Previous speakers
Founder and editor of the New Life Network, the UK's top career management information gateway. Since graduating in marketing and finance some 20 years ago, Janet has held senior executive positions with some of the world's top companies. She is, for example, a former Vice President for marketing at American Express International, Head of marketing with Credit Suisse and, most recently, the HR Services consulting partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. She is also an experienced media spokesperson, talent management adviser, a published author and business writer.
Claudine Reid MBE
As a visionary, business owner, social enterprise ambassador (for the Cabinet Office) and motivational speaker; Claudine Reid is dedicated to using her skills to influence government and to assist others in realising their dreams and manifesting their visions. She is passionate about the development of women and has designed educational programs for women across all age groups. She consistently assists potential female entrepreneurs to turn their ideas to reality. Royal Bank of Scotland listed her as one of 100 most Enterpreneurial Women in the UK in 2009.
Dr Suzanne Doyle-Morris
Dr Suzanne Doyle-Morris, Founder of Doyle Morris Coaching and Development is an executive coach with a passion for helping female executives succeed. She has a background in women’s issues, a Ph.D. from Cambridge University that explored the experiences of successful women in male-dominated fields, and has worked with a range of female entrepreneurs as well as senior women at UBS, Cisco Systems, Clifford Chance, O2 and Microsoft. She is uniquely qualified to help female executives succeed, particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries and has published a book on this fascinating topic.
Joanna Behari
Joanna Behari runs a female property maintenance and home improvement company, Home-Jane that supplies qualified tradeswomen to tackle all DIY jobs, from building shelves to antique furniture restoration. Jo Behari was working in marketing for a major city firm when she decided to jack it in and put together a crack team of handywomen.
Jane Woods
Jane is a coach, consultant and trainer who is very passionate about the personal and professional development of women. She coaches women at all levels and will be launching her first book, 'When Work isn't Working' shortly. Jane has worked in management roles within local authorities and the NHS. Her experience is extensive, covering both the private and public sector(s). She is the Director of ChangingPeople.
Veronica Akinyemi
Founder and Director of Smart Opportunities for Women– the UK’s leading organisation devoted to supporting the professional development of women of all sectors. As a result of personal study, academic research and her professional experience within the field of learning and development, Veronica recognised the need to provide a holistic package to support the development of women in the workplace. She is particularly passionate about removing barriers that women face and linking them to smart opportunities in the workplace. Veronica is a learning and development practitioner, school governor and member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Brita Fernandez Schmidt
Brita Fernandez Schmidt has a strong record of working on women’s human rights, gender, social inequality and development in a number of different national and international human rights and development institutions over the past 15 years. Whilst working at the European Women’s Lobby in Brussels, she successfully influenced policies of the EU institutions to address social inequality and women’s rights. Currently, Brita is the Director of Operations for Women for Women International and a Commissioner to the Women’s National Commission in the UK appointed by the Minister for Women.
