Better Director Series Creating certainty in an uncertain world
Join us in the city of culture for 2025, Bradford for the next instalment of the IoD's Better Director Series: Creating certainty in an uncertain world
In the first half of 2025, IoD members were asked about the global risks most concerning their businesses in 2025. Unsurprisingly, rising geopolitical tensions, global economic slowdown, cyber security risks, and a global trade war topped the list.
In this ever-changing political and global landscape, it's crucial for business leaders to be equipped with the right knowledge and strategies to steer their organisation confidently into the future. Join us at the 'Better Director Series: Creating certainty in an uncertain world' to hear advice from industry experts and learn how to create stability for your business amidst the chaos.
Whether you're navigating growth or managing change, this is your opportunity to learn from experts and exchange ideas with peers who understand the current challenges for business.
Refreshments will be provided. More speakers to follow.
Speakers
Allie Renison Director, Advocacy
Ms Renison is currently Director of Advocacy Practice at SEC Newgate, and was previously Head of EU and Trade Policy at the Institute of Directors.
She has 15 years of experience working with stakeholders across Westminster and Whitehall, having previously served as Head of Strategy, Trade Advocacy in the Department for International Trade and Policy Advisor to the Secretary of State in the Department for Business and Trade
Anna Leach, Chief Economist, IoD
Anna is Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors and has held this role since June 2024. She also sits on the steering committee for the Royal Economic Society Women in Economics Network, which seeks to support the career development of women in economics, where she’s responsible for partnerships. She is also on the steering group for the Pissarides Review into the Future of Work and Wellbeing.
Before joining the IoD, Anna was Deputy Chief Economist at the CBI, leading workstreams across macroeconomics, surveys and consulting and she has also worked in the Government Economic Service, in HM Treasury and DWP.
John Browett - Chair of Institute of Directors (IoD) & Chair of Octopus Group
John was appointed as Chair of the Institute of Directors in July 2024. During his extensive executive career, working with both large and smaller companies, he was chief executive of Dunelm, Dixons and Monsoon Accessorize, and Senior Vice President of Retail at Apple and Group Operations Development Director at Tesco.
In addition to his role as Chair of the Institute, John is the Chair of Octopus Group and fraud prevention organisation Cifas, as well as Euroffice, Northern Business Plastics, Just Move In, Yoti and Wehkamp BV. He is also a Senior Advisor to the Boston Consulting Group.
John has a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and an MBA degree from Wharton Business School (Palmer Scholar).
Sarah Waddington CBE CDir ChartPR / Panel Chair
Sarah Waddington CBE is a non-executive director (NED) and executive coach at Wadds Inc. She advises management teams on company direction to deliver sustainable growth, specialising in the creative industries. A thoughtful strategist, strong communicator and the nemesis of group think, Sarah is the UK's only Chartered Director and Chartered PR Practitioner, offering a unique mix of governance and marketing expertise. Her input as a NED enables organisations to focus on market exploitation and exploration to create long-term value for stakeholders.
Sarah has over 25 years' experience in helping organisations to articulate their vision and purpose, manage reputation, create value and deliver social impact.
Sponsors
University of Bradford
The University of Bradford is nationally recognised for its commitment to innovation that delivers real world impact, combining academic excellence with a strong civic mission to drive social, economic, and technological progress championing inclusive innovation and entrepreneurial growth. Through the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE), we empower diverse founders with tailored support, expert mentoring, and access to regional and national networks. As an anchor institution rooted in the heart of Bradford, we are committed to driving economic resilience, social mobility, and long term impact. Our partnership led approach strengthens the North’s business ecosystem and creates real opportunities for collaboration and sustainable enterprise. We are proud to support dialogue that inspires action across communities, industries, and generations.
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