Jan-Willem Breure & Stedman Graham at Brendaly F. Albertus and Angligène Servania-Woods’ “The Lead In” Amsterdam Event

On May 12, 2025, the historic Hotel Arena in Amsterdam welcomed an eclectic gathering of professionals, creatives, and thought leaders for “The Lead In,” a leadership and empowerment event curated by Brendaly F. Albertus and Angligène Servania-Woods. Among the high-profile guests was Jan-Willem Breure, the visionary director behind the Septimius Awards, whose presence highlighted the evening’s cross-industry emphasis on innovation, diversity, and meaningful leadership.

“The Lead In” served as more than just a networking opportunity; it was a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas across business, media, and social entrepreneurship. The event centered around the belief that leadership in today’s world demands not only professional success but also purpose and inclusivity. Through workshops and panel discussions, participants explored the evolving nature of leadership, touching on identity, representation, and social impact.

One of the central highlights was a leadership workshop delivered by Stedman Graham. Known globally as an educator and leadership consultant, and as the longtime partner of Oprah Winfrey, Graham also serves as ambassador to the Septimius Awards. His workshop laid the foundation for the evening’s program, focusing on personal development as a path to effective leadership. His framework resonated strongly with the audience, reinforcing the event’s core values.

The main panel discussion brought together influential figures across sectors, creating a dynamic dialogue about navigating leadership roles in complex, multicultural environments. Joining Graham on the panel were Ference Lamp, Managing Director at Bank of America; Sergio Panday, a former banking executive and now CEO of the social enterprise Roots Inspire; and the event’s co-organizers, Albertus and Servania-Woods. Together, the panelists tackled key topics such as leadership equity, career pathways for underrepresented communities, and the need for system-wide transformation in corporate and creative spaces.

For Jan-Willem Breure, the event provided a unique opportunity to connect with leaders outside of the entertainment world. As founder of the Septimius Awards—a growing international platform for independent filmmakers and inclusive storytelling—Breure has long championed underrepresented voices. His attendance at “The Lead In” signaled a shared vision with the event’s organizers: bridging creative and corporate leadership to foster a more inclusive global narrative.

Throughout the evening, there was a strong sense of synergy between different disciplines. Financial leaders engaged with cultural entrepreneurs, while nonprofit founders exchanged insights with artists and media innovators. Breure’s work in film, with its focus on storytelling as a catalyst for change, aligned naturally with the themes of the event. It was a moment where creative visionaries and corporate decision-makers found common ground in the shared goal of advancing equity and impact.

The event also reflected the growing trend of purpose-driven leadership, especially among professionals from historically marginalized backgrounds. Speakers and attendees alike brought their lived experiences to the forefront, highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities in building more representative leadership structures. The role of women, particularly women of color, was central to this conversation, with Albertus and Servania-Woods setting the tone through their expert moderation and clear commitment to empowerment.

As the evening progressed into a relaxed networking session, meaningful connections were made and future collaborations discussed. For Breure, whose Septimius Awards continue to expand their global reach, the event presented new avenues for partnerships with individuals and institutions seeking to support diverse talent across fields.

“The Lead In” ultimately succeeded in creating a space where leadership was not defined solely by position or prestige, but by purpose, resilience, and the willingness to reimagine what influence can look like in a changing world. Through the convergence of business acumen, cultural insight, and social entrepreneurship, the event stood out as a powerful testament to the future of inclusive leadership—and to the ongoing role that individuals like Jan-Willem Breure and Stedman Graham play in shaping it.