Building Your Version of Success
The Modern Woman Show will challenge, educate and inspire. All the ingredients are in place; great topics, renowned speakers and the spirit of collaboration, all designed to achieve your own version of success.
Our mission is to provide the strategies, insights, and inspiration needed to thrive in business and leadership. We help you build resilience and navigate the challenges of the modern workplace.
By bringing people together from multiple industries the show provides new perspectives and unparalleled opportunities for growth.
This is one event in 2025 you do not want to miss!
DURING THE DAY
- Thought provoking panel discussions
- Inspiring Fireside Q&As
- Powerful networking
- Dedicated industry focused sessions
- Multiple workshops
- Speed Mentoring
- Legal Clinic
AFTER DARK
- Relaxed Networking in a beautiful setting
- Canapés
- Drinks
- Live artists
- DJ’s in collaboration with Mi Soul Radio
- Available to those not attending the day sessions
We're proud to be showcasing over 30 renowned speakers across the day each sharing their insights, inspiration and expertise.
Allison English
Co-founder and Co-CEO, Aéto Strategy
I’m an American by way of Asia who moved to the UK in 2017. My background is in graphic design and printing, and I found my way into Property/Real Estate by happenstance while looking for a career change where I could make a real impact on people’s lives. In 2018 I joined Leesman, the world’s leading independent assessor of workplace experience, as Client Services Director and was promoted to Deputy CEO in 2020. In July 2024 I left Leesman to co-lead a spin-off organisation, Aéto Strategy, to help clients turn data into insights they can act on to help people in their work. I am passionate about business being a force for good, having led initiatives for Leesman to become B Corp certified in 2022 and part of the Careers After Babies Accreditation programme in 2023. I am also an active member and past board member of the Zonta Club of London, which is part of Zonta International, a global non-profit helping advance the status of women and girls around the world. I am on the CREW UK board, the Careers After Babies Accreditation board, and the Advisory Board for the London Workspace Design Show. I love spending time with my husband and two little ones, catching up with friends and fa
Avril Palmer-Lavery
Founder and Executive Chairman of Constellation Automotive Group
Avril Palmer-Lavery is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Constellation Automotive group, which owns BCA, We Buy Any Car, cinch and Marshall Motor Group amongst many other brands. She has over 35 years of experience in leading businesses in the automotive and industrial sector. Avril is also currently the Non-Executive Chairman for ZIGUP PLC.
Ayesha Ofori
Founder and CEO, Propelle
Ayesha Ofori is the founder and CEO of Propelle - the UK’s first and only female focused investment platform. Built on 3 key pillars: Financial Education, Community and Investments, Propelle’s mission is to financially empower women and to help close the £1.65trn UK gender wealth gap. Propelle wants women to be able to invest with confidence, regularly and build long-term, sustainable wealth. Ayesha is an ex-Goldman Sachs wealth adviser where she worked for 6 years, personally managing over £500m. She holds an MBA from London Business School and an Msci in Physics from Imperial College London.
Cassandra Codling
Regional Director, NHBC
Cassie is NHBC’s first female Regional Director and, before that, was the company’s first female Building Inspector, leading the way for women in the business and in the wider construction industry. She is a dedicated mentor to NHBC’s female talent, encouraging the next generation of women in construction, demonstrating how they can thrive in the industry. Her leadership, pioneering spirit and mentorship continue to inspire positive change and diversity within the sector. Cassie has a First Class BSc Honours degree in Construction and in her current role is involved in: the development of NHBC’s products; helping to identify new commercial opportunities within the housing market; overseeing the retention and development of NHBC’s customer base; and driving improvements in the build quality of new homes.
Charlotte Whincup
Director and Co-Owner, Bloom Building Consultancy
Charlotte Whincup is a Director and Co-Owner of Bloom Building Consultancy. Charlotte began her career with a degree in Architectural Environment Engineering, which led to a focus on Building Surveying, gaining expertise across residential, industrial, retail, and commercial sectors. With a strong track record in surveying services, including dilapidations advice, Reinstatement Cost Assessments and Planned Maintenance Reports, Charlotte has also worked on projects ranging from office refurbishments to high-end residential builds. Recently, her focus has shifted to sustainability, becoming an Associate Member of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment. At Bloom, sustainability is woven through every service, with a commitment to helping clients achieve their sustainability goals while balancing social, economic, and environmental impacts in the built environment.
Dr David Hancock
Senior Commercial Advisor, Cabinet Office
Professor David Hancock is a chartered engineer and the senior commercial advisor in the Cabinet Office providing infrastructure, construction and project support across Government departments. A graduate of the Major Projects Leadership Academy and a high-risk project reviewer. He chairs the Government Construction Community and sits on a variety of government boards including Buckingham Palace refurbishment, the British Antarctic Survey, the 'Modern Woman' advisory panel and is non-executive chair of CIRIA. Renowned internationally as a leading thinker and practitioner in the field of behavioural risk. He has a Degree and PhD in engineering from the University of Nottingham alongside an MBA from Bath and is honorary professor at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, UCL
Dr Heather Melville, OBE CMgr CCMI FCBI
Partner, Stork & May
Heather has over 40 years of experience in Financial, Professional, and Technology Services, specializing in international trade, entrepreneurship, and corporate banking. She is a distinguished business thought leader, known for building high-performing diverse teams and advising FTSE CEOs. Heather is a respected public speaker who has addressed global business audiences, including C-Suite leaders and royalty. She has received numerous accolades, including being listed on the Black Powerlist and receiving an OBE for her services to Banking and Financial Services. Heather is a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) and the CFO's Diversity Forum for Business in the Community (FTSE100). She serves as Patron of Women in Banking & Finance (WIBF) and became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in June 2024. In 2022, Heather was inaugurated as the Chancellor of the University of York and has served as a Senior Advisor to various financial services. She has held trustee roles with Enfield Enterprise and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Currently, she is on the committee for Companions and has been elected to the Everyone Economy Committee.
Emma Kane
Head of EMEA and Deputy Group CEO, SEC Newgate
Emma Kane is a strategic communications expert with over three decades of experience in building brands and reputation management. A trusted adviser to CEOs and Chairs of leading organisations, Emma specialises in helping clients communicate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups. She is recognised as one of the most influential communications professionals in Britain. Emma spent 18 years building Redleaf Communications, a corporate and financial communications firm, before becoming CEO of the group that acquired her business in 2018. She is now the Head of EMEA and Deputy Group CEO of SEC Newgate, the world’s 20th largest communications group, as well as CEO of its UK business. In addition to her corporate role, Emma is deeply involved in philanthropic work, currently serving as Deputy Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Deputy Chair of the Green Finance Institute. She was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2017 for her contributions to the sector.
Helen Pattinson
Co-Founder, Montezuma’s Chocolates
Helen and her husband Simon founded the ethical chocolate business, Montezuma’s Chocolates after travelling around South America during a break from their legal careers. The fledgling ideas for Montezuma’s grew from a lifestyle business with clearly defined trading fairly principles into Britain’s most creative chocolate maker and retailer. Opening its doors as a retailer in 2000, Montezuma’s is now a multi-channel business across the UK and internationally, making all of its own products in its chocolate factory near Chichester. Helen and Simon sold a majority of the business to investors in 2018 and after a few years working alongside private equity they are no longer involved with the business. They now invest in growing food businesses and enjoy mentoring entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey, as well as sitting on the Board of a handful of interesting, creative and ethical businesses. Helen is also a trustee of the incredible children’s charity Children on the Edge for whom, she has helped to raise over £250k for their work with marginalised children around the world.
Jordan Brompton
Co Founder, myenergi
Business leader, tech entrepreneur and sustainable investor, Jordan Brompton is the co-founder of myenergi – a global leader in eco-smart home energy technology. Alongside forging fundamental business relationships, Jordan is responsible for driving the day-to-day corporate strategy and fuelling long-term international expansion. With the ambition of leaving the planet in a better place than she found it, Jordan has been presented with a number of prestigious awards and accolades for her pioneering work. Alongside being crowned Great British Entrepreneur of the Year, she was named in the TE100, the Stonehage Fleming XV, the Top 10 Women in Energy and took home gold as EY Entrepreneur of the Year (North). Never one to sit still, she became a published author with her debut book ‘Sparki and the journey to Earth’, which aims to educate children about the importance of working towards a greener future
Nicola Rabson
Senior Partner, Linklaters
Nicola is a senior partner at Linklaters. She was the first part time partner and has been a member of the executive committee, chair of the remuneration committee and global head of employment and incentives. She is listed in the hall of fame of Chambers for being ‘a cut above …thoughtful and forward thinking and simply outstanding’. She helps businesses on their most challenging, complex, and strategic people-related issues. With a particular focus on crisis mandates, investigations, discrimination, and harassment and managing disputes. Nicola was The Times lawyer of the week in 2015, a power part timer in 2015 and recognised as a top 10 ally to LGBT plus people in Its inaugural outstanding list. Nicola is also an Independent Non-Executive Director of Zigup plc and Nxera Pharma, a Senior Independent Director at Kent FA, and Governor of Royal Russell School. As a mother of three who has worked a variety of ways during her career, she is a mentor and ally to many and big supporter of woman across many industries.
Rebekah Clark
Founder & CEO, Beautiful Soup
An award-winning social impact specialist, Rebekah has delighted clients and positively influenced audiences across the globe for almost 25 years. Her boutique brand marketing consultancy, Beautiful Soup, founded in 2012, works with a range of clients and individuals, including the Tony Blair Institute, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and The Malala Fund. Rebekah is also the founder of Happy Marlo Studios, a conscious media company dedicated to raising a new generation of resilient and mindful children through broadcast entertainment, events, and experiences. A regular speaker, writer, podcast and broadcast media guest, Rebekah is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Non-Executive Director at King Alfred School in Hampstead. In 2022, she was recognized as a 40overForty winner - celebrated as one of the leading communication specialists globally – and in 2024, she was honored as an Iconic Female Leader at the House of Lords.
Sara Cartin
Senior Training Manager, NHBC
Sara is an experienced professional with over 20 years in the construction skills sector, currently serving as Senior Training Manager at NHBC. She leads the development of NHBC’s training programmes - including short duration training, management NVQs, apprenticeships and webinars - helping the sector meet evolving skill needs and ensuring high construction quality in new homes. Prior to NHBC, Sara was the Operations Manager at the Home Builders Federation (2016-2023), where she focused on supporting the home building industry to overcome challenges in attracting talent, workforce shortages and developing skills within the existing workforce, and, in doing so, progressing the culture of the sector. At CITB (2007-2016), she held various roles, including Head of Commercial Services, managing Europe’s largest construction training provider, where she grew commercial income and established strategic partnerships. Sara's career began as a Safety & Supervisory Training Advisor at CITB, where she supported companies in meeting health and safety training requirements. She dedicated her career to skills development, strategic partnerships, and supporting the construction sectors growth
Vanessa Brady OBE
CEO and Founder of British & International Design – SBID
Vanessa is an international multi-award winning Interior Designer, Business Consultant and Founder of the Society of British and International Design. Vanessa has amassed an award winning portfolio including projects such as Hard Rock Cafe, the Design Council, Kabaret Club, British Luxury Club, Unilever, high security government offices, His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei, King of Saudi Arabia, Head of State Palaces, the private residence of numerous diplomats and VIPs. In 2014 she began a collaboration with Sunseeker International on the new Predator II yacht. She is an inspirational speaker and spokesperson for Interior Design and an awards judge to her peers within the design profession across a variety of disciplines. In recognition of her high standard and design flair, Vanessa has been acknowledged for a number of high level Awards; most recently the 2014 Woman in the City ‘Woman of Achievement Award for the Built Environment’. Nominated in 2010, 2013 and 2014 by NatWest Bank for the NatWest everywoman Award’s.
We have a roster of qualified coaches and mentors with diverse range of skillsets and life experience. Further coaches and mentors to be announced in the coming weeks who will be participating in our speed mentoring sessions on the day.
Donna Still
Coach, Business Strategist and Energy Healer
As a passionate coach, business strategist, and energy healer, Donna has spent over 15 years empowering women to overcome challenges, heal past wounds, and realize their true potential. Her coaching journey began unexpectedly in 1995 when she transitioned from employment to self-employment. Seeking skills to grow her business, she immersed herself in an NLP Diploma program, eventually becoming a Master of NLP and a certified trainer. From an early career in caregiving to retraining as a painter and decorator, and later founding a successful female-led interior design business, she has consistently empowered others, particularly women. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated that women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries. She has mentored young women entering the construction industry and championed workplace inclusivity. In addition to coaching, she is a published author, mother of four, and proud grandmother of eight. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and experiences to help others achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or obstacles.
Hannah Beko
The Authentic Lawyer Coach
As a practicing commercial property lawyer (and legal business owner) I know very well the pressures and demands inside a legal career. In 2016 I founded Authentically Speaking my training and coaching consultancy for the legal profession. It’s mission is to change the culture in law so that stress isn’t simply accepted as part and parcel of the job and no one is leaving the career they trained so hard to join, because they can’t reconcile their career with their family/life. As the author of The Authentic Lawyer (2022) I am passionate about encouraging more authenticity inside the law for the benefit of clients, firms and lawyers. My mix of training & coaching/mentoring enables my clients to create the careers and lives they want to lead.
Ian Lyons
Managing Director at Vertical Evolution
As co-founder and developer of a National market leading online legal services company; Ian developed and implemented a million pound plus; industry disruptive sales and marketing strategy. He has mentored and advised 0000's of successful new business start ups from multiple sectors. Implemented the sales strategy for a now successful; regional Accountancy Practice. Founded and developed a niche Debt Management Company from start up to profitable trading company. Re-designed and implemented the business plan to re-establish a key Social Enterprise for a large National Charity.
Patricia Seabright
Founder, Archimedes Consulting
Patricia has been coaching since 2004 and has worked with hundreds of women (and men) over that time. She is currently undertaking a masters in executive coaching at Ashridge. As a coach she particularly focuses on working with women to help them overcome the challenges they face in the workplace. What she has observed throughout her career is that women can be held back by not recognising the (sometimes subtle) challenges and bias that surround them; these challenges and biases can negatively affect women’s careers, whether they realise it or not. She is passionate about gender balance in the workplace. During lock down, she made good use of her down time by writing a book, “She Said!” about the women being heard, which became an Amazon best seller. Like all executives, the pressure of the workplace for women is often intense and Patricia’s coaching seeks to provide the precious opportunity to have space and support to identify and process all the challenges faced. She supports her clients in formulating and executing plans for personal and professional progress.
We are delighted to confirm this incredible soulful line up for our 'After Dark' entertainment in collaboration with Mi Soul Radio.
Louise Mehan of SouLutions will be performing interspersed with our amazing DJ's Janice & Lorraine, Ronnie Herel over networking, drinks and canapés... And if last year is anything to go by, keep us dancing to the very end.
DJ Riot Girl
DJ
DJ Riot Girl, aka Jess, is a highly respected and sought-after DJ at London’s most exclusive venues, with residencies at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Chiltern Firehouse, La Môme at The Berkeley, Annabel’s, and Maison Estelle. She also spins for all the DIVA Magazine events as well as for Dame Kelly Holmes. Her reputation extends well beyond these regular spots, with bookings at top London locations. Riot Girl is the go-to DJ following some of the biggest names in live music, having played alongside acts like Sister Sledge, Patrice Rushen, Incognito, and Omar, to name just a few. Often hailed as one of London’s best-kept secrets, she’s known for her signature blend of jazz, funk, soul, rare groove, disco, reggae, Latin, and soulful house.
Louise Mehan
SouLutions
Introducing Louise Mehan, the voice of SouLutions, a powerhouse duo that made waves in the UK soul scene since 2014. With years of dedication, Steve Lee and Louise Mehan crafted their unique sound, blending soulful house with 'Philly soul' influences. They've released four albums—Destiny, Thankful, Fate, and Anthology—alongside chart-topping singles, earning them the title 'darlings of the modern soul scene.' Louise recently completed dual first-class degrees in Logistics and Event Management, and Creative Professional Practice, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts and a PGCE specializing in adult education. As co-founder of House of Sound Records and manager of SouLutions, Louise embodies relentless pursuit of growth in music and beyond, wearing multiple hats to drive both artistic and personal evolution.
RONNIE HEREL
DJ, Composer, Producer
Ronnie Herel is world renowned DJ, Radio Presenter, Producer and an influential figure in the music industry with a passion for urban and soulful sounds. He was BBC Radio 1Xtra’s first DJ singing and has interviewed some music greats including, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce and Janet Jackson to name a few. Today Ronnie is Head of Music at Mi Soul Radio and presents drive time. He is also the Co- Founder of Funky Dory and DJ’s regularly across the globe.
JANICE & LORRAINE
DJ's
The first daytime female DJ's on Mi-Soul Radio. Janice & Lorraine have a weekly show playing their blend of funky house, disco and club classics. Check them out on DAB+, online at mi-soul.com or on your smart speaker. They starting their presenting and DJ career at Kiss 100 FM. They have interviewed many famous names from the music industry including Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, Louie Vega, Roger Sanchez.
Speaker & Panel Sessions
As well as our Opening and Closing fireside chats, this year we cover a range of topics including:
Getting to the C-Suite & staying there
Can You Really Have it All?
Overcoming Adversity
Achieving Financial Freedom
Raising Investment
Industry Focus
We accelerate cross-industry learning by bringing together individuals from diverse sectors including:
Property & Construction
Automotive & EV 
Finance & Investment
Women in Music
Legal & Insurance
Technology
Workshop Sessions
Thought provoking and actionable, this year's workshops cover:
How to grow your business
A Woman's Voice
Mastering Social Media both LinkedIn & Meta
Raising Investment Round Table 
Constructing your Career 
Employment Clinic
We have been asked many times how & where to get advice on situations at work. We are pleased to be able to bring this service to you at this year's Show.
Whether you are an employer or an employee – do you have a burning question about employment law that you need answered or are you dealing with some tricky problems at work? Connect with Jones Chase's expert employment lawyers for a free 20-minute, fully confidential consultation. They would be delighted to help you.
Pre-registration required - Secure your spot!
Speed Mentoring
Speed Mentoring Sessions are always popular at the Show. This year we have 2 sessions, morning & afternoon.
Get one-on-one guidance in 15-minute sessions with expert coaches during this speed mentoring event. Gain valuable insights, actionable advice, and the opportunity to book follow-up sessions to deepen your learning
Give Back & Get Styled
Previous Modern Woman Shows
If you have not attended a Modern Woman Show and would like to see the topics we cover and the quality of speakers who contribute, please take a look at our past shows.
Venue
The Grand Connaught Rooms,
61 - 65 Great Queen Street
London WC2B 5DA
Standing on Great Queen Street, that connects Covent Garden with Holborn in the West End of London, is the Grade II* listed De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms. With a history dating back to 1775, the building has long been an important event venue, and was once home to the original Freemasons’ Tavern before becoming a hotel in 1909. Since then, the venue has hosted some of the world‘s leading politicians, royalty and celebrities with its grand Georgian architecture and art-deco interiors offering 37 exceptional spaces for a wide range of conferences, exhibitions, meetings, training and weddings. Five minutes from Covent Garden and Holborn tube stations and 30 minutes’ walk or short taxi ride from Kings Cross, St Pancras and Euston train stations, the venue is well-connected for all major London transport links. Heathrow Airport is an hour away by rail or road.
Our 2025 Show Sponsors
Our 2025 Media Partners
