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Black Executive Men
Community

BEM Community: Where We’re At

Our community has grown to 900 official members over the last 12 months, with an excellent reception on LinkedIn, corporate America, and the Black corporate world specifically. Don Peebles knows who we are, Joe Hurd is speaking here in the fall, our posts get thousands of likes on LinkedIn monthly, and leading corporations—even in this climate—are reaching out for partnerships. Essentially, we are on fire and these are the very early days. You are sitting on a rocket ship.

This is the year of culture for BEM — and like any culture shift, there have been growing pains. But the direction is clear, and we’re stepping into a new level.

We’ve been tightening things up:

• The dress code is evolving — we want every man to walk into the room looking like a Fortune 500 CEO.

• The social photos? They’re already speaking volumes. We’re moving in the right direction.

• The BEM Directory now shows you exactly who’s in your region globally — no more guessing who’s nearby.

• BEM Connects pairs you weekly with a new member, helping you build relationships without having to chase them down.

• And Unc, our AI-powered member support system, is launching soon — built specifically for how we move.

The Ecosystem We’ve Built

This isn’t just a group chat anymore — it’s a full executive ecosystem:

• Curated town halls

• Educational cohort groups

• Quarterly regional socials around the world

• 7FB calls

• Fireside chats with C-level execs most men would never access on their own

• Birthday card send-outs

• Holiday parties

• Our own tech, designed from scratch

• And a quiet focus on authentic, professional Black male friendship — the kind most men can’t find anywhere else

The value here is already tremendous. And it keeps growing.

Owning Who We Are

When I started Black Executive Men, I hoped to create something every Black man could benefit from. But in reality? Early-career guys don’t apply often. Blue-collar brothers don’t show up. This space was built for and naturally attracts mid-level brothers and senior-level Black male executives.

While our goal remains 100,000 members, we’re no longer everything to everybody. In my therapy practice when I charged $200/session, the guys who came to me were top notch (not the top of the food chain, but close). Engineers, lawyers, VPs, managers, you name it—an excellent caliber of men. Typically early-career men couldn’t afford it or didn’t see the value in it. I sent these men to one another for conversations and support, and they loved it. That’s when the idea for this community was born.

In short - we are who we are, and it’s time to own our value and position in the market. Similar networks such as YPO, CHIEF, World 50, G100 are charging between $5,000-$60,000 for membership. And many of our guys are used to paying these fees for other masterminds, trainings, coaches, and cohorts. It’s what most executives who are steeped in professional development expect to pay for career advanced and support.

They’ve been pitched those prices many times by their thirties and understand the ROI that comes from it to move their career forward, and their income forward too.

So when a man lands on the BEM site, he should pause for a second. Not because he feels excluded, but because he needs to ask himself:

Am I ready for this level? Will this elevate my life, my global network, my executive presence? Am I bringing the same energy to the table?

Going forward, we’re not trying to be everything to everybody. We’re creating a space that honors the men who’ve already put in the work — and are still climbing. Brothers who are already financially well and thriving.

The mission is in the title: Black Executive Men. It’s time to own our identity as a community and a brand.

Although we value authentic friendship first and most, BEM Community is more than a friendship club. Guys are finding business partners, corporate mentors, financial education, and most importantly real connections with corporate brothers that would be challenging but not impossible to find elsewhere.

The Data Speaks Volumes

Make no mistake — we are not an average network by any stretch of the imagination:

• The median income in our community is ~$145,000, while the median income of brothers in general is $42,000.

• 40% of BEM members hold an MBA or MA, compared to just 2% of Black men generally

• 60% of BEM men are married, versus only 30% of Black men overall

• 60% of our members work in corporate environments, compared to just 14% of Black men in general

• The average professional development spend in our community is 300% higher than the average spend of Black men in general.

While 70% of jobs and funding come through professional networks, with DEI cuts looming, Black men’s access to strong professional networks may drop from 35% to 30% by 2028. Corporate hiring of Black men could fall from 10% to 7%.

This will make BEM not just valuable to many, but essential. We are not a bottom or mid, but mid-high tier network of Black men as it stands, and with tougher times ahead, BEM will be a lifeline for these men to not only stay afloat but to thrive. BEM is positioned to become a go-to source globally — and we are designed to be exactly that.

What’s Coming Next

The momentum isn’t slowing. In fact, we’re accelerating:

• Media training for members to amplify their executive presence

• A global gathering in Dallas featuring special senior executive guests

• Top-tier photos and videos to elevate our brand and members’ visibility

• Expansion to over 100 regions in the next 2 years

• Tailored 7-Figure Brotherhood curriculum and 7-figure blueprint for all members to accelerate financially

• Regional leadership trainings to advance local experiences and career outcomes

In BEM, connecting with men who’ve managed over $600M is easy. Finding guys who’ve set up hundreds of franchises? Easy. Meeting leaders from top law firms in America? Easy.

The Bigger Mission

Let’s be real — DEI is crashing fast, the few corporate leadership pipelines for Black men that did exist are disappearing.

Meanwhile, the media still spotlights entertainers and those involved in criminal activities as the face of Black manhood.

We’re shifting that narrative.

We’re putting executive Black men at the forefront with our media efforts and will expand it further through BEM Media, magazines, interviews, photo shoots, long-form articles and more.

We’re showing the world what excellence actually looks like from a business perspective and owning our own power moving forward. Doing something future generations will be proud of us achieving. Our mission is built in.

Going forward BEM will own its true value in the market. We will assert ourselves as an organization to contend with—a premium community with a premium experience. This is something to be proud about: exclusivity, ensuring the right men who can invest in themselves and desire to do so are here. A choice every competitive man makes for himself. With whom and where does he invest his time and resources to achieve his goals in life.

All of this emphasizes one clear point: we are a premium network and will have premium prices to match the curated community and resources we provide. The pivot from kick-it session to competitive corporate community is here and we are looking for the best men to represent us - and those men are you.

Owning Our Value

With organizations like CHIEF, YPO, ELC, World 50, Hampton, and corporate coaching programs charging $5,000-$60,000 for membership, BEM Community is still on the very low end of the price scale—but our new pricing model will put us in the game, and more importantly, will give us the resources needed to expand this community to reach our full potential, help you reach yours, and be seen as a real player in the corporate networks game. In short, your own status as a member will elevate in the professional market.

Now positioned as a premium network - BEM Community is rolling out its last upgrade of this year:

• $1,000/year for BEM Community

• $5,000/year for BEM Gold

• $10,000/year for BEM Elite

As a thank you to current members, you will be grandfathered in at your current price. New members going forward will receive our new pricing starting today.

For guys sending new members our way—thank you—and don’t worry too much about the pricing change. The right guys will see the value, and if not, they can circle back in the future. For now, they are welcome to join our free LinkedIn group for a light level of connection to BEM, listen to the free BEM podcast for excellent professional education, and read the free BEM newsletter for updates about related corporate activities. In that way, we keep our commitment to provide something for everyone at every price point.

The Vision Forward

As the CEO, I’m not pushing for explosive growth this year with the “come one, come all” attitude I had last year. Last year, my goal then was to get butts in seats to validate the model. Fortunately our model has been validated and embraced by the market. This year, we’re tightening everything up—the year of culture—so in 2026 we can hit the acceleration button and have everybody and everything locked in place to explode.

Media tours, joint ventures, conference keynotes and the rest putting BEM Community on the map for the world to see. And you are at the ground floor of it all. As the year of culture, I’m locking everything in place so when we scale, this operation is sustainable, financially robust, and received as competitive in the market so it means something valuable to employers, funders, and your colleagues.

In short, we are a premium network for the most professionally successful, competitive, and financially well-off Black men on earth. Expectations are high here and BEM Community is the entry way to join this club. It’s time to own our power and rightful place in the market, and history.

Thank you for choosing BEM Community as we continue to elevate our brand, membership, impact, and experience.

Jewel Love
Founder & CEO
Black Executive Men

BEM Community - Q2 Regional Social

When isolation is a norm
For many corporate black men
Friendship is also good for business...

Black Executive Men Community
Q2 Regional Social, April 5th, 2025

Although...

We were appreciated
Publicly by perfect strangers
For simply being ourselves, together

The true and deepest acknowledgements
Came from the handshakes, laughs and nods
Of likeminded men with similar life experiences

As Damon Adams, BEM Washington D.C. member and Product Manager at Marriott International, puts it:

“The regional event yesterday was amazing. It was great to share without judgement. I took something away from every brother in attendance and I can’t wait for the next time we are able to get together.”

Quarterly - These socials are a gift we give ourselves as we take a break from family and professional lives, splash on the cologne, dust off the derbies, collar up, and head downtown for:

- Authentic friendships
- Meaningful connections
- And mutual support

Toss in a sizzling steak, with melted butter on top and soft crunch asparagus tips on the side.

Alongside expertly facilitated discussions focused more so on Marriage and Aspirations than Mergers and Acquisitions, and all leave well-fed.

Nourished.
Rejuvenated.
For a week ahead.

With 21 socials poppin’ in 21 regions on the same day and time, our community is well-equipped to support members wherever they are, including this quarter’s locations in:

1. Atlanta
2. Boston
3. Charlotte
4. Chicago
5. Columbus
6. Dallas
7. Houston
8. London
9. Los Angeles
10. Las Vegas
11. Manchester
12. Memphis
13. New Orleans
14. New York
15. Oakland
16. Philadelphia
17. Sacramento
18. San Antonio
19. Singapore
20. Tampa
21. Washington D.C.

As Russell Gandy, Technical Product Owner at iPipeline and BEM Philadelphia member, summed up his social experience:

"It’s time to replace a shared history of competition to get ahead individually, with one of collaboration and uplifting to get ahead collectively."

And I agree.

So the next time you see Black Executive Men in your city, feel free to come say 'hi' — even if just for a moment. We’re happy to oblige.

Membership is selective. But if you’re ready for what’s next, start here.

#BEM #Corporate #Community

Fireside Chat

Fireside Guest: Christopher Roberts

Christopher is a global enterprise leader with extensive experience in driving growth, profitability, and market share in highly competitive industries.

He has a proven track record in managing large P&Ls, implementing innovative business practices, and leading strategic acquisitions to achieve bold objectives.

Known for fostering an inclusive and empowered culture, Christopher excels in aligning business models with customer needs and market opportunities.

His leadership spans strategy development, talent development, and navigating complex challenges, with a focus on restructuring, realignment, and digital portfolio activation.

Christopher holds executive education from Harvard Business School and a Master of Management in Marketing, Finance, and Management Strategy from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He also earned a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Currently, he serves as Executive Vice President of the Global Food & Beverage Division at Ecolab and is a member of the Board of Directors at PPG.

Ep 82 Praise and Improvement

In this episode, Jewel shares a powerful coaching methodology focused on Praise and Improvement.

With years of experience guiding Black men toward success in the C-suite, Jewel introduces a simple yet impactful system to elevate leadership and performance.

Through a combination of affirming strengths and identifying areas for growth, this episode reveals how to foster accountability, build confidence, and ultimately become the best in the world.

Tune in to learn how praise and improvement can transform your career and leadership style.

#BEM #Podcast

Open Capital in NYC

New York City Open Capital Social.
Unlimited Access to Capital
For Black Male GP’s

Jewel, how can that be when?

“DEI is dead.”
Market is scared.
Funding down bad.
We got .04% last year.

We figured it out.

They want great deals and we have them.
They want excellent GPs and we have them.
They want handsome returns and we have ’em.

Not just one deal. They want dozens to choose from.

The Black Executive Men Capital Network
Has GPs & deals with handsome returns
Coming from our 150+ members

The ask?

Institutional LPs.
Of all backgrounds
Seeking excellent GPs.

That’s the Open Capital Social.
Taking place at Chelsea Walls Gallery.
Wednesday, April 30th, 2025, from 7-10pm.

✅ Art Gallery
✅ Sirloin Brioche
✅ The Optimist Wine
✅ Locally Sourced Paintings

Now we need the institutional investors.
High-net-worth individuals
Family offices

And we need you to commit to securing one for us.
Getting them to agree and arrive
On April 30th.

Dig deep in your bag.
Or think passingly in your LinkedIn.
Who is a perfect fit for the Open Capital Social?

Who here is willing to commit
To ensuring one institutions LP arrives?
Jay and I are committed to bringing 5 each.

However, with your support
We can divide the labor
And bring ’em in
With ease.

Who here will commit?
Take a stand for BEM Capital Network.
Take a bold stand for us reaching $1B AUM each

And say “I’ll commit!”
That’s the energy we need.
The leadership we are seeking here.

We’re leading the charge 100%
Now, who else is in?

Black Men's LP Summit

What if Black men
Accredited investors
Became authentic friends

What deals could be funded?
What GPs could be elevated?
What returns could be found?

We ask in advance for you to:

Prepare.

The first ever...
Black men's LP Summit.
Hosted online June 12 on Zoom.

What to Expect:

• Global Market Trends

• Private Deal Previews

• Curated Investor Panels

• Interactive Q&A Sessions

• Insights from Industry Leaders

• Impact Networking Opportunities

Pre-register below for early access.

A new men's network
For impact-driven
Black wealth
Is here.

#bem #capital #network

2025 Private Equity Spring Cohort
and Napa Valley Experience

Black Executive Men Capital Network
2025 Private Equity Spring Cohort
and Napa Valley Experience

April–June 2025. Online Cohort
July 9th–10th. Napa Valley Experience

Register Today!

Are you a Black male GP or private equity professional looking to expand your network and deepen connections with like-minded leaders in the field?

Black Executive Men Capital Network is proud to offer a groundbreaking initiative tailored for Black men in private equity—an exclusive cohort followed by a luxurious, unforgettable experience in Napa Valley.

Why This Cohort Is a Game-Changer

Private equity can feel isolating, particularly for Black men navigating spaces where representation is scarce. This cohort is designed to connect, uplift, and empower, bringing together the brightest minds and ambitious leaders in the industry. Over three months, you’ll build authentic friendships, expand your network, and tap into opportunities to advance your career and influence.

What’s Included in the Cohort

• Facilitated 1:1 Networking: Connect with 30+ like-minded Black men in private equity, including GPs, analysts, accountants, lawyers, and more.
• Pre-Calls: Prepare for impactful conversations and relationships with curated group calls that build the foundation for the cohort experience.
• Post-Calls: Solidify connections, discuss takeaways, and plan for future collaborations.

Exclusive Napa Valley Experience

From July 9th to July 10th, we’ll gather in Napa Valley for a one-of-a-kind weekday event designed to combine luxury, connection, and professional growth.

Day One: A Feast for the Senses

• Winery Tour: Explore a Black-owned vineyard, indulge in wine sampling, and savor a gourmet charcuterie platter.
• Private Dinner: Enjoy a five-star dining experience with a private chef, signature cocktails, curated wine selections, and a dedicated bartender.
• Cigar Lounge: Unwind with a premium cigar ceremony, curated selections, and moving speeches that inspire and energize.
• Unforgettable Atmosphere: Engage with representatives from the local community, connect with fellow executives, and soak in the beauty of Napa Valley.

Day Two: Deals, Partnerships, and Growth

• Breakfast Roundtable: Share insights, discuss deals, and explore collaborations with fellow Black male private equity professionals.
• Future Planning: Strategize next steps for your fund, upcoming events, and the future of the Black Executive Men Capital Network.

Investment

The entire experience, including the three-month cohort and the Napa Valley event, is available for only $1,000. This is more than an event—it’s a pivotal moment in building your network, growing your influence, and shaping your future in private equity.

Spaces are limited, and this is an exclusive opportunity to connect with trailblazing Black men in private equity. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience.

Register below!

#BEM #PrivateEquity #NapaValley

BEM Community provides authentic friendships, meaningful connections, and career support to Black men at all stages and phases or their career journey.

A powerful network building social bonds and unlocking new jobs, new careers, new clients and more.

This community doesn’t just support career success, but a real sense of ‘community’ too.