Former 400m Olympic Champion Sally Gunnell OBE enjoyed a phenomenally successful career where she held nearly every title there is to claim within her sport; Olympic Gold, World Championship titles, World Cups, European Championships and four consecutive European Cup victories, not to mention five Commonwealth titles, Sally Gunnell is undoubtedly one of the best female athletes to have ever been produced by this country. Retiring in 1997 through persistent injuries, Gunnell turned her attentions to media commitments and her role as a speaker, specifically as an Olympic Speaker and after dinner speaker, as well as a role as an ambassador for UK Sport.
An eloquent sports speaker, Sally set the World Record for the 400m hurdles in 1993- still to this day her time is the British record. After life as a professional athlete had come to an end, Sally began to undertake a multitude of media and commercial commitments, notably becoming a regular presenter with BBC helping with their athletics and sports coverage.
Since leaving BBC in 2006, Sally has gone onto feature on shows including ITV’s The Cube and Total Wipeout in aid of charity, she has also become a favourite within the speaker circuit, specifically as an Olympic speaker.
The Gold-medal winning Olympian is an expert on mental resilience and peak performance, having developed such skills as a track athlete. Sally is also a vocal supporter of gender equality in sport and experienced first-hand the pressure of succeeding in a male-dominated environment.
Hear Sally’s thoughts on encouraging female participation in sport, peak performance in the workplace, and more, in this exciting interview.
“I think there are so many elements that you must get right!
“And I guess, when I look back at winning those titles, the big difference was the mindset. It was the last piece of the jigsaw; it was the piece I had to learn, and it was the piece I wasn’t very good at.
“I think once I had the tools to implement that, it just blew me away. I was amazed at what I could achieve with self-belief and by mentally preparing myself.”
“It’s enormously important and to me – it’s much more around the confidence and the self-esteem [of female athletes].
“I think there’s been lots of reports out there of girls who are active from a young age, and how much more confident they are in themselves, how they are mentally stronger, and just the effect it can have on your own self-esteem and how you feel about yourself!”
“I think we have come such a long way.
“When I think about 1992, I was the only woman out of the five of us who won, and I had to win to get that recognition. The pay was nowhere near the other guys that were involved in my sport, but to see where women’s sport has come over the last 30 years, I think it’s not just about equality around money.
“I think, yes, there are some sports that are equal and, yes, you can improve it, but I think it’s about media coverage. This isn’t just about the top end, which is the money side of it, it’s about the progress that women have and the programmes in place to help them progress.
“And that comes down to media coverage, that comes down to merchandise and sponsorship, all those sorts of things.
“That, to me, is what’s really important. And, yes, we’re getting there, but we’re still a little way off. And I think we just need to keep doing what we’re doing and have amazing role models, that is what women in sport need.”
“Peak performance is very similar in sport and business.
“It’s about getting the best out of yourself, to perform at that high level. It’s looking at every little increment, every little percentage, and where you can improve as a person.
“It’s very similar, it’s about recovery, it’s about motivation, goal setting, it’s about working hard, it’s about ‘me time’, it’s about building resilience – it’s all those sorts of things! And it’s no different in businesses.
“It’s understanding that you can’t leave any one thing unturned if you want to perform day in, day out, at that high level.”
This exclusive interview with Sally Gunnell was conducted by Megan Lupton.
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.