EDGE Leadership Series has announced that acclaimed venture capitalist, best-selling author, and global speaker Vusi Thembekwayo will headline a full-day business and leadership summit in Kingston on Thursday, October 2, at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston.

The conference theme, ‘From Local to Global: Navigating Economic Tides, Empowering Global Shifts’, will equip CEOs, founders, SMEs, policymakers, and functional leaders with practical strategies to scale beyond the Caribbean while building resilient, future-ready organisations. 

Hosted in partnership by Michael Sealey (Managing Director, Nu Wave Group; Founder, EDGE Leadership Series) and Erica McKenzie (Forbes Business Coach & Maxwell Executive leadership expert; Creative Brands & Concepts), the Kingston edition will feature Thembekwayo’s masterclass and Q&A, along with panels, interactive presentations, and curated networking designed to turn global insights into actionable plans for business growth.

Doors open at 8:00 am Jamaica time with programming through 5:00 pm at the AC Hotel. 

The power of a Caribbean return
Thembekwayo’s appearance in Kingston follows his recent EDGE engagements in the region, including a 2025 masterclass in Trinidad that drew 600+business leaders across multinationals, SMEs, and public agencies—evidence of a strong demand for pragmatic growth and guidance in a shifting global economy. He is widely recognised for catalysing change in businesses across Africa and beyond as a venture capitalist (Founder & CEO, MyGrowthFund Venture Partners), elite coach, and best-selling author, bringing a unique operator-investor perspective to leadership and scale. 

What attendees can expect
Participants will gain cutting-edge tools for navigating trade volatility, digital transformation, and regional integration—paired with peer-to-peer learning and access to decision-makers from across the Caribbean business ecosystem. Programming includes a morning masterclass with Thembekwayo, a live Q&A, Start-up pitch sessions, executive-level talks, exhibition, interactive keynotes designed to help leaders turn strategy into near-term execution plans. The program will culminate with a private VIP Legends in Leadership TM Private Dinner and Kingston City Tour. Bringing Vusi to Kingston at this time is intentional,” said Erica McKenzie, Forbes Business Coach and co-host. “Caribbean enterprises are ready for a bigger stage—and this summit is about giving leaders the clarity, courage, and capability to scale with confidence.” 

“EDGE exists to sharpen the Michael Sealey, competitive edge of Caribbean business,” added founder of EDGE Leadership Series. “Vusi’s track record of transforming companies—combined with the region’s entrepreneurial energy—makes Kingston the right place to spark meaningful growth conversations that translate into results.” 

Event details & registration

• Event Registration page: creativeuacademy.com/edge-leadership-series
  Date/Time: Thursday, October 2, 2025 • 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Jamaica)
  Venue: AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston
  Theme: From Local to Global: Navigating Economic Tides, Empowering Global Shifts
  Access options: In-Person (Early Bird US$599.99; Regular US$799.99) and Virtual (Early Bird US$299.99; Regular US$499.99)
  Early-bird deadline: August 30, 2025