Half of women in the UK fear equality has taken a huge step back in time since the start of the pandemic. With women more likely to be furloughed, at risk of redundancy and carrying the burden of most of the domestic and home schooling tasks, studies show women are increasingly fearful of the future. Some say there’s a risk that gender equality could go into reverse and the hybrid work model could widen existing socioeconomic inequalities, hinder inclusivity, diversity and equality efforts and ultimately regress female leadership.
Since the merger of Fluxx and magneticNorth earlier this year, we now have two brilliant female leaders on our Board who both know a thing or two about leading in a crisis. Fluxx and magneticNorth’s Chief Executive Officer Jenny Burns is PR Week Comms Personality of the Decade and has over 20 years of experience in Senior Corporate Communication roles making transformational and innovative changes in complex businesses like O2, RSA, British Gas and Barclays Bank. Chief Creative Officer Lou Cordwell OBE is founder of magneticNorth, Chair of Greater Manchester’s Local Enterprise Partnership and a passionate campaigner for gender equality in business and tech industry.
J: At times of crisis, our instincts tend to tell us to be reactive or do nothing and hope the disruption passes. Leaders need to fight all those instincts; pause, get the right people involved, get a plan in place then act decisively and communicate openly.
Communicating with purpose is especially important in times of crisis where people need leaders to be authentic, visible and approachable. It’s not about overwhelming people with all the information available; it’s about giving people what they need, when they need it.
Never waiver from your values. Protect your business interests with your people and clients at the forefront — they need understanding, empathy and support too. If you remember your values it will guide what you say and do, thus protecting and upholding your reputation.
L: Good leaders make quick decisions. They process all the available information, then determine what matters most in order to make the right decisions. They act boldly, with conviction. It’s ok to admit to not having all the answers, it’s about getting input from a range of sources and then bringing in expertise from the outside when you know which questions you don’t have answers to.
L: Without doubt. The pandemic has shown leaders that they need to get comfortable with uncertainty and this trend will continue as we navigate all the changes in our work and home life that are happening post-pandemic. The two have collided and we’ve all become more human as a result — we’ve become unapologetic and real about our home lives and after seeing each other’s homes, families and pets we’re now a lot closer to co-workers and our people. The way we engage with one another is more authentic and the work mask has well and truly come off. Now that’s happened you can’t come back from it and leaders will need the skills to manage that intimacy and empathy and if they get it right it will be great for working culture.
J: I absolutely agree and would add that legacy leadership is dead. Based on old ideas and tools — the pandemic, along with accelerated digital adoption has seen the dawn of a new era of leadership — and it’s a place where presenteeism is no longer a thing. Research on leadership in the digital age reveals that certain qualities such as deep domain expertise, decisiveness, authority and short-term focus are giving way to softer skills and a number of agile leadership competencies will be needed to navigate the hybrid workplace; humility, adaptability, purpose, communication and empowerment.
L: It’s been well reported that the pandemic has affected women and men in different ways, with women bearing the brunt of childcare and domestic chores, needing more time off work (often with no pay) and are more likely to be furloughed or face redundancy. And with gender pay gap reporting cancelled for 2020 and delayed this year — things are not looking good. On the flip-side, it’s also given rise to a more flexible hybrid working culture that, if done right, creates an exciting opportunity for everyone to flex and choose their working environment that could complement both work and home life.
J: From our research we’ve found there’s a risk the hybrid work model could widen existing socioeconomic inequalities. As we transition from fully remote to hybrid, we may lose the sense of equality created in the last 18 months or worse, we’ll create divided cultures and second-class citizens. We must work hard to maintain inclusivity by implementing some clear and shared principles and rituals. Everyday meetings will have a mixture of online and offline workers, so good digital facilitation will be key in ensuring everyone’s opinion is sought and heard to maintain high engagement and good quality decision making.
If you’d like to know more thoughts on Hybrid working and whether it will help or hinder equality — check out Hybrid working — will it help or hinder.
L: Don’t let your inner voice hold you back and do everything you can to overcome that confidence barrier. There’s never a perfect time to share an idea, take a chance or start a business, don’t let intrusive thoughts and confidence hold you back. Find your community and support network and be the change women need in business.
J: My advice is don’t be intimidated by the male dominated environment we find ourselves in — you don’t need to become an alpha-female. You don’t have to be masculine to be successful. Women are important for diverse reasons and should harness their unique skills and capabilities. For example, empathy and emotional intelligence are typically female traits and both are really important for connecting with people and customers. As soon as you become an alpha-female, you’ve lost the whole reason we need women in senior roles.
J: Any short-term decisions leaders make now need to be well thought out and made with evidence as they’ll have long term implications on a business and its people. We’re currently working with a number of businesses to unlock exciting opportunities presented by the new world of work; building resilient workforces, fostering togetherness and reimagining employee experience are huge areas that need addressing as we move into a hybrid world.
L: The pandemic has presented an opportunity to do things differently; it’s up to us to shape what that future looks like. For example, WFA means organisations will have access to a larger, more diverse workforce; leaders will have to work out how to attract and retain top talent. We’re seeing organisations set ambitious Net Zero targets — but we still need a realistic plan of how to get there. The leaders that’ll leapfrog their competitors are the ones that have both their people and the planet in mind, fostering agile, empathetic cultures in their businesses; these are the businesses that will be able to predict the inevitable waves of change, and successfully do something about it.
CEO Jenny Burns is PR Week Comms Personality of the Decade and has over 20 years of experience in Senior Corporate Communication roles making transformational and innovative changes in complex businesses like O2, RSA, British Gas and Barclays Bank. Lou Cordwell OBE is now CCO of Fluxx and magneticNorth, as well as Chair of Greater Manchester’s Local Enterprise Partnership and a passionate campaigner for gender equality in the business and tech industry.
May
15may10:0011:00Legal Essentials | Supporting Women at Work
15/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
89% of working women say their health issues negatively affect their work, but only 1 in 3 feel supported by their employer. It’s no longer
It’s no longer enough to raise awareness, organisations must take legally informed, practical action to support women’s health in the workplace.
Join me and Hannah Strawbridge, Employment Lawyer, for this session where we’ll uncover the top legal risks employers face and how to avoid them when it comes to menopause, menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, and more.
You’ll gain:
A clear understanding of the legal risks around women’s health
Insight into the practical steps you can take
Discover how you can to turn awareness into action
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
15may16:0016:45Empowering Pupil Wellbeing | Free Primary Stars Webinar & Resources
15/05/2025 16:00 - 16:45(GMT+00:00)
Join us on Thursday 15 May 2025 for a free, live webinar designed to help teachers confidently support pupil self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, and mental resilience. Hosted
Hosted during Mental Health Awareness Week, this session features expert insights from the Mental Health Foundation, Dr Claire-Marie Roberts (Performance Director at Coventry City FC and Chartered Psychologist) and Ruth Elborn (Education Mental Health Practitioner and former teacher).
You’ll discover:
16mayAll DayEmpower Female Founders Conference
16/05/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
Kraken Technology Centre
Pariser Building, 168AA, Sackville St, Manchester M1 7JR, M1 7JR
Empower Female Founders is a unique event designed by female founders for female founders,
Equipping them with the tools needed to overcome challenges and achieve success in their entrepreneurial journeys.By providing a supportive community and sharing experiences, Empower Female Founders aims to empower women to redefine their potential, amplify their impact, and thrive in their sector.
In May 2025 we will welcome 100 female founders to this one of a kind event in Manchester.
Empower Female Founders is far from your traditional conference set up. We’ve spoken to our community of Female Founders and we know what’s needed is practical action, answers to the important questions and to gain knowledge from those who have been there and done it.
The day will be built around fast-paced workshop sessions and collaboration providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
Our focus is on building confidence, developing a growth mindset, and providing a supportive community that empowers women to overcome challenges and achieve success.
The day will be built around panels featuring Female Founders sharing what’ it’s really like to be a Female Founder, an opportunity to ask fellow Female Founders for their advice as industry experts, celebrating and reframing the narrative around success and ambition.
There will also be an Action learning workshop on Growth Mindset led by Empower Co Founder Beckie Taylor and a fast-paced knowledge share sessions providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
09:00 Registration and Networking
09:30 Welcome from Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
09:45 Panel : What it’s REALLY like to be a Female Founder
10:30 Action Learning – Female Founder Mindset
11:30 Coffee and Networking
11:45 Panel : Ask The Experts
12:30 Morning Close
12:30 Lunch & Networking
13:30 Welcome Back, Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
13:35 Knowledge Share Session
15:15 Coffee and Networking
15:30 Panel – Celebrating Success and Ambition
16:15 Thanks and closing remarks
16:30 Cocktails and Mocktails
18:30 Close
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free