This spring, organisations are steadily preparing to mark International Women’s Day, but what can companies do to make 2024 the year of meaningful change for women in the workplace?
Workforces are only as strong as the foundations underneath them, and disadvantaged prospects are calling out for even more support. While women in business are regularly breaking barrier after barrier, pathways to success remain uncarved, muddled with invisible obstacles for the next generation of talent.
By implementing mentorship programmes, accessible education, effective management, and building long-term support systems at every level, women can begin to thrive without having to fight for a seat at the table.
At Fane Speakers, we showcase a range of female speakers who champion inclusion, aim to lift women up, and inspire you to do the same.
Working from the ground up
As founder of Europe’s biggest small business marketplace, Holly & Co, Holly Tucker has created a hub for small businesses to gain advice and inspiration. She is the antithesis of the stereotypical entrepreneur and challenges everything we think we know about the professional world. Not afraid to be herself, she’s pumped over £1 billion into the UK economy, and helped countless small business owners grow and succeed.
Through her work as a best-selling author and charting podcaster, she encourages women to start their own businesses, amplifies the stories of women who have succeeded, and reveals the skills and mindset any founder needs to help their business thrive.
Helping from great heights
As one of the youngest to ever receive a Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Oxford at 20 years old, Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE was marked a champion long before she was awarded an MBE for her work as an inspiration for women in the STEM world.
As a highly respected thought-leader in the tech space, she aims to elevate women’s STEM careers by hosting the popular Women Tech Charge podcast for the Evening Standard and sits on the Board of Durham University’s Computer Science Department, which, in recognition of her work as Head Stemette, offers a scholarship to young women in her name. She is also a trustee at the Women of the World Foundation.
Shining light on oversights
Alexandra Wilson is a barrister, author and campaigner to shine light on prejudices that exist within our justice system. In her widely praised book, “In Black and White: A Young Barrister’s Story of Race and Class in a Broken Justice System”, she illustrates her life as a practicing barrister in criminal and family law, portraying a justice system in which a disproportionately large number of Black people are charged, convicted and sent to prison.
She is the founder of Black Women in Law, an organisation with over 500 members that aims to unite women of colour across the world in the legal profession
Celebrating inclusion
Inga Beale is an instantly recognisable female figure in the global insurance industry. She now works as a speaker to spread business motivation, share advice on business transformation and offer tips regarding inclusion. During her 5-year tenure at the 335-year-old financial institution of Lloyds, she modernised the market with the introduction of technology and, by understanding the vital importance of inclusion in the workplace, she challenged the traditional boys club culture to make it a much more inclusive environment for all.
She was awarded her Damehood in 2017 for services to the UK economy and for her work supporting women and the LGBTQ+ community.
To explore our Women in Business Speakers, click here, or enquire with hello@fanespeakers.co.uk.
