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The Annual Women in Leadership Conference 2025

United for Change: Creating a Better Workplace for All

Salford Community Stadium 3 July 2025, 9:00am - 4:00pm

CPD accredited by IGPP badge
8:30am
Delegate Registration and Networking
9:35am
Chair’s Welcome Address
Emma Underwood, EDI Practitioner and Community Organiser
9:45am
Opening Keynote: Women’s Position in Leadership Roles in 2025
  • What does the leadership landscape look like for women in 2025?
  • The dangers of tokenism and the impact on women’s careers
  • Progress made so far, and priorities for the near future
10:05am
Interactive Workshop: What is the ‘glass ceiling’ made of today?
  • Evolution of women’s career blockers in recent years
  • Taking a closer look at the glass ceiling – what does it look like for you?
  • Painting a collective picture of the barriers faced by women in 2025
Amy Kohl, Founder of The Female Founder, Mentor, Women in Business Advocate
10:25am
Navigating Male-Dominated Environments: Case Study
  • Common challenges that women face in male-dominated spaces
  • Dealing with isolation when managing self-doubt and imposter syndrome
  • Building mental resilience
Aline Miller, Director of the University Innovation Academy, Associate Dean for Business Engagement & Innovation in FSE, Director of the NW Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst and Chief Scientific Officer at Unit M, University of Manchester
10:45am
Interactive Panel: Defining Privilege In Women’s Career Advancement

This panel aims to define and understand how privilege shapes women’s work experiences in modern workplace.

  • Can you identify your own privilege, as well as the lack of one? Understanding how it impacts your career
  • The impact of role models and representation
  • How can women with certain privileges use them to advocate for others without speaking over them?
  • Questions and Answers


Speakers:

  • Dr Krystal Wilkinson, Reader (Associate Professor) in Human Resource Management, Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Amy Kohl, Founder of The Female Founder, Mentor, Women in Business Advocate
  • Aline Miller, Director of the University Innovation Academy, Associate Dean for Business Engagement & Innovation in FSE, Director of the NW Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst and Chief Scientific Officer at Unit M, University of Manchester
11:00am
Break and Networking
11:30am
Progression Experiences Of Women From Minority Backgrounds
  • How race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or immigration status intersect with gender in shaping career paths
  • The value of storytelling and bringing lived experiences into leadership conversations
  • The power of cultural intuition, multilingualism, and diverse worldviews in leadership
Cllr Hilaria Asumu, Councillor at Walkden South, Salford City Council; Fairer Health for All Fellow at Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
11:50am
The Power Of Meaningful Allyship
  • Defining effective and practical allyship
  • Can you be an ally without calling yourself one?
  • Building a culture of allyship instead of focusing on individual efforts
Lee Chambers, Director at Male Allies UK, Gender Equity and Menopause Advocate, UN Women Changemaker Awardee, Board Member at CMI Women's Institute
12:10pm
Panel: Toolkit For Powerful Allyship And Advocacy
  • The role of humility in allyship: listening without centering yourself
  • What are some examples of meaningful allyship that you have witnessed, received, or given?
  • Examples of performative allyship
  • How can men become active allies?


Speakers:

  • Cllr Hilaria Asumu, Councillor at Walkden South, Salford City Council; Fairer Health for All Fellow at Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
  • Wayne Bennett, Tech Recruitment Partner, Northern Power Women Advocate and EDI & ADHD Advocate
  • Lee Chambers, Director at Male Allies UK, Gender Equity and Menopause Advocate, UN Women Changemaker Awardee, Board Member at CMI Women's Institute
  • Rebecca Worsley, Founder, Rainy City
12:30pm
Table Discussion and Activity: Tackling Bias, Microaggressions and Myths

This is a practical exercise that aims to help you identify microaggressions and biases, and help you formulate strategies and responses that effectively tackle them.

12:45pm
Lunch And Networking
1:45pm
Flexible Working & Work-Life Inclusion
  • How has the perception of flexible working evolved—especially post-pandemic?
  • Broadening perspectives about who flexible working is for, and who should be entitled to it
  • Challenging assumptions about commitment, availability, or leader potential when working flexibly or juggling multiple demands/life roles
Dr Helen Woolnough, Head of DE&I and Wellbeing, Equans UK & Ireland; Chartered Psychologist, Author, Visiting Research Fellow, Board Trustee
2:05pm
The Psychology Behind the Imposter Syndrome
  • What exactly is imposter syndrome, and how does it manifest in different women’s experiences?
  • The impact of imposter syndrome on decision-making and leadership potential, including common behaviours
  • Practical techniques to challenge self-doubt and reframe negative thoughts
Obehi Alofoje, Psychologist, Behavioural Change Specialist and Co-Founder at Aurora
2:25pm
Table Exercise: Mentoring Role Play

Become a mentor – brainstorm solutions to leadership challenges presented at your table!

2:45pm
Break and Networking
3:15pm
Tackling Assumptions: The Experiences of Neurodivergent Female Leaders
  • Defining neurodivergence and its context in a workplace
  • How does neurodivergence intersect with gender, and why is it crucial to discuss the experiences of neurodivergent women in leadership roles?
  • Challenging societal expectation around ‘ideal’ leadership behaviours that disadvantage neurodivergence
3:35pm
Closing Keynote: Prioritising Women’s Health
  • Understanding gender-specific health issues that impact women’s career progression and leadership potential
  • The importance of health-centric workplace policies
  • How can female leaders prioritise tailored self-care?
Dr Joyce Ameh, General Practitioner, Lifestyle Medicine and Menopause Specialist
3:55pm
Chair’s Summary And Close

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