IoD Women's Business Forum

Set against the stunning backdrop of The View, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, this inspiring day features thought-provoking keynote speakers, lively panel discussions and interactive workshops that get to the heart of what matters most to women in leadership today.   

Together, we’ll explore the evolving landscape of modern leadership — from boardroom diversity and inclusive governance to innovation, entrepreneurship and the tech revolution. You’ll hear honest stories, gain fresh perspectives and discover strategies that elevate both your career and your confidence.

The agenda below has been carefully created to energise and empower you, blending inspiration with practical insight: 

🟣 Breaking the Mould: Women Redefining Leadership: From shaping culture and brand to using storytelling as tools for change, panellists will share insights on leading differently, and successfully. Hear from Rachel Jenkins, managing director of Curvy Kate, Stephanie Hilborne OBE, CEO of Women in Sport and Amy Kiernan, chief growth officer at McCann about their journeys.

🟣 Boardroom Bound: Elevating Women to the Top Table: In the session we will examine what boards are really looking for, how women can position themselves for boardroom appointments and the skills required to lead at the highest level of governance. Renée Hunt, non-executive director at the Institute of Directors and former CTO of comparethemarket.com, Sheila Ruiz, founding member of brave&bold and co-chair of the IoD Emerging NEDs SIG and Megan Pantelides, senior director at Board Intelligence will give their insight.

🟣 Beyond the Algorithm: Female Minds Driving the Tech Revolution: This conversation will explore how women are influencing the tech revolution through innovation, entrepreneurship, talent strategy, leadership and the governance of AI. Hear from award-winning founder and CEO of PeopleXYZ, Tommie Edwards; founder of Brainspark and rare three-time Dragons' Den investee Reedah El-Saie and Head of IT at the Institute of Directors, Rebecca Reynolds Jones.

🟣 From Pitch to Power: Scaling Bold Ideas into Real Businesses: Through honest discussion, panellists will share their journeys from pitch to sustainable growth, uncovering the realities behind funding, scaling, resilience and leadership as an entrepreneur. Steph Douglas, CEO and founder of Don’t Buy Her Flowers; Farzana Baduel, CEO and co-founder of Curzon PR; Alex Head, founder and CEO of Social Pantry and David B Horne, founder of Add Then Multiply and winner of Man of the Year at the Women’s Business Club Awards 2025, will all be on stage to tell their stories.   

🟣Built to Last: Women Redefining Health, Performance and Power Throughout this session we will examines how health, mindset and sustainable habits directly shape decision-making and influence in senior roles. Special guest Mariella Frostrup, broadcast journalist and UK Government's Menopause Ambassador, wellbeing strategist, founder and co-director of Stretching the City, Sally Lovett and financial expert, Makala Green will share their thoughts.   

That’s not all, we are also teaming up with wellbeing provider, Stretching the City, for interactive wellbeing workshops and confidence clinics! We will have two engaging and beneficial workshops for you to take part in (limited numbers apply) including:

🧠Confidence & Mental Fitness for Women in Leadership

🌿Unwind and Reset Workshop

And, of course a delicious and healthy breakfast and lunch will be provided, with coffee breaks throughout the day.

This is your moment to pause, connect and be inspired by women who are redefining success on their own terms. Join us for a day that celebrates ambition, authenticity and the power of women leading together.      

We're thrilled to have Women in Sport as our charity partner this year. Their mission to ensure every woman and girl can experience the joy, empowerment and lifelong benefits of sport is something we’re proud to champion.