Leaders Lives Unplugged with Dean Forbes

An Intimate Evening of Insight, Inspiration & Connections

Host: Elona Mortimer-Zhika, NED, Aareon & Boardwave Patron

Speaker: Dean Forbes, CEO, Forterro

Join us for an exclusive dinner where we shine the spotlight on Dean Forbes, a leader who has redefined the road to the top. From facing eviction in South London to becoming CEO of Forterro, one of Europe’s fastest-growing software groups, Dean’s journey is a story of resilience, discipline, and transformation.

Now recognised as the most influential Black Briton on The Powerlist 2025, Dean has led companies through billion-euro acquisitions, transformed businesses into global tech powerhouses, and built a legacy of lifting others as he rises. Beyond revenue growth and market leadership, his philosophy centres on creating access, mentoring future CEOs, and ensuring success leaves doors open for others.

In this unplugged session, Dean will speak candidly about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from lessons on the football pitch to mastering equity and ownership, from scaling businesses across Europe to creating social impact through the Forbes Family Group.

This is a rare opportunity to hear from a CEO who blends commercial success with purpose-driven leadership, and who speaks openly about resilience, representation, and showing up when the odds are against you.

Key takeaways:

• How resilience and discipline can transform adversity into advantage
• Why ownership, equity, and mindset matter in building lasting success
• Strategies for scaling and unifying businesses across markets and cultures
• The importance of representation and lifting others as you lead

Agenda:

18:30: Networking/Drinks/Canapés

19:20: Guests seated

19:25: Welcome and introduction

19:30: Fireside chat with Dean Forbes

20:00: Q&A

20:15: Dinner served

22:00: Guest departures

Event Partner: Rothschild & Co. Wealth Management