BEM Elite
Private Network for
Black Male Executives
Wholistic Success
BEM Elite is a private network for C-Suite and VP black men who are ready for the pinnacle of corporate success. We provide a psychologically safe community for members to be vulnerable about imposter syndrome, while getting the peer sponsorship, mentorship, and connections neccesary to advance to higher executive roles and board seats. With a focus on the whole man, our fireside chats include Fotune 500 C-suite leaders, board directors, and search firms, alongside black male psyhologists and who ensure your inner and outer life are thriving.
Why This Network?
Even at the top, Black male executives face a unique set of challenges.
BEM Elite was created for Black male C-level and VP leaders who are ready for their next elevation—but recognize that the challenges at this level require a different kind of strategy, access, and alignment.
Many Black male executives remain plateaued—not due to a lack of talent, but because they:
Lack peer-level access to other high-performing Black male executives who understand their journey
Haven’t yet positioned themselves for the next chapter—whether that’s board readiness, greater influence, or a more powerful role
Don’t have the strategic sponsorship needed to unlock bigger opportunities across industries
Haven’t been exposed to confidential executive-level conversations that drive billion-dollar decisions
Operate in white male-dominated environments where they are constantly navigating cultural tension, code-switching, or being the “only” in the room
Feel the weight of imposter syndrome, despite outperforming most of their peers
Have no psychologically safe space to speak freely about career pressure, identity, or uncertainty
Are extraordinarily busy, juggling massive responsibilities while trying to lead, provide, and be present in their personal lives
Are navigating real isolation—lacking feedback from trusted peers and struggling to balance performance with peace
And even those who have made it to the top—who have the title, the compensation, and the respect—understand that success is fragile without the right circle. Influence without alignment. Leadership without legacy. Power without protection. It’s not sustainable alone.
Without the right inner circle, strategic visibility, or legacy-level insight, even the most capable executives can find themselves under-supported, overextended, and underestimated.
BEM Elite exists to change that.
This is more than a network—it’s a power base. BEM Elite connects proven executives to one another, while equipping them with the strategic clarity, positioning, and private access needed to unlock their next 10x move—both professionally and personally.
Inside BEM Elite, members gain:
Curated introductions to top-tier Black male executives across industries
Private briefings and strategic playbooks shared by enterprise leaders
A confidential, psychologically safe space to talk real—about pressure, performance, purpose, and peace
Executive-level conversations that help members expand influence, sharpen their legacy, and navigate elite spaces with confidence
Support from men who understand the tension of being powerful, visible, and still questioning if they belong
You’ve already proven you're capable. Now it’s time to move with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.
Who We Accept
BEM Elite is exclusively for Black male executives who currently hold one of the following titles:
C-suite (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, CHRO, etc.)
Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, or Vice President
Eligible leaders must either:
Work at companies generating $10M+ in annual revenue, or
Manage equivalent-level responsibility—such as P&L ownership, enterprise-wide scope, or regional/business unit oversight within a large organization
This ensures that every member operates at a level where strategic decisions, executive presence, and industry influence are part of their day-to-day.
Who We Don’t Accept
To maintain the caliber of our peer group, BEM Elite does not accept:
❌ Corporate professionals below the Vice President level
❌ Non-profit leaders below the Executive Director level
❌ Government officials below Director or equivalent rank
❌ Military officers below Colonel (Army, Air Force, Marines) or Captain (Navy)
❌ Academic leaders below the Provost level
❌ Full-time coaches, consultants, or creatives without enterprise leadership roles
❌ Early-stage entrepreneurs or founders without established, revenue-generating businesses
We are intentional about who joins—because the strength of the network depends on it.
Key Membership Benefits
Weekly Accountability Calls – Each week, we facilitate one-on-one accountability calls between memners, designed to help you grow both professionally and personally. These connections offer the opportunity to engage with top executives, board members, and peers, share insights, and build relationships that can open doors in your career. Whether you're seeking career guidance or looking to expand your network, these conversations will help you elevate your career trajectory.
Weekly Fireside Chats – Join our weekly fireside chats with top executives, board directors, search firms, psyhologists, and other influential leaders. These intimate, engaging discussions cover leadership, career growth, and proven strategies to help you reach the next level. Each session is tailored to give you actionable insights and a deeper understanding of how to succeed in the C-suite and beyond.
In-Person Dinners – Our exclusive in-person dinners offer a unique opportunity to meet distinguished members, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships. These gatherings are designed to foster collaboration, share insights, and form partnerships that can propel your career and business forward.
Private Membership Directory – Gain access to a curated list of top-level executives and board members within the community. The directory is a valuable resource for connecting with your peers, potential collaborators, and others who can help you grow, offering direct access to individuals aligned with your career goals and ambitions.
Main Chat Space – The main chat space is where the community thrives, offering a platform for members to share ideas, engage in real-time discussions, and provide feedback to one another. It’s a place where industry trends are discussed, opportunities are shared, and connections are made, keeping you informed and engaged with the group.
BEM Perks – As a member, you also gain access to a variety of exclusive perks. These include discounts on luxury goods like cigars, bourbons, and ties, as well as access to top-tier executive education programs designed to elevate your leadership skills.
History of Black men
in the C-suite
1960s: Pioneering Beginnings
In the 1960s, Black men were virtually absent from C-suite positions in major corporations. This era represented a period of early breakthroughs, though primarily at lower executive levels rather than C-suite roles. Black men represented less than 0.5% of C-level executives in Fortune 500 companies during this decade, with most barriers still firmly in place despite broader civil rights advances.
1970s: First Breakthrough
The 1970s marked the first significant breakthrough with Clifton Wharton Jr. becoming the first Black CEO of a major corporation when he took leadership of TIAA-CREF in 1977. As a pioneering figure, Wharton broke the C-suite ceiling in financial services, though he remained a rare exception. By the end of the decade, Black men held approximately 0.8% of C-level positions in major corporations.
1980s: Slow Progress
During the 1980s, a small but growing number of Black men reached C-suite positions. Barry Rand became Executive Vice President at Xerox, making him one of the highest-ranking Black executives in corporate America. Darwin Davis served as Senior Vice President at Equitable Life. Despite these individual successes, Black men still held only about 1% of C-suite positions by the decade's end.
1990s: Notable Appointments
The 1990s witnessed more significant appointments of Black men to C-level positions. Ken Chenault rose to President and COO at American Express in 1997 (later becoming CEO in 2001). Lloyd Ward became CEO of Maytag in 1996. Richard Parsons was appointed President of Time Warner in 1995 (later becoming CEO in 2002). By late 1990s, Black men represented approximately 1.3% of C-suite executives.
2000s: Expanding Representation
The 2000s saw an acceleration of Black men reaching the highest corporate levels. Notable C-suite appointments included:
Stanley O'Neal becoming CEO of Merrill Lynch in 2002
Ken Chenault serving as CEO of American Express (2001-2018)
Richard Parsons as CEO of Time Warner (2002-2007)
Don Thompson rising to President and COO of McDonald's in 2010 (later CEO)
Rodney O'Neal serving as CEO of Delphi Automotive (2007-2015)
By the end of the decade, Black men held approximately 1.6% of Fortune 500 C-suite positions.
2010s: Broader Leadership
The 2010s saw more Black men in C-suite leadership across diverse industries:
Kenneth Frazier as CEO of Merck (2011-2021)
Roger Ferguson as CEO of TIAA-CREF (2008-2021)
Marvin Ellison as CEO of JCPenney (2015-2018) and later Lowe's
Arnold Donald as CEO of Carnival Corporation (2013-2022)
Jide Zeitlin as CEO of Tapestry (2019-2020)
Despite these prominent examples, Black men still represented only about 2.6% of C-suite executives by 2020.
Today: Current Landscape
As of 2025, Black men hold approximately 3% of C-suite positions in Fortune 500 companies, with only about 1.4% of CEO positions. Current notable Black C-suite leaders include:
Marvin Ellison (CEO, Lowe's)
René Jones (CEO, M&T Bank)
Calvin Butler (CEO, Exelon)
Robert Reffkin (CEO, Compass)
Who is jewel love
CEO and Founder of Black Executive Men Elite Membership Network
Growing up in the 1980s Bay Area, Jewel Love watched his Black American father struggle as an entrepreneur despite his commitment to community impact. His father's journey, though resilient, was limited by insufficient resources, networks, and support from successful Black men in similar positions.
This experience shaped Jewel's understanding of the challenges Black men face in professional spaces. He recognized that isolation was a major obstacle—despite career achievements, many felt alone in their experiences, lacking the mentorship and community connections critical for both professional success and personal fulfillment.
In 2015, working as a psychotherapist in Oakland, Jewel began counseling corporate Black men struggling with depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, and trauma. What many expressed was a deeper yearning for genuine relationships with other Black men—authentic connections where they could be themselves and receive support unavailable in corporate environments.
Jewel pivoted to executive coaching in 2022, focusing on empowering senior Black male leaders to advance their careers and step into board leadership. His approach wasn't just about career advancement but about helping Black men achieve holistic success—cultivating meaningful relationships with other Black men while growing professionally.
In 2024, Jewel founded BEM Elite to address these gaps. The community creates a space where Black male senior leaders can forge authentic friendships, find mutual support, and share experiences with like-minded individuals. Today, Jewel runs multiple communities supporting over 1,000 corporate Black men at various career stages.
Through BEM Elite, Jewel is filling a critical void in the lives of senior Black male leaders: the lack of authentic community and friendship. As men age, forming these relationships becomes more difficult, but Jewel's vision ensures senior Black men have access to a network where they can share challenges and triumphs, celebrate successes, and support one another.
Jewel's commitment stems from his belief that true success encompasses both career milestones and personal growth. By creating opportunities for Black men to connect and collaborate, BEM Elite helps members build relationships that enrich their careers and lives—ultimately inspiring the next generation of Black men to dream big and create lasting impact.
Fireside Chat: Executive Search and Board Services Presentation with Jeff Perkins
21 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the mission of BEM Elite?
BEM Elite is dedicated to creating authentic friendships and meaningful connections among 5,000 Black men in senior leadership. The mission is to support members in achieving both personal fulfillment and professional success by fostering a community of mutual understanding, collaboration, and growth.
2. How does BEM Elite foster authentic friendships?
BEM Elite goes beyond traditional networking by creating spaces for honest conversations, shared experiences, and mutual support. Through weekly 1:1 connections, in-person dinners, and fireside chats, members build genuine relationships that extend beyond professional interactions.
3. What are the in-person dinners, and how do they work?
In-person dinners are exclusive gatherings where members meet distinguished peers, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships. These dinners are designed to foster collaboration, share insights, and create partnerships that propel careers and personal growth.
4. What is BEM Connect, and how does it work?
BEM Connect is a proprietary platform that facilitates weekly 1:1 connections between members. These conversations are tailored to individual goals, helping members build relationships, share insights, and collaborate on opportunities.
5. What topics are covered in the monthly fireside chats?
Fireside chats feature top executives, board members, authors, and thought leaders discussing leadership, career growth, and strategies for success. Topics range from navigating corporate challenges to achieving work-life balance and leveraging networks for maximum impact.
6. What is the private membership directory, and how can I use it?
The private membership directory is a curated list of senior leaders within the BEM Elite community. Members can use it to connect with peers, potential collaborators, and mentors who align with their career goals and aspirations.
7. What are BEM Perks, and what do they include?
BEM Perks are exclusive benefits for members, including discounts on luxury goods (e.g., cigars, bourbons, ties) and access to top-tier executive education programs designed to enhance leadership skills and personal growth.
8. How does BEM Elite address the isolation often felt by Black male executives?
BEM Elite creates a safe space for Black male leaders to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Through authentic connections and meaningful conversations, members find a sense of belonging and support that combats the isolation often felt in senior leadership roles.
9. Who is Jewel Love, and what inspired him to create BEM Elite?
Jewel Love, a former psychotherapist and executive coach, founded BEM Elite to address the lack of authentic connections and support for Black male senior leaders. Inspired by his father’s struggles and his own experiences working with Black men in corporate spaces, Jewel created BEM Elite to foster both personal and professional growth.
10. How does BEM Elite support members through career transitions?
BEM Elite provides resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help members navigate career transitions, whether it’s moving into a new role, stepping onto a board, or exploring new industries.
11. What is the main chat space, and how does it benefit members?
The main chat space is a platform for real-time discussions, idea-sharing, and collaboration. Members use it to stay informed about industry trends, share opportunities, and engage with the community.
12. How does BEM Elite help members achieve work-life balance?
By fostering authentic friendships and providing a supportive community, BEM Elite helps members achieve a healthier work-life balance. The focus on personal fulfillment alongside professional success ensures members thrive in all aspects of life.
13. What kind of leaders are not a good fit for BEM Elite?
BEM Elite is not for corporate leaders below the director level, non-profit leaders below the executive director level, government officials below the director level, military leaders below Colonel/Captain, academic leaders below Chancellor/Vice-Chancellor/Provost, or full-time investors, coaches, consultants, entrepreneurs, or startup founders.
14. How does BEM Elite help members expand their social circles?
Through facilitated connections, in-person dinners, and community events, BEM Elite helps members build meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals who share their values, ambitions, and desire for impact.
15. How does BEM Elite celebrate the successes of its members?
BEM Elite creates a culture of celebration by recognizing members’ achievements, sharing success stories, and providing a platform for members to uplift and inspire one another.
16. What is the long-term vision for BEM Elite?
The long-term vision is to create a global network of Black male senior leaders who support each other in achieving holistic success—both professionally and personally—while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
17. What makes BEM Elite a unique space for Black male leaders?
BEM Elite is unique because it focuses on the whole man—addressing both professional and personal needs. It provides a space where Black male leaders can be themselves, form genuine friendships, and achieve success on their own terms.
18. How much does it cost to join BEM Elite?
The annual membership fee for BEM Elite is $10.000, providing access to a curated network of senior leaders, exclusive events, and valuable resources designed to support personal and professional growth.
19. What is the role of mentorship in BEM Elite?
Mentorship is woven into the fabric of BEM Elite. Members have access to experienced leaders who provide guidance, share insights, and support their growth through facilitated connections and fireside chats.
20. How can I get the most out of my BEM Elite membership?
To maximize your membership, actively participate in weekly 1:1 connections, attend fireside chats and in-person dinners, engage in the main chat space, and leverage the private directory to build meaningful relationships.
21. Why is BEM Elite only for Black men?
BEM Elite addresses the unique challenges Black men face in senior leadership roles. The network provides tailored resources, mentorship, and authentic connections to help Black men thrive personally and professionally.
22. I’m currently unemployed, can I join?
Yes, you can join BEM Elite even if you’re currently unemployed. The network is designed to position you and equip you with the insights and relationships needed to secure your next opportunity. Many of our members leverage BEM Elite to elevate their career trajectory, whether they’re currently employed or in transition.
Join BEM Elite Today
Joining BEM Elite is an investment in your leadership journey. For $10,000 annually, you gain access to a curated network of Black male C-level leaders and senior executives who share your commitment to growth, impact, and legacy.
Through authentic connections, tailored resources, and meaningful collaborations, BEM Elite empowers you to thrive at the highest levels of leadership. This is your invitation to join a community that values your potential and supports your vision for the future. Take the next step in your journey—your network, influence, and legacy await.