through Education and Training 🌟 The landscape of Black employment in tech is both promising and challenging. A critical area for impactful improvement is in educational attainment and training programs. Organizations like the Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN) are leading the way, providing essential training and identifying talent that aligns well with organizational cultures, especially for direct-from-school hires. BPTN's initiatives are pivotal in closing the employment gap and ensuring that Black tech professionals can compete effectively in a rapidly evolving job market. By focusing on robust educational programs and training opportunities, we address key issues affecting Black tech employment outcomes, including equitable wage practices, union support, sectoral diversity, and economic stability. These efforts not only help Black professionals enter and thrive in tech but also contribute to creating more inclusive and diverse workplaces. Let's continue to support and promote programs that empower Black tech professionals through education and training, driving progress and equity in the tech industry. #BlackTech #DiversityInTech #WorkplaceEquity #BPTN #TalentDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #TechJobs (Adapted from Gitnux and other sources on Black employment trends)

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The Taste Radio podcast by BevNET.com has launched a new series called: “Black Founders Club,” and the premier guest features our #PortCo A Dozen Cousins’ Founder & CEO Ibraheem Basir. In this episode, Ibraheem shares his journey as a Black entrepreneur, his funding experiences, and his future goals for A Dozen Cousins.  Watch the video on BevNET.com or listen to the Taste Radio podcast on major platforms. Don't miss it! https://lnkd.in/enD5mT7n #entrepreneurship #founders #startups #foodandbeverage #podcasts

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August is National Black Business Month, a time to honor and support the economic contributions of Black entrepreneurs. Here are some of the top Black business marketplaces and directories you should know about.

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Will Packer dropped some gems at AfroTech Conference and emphasized the significance of consistent execution, especially in the early stages of your journey. "I don't care if your brand is super small right now and nobody knows it but you. You make sure that everything you do is on point for that brand. First of all, you never realize how it starts to grow organically. Everytime somebody interacts with your brand, they need to have the same feeling. They need to have the same result. The execution needs to be the same, and it needs to be at a very high level because ultimately, you will be out there and it will be outside your control." Source: AfroTech #TipsFromBlackProfessionals #BlackLeadership #Motivation #BusinessAdvice

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🚨 Big Announcement! 🚨 We’re excited to launch the HBCUMADE x Afrotech Giveaway! 🎉 Want to attend Afrotech and be part of the largest Black tech conference of the year? Here’s your chance! All you need to do is: 1️⃣ Download the HBCUMADE app (available on Apple iOS or Android Google Play Store) and create your profile. 2️⃣ Set up your OfferMADE profile (exclusive to HBCUMADE members) and unlock tools to negotiate the best offers at Afrotech! 3️⃣ Engage with the HBCUMADE community by connecting with fellow HBCU students and alumni. 4️⃣ Share this post on your social media with the hashtags #HBCUMADE2Afrotech and #OfferMADEInAction. We’ll be selecting winners based on their HBCUMADE profiles, so make sure your information is complete and your profile is active. 🌟 Let’s level up together at Afrotech! 💼✨ #HBCUMADE #Afrotech #Giveaway #OfferMADE #HBCU #Tech #Networking

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Starting a business? Read below for top tips!

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When the Fed cut interest rates, it prompted me to tell the story of how interest rates have impacted the tech industry over the last 20 years and the opportunities available, check out my most recent piece for AFROTECH

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Excited to announce I’ll be hosting Afrotech’s Cybersecurity Main Stage! 🚀 AfroTech is the world’s largest Black tech conference, expecting 30K attendees this year, where culture, innovation, and technology collide. The Cybersecurity Stage is committed to exploring innovative strategies across AI, Machine Learning, IoT, Security, Governance, and Supply Chain Resilience. Expect demos and insights from top CEOs, CISOs, researchers, and experts! ✔️ Running a startup or small business that needs protection? Learn from the best! ✔️ Want to see firsthand how AI is transforming the future of cybersecurity? Don’t miss out. ✔️ Ready to break into the fast-growing world of cybersecurity? This is your chance! ✔️ Looking to up-skill and take your career to the next level? We’ve got you covered. Follow noHack to see how we can help you take your cybersecurity to the next level! 💻🔒 #AfroTech #noHack

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🌟 AfroTech 2024: Insights to Shape Learning & Development in 2025 🌟 AfroTech 2024 was more than an event—it was a launchpad for innovation, inclusion, and transformative conversations. For organizations focused on learning and development, this year's conference underscored the opportunities and challenges ahead as we prepare for 2025. Here are key insights that will drive our strategies: ✅ Personalized Learning at Scale AfroTech showcased the power of AI-driven learning solutions that adapt to individual needs while maintaining organizational scalability. In 2025, organizations must prioritize personalized learning experiences that accelerate both employee growth and business impact. ✅ Cultural Relevance in Design Diverse workforces demand diverse learning approaches. Designing training programs that reflect and respect cultural diversity will be essential in fostering belonging and driving engagement. ✅ Closing Skills Gaps for the Future of Work The rapid pace of technological and industry change requires an agile approach to upskilling and reskilling. Our 2025 focus will be on building programs that meet emerging workforce needs with measurable outcomes. ✅ Tech-Enhanced Collaboration From VR to real-time collaborative platforms, technology is reimagining how teams learn and work together. Integrating these tools into learning ecosystems will be critical for connecting distributed teams while maintaining a human touch. As we reflect on AfroTech 2024, one thing is clear: the future of work requires us to innovate, adapt, and lead with purpose. In 2025, we’re committed to building learning solutions that empower individuals, strengthen teams, and deliver results. How is your organization preparing for the future of learning and development? Let’s collaborate to drive transformation in the year ahead. #AfroTech2024 #LearningAndDevelopment #FutureOfWork #Inclusion #TalentDevelopment #2025Readiness

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Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with the AIG Black Professionals and Allies ERG about a topic that is incredibly timely and critical for anyone in professional spaces ... What if you had a superpower that would allow you to have a sustainable competitive advantage in a growing AI world? Help you be more successful at work, lead stronger teams, and be a more effective leader? What if this superpower could help you navigate and mitigate the impact of racial trauma in professional spaces? That superpower is Emotional Intelligence (EI). Yep - I was a skeptic until I saw the science. Over the years I have observed many careers, teams, and boards derailed due to lack of emotional competencies. EI will become more important as we head into a rapidly changing professional landscape - and thankfully there are ways we can all harness and strengthen this superpower! Thanks to Sheryl Smikle, PhD Connor Weaver Dr. Tina McCrea, CLM, CPM, PPMC Ramsey Lowery Shannon Dent Grace Titilawo and Deborah M. for making this happen! #emotionalintelligence #artificialintelligence #leadership #DEI

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Afrotech Reflections: Get You a Friend Who Knows Tech (and Selfies!) AFROTECH never disappoints, and this year was a standout because I got to reconnect with two of my favorite Product leaders: Julie M. Wenah and Bahja Johnson!! Julie brings brilliance and grace to every space she enters, and Bahja? She’s not just an innovator at Apple —she’s basically a selfie cheat code. (Pro tip: Look at the green dot on your iPhone 📱. Thanks to Bahja, my selfies are officially next level!) In the fast-paced tech ecosystem, finding colleagues who become friends, mentors, and cheerleaders all in one is rare. I’m so grateful to count these two powerhouses as part of my circle. They embody what leadership is all about: driving innovation while creating space for others to shine. Take a moment to reflect: Who’s in your circle, lifting as they climb? Make sure you celebrate them today ✨. #Afrotech #Leadership #DiversityInTech #WomenInTech #Innovation #LiftAsYouClimb #Inclusion #womeninleadership

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