Empowering Our Brand Ambassadors: November Highlights
It has been an exciting and productive period for the Be United team. Over the past month, our Brand Ambassadors and collaborators have engaged in a variety of training, networking, and community events, building skills, connections, and opportunities across Scotland’s creative sector.
On the 30th of October, Be United has organised an in-person training for Be United Brand Ambassadors and collaborators on networking and presentation skills. The day started with Lok Pui Lo’s “Best Networking Practices”. During the session, Lok shared industry tips and insights to support Brand Ambassadors’ and attendees’ professional development and network building. It was followed by “Dynamic Presentation Skills: The Power of Preparation, Practice, and Performance”, a workshop led by Be United’ CEO Muse Greenwood. Muse has over 30 years of experience bridging the arts, community development, and corporate leadership and has extensive experience in workshop facilitation. The workshop allowed the participants to engage in practical exercises. The workshop, which blended the creativity with Muse’s expertise and cultural insight was very well received by the Brand Ambassadors and wider Be United network that was present.
The attendees shared:
The entire experience was really good. I enjoyed it because it not only made me more confident but also helped me learn how to present myself. I liked that we had the chance to practise the skills taught by Lok and Muse. Even though we presented to a small group, it was still very beneficial, as it felt like a real-life situation. This made attending actual events much easier for me, and I’ve already felt more comfortable at the events I’ve been going to.
– Takura Shona, Brand Ambassador
As always, a nurturing, welcoming environment was created in this training. I appreciate the elements of mixed learning styles used as it makes it more engaging to be a participant. Would highly recommend!
– Lola Aluko, Brand Ambassador
I found the sessions very insightful and helpful. I came away feeling motivated and better equipped in my role.
– Mercy Macharia, Brand Ambassador
I felt that everyone was included during the training and everything was explained clearly. I was originally in Poland at the time of the training and yet I was happy with how engaged everyone was with me, it felt as though I was really there.
– Piotr Matysiak, Brand Ambassador
It was very engaging and interactive; I would like to attend more of these more often. It helped me gain experience facilitating, and I really enjoyed the process.
– Lok Pui Lo, Brand Ambassador Coordinator (now Events and Partnerships Coordinator)
Monika Navickaitė, Be United’s Marketing, Media and Communications Lead said:
I found the atmosphere to be incredibly warm and welcoming as well. It was great to see the Brand Ambassadors and the Be United staff share, learn and support each other. Overall, a brilliant experience!
To finish the day, the Be United team attended the opening night of the Jali Film Weekender at the Filmhouse in Edinburgh, where they watched Memory of Princess Mumbi, a Kenyan film recently screened at the Venice Film Festival.
“It was a vibrant and well-organised celebration of Black creativity and solidarity, with a strong community presence. Ambassadors observed how audiences actively supported one another and how event organisers created an inclusive, welcoming environment.” – Lok Pui Lo
“The Jali Film Weekender opening night was truly special: the programming was impeccable, and the Q&A after the screening sparked vital conversations about independent filmmaking, visibility, cultural heritage, and more. I am very grateful to Jali Collective for welcoming our Brand Ambassadors, and I cannot wait to attend their events in the future.” – Monika Navickaitė
Applying what they learned within the in-person training and at their recent events, our Ambassadors attended AFROSOCIAL’s first Professionals Networking event in Scotland on the 5th of November. The night consisted of a dynamic panel of Black professionals, an interactive Q&A and a chance for open networking. It was a wonderful evening full of Black professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, allies and organisations supporting diversity & inclusion.
On the 6th November, the Be United team attended the SAY Awards in Dundee. Our CEO Muse Greenwood was part of the Scottish Album of the Year Award Judging panel 2025. Lok Pui Lo has attended the awards ceremony and shared:
“It was a wonderful moment to see industry professionals, music lovers and creatives from all background come together in the same space to celebrate the joy of the Scottish music scene. Watching Be United play a part in selecting this year’s album winner and hearing Muse share her passion for the nominees felt like a truly uplifting milestone for the organisation.” – Lok Pui Lo
On 13th November, the Be United team had an exciting opportunity to take part in the Resonate Music Conference in Glasgow. As part of the day, our Brand Ambassadors, Brand Ambassador Coordinator and CEO hosted a stall, engaging with attendees and sharing insights, followed by a vibrant conference programme and a live-music showcase in the evening.
“While at the resonate event, I met so many like-minded people with similar goals to mine and it felt really easy to talk to people. The resonate event was absolutely amazing, it was such a great opportunity to put yourself and your ideas out there while at the same time finding all sorts of creative opportunities.” – Piotr Matysiak
“I really enjoyed the overall event it was very valuable and practical. I even got opportunities for myself for the new year, and got to meet so many different creatives in the industry.” – Takura Shona
This November, Be United also marked a significant milestone and organised their first Be United Presents music showcase in Glasgow. Be United Presents: One More Stage show on 20th of November at Lucky Strike brought 3 incredible Scotland-based music talents on stage: LikkLe bVnti, Sarinity Jones and Lucky Babe. Glasgow has long stood as a centre of creativity, underground culture, and musical innovation. Be United is proud to expand its presence there, standing at the forefront of Scotland’s creative landscape to amplify and celebrate voices that deserve to be heard.
Our ambassadors were present and engaging with the artists and attendees throughout the event to spotlight our upcoming membership launch.
We are excited to see Be United continue to grow, foster meaningful connections, and create new opportunities, especially for our Brand Ambassadors. As we conclude with the initial stage of the Next Level Employability (Brand Ambassadors) programme, we wanted to share their reflections on the experience:
“Being a Brand Ambassador has offered me invaluable experience, connections and growth which I’m so grateful for. I’ve been able to expand my knowledge of the cultural sector, and I am excited to apply these transferable skills into future work.”
– Lola Aluko, Brand Ambassador
“The programme was an enriching experience, and I would be excited to explore more opportunities with Be United in the future.” – Takura Shona, Brand Ambassador
“Being part of the Brand Ambassador programme has been a great experience. It’s helped me grow professionally, build real connections, gain confidence in the creative sector, and push through personal challenges to become a stronger version of myself.”
– Mercy Macharia, Brand Ambassador
“Being a part of Be United’s Next Level programme has built up my confidence to work in the creative field. I was taught a whole new array of skills that will benefit me greatly in the creative workforce.”
– Piotr Matysiak, Brand Ambassador
We are pleased to share that the programme is in continuation, and the Ambassadors will progress within their roles as well as gaining the opportunity to work with our partner organisations.
Special thank you to our funders who support our ongoing work, and especially to Regenerative Futures Fund and the City of Edinburgh Council, whose support has been vital in enabling the Next Level Brand Ambassador programme.
