Hustle Fund

Angel Squad is an angel investing community run by Hustle Fund that was created to teach how to invest in startups and provide access to invest in the most promising ones. TechCrunch referred to Angel Squad as the "YC of Angel Investing."

Angel Squad Co-Founder

Multiple companies

The best place to learn more is @ my personal website: nicholsb.com

I lead an active syndicate with 3.5k members that's deployed $25M+, and have formally Advised 5 companies.

Angel Investor

On Deck

Created, launched, and ran the first two cohorts of the On Deck Angels program. The program pioneered On Deck's expansion into verticals outside of the founder fellowship. 

The success of the program led to On Deck developing the org structure to hire Program Directors to lead verticals that were complementary to the founder fellowship.

Program Director, On Deck Angel Fellowship

- Responsible for procuring sponsorships for On Deck Founder and Angel Fellowships.
- Built and manage program to introduce our founders to investor partners as founders begin fundraising process.

Head Of Partnerships

BlackBird

BlackBird was acquired by Surf Air in February, 2020

- Instrumental in Series A fundraise ($10M from NEA)
- Focused on strategic partnerships / the future of flight (electric aircraft)

Head Of Business Development

- Grew team from 5 to 40+ full-time employees and contractors.
- Recruited and hired leadership from Lyft, Postmates, Uber, Caviar to support the rapid growth of the business.

Head Of Operations

First Round Capital

Angel Track is a masterclass and community for angel investors whose full-time jobs are in leadership roles at tech companies.

1 of 16 selected out of 1k+ applicants.

Angel Track

Zoox Inc.

Zoox was acquired by Amazon in June, 2020.

- Responsible for standing up remote teleoperation unit to support fleet of autonomous vehicles during live operation.
- Represented Zoox’s operations organization when meeting potential investors during our Series B fundraise ($500M, $2.7B valuation).

Operations Manager

Lyft

- Responsible for building out Lyft's local presence in all top 25 Lyft markets.
- Hired local leadership, scaled repeatable playbooks, and provided analytics solutions for Lyft's highest growth markets across the country.

Market Operations Manager (National)

- First Market Manager on the West Coast, drove efficient growth for all of the CA Markets
- Accounted for 50%+ of all Lyft rides

Market Manager, California

RewardTag

RewardTag was bootstrapped and acquired by STM Goods (https://www.stmgoods.com/).

Main partners included Logitech, Seidio, STM Goods which lead to over 2.5M RewardTag units distributed globally.

Co-founder

Over the last decade, I’ve helped build Lyft, Zoox, On Deck, and BlackBird past a combined market cap of over $5B, and helped raise $500M.

In 2019, I decided to try something new.

I decided to shift my focus from building businesses to investing in them.

I teamed up with Ann Miura-Ko to start Uplyft (Lyft alumni syndicate). I was so lucky to have such a great VC guide me when I was brand new to investing. 

It started with 300+ of Lyft’s earliest employees who have invested over $30M+ together.

I soon found myself becoming the go-to "alumni syndicate guy."

I helped Airbnb, Stripe, Pinterest, DoorDash, and many others get their alumni syndicates off the ground.

After opening up the Lyft alumni syndicate to the public (any accredited investor can join, regardless of affiliation with Lyft), I started to notice a trend. There were folks from all over the world, all professional backgrounds, who were investing alongside us.

These folks didn't have access to a network, the knowledge, and the guidance that I was lucky to have.

So, in October 2020, less than a year into the pandemic, I quit my job and joined Hustle Fund – my favorite early-stage VC – to build Angel Squad.

The results were pretty phenomenal.

In 2.5 years, 1,400+ people joined Angel Squad, and as a group, we have invested $21M+ in 50+ startups.

We have reporters, scientists, founders, and students from all over the world in our community. Everyone is welcome.

My portfolio:
-> I run Angel Squad, Hustle Fund's Angel Investing Community
-> I run the Uplyft Syndicate (aka the Lyft Syndicate)
-> I invest in and advise marketplaces and consumer startups

My results:
-> 1,400+ angels are part of the Angel Squad community
-> 4,000+ angels are part of my Uplyft Syndicate
-> $50M+ deployed in startups through Syndicates
-> 100+ startups in my portfolio

ANGEL SQUAD

- Hustle Fund shares their approach to investing 
- LIVE PITCHES from top portfolio companies, and you can invest as little as $1k.
- Meet other members at IRL events as well as get matched 1:1 online.
- Not yet an accredited investor? We pay for your Series 65 exam fee.
- We have a strict no a-hole policy.
- This is a membership offering, with 10 team members who support the program.
- Join 1,400+ others!
- Learn. Invest. Network.

→ GO HERE: www.hustlefund.vc/squad

UPLYFT SYNDICATE

- See 2-3 of my personal deals/month
- There is no community, education, or opportunities to support founders
- It’s free (but nothing like Angel Squad).

→ GO HERE: https://angellist.com/s/team-uplyft/OXf89

Twitter: @b_nicks11
Website: nicholsb.com

Brian Nichols

This is what a $5k angel check turned into.

One investor wrote that first small check. Made 5 valuable introductions that converted into additional checks totaling $170k.  

Those 5 introductions converted into 16 more checks totaling $530k.

So $5k turned into $700k...

People think small checks don't matter. This founder would tell you otherwise.

That angel who wrote $5k became the most valuable investor in the entire round. 

Not because of the money but because they made it their personal mission to get this company funded. 

I've watched this happen so many times now. The $5k check that somehow brings in half your round. The $10k investor who three months later introduces you to your Series A lead. 

The small believer who becomes your loudest champion when things get hard.

Check size and impact aren't the same thing.  

Some of the most helpful portfolio support comes from angels who can only invest small amounts but have networks that would make a GP jealous.

Founders: don't write off the small checks. They're often connected to the big ones. Sometimes they ARE the reason the big ones come in.

Aspiring angels: if you're sitting there thinking your $2k or $5k check is too small to matter, you're wrong. What founders need isn't just capital. It's someone who believes in them enough to spend social capital getting other people to believe too.
--
👉 For more content like this, join 55k+ startup enthusiasts by subscribing to Small Bets: https://lnkd.in/gPeXk6Eb

Founder of Angel Squad | I write about startups, investing, and hard-earned lessons | Small Bets newsletter

Databricks recently crossed $4 billion in revenue. Growing over 50% year-over-year. Yesterday they made headlines - they are raising at a $130B+ valuation.

Unbelievable company...and it's still private.

Snowflake did $3.6 billion in revenue last year. Growing 29%. You can buy it on the NYSE right now.

So Databricks has more revenue than Snowflake AND is growing almost twice as fast. But retail investors can only access the smaller, slower option.

This drives me crazy. 

The best companies - the ones with the most insane growth - are staying private longer than ever.

Snowflake is a great company. But if you're trying to catch the real rocket ships - the ones that haven't already reached max velocity - you need to be investing in the private markets. 

The gap between what's available in private markets versus public markets just keeps getting wider. And most people don't even realize it's happening.

$5K investment in Uber's seed = $25M at IPO
5,000x return over 9 years

$5K investment in S&P 500 = $13K-$16K after 10 years (depending on timing)
2.6x-3.2x return over 10 years

But obviously there is WAY more risk in early-stage investing...
- Angel investing failure rate: 50-60% 
- Public market failure rate: ~0%  → the S&P 500 has never produced a negative return over any 20-year period.

So if you make 1-2 angel investments you're basically gambling. Roughly 50-50 chance of losing money on each investment.

If you make 20-30+ angel investments you're building a portfolio. Math starts working in your favor. One 1,000x return can cover multiple losses and still generate exceptional returns.

Elizabeth Yin has hammered home the message to me that the key to this game is smart portfolio construction.

Angel investing is about accessing the power law.

In venture capital, about 5-10% of investments generate 60-75% of returns. If you only make 1-2 bets, you'll probably miss those outliers.

But if you make 20-50 small bets ($1K-5K each), your odds of catching at least one rocket ship improve dramatically.

Mina Fung joined Angel Squad almost 2 years ago now.

She jumped right in, got involved, and now, is off to the races starting her own company.

This is a trend we've seen time and time again - start with curiosity about startups (and potentially about startup investing), write a few small checks, and then get the itch and decide to start one yourself.

That's a hidden benefit of joining our community. 

The energy is contagious. 

You start to realize: "hey, I can do that."

Maybe you start a company.

Maybe you Advise (with a capital "A") companies.

Or maybe you just offer to help founders when you can.

In all cases, we feel SUPER lucky to have created the ecosystem that empowers this for almost 2500 members in 40+ countries.

Join us: angelsquad.co

Black Executive Men

Black Executive Men (BEM) is the premier private institution for corporate Black men — a global network of more than 600 leaders from Amazon, Google, JPMorgan, Deloitte, Nike, and beyond.

Founded in 2015, BEM convenes distinguished executives inside invitation-only environments defined by precision, privacy, and permanence.

Through executive circles, private dinners, and flagship summits, members consolidate influence, forge authentic alliances, and shape legacy at the highest levels of corporate power.

From Dallas to Johannesburg, Chicago to London, BEM stands as the world’s most discerning alliance of corporate Black men — not chasing excellence, but defining it as the global standard.

www.blackexecutivemen.com

Founder & CEO

Helping Black Men Make 7-Figures 💸

Founder & CEO of Black Executive Men (BEM) — The private institution for corporate Black men

Through private dinners and signature events, we convene accomplished leaders across every echelon of corporate power—from board directors and C-suite executives to rising VPs and managers.

United by a shared vision for the future, our members cultivate influence, steward exclusive investments, advance curated philanthropy, and shape enduring legacies—together.

Explore membership:
www.blackexecutivemen.com


Jewel Love

Welcome, Ather Williams III! 🎉
Head of Global Payments & Liquidity and Wholesale Digital, Wells Fargo

Ather Williams III is a visionary financial services and technology executive with more than 25 years of leadership across global banking, digital transformation, and enterprise innovation. At Wells Fargo, he leads Global Payments & Liquidity and Wholesale Digital, managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios while driving advancements in digital payments, embedded finance, liquidity management, and next-generation banking platforms. His career reflects a consistent track record of delivering top- and bottom-line growth, scaling global financial systems, and fostering innovation through AI, distributed ledger technologies, and data-driven strategy.

Recognized as one of Crain’s New York Business 2024 Notable Black Leaders, a Forbes CIO Next honoree (2023), and a Forbes CEO Next List leader (2022), Ather is widely respected as a future-shaping executive. He serves on the Board of Directors for Blue Shield of California—chairing Finance and Investment and serving on the Audit Committee—and sits on the board of the Wells Fargo Foundation. He is also an active member of the Executive Leadership Council and an executive sponsor of key innovation and talent initiatives within Wells Fargo.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Ather enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Ather. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

JSESSIONID

li_at

Talks about #impact, #wealth, and #brotherhood

Founder & CEO | Black Executive Men

Welcome, Jeffery Weaver! 🎉
EVP & Managing Director, KeyBanc Capital Markets

Jeffery J. Weaver is an accomplished growth strategist and corporate board director whose career blends commercial leadership, enterprise risk expertise, and public company governance. As Executive Vice President & Managing Director of the Diversified Industries group at KeyBanc Capital Markets, he guides sophisticated capital solutions and growth strategies across technology, industrials, and clean energy. His leadership is grounded in deep risk architecture expertise, informed by his prior role as KeyBank’s Chief Qualitative Risk Officer, where he shaped the institution’s “moderate risk” profile and pioneered frameworks for climate risk quantification, stress testing, and enterprise risk appetite.

Jeffery’s influence extends across the boardroom, with advisory and director roles at organizations including Fusion Risk Management, West Pharmaceutical Services, Maroon Global Invest, First Street Technology Inc., and Vista Equity Partners. A NACD Governance Fellow and Qualified Financial Expert, he is recognized for his insight into complex regulatory environments, operational resilience, and strategic capital allocation. Honored five times by Savoy Magazine as one of the “Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America,” he maintains a longstanding commitment to generational stewardship through roles with Cornell University, the Community Service Society of NY, St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Jeffery enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Jeffery. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

From $40 psychotherapy sessions in Oakland...
Thinking, “Who’d pay for my services?”
To 80-man dinners in Dallas.

There were no shortcuts.
No easy solutions.
No quick fixes.

Every win was earned.
Every relationship cultivated.
Every advancement tested through fire.

For those who’ve followed my LinkedIn journey —
and can say, “I remember him back when,”
thank you for staying the course.

What I’ve learned:
 
Pay the price for your success.
Don’t dilute your vision.
Stay the course.

While year one is tough for business owners
With relentless focus and discipline
Year ten can be explosive.

Here’s to our success. 🥂

- Jewel Love

Explore Membership
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Founder & CEO | Black Executive Men — The Private Network for Corporate Black Men

Welcome, Cusaj Thomas! 🎉
Private Equity and M&A Attorney, Goodwin

Cusaj Thomas is a private equity and M&A attorney at Goodwin, where he represents clients in complex transactions including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and investment structuring across multiple industries. With more than six years at the firm, he has developed a reputation for precision, business acumen, and the ability to guide clients through every stage of high-value corporate deals. In 2024, he also served as Interim General Counsel at Pinnacle Fertility, Inc., where he provided strategic legal oversight and counsel to executive leadership.

Cusaj holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and an MBA in Finance from Boston College, where he was also an MBA Ambassador. His excellence has been recognized through honors such as The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch (2023) and Super Lawyers: Rising Star (2022)—reflecting his commitment to professional distinction and client success.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Cusaj enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Cusaj. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Welcome, Maman Ibrahim! 🎉
Principal Partner – Cyber & Digital Risk, EugeneZonda

Maman Ibrahim is a global cybersecurity and digital risk leader with more than two decades of experience helping organizations transform uncertainty into strategic resilience. As Principal Partner at EugeneZonda and Founder of Ginkgo Resilience, he advises executives and boards across highly regulated industries—guiding secure transformations, strengthening operational continuity, and embedding cyber resilience as a core business capability. His leadership has delivered more than £150 million in savings through optimized governance, contract strategy, and third-party oversight.

Maman operates at the intersection of governance and innovation, contributing to international frameworks such as the World Economic Forum’s Cyber Resilience Compass, the Cloud Controls Matrix (CCMv4.0), and OWASP’s Agentic AI Security Risks initiative. With deep expertise in AI risk strategy, cyber governance, audit and assurance, and global regulatory compliance, he empowers leaders to turn complexity into clarity and build resilient, security-forward organizations.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Maman enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Maman. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Founder & CEO | Black Executive Men — The Global Luxury House

No alternative text description for this image

Black Executive Men
An Elite Global Network
For Enterprise Leadership

Where Black men grow excellence, expand influence, and build legacy—together.

Request private invitation:
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Welcome, Cortez Johnson! 🎉
Private Equity / M&A Associate, Reed Smith LLP

Cortez Johnson is a private equity and M&A associate at Reed Smith LLP, representing sponsors and portfolio companies in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and general corporate matters across diverse industries. His work also extends to advising athletes, creators, media companies, and investors on structuring strategic partnerships and business ventures in the entertainment, media, and sports sectors.

A former Division I college athlete, Cortez brings discipline, a competitive edge, and a team-first mindset to every client engagement. Beyond his legal practice, he is deeply committed to personal growth and community impact—supporting initiatives that advance economic empowerment and expand access to education.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Cortez enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Cortez. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Welcome, Michael Freeman Jr.! 🎉
Security Manager, United States & Canada — Nissan Motor Corporation

Michael Freeman Jr. is an experienced corporate security professional with more than a decade of expertise spanning global and regional security operations. As Security Manager for Nissan Motor Corporation across the U.S. and Canada, he plays a critical role in safeguarding operations, strengthening security protocols, and aligning risk mitigation strategies with organizational objectives. Known for his strong analytical abilities and advanced VBA Excel proficiency, Michael enhances operational resilience through data-driven decision-making and proactive security design.

Before joining Nissan, Michael built his foundation in aviation security and global operations at FedEx, where he navigated high-stakes environments that demanded precision, adaptability, and strategic coordination. A certified member of ASIS International, he remains committed to cultivating secure, efficient systems and fostering collaborative teamwork that supports both operational continuity and organizational growth.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Michael enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Michael. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

A Legacy of Leadership

From boardrooms in Dallas to summits in Monaco, Black Executive Men unites leaders who move industries forward.

Bound by values of integrity and strategy, we advance leadership that outlives careers and redefines culture.

Leadership that builds legacies.  Leadership that endures.

Invitation-Only
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Sometimes dreams do come true.

Be bold enough to envision it.
Disciplined enough to build it.
And crazy enough to believe in it.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Welcome, Jonathan Beauford! 🎉
Director of Performance, Yahoo

Jonathan Beauford is a transformative performance leader whose work centers on a simple but radical belief: talent systems should be built with the same care, dignity, and intention you would offer to someone you love. With 15 years of management experience—including nearly a decade at Google—Jonathan has reshaped performance cultures across nonprofits, consulting, and technology by grounding his approach in human needs rather than outdated command-and-control models. His philosophy challenges traditional incentives and evaluation practices, replacing them with systems that foster agency, competence, connection, and trust.

In his role as Director of Performance at Yahoo, Jonathan is reimagining performance enablement to prioritize emotional well-being, authentic leadership, and sustainable growth. His work is informed not only by business education and diverse organizational experience, but by countless personal and professional transformations he has guided—from disengagement to empowerment, from burnout to flow, from doubt to possibility. Jonathan’s conviction is rooted in lived experience: when companies support the humans who power them, especially in an age shaped by AI, exceptional results follow.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Jonathan enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Jonathan. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Welcome, James Johnson, Jr.! 🎉
SVP, Sr. Divisional Consumer Director, Comerica Bank

James Johnson, Jr. is a seasoned risk management executive with deep expertise in leading first-line risk, compliance, and operational oversight within complex financial environments. As SVP, Sr. Divisional Consumer Director at Comerica Bank, he oversees risk management for key consumer-focused divisions—including payments, digital, lending, marketing, and customer strategy. His work centers on strengthening the Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) Program and aligning risk frameworks with business objectives to ensure both regulatory integrity and strategic growth.

A certified fraud examiner (CFE), and certified in both risk and information systems controls (CRISC) and information security management (CISM), James brings a sophisticated understanding of internal controls, compliance, and cybersecurity. He is known for driving innovation, operational efficiency, and forward-looking risk practices that support enterprise stability and customer trust.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, James enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, James. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

To the Legacy Class
They’ve given decades—
To careers, family, and community.

They lead global teams
Shape industries
Fund dreams

But even heroes need haven.
Black Executive Men exists for them

The Legacy Class
Where brilliance meets
And leadership isn't lonely.

This is where the givers come to be restored.

Where success is shared
And legacy is built
Together.

Explore Membership:
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Welcome, Saint Mbakop! 🎉
Continuous Improvement Manager, Cencora

Saint Mbakop leads continuous improvement initiatives at Cencora, driving operational efficiency through expert application of Lean Six Sigma principles. In his role as Continuous Improvement Manager, he streamlines processes, enhances performance, and delivers essential training programs across compliance, safety, and standard operating procedures. His focus on building scalable systems and cultivating a culture of ongoing improvement has strengthened Cencora’s operational excellence efforts.

Alongside his work in corporate operations, Saint brings six years of experience as a Real Estate Salesperson with Keller Williams Realty, Inc., where he developed strong skills in customer relationship management and client satisfaction. This unique combination of process expertise and customer-centered insight allows him to blend strategic thinking with a deep understanding of stakeholder needs—positioning him as a versatile leader committed to delivering value across every environment he serves.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Saint enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Saint. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Welcome, Craig Frazier! 🎉
Chief Technology Officer, Priority Management

Craig Frazier is a results-driven Chief Technology Officer dedicated to delivering transformative IT solutions that enhance efficiency, innovation, and cost savings. At Priority Management, he leads enterprise-wide technology strategy and operations across 37 skilled nursing facilities throughout Texas and Louisiana. Within his first six months, Craig established an internal IT department, transitioned operations from a managed service provider—saving the company over $1.2 million annually—and launched dedicated Helpdesk, Field Resource, and Telco divisions to strengthen support and streamline communication.

With a leadership philosophy grounded in trust, collaboration, and empowerment, Craig excels at building high-performing teams and optimizing vendor relationships to maximize value. His people-first approach ensures that technology not only drives business outcomes but also empowers the workforce to thrive. Through strategic vision and technical excellence, he continues to advance Priority Management’s mission of operational resilience and sustainable growth.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Craig enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Craig. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Founder & CEO | Black Executive Men — An Elite Global Network

Dallas 🇺🇸
Private Dinner
Black Executive Men
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Founder & CEO | Black Executive Men — The Elite Global Network for Corporate Black Men

Welcome, Kevin Wayne Johnson! 🎉
Chief Executive Officer, The Johnson Leadership Group LLC

Kevin Wayne Johnson is a mission-driven leadership expert committed to helping individuals achieve excellence and empowering organizations to better serve their communities. As Founder & CEO of The Johnson Leadership Group LLC, he leads a team that delivers award-winning leadership publications, executive coaching, mentoring programs, and transformational training rooted in a servant-leadership philosophy. His acclaimed book series, Leadership with a Servant’s Heart, has earned 16 literary awards and serves as the foundation for his comprehensive leadership coursework, keynote speaking, and development programs.

Through in-person, virtual, hybrid, and asynchronous platforms, Kevin equips aspiring and seasoned leaders across government, corporate, nonprofit, academic, and faith-based institutions with the tools to grow themselves and others. His coaching and training frameworks—spanning influence, communication, self-leadership, and organizational growth—have strengthened teams, increased confidence, and inspired leaders at every level. With a lifelong mission centered on elevating people and shaping the next generation of leadership, Kevin continues to leave a lasting impact on workplaces and communities.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Kevin enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Kevin. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Black Executive Men
Elite Global Network for
Black Men in Senior Leadership

Where men of excellence, influence, and legacy meet at the highest level.

Request private invitation:
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Welcome, Charles J. Beard II! 🎉
Senior Vice President, KeyBank

Charles J. Beard II is a seasoned risk management executive who leads the Business Risk and Controls organization for KeyBank’s Consumer Bank. In this role, he strengthens the first line of defense through rigorous risk identification, measurement, and management—ensuring that operational integrity, profitability, and strategic execution remain tightly aligned. With deep expertise in developing risk processes, optimizing productivity, and designing interactive reporting dashboards, Charles consistently delivers solutions that reduce operational exposure and elevate organizational performance.

A skilled leader and mentor, Charles excels at driving quality improvement initiatives, establishing meaningful metrics, and conducting root-cause analysis to enhance transparency and decision-making. His approach blends structured methodologies with inspirational leadership, empowering teams to operate at the highest standards while creating a culture rooted in accountability and continuous improvement.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Charles enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Charles. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

Welcome, Kahiree Gans! 🎉
Head of Quality – GFTX, Tesla

Kahiree Gans is an accomplished quality and engineering executive with deep expertise in both traditional powertrain and electric vehicle (EV) systems. As Head of Quality at Tesla GFTX, he leads global quality strategy across manufacturing, ensuring top-tier product performance, reliability, and operational excellence. His leadership has driven measurable results, including reduced warranty costs, improved First Pass Yield, and the successful implementation of a global quality framework that supports Tesla’s rapid growth and product innovation.

Known for his decisive and collaborative leadership style, Kahiree excels in program management, process optimization, and data-driven problem solving. He has a proven track record of building high-performance teams, executing large-scale quality programs, and aligning manufacturing operations with strategic objectives—delivering superior outcomes that advance Tesla’s mission and elevate global quality standards.

Now, as he joins Black Executive Men, Kahiree enters a global circle where the most accomplished corporate Black men align—not simply to succeed individually, but to redefine the archetype of leadership for the world to see.

Welcome, Kahiree. Your presence strengthens our legacy.

Request Your Invitation
www.blackexecutivemen.com

taplio

The Battle

Brian Nichols

Jewel Love

Followers

Posts

Engagements

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Performance ScoreBrian Nichols's LinkedIn Performance

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taplio

The Battle

Brian Nichols

Jewel Love

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Brian Nichols's LinkedIn Performance

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