Dr Yvonne Thompson

Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE is a pioneering entrepreneur, broadcaster, and diversity campaigner whose work has shaped British business, media, and leadership for more than four decades. She is the founder of WinTrade Global Women Intra, an international platform championing women in business, and a founding member of Choice FM, now Capital XTRA, the UK’s first Black-owned radio station. Recognised globally as a trailblazer for diversity, equality, and inclusion, Yvonne has received numerous honours, including a CBE for services to Black and minority businesses and appointments as Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London and Freeman of the City of London. Her leadership and influence continue to inspire future generations of women and minority leaders worldwide.

Yvonne’s career began in 1975 at CBS Records (now Sony Music), where she broke new ground as one of the first Black female press officers in the British music industry. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish ASAP Communications Ltd in 1983, the UK’s first Black-owned PR company. Through ASAP, she worked with major clients such as Lloyds TSB, Guinness, and The Journal newspaper, as well as serving as Music Editor of Root Magazine. Her success in both media and communications opened the door to multiple board and advisory positions, where she championed representation and equity in leadership across sectors.

Throughout her career, Yvonne has combined enterprise with advocacy. She has chaired the London Central Learning and Skills Council, the DTI’s Ethnic Minority Business Forum, and the African Caribbean Business Network, and served on the Steering Committee of the Women’s Equality Party. She also founded the WinTrade Global Women in Business Awards, celebrating the achievements of over 600 women leaders from around the world. Her 2014 book, ‘7 Traits of Highly Successful Women on Boards’, has become a landmark guide for aspiring female executives, while her TEDx talk, “If Time Was Measured in Heartbeats“, captures her philosophy on purpose-driven leadership.

Yvonne continues to speak at major international events across the public and private sectors, sharing insights on inclusive leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural transformation. As a leadership coach and mentor, she empowers others to break barriers, embrace authenticity, and lead with courage and compassion. Her ongoing mission, through WinTrade Global and beyond, is to ensure that diversity is not simply discussed but embedded in the DNA of business and society.