Women in Leadership Empowering women in leadership

Delegates from across a wide range of industries came together for the Chamber’s annual conference. For the first time, awards were presented to inspiring female leaders…

Sopwell House in St Albans was the backdrop for the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Leadership Conference – a dynamic gathering celebrating the power, resilience and ambition of women in business and beyond. The event provided a vital platform for inspiration, networking and meaningful discussions on the challenges and opportunities that women encounter on their leadership journeys.

The day began with a welcome from Chamber CEO, Donna Schultz, who set the tone for an event focused on collective empowerment. Donna underscored the importance of championing women in business and beyond, highlighting that true leadership is not just about individual success but about lifting others and creating opportunities for the next generation.

A series of keynote speeches delivered powerful insights into leadership, resilience and innovation. Julia Rowe, Sustainability Director at Ocado Group, took centre stage to discuss how businesses can integrate sustainability into their core strategies. With nearly two decades of experience in responsible business practices, Julia emphasised the role of technology in driving positive environmental and social impact.

Daisy Cooper MP, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats and MP for St Albans, delivered an engaging keynote on her journey in politics, sharing her passion for encouraging underrepresented individuals to step into leadership roles. She reflected on her extensive work in advocating for healthcare improvements and special educational needs reforms, inspiring attendees to challenge barriers in their own industries.

The event featured multiple breakout sessions tailored to address pressing workplace issues and personal development strategies.

Serial entrepreneur Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Black’s, shared her remarkable story of building the world’s first organic chocolate brand and how ethical business practices have played a crucial role in its global success. She reinforced the importance of innovation, perseverance and authenticity in leadership, encouraging attendees to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

The conference’s plenary sessions showcased an array of accomplished women from diverse industries. Melissa Fisher, UK Country Manager at Viatris, explored the strategies women can employ to drive personal and professional growth. Her talk, Empowered to Lead: Strategies for Growth and Development, provided invaluable advice on recognising opportunities, building strong networks, and advocating for oneself in leadership roles.

Jenna Hill, Director of Operations at Redwood Bank, reflected on her 19 years in banking, highlighting the importance of enhancing customer experience while driving operational efficiencies. Meanwhile, Louisa Benbow, Business Development Manager at Serenity Welfare, stepped in for Emily Acklan, the organisation’s Founder and CEO who was unable to attend, to share Emily’s journey in establishing vital welfare services for vulnerable children and young people. Through her advocacy work, including the Hope Instead of Handcuffs campaign, Emily has pushed for systemic change in the way secure transportation is handled for young people in care.

The event featured multiple breakout sessions tailored to address pressing workplace issues and personal development strategies.

Melissa Fisher led a session on strategies for personal and professional development, urging women to embrace their potential and seek mentorship opportunities.

Rebecca Fox (VWV) and Susie Kaye (Your HR Partner) tackled Women in the Workplace, focusing on employment law, gender discrimination, and how businesses can better support female employees through key life stages such as menopause.

Laura Pearce, Founder and MD of Strand PR, delivered a powerful talk on the importance of finding and amplifying women’s voices in leadership.

Elise Williams, Director of Mindset Development, ran a thought-provoking session on Mental Fitness and Productivity, emphasising the importance of mental resilience for leadership success.

Liz Redway, MD of Redway HR, addressed the critical topic of Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment, educating attendees on the Worker Protection Act and the role of leadership in fostering safer workplaces.

Jo Strahan, MD of C2C Group, explored Upskilling Leaders for Strategic Success, highlighting the importance of leadership apprenticeships and continuous professional development.

A highlight of the conference was the Women in Leadership Awards, which recognised outstanding women in business across multiple categories. The winners were:

• Young Businesswoman of the Year: Hayley Hart, Hayley Hart Fitness

• Businesswoman of the year in STEM: Gemma Rabbini, Coach & Bloom

• Businesswoman of the Year in Property and Construction: Joanna Strahan, C2C Group

• Inspiring Businesswoman of the Year: Gemma Rabbini, Coach & Bloom

The Women in Leadership Conference once again reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to championing female leadership and fostering a more inclusive business environment. The event was not just about listening to inspiring stories but about taking action – building networks, forging partnerships and committing to creating workplaces where women thrive.

As Donna said: “Empowerment doesn’t stop at the stage. It happens in the conversations we have, the connections we make, and the actions we take beyond this room.”

The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce extends its gratitude to the headline sponsors – Viatris, Redwood Bank and Serenity Welfare – and all the speakers, workshop leaders and attendees who contributed to this transformative event.