A Letter From Our Founders 2025 marked a defining year for The Burns Brothers—one rooted in expansion, experimentation, and deeper global connection. We’re proud to share that this year we expanded our family of companies, growing our portfolio beyond the U.S. with the opening of HQ Kenya House. Located in Tatu City, just north of Nairobi, HQ Kenya House is our second franchise of private membership houses, signaling a meaningful step forward in our vision to build global spaces for culture, community, and collaboration. Closer to home, our hospitality journey reached an exciting milestone. Under Burns Brothers Hospitality, we ventured into our first restaurant concept with the opening of KATA —an Asian fusion–themed, experiential cocktail and food lounge located directly across from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Drawing inspiration from the neighborhood’s history and energy, KATA reflects our belief that hospitality is not just about food and drink but about creating environments where people feel welcome, comfortable, and connected. Across all our business lines, our mission remains clear: to bridge continents and bring people together—physically and virtually— through experiences that drive understanding, spark meaningful interaction, and strengthen human connection.
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This work comes to life through the incredible teams and brands within our ecosystem. We continued to do impactful, purpose-driven work through The Koi Collective, our culture and talent development arm, and Styled Events, our experiential marketing and events studio— delivering thoughtful programming, story-telling, and experiences for clients, partners, and communities alike. As we look ahead, we remain committed to taking smart risks, betting on our people, and building platforms that uplift communities across cultures, industries, and borders. We are grateful for the trust of our partners, members, and collaborators, and we are excited for what lies ahead as we continue to grow—with intention. — Mike & John Burns
Koi Collective: Year of Growth UBS • THE GROWTH A L I G N M E NT E X P E R I E N C E This year marked a major milestone for the Growth Alignment Experience delivered by The Koi Collective for UBS. We welcomed 100 new UBS participants into the program and saw an inspiring 50 returning mentors from previous cohorts who chose to continue supporting and elevating mid-career talent. Across five years, the GAE—designed and facilitated by The Koi Collective—has now impacted more than 500 people, strengthening leadership pipelines across multiple financial institutions. A key evolution this year was the introduction of a new component focused on supporting the managers of participants. We partnered directly with UBS managers to strengthen leadership capabilities, build awareness, and meet their emerging needs—reaching over 85 managers and expanding the program’s ripple effect across teams.
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U B S • E M P L O Y E E N E T WO R K S U M M IT In New York City, we delivered a high-impact Summit that brought together leaders from more than 8 Employee Resource Groups, including board members and committee leads. The Employee Network Summit equipped them with practical, strategic skills to elevate their work: • Building sustainable ERG strategies aligned with organizational goals • Communicating impact and storytelling with clarity • Strengthening recruitment and development of ERG leadership • Engaging executives through influence and partnership This experience strengthened UBS’s ecosystem of employee-led communities and aligned their work with long-term culture objectives.
I NT U IT I O N • A L LYS H I P P R O G R A M In 2025, we welcomed three new cohorts of 30 leaders each, expanding the reach and depth of the Intuition Allyship Program. This 3-month experience is designed to help executives become more inclusive leaders through intentional habit formation, guided practice, and an immersive interactive learning week. This year’s cohorts strengthened the program’s community of allies and reinforced the power of consistent, behavior-centered development. The program continues to grow stronger each year, and we’re proud to share that we will be continuing into 2026, deepening our impact and supporting even more leaders on their allyship journey.
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L O C KTO N • L E A D E R S H I P & M A N A G E R D E V E L O P M E NT The Collective designed and delivered a customized leadership development program for Lockton, impacting 20 executive leaders and 100 managers across the organization. Our work focused on strengthening the day-to-day behaviors that shape inclusive, high-performing teams. The program centered on: • Identifying the “moments that matter” in leadership • Recognizing and disrupting biases • Building the confidence to call out unhelpful patterns and reshape team culture Through this partnership, Lockton continued to invest in an environment where leaders at all levels model inclusivity, accountability, and intentional culture-building.
I NT U IT I O N • O N B O A R D I N G C U R R I C U L U M D E V E L O P M E NT Through our partnership with Intuition, we developed a comprehensive onboarding curriculum to support new team members as they enter a values-driven, inclusion-focused culture. The curriculum helps new hires build the skills and mindsets around: • Inclusion and diversity • Respect and empathy • Active listening
• Everyday behaviors that strengthen culture
This work reflects a long-term commitment to building organizations that don’t just talk about inclusion—but practice it from day one.
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“Styled” & Substance in 2025 N AT I O N A L C O U N C I L O F N E G R O WO M E N : T H E U N C O M M O N H E I G HT A F F I L I AT E S A S S E M B LY & H O N O R S W E E K E N D Styled produced NCNW’s biannual Assembly and Gala, celebrating the organization’s 90th anniversary. Spanning four days of programming, Styled led end-to-end production and execution, delivering a cohesive and elevated experience that honored NCNW’s legacy while advancing its mission. The programming included the Uncommon Height Affiliates Assembly, the Gala & Honors, and Sunday Service bringing together over 1,000 attendees across all events. Styled oversaw creative direction, event strategy, talent procurement and management, and on-site execution— ensuring a seamless experience across multiple formats and audiences. Through thoughtful design and intentional programming, the event amplified NCNW’s commitment to celebrating the achievements of women of African descent and fostering meaningful engagement across diverse communities, reinforcing the organization’s vision and values at a milestone moment in its history.
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D IS N E Y W IT H N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C , D I S N E Y O N T H E YA R D , & H U L U : T H E D R E A M I N C O L O R S U M M IT Styled produced The Dream in Color Summit in partnership with Disney, bringing together teams from National Geographic, Disney on the Yard, and Hulu for a multi-day, immersive summit hosted at HQ DC House. The summit convened over 300 attendees, spotlighting and supporting Black creative talent across media, entertainment, and animation. Through a curated mix of thought leadership sessions, career-building workshops, and intentional networking opportunities, the program centered on inclusive storytelling while equipping participants with practical tools to advance their careers. Designed as both a learning environment and a community-building experience, Dream in Color reinforced Disney’s commitment to representation and creative equity, while reflecting Styled’s ability to translate purpose-driven missions into meaningful, high-impact experiences.
2025 • YEAR IN REVIEW
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C O P P I N S T A T E U N IV E R S I T Y : 1 2 5 T H A N N IV E R S A RY G A L A Styled partnered with Coppin State University to produce its 125th Anniversary Gala, a landmark celebration honoring the university’s legacy, impact, and future direction. The event brought together university leadership, community leaders, supporters, and key stakeholders for an evening rooted in storytelling, tradition, and collective vision. Designed as a highly curated and intimate experience, the gala welcomed 700 guests, creating space for meaningful dialogue, connection, and engagement across a diverse cross-section of the Coppin State community. Through thoughtful design, production, and programming, the evening highlighted the university’s 125-year journey while reinforcing its mission to expand opportunity and educational excellence. Styled led the gala’s creative vision and execution—transforming the celebration into an immersive experience that reflected Coppin State University’s prestige, values, and continued commitment to empowering future generations.
2025 • YEAR IN REVIEW
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A M E R I C A N H E A RT ASS O C I AT I O N : F O O D IS M E D I C I N E S U M M IT For the second consecutive year, Styled partnered with the American Heart Association to produce the Food Is Medicine Summit during Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Week at HQ DC House. Centered on AHA’s 2025 “Food Is Medicine” campaign, the summit convened an intergenerational audience with a strong focus on emerging leaders and early college students, including participants traveling from across the country. Through fireside conversations, live programming, and intentional networking moments, the experience explored the critical connection between nutrition, health equity, and long-term community outcomes. Hosted across The Penthouse and KATA, the program leveraged livestreamed content and immersive environments to create a dynamic, multi-space experience, concluding with a shared meal that reinforced the summit’s core message. The event reflected Styled’s continued partnership with AHA and our shared commitment to advancing education, access, and wellness through thoughtfully designed experiences.
2025 • YEAR IN REVIEW
C A P ITA L & C U LT U R E AT 6 0 0 F ST Styled produced Capital & Culture, an immersive experience presented with the support of Northwestern Mutual, bringing together top executives, policymakers, wealth builders, and creatives across the financial ecosystem. Hosted in collaboration with more than 20 public- and private-sector institutions, the evening centered on advancing conversations around wealth creation, acquisition, and distribution within underrepresented communities. Through a carefully curated blend of dialogue, culture, and connection, the program honored economic leadership while creating space for meaningful relationship-building and cross-sector collaboration. By integrating elements of music, wellness, fashion, and intentional networking, Capital & Culture exemplified Styled’s ability to translate complex economic priorities into engaging, culturally resonant experiences designed to spark new partnerships and long-term impact. ST Y L E D & S U B STA N C E • 1 5
In The HQ DC House Throughout 2025, HQ DC House continued to serve as a home for connection, culture, and community—hosting a dynamic slate of private events and strategic partnerships designed to unite people across backgrounds, industries, and lived experiences.
U N IT Y H O U S E A S S E M B LY At a time when collective care and togetherness felt especially essential, HQ DC House hosted Unity House, a full-day gathering rooted in rest, restoration, and celebration. Designed as an immersive experience spanning hospitality, music, and movement, Unity House invited members and guests to slow down, reconnect, and simply be— reinforcing HQ DC House’s role as a space that feels both grounding and energizing. From daytime conversations and shared meals to evening celebrations on the dance floor, Unity House embodied the thread that runs through all we do at HQ House: connectivity. 2025 • YEAR IN REVIEW
T H E D IST R I C T C U P I I : O F F I C I A L K I C K O F F HQ DC House hosted the official kickoff event for The District Cup II, welcoming partners, participants, and community leaders to the Penthouse for an evening that celebrated sport, camaraderie, and local pride—further strengthening HQ DC House’s role as a convening space for city-wide moments.
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PA R A D I S E C OV E P R E S E NT S L OV E IS B L I N D As part of Paradise Cove’s Women’s History Month celebration, HQ DC House hosted Love Is Blind, an evening filled with music, connection, and shared energy. The event brought together members and guests for a vibrant night that blended culture, conversation, and celebration in true HQ fashion.
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D C D E PA RT M E NT O F S M A L L A N D L O C A L B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E NT ’ S Y O UT H P IT C H C O M P E T IT I O N In partnership with DC’s Department of Small and Local Business Development, HQ DC House proudly hosted a Youth Pitch Competition, creating a platform for emerging young entrepreneurs to share their ideas, build confidence, and engage with mentors and community leaders—reinforcing our commitment to economic mobility and futureforward leadership.
ASS O C I AT I O N O F L AT I N O P R O F E SS I O N A L S F O R A M E R I C A P R E S E NT S C O M M U N IT Y & C U LT U R E HQ DC House partnered with ALPFA to host a series of board meetings and social gatherings that fostered connection among Latino leaders across the District and nationwide. From professional convenings to culturally rooted social moments, the partnership reflected a shared commitment to community-building and inclusive leadership.
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BLACK GOLF CLUB x HQ DC H O U S E PA RT N E R S H I P HQ DC House formalized a strategic partnership with the Black Golf Club, a premier network of Black golf enthusiasts and professionals. Through curated events, exclusive access to HQ DC House and KATA, and collaborative programming, the partnership fosters a strong community grounded in excellence, cultural sophistication, and meaningful connection.
2025 • YEAR IN REVIEW
HQ Kenya House: On March 15, 2025, The Burns Brothers officially opened HQ Kenya House, our second private membership house, located in Tatu City— a newly developed, ground-up city just north of Nairobi, Kenya. The opening marked a significant milestone in our global expansion and our continued commitment to building spaces rooted in culture, community, and connection. The inaugural celebration brought together Rendeavour executives, Tatu City leadership, and a distinguished group of guests, including world-renowned actor and musician Omari Hardwick, alongside Kenya- and Africa-based musicians, artists, influencers, and cultural leaders. The event reflected the energy, creativity, and global spirit that HQ Kenya House was designed to embody.
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Since opening, engagement has increased dramatically. HQ Kenya House has quickly become a nexus for collaboration, hosting vibrant member interactions, private gatherings, and public programming within a state-of-the-art environment. The space has fostered expanded networking opportunities while creating a welcoming, inclusive setting for individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries.
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Most importantly, HQ Kenya House has served as a catalyst for deeper engagement across Kenya and the African continent, advancing our mission to connect the African diaspora with Africans on the continent and to uplift all communities through shared experiences, dialogue, and meaningful connection.
2025 • YEAR IN REVIEW
DC’s Best New Asian Fusion Cocktail Experience On May 1, 2025, The Burns Brothers officially opened KATA, an experiential cocktail and food lounge located on the ground of HQ DC House, directly across from Capital One Arena in Chinatown, Washington, DC. Rooted in the cultural history and energy of the Chinatown neighborhood, KATA was conceived as an Asian fusion–inspired space designed to bring people together across backgrounds, industries, and lived experiences. The concept blends elevated food, intentional design, and immersive hospitality to create an environment that feels both welcoming and transportive. More than a dining destination, KATA serves as a social connector— a place where members, guests, artists, executives, creatives, and community leaders naturally converge. Through its thoughtfully curated atmosphere, KATA advances The Burns Brothers’ broader mission: to create spaces that foster belonging, spark connection, and encourage meaningful engagement through shared experience.
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Since its opening, KATA has become a vibrant extension of HQ DC House, supporting private events, public programming, and everyday moments of connection—reinforcing the belief that culture, cuisine, and community are powerful vehicles for unity.
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From Icon to ICAN: Giving Back BACK TO SCHOOL BASH I N S A N A NTO N I O , T E X AS In 2025, Icon to Ican expanded its community impact through a Back to School Bash initiative in San Antonio, Texas, bringing together students, mentors, and community partners for a day centered on readiness, confidence, and inspiration ahead of the new school year. The initiative focused on meeting young people where they are— providing access to encouragement, mentorship, and essential resources while reinforcing the message that success is possible with the right support system. By combining practical preparation with meaningful human connection, the Back to School Bash reflected Icon to Ican’s commitment to empowering youth at pivotal moments in their educational journey. This activation strengthened local relationships and reaffirmed the foundation’s mission to invest in young people through presence, care, and consistent community engagement.
2025 • YEAR IN REVIEW
E V E RY D AY I C O N S Everyday Icons launched as the grassroots extension of Icon Talks, designed to ensure that inspiration, mentorship, and representation are not limited to large stages, but embedded in the everyday environments where young people live, learn, and grow. The initiative centered on two core pillars: • A recurring podcast series spotlighting community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and unsung heroes whose stories reflect resilience, leadership, and possibility. Through accessible, conversation-driven storytelling, Everyday Icons amplified voices that resonate with the next generation and demonstrated that impactful role models exist within their own communities.
• Monthly in-person conversations hosted in schools and community spaces, bringing Everyday Icons directly into classrooms and auditoriums. These sessions created space for dialogue, reflection, and confidence-building—helping students see themselves in the stories being shared and envision pathways forward. Together, these efforts grounded Icon to Ican’s work in everyday communities, creating consistent touchpoints for youth and families while generating content that extended impact beyond each individual moment. Everyday Icons ensured that Icon Talks was not only an event, but an ongoing presence—rooted in schools, homes, and neighborhoods where change begins. FROM ICON TO ICAN • 31
The Continuum of Change & Building “Goodwill Capital” This year, we are proud to highlight the launch of the book The Continuum of Change: Impacting Change Through Moments That Matter, authored by John Burns and Mike Burns — founders of The Burns Brothers, Inc. — in collaboration with Meghan Davis Hill. Their central premise is powerful and simple: the greatest capital we have is our “goodwill capital” — the goodwill we invest in others. The book argues that real, sustainable success and fulfillment come not from status or money, but from the opportunities and positivity we offer others. Through a practical, accessible framework, The Continuum of Change reveals how everyday moments — often overlooked — create powerful opportunities for impact, growth, and transformation. Using reallife examples and actionable strategies, the authors invite readers to approach each interaction, each decision, each leadership moment — personal or professional — with intention. For us, this book represents more than a publication: it’s an extension of our mission and methodology. It captures the mindset and values that underlie all our programs — from leadership development to onboarding, allyship, and organizational culture work. Through the book, we aim to empower leaders everywhere — clients, partners, and broader networks — to embrace inclusion, empathy, and conscious leadership not just as initiatives, but as daily practices and personal commitments. T H E C O NT I N U U M O F C H A N G E • 3 3
As we share this with the world, we reaffirm our commitment to helping organizations and individuals realize that true change happens not only in big initiatives or one-time events — but in the small, consistent, meaningful moments that define our relationships, our workplaces, and our society. The book expands our mission beyond the workplace, equipping readers everywhere with accessible strategies to create meaningful, sustainable change.
Before You Go... The 2025 Annual TBB Playlist features some songs that represent the vibes, goals, and people behind our unique family of brands. Check it out now!
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