Women in Leadership Conference 2024
The fourth annual Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Leadership conference was a celebration for women everywhere.
Almost 200 delegates attended the event at Sopwell House in St Albans – the biggest turnout yet – to hear from truly inspirational speakers, with an over-riding message that women have every right to be their authentic selves in business and in life – and should never have to apologise for that.
The tone of the day was set by the Chamber’s Managing Director, Donna Schultz, who said:
“As business people, the greatest power we possess is the ability to recognise our own strengths and challenges and surround ourselves with the right people.
Together, not only do we connect, collaborate and grow, but we clear the path for the success of future female leaders.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
She encouraged attendees to drop the apologies and assert themselves with confidence.
Plenary Session Speakers
Shazia Khan - Global Portfolio and Process Lead, Viatris
Shazia is responsible for supporting the process of reviewing and selecting new opportunities for future pipeline development. As a female ethnic leader, Shazia is passionate about helping other women succeed and she is a proud member of Viatris’ Employee Resource Group for women, which aims to provide female employees with an internal network that supports and helps them to develop
Amanda Jansen - Head of Philanthropy, Hertfordshire Community Foundation
Amanda’s role is to introduce the Foundation’s work to a wide audience of individuals, families, corporates and professional advisers in Hertfordshire. Her main objective is to grow the Foundation’s endowment by building strong and meaningful relationships.
Jasmin Julia Gupta - Founder, Cancer Hair Care
Helen Patterson - Co-founder, JHP Electrical Services
There was an emotional moment when Jasmin Julia Gupta of Cancer Hair Care welcomed Helen Patterson to the stage. Helen, director of JHP Electrical Services, spoke at the Women in Leadership conference two years ago. Just six months later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She described the impact of losing her long hair – particularly as she continued working – and how she found the right look to boost her confidence post-chemo.
Keynote Speakers
Annie Brewster
Kicking off the keynote speeches at the event sponsored by global healthcare firm Viatris, former athlete Annie Brewster talked about ditching the track shoes and donning the mantle of authority as she enjoyed an impressive career in politics.
As mayor of the City and District of St Albans (2013-2014) and the chairman of Hertfordshire County Council (2022-23), Annie shared what it was like to walk into council meetings and discover she was the only woman in a sea of male councillors. But by being herself and holding her own in meetings she made her mark on communities across Hertfordshire.
Christine Armstrong
The second keynote speaker of the event was author and researcher Christine Armstrong. A talented storyteller, Christine entertained the room when she spoke candidly about how her lowest moments led to her finding her niche.
As a mother, she wondered: how is everyone doing this? How are women balancing work and motherhood? Many common responses weren’t helpful. It’s not about whiteboard planning or whipping out the slow cooker, she determined, but finding a way to speak the truth, show up as you are, identify your strengths, and think ahead.
The Panelists
The day was rounded off with a lively discussion among a panel of successful women:
Christine Armstrong, keynote speaker and author
Professor Mairi Watson, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Hertfordshire
Laura Pearce, Founder and Managing Director, Strand PR
Annabel Lait, Director, Saunders Architecture and Urban Design
Rebecca Morgan, Principal Design Manager, Willmott Dixon
Emily Waddell, Head of Marketing & Business Development
Taylor Walton Solicitors; and Dr Alison Knight, Director of Place, Broxbourne Borough Council.
While the panel discussed hybrid work as a way of attracting women into leadership roles, a lot of the focus was around the language men use around them.
As the panel answered audience questions, one of the male attendees asked: what can men do differently to support female colleagues?
Laura noted that men may be more likely to listen if another man speaks out against sexist comments.
The panel agreed the culture was already changing, and as more women enter leadership positions, supporting fellow women and mentoring the next generation becomes even more important.
Breakout sessions
Attendees of the conference were given the opportunity to join two breakout sessions of their choice.
Commercial Leader in the Pharmacy Business Unit at Viatris, Alison Dixon, spoke about the role understanding yourself plays in finding your leadership voice.
Founder and Managing Director of The Woman behind the Women, Jo Phillips, described the importance of visibility when it comes to seeking promotions. Women often expect their achievements to speak for themselves, but it is crucial to talk about them.
GP and menopause specialist Dr Wendy Molefi discussed the impact of menopause on women in the workplace and she provided practical tools for embracing this life stage while also normalising the conversation surrounding menopause.
Emma Ellis, Marketing Director at Amber Mountain Marketing, shared tips for creating and maintaining a personal brand. She encouraged women to think about what makes them unique, identify their values, and determine their “why”.
Liz Redway, Managing Director at Redway HR, discussed how to create a culture that facilitates sustainable success within an organisation. She shared several structures that drive innovation and growth.
Nachelle Crowther, Founder and CEO of Evolve Generation, shared insights on communicating with influence and impact. She engaged the delegates with her advice on pitching customers and building a rapport with those around you.
Exhibitors
There were also 10 businesses with exhibition stands, including: Sarah-J Coaching, Emmy’s Brigadeiro, Air Aesthetics and Wellness, Rothamsted Enterprises, Cancer Hair Care, Space, Reassurance Security Services, Step2Skills, Hertfordshire Growth Hub, and DOHR.
Photo Gallery
