Lisa Maynard-Atem is the Director of Marketing & Inclusion at the award-winning Acacia Training. Lisa is also a founder member and former Managing Director of the award-winning Black United Representation Network (BURN CIC), an organisation focused on the economic and social empowerment of the Black community in the North of England.
Alongside her role at Acacia, Lisa remains on the Board of Directors for BURN, is a Non-Executive Director on the Board of MBH Plc and is also a member of the General Assembly of the University of Manchester. Her work is focused around her passion for equality and creating a society with systems and structures that work for all.
My name is Lisa Maynard-Atem and currently, I am the Marketing & Inclusion Director for the award-winning training provider Acacia Training. Alongside this, I sit on the Board of MBH Corporation Plc as a Non-Executive Director – a diversified investment holding company. Previous to this, I was the Managing Director of The Black United Representation Network (BURN), and organisation that is focused on the economic and social empowerment of the Black community in the north of England (I remain on the BURN Board of Directors). Before all of this, I worked for Harrods for 7.5 years heading up their social media department, growing their following to over 2.5M.
I would not say that I have ever had a definitive plan but I have always been ambitious and knew from a very early age that senior leadership was where I wanted to be as the top is the best place to be in order to bring about meaningful change. My childhood was spent in various countries around the world, seeing the inequalities of every day life for people (lack of clean water, basic medical healthcare, food shortages, etc…). I decided that I wanted to make a difference and understood that position, power and influence would need to play their respective roles if I was going to be successful when it came to having an impact.
I have faced many challenges along the way. Being a Black woman has meant that I have had to work much harder than some of my counterparts and even then, I have been denied opportunities. However, I have never let this stop me as I am a firm believer that at the heart of any difficult situation, lies opportunity.
My biggest achievement to date is definitely transitioning to the position that I now find myself in as I am now able to do what I have always wanted to do – use my skills to have a positive impact not just on my own life but the lives of others. True leadership lies in service to others.
Self belief. You have to believe in yourself and know that you are capable of being successful, especially when others doubt you. Always bet on yourself even in your moments of doubt. When I was offered the role at Harrods, there were people who doubted that I would be able to do it. In those moments, I doubled down on my self belief. Although the path was not entirely clear (not that it ever is), I knew I would find my way and achieve success which is exactly what I did. You are your best asset – never forget that.
I feel that mentoring is extremely important especially as a woman of colour. A big part of the reason why I continuously work on raising my profile is that I want others to see me and see themselves in terms of what is possible. You cannot be what you cannot see. Furthermore, when you get to the top, you should send the lift back down for others and ensure that you support and open doors so that others can gain a seat at the table. I have a number of mentees and I give as much time as I can to helping others. I have received incredible support throughout my career (and still do) so it is important that I pay that forward.
I would ensure that every single girl and woman has access to education and other means that will help to improve their lives and as a direct consequence be able to contribute positively to wider society. I would also challenge anyone existing in spaces where there is a gender imbalance. I feel that too many people in the world are still too uncomfortable with being uncomfortable. In order for real progress to happen, this needs to change. Disruption and discomfort must be endured in order for parity to prevail.
Lean into not only your strengths but your fears. Far too often in life, we shy away from challenge and difficulty. In my experience, I have found that leaning into my own fears and facing them head on has led to success and greater learning. I am better person for finding the courage to face what scares me most.
My next challenge is the same challenge that I have always set myself. What are the things that I need to do in order to bring about meaningful change for myself and for others?
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.