Women in Communications

Tuesday, 26th September 2023

Although the PR and communications industry is overwhelmingly female overall, the number of women at board director level and above remains stubbornly low. Our unique Women in Communications conference seeks to provide current and future leaders with the skills to correct this imbalance.

The event explores the role of women in communications and offers practical advice and coaching on how to develop your career and leadership capabilities in times of change. Gather your colleagues and join us for an immersive day of executive coaching. Experienced and inspirational speakers will offer advice to help you manage the challenges of modern leadership, and we will discuss together how to ensure we don't lose momentum in recognising and rewarding female leaders in communications.  

The conference is organised by Dods Events and held in partnership with the IoIC, CMA, PRCA and CIPR.

Why attend?

Women in Communications is an engaging platform providing attendees with the unique opportunity to:

• Examine the barriers currently facing female leaders as well as the challenges to future leaders in communications, and learn how to overcome them
• Understand when and how gender plays a role in both organisational and personal advancement
• Learn how successful women negotiate what they need to be effective leaders
• Gain a deeper understanding of the skills, qualities and attributes needed to be a successful leader
• Raise the visibility of women as senior leaders in communications
• Receive video recordings of all sessions after the event

This event is CPD-certified and contributes to your professional development

08:45

Registration 

09:10

Chair’s opening address: examining the current landscape for women across the communications sector

• Understanding why women are underrepresented in senior positions 
• Outlining the cultural and practical obstacles to career progression

Laurian Hubbard, Head of Engagement Services at Welsh Parliament, Co-President Women in PR

09:30

Addressing key barriers and enablers for women’s career progression  

• Leveraging strengths and tapping into the right resources 
• Negotiating for what you need to progress your career 
• Flexible working: identifying strategies to create the balance you require 
• Seeking out mentorship and sponsorship opportunities 

Lisa Hunter, Deputy Chief Executive of the Government Communication Service

10:15

Interactive session

Dispelling imposter syndrome to fulfil your full potential 

• The confidence gap: reframing perceptions of capability 
• Acknowledging strengths and achievements to maintain a positive internal dialogue 
• Defining your career goals and visualising success 
• Finding the courage to lead authentically 

Jo Clift, Jo Clift Consulting

11:00

Break

11:30

The Power of Storytelling: using storytelling to overcome self-imposed barriers

• How stories shape our identities as leaders and as individuals
• Interrogating the stories you tell about yourself
• Re-shaping your narratives to empower yourself to grow, achieve and inspire

Susie Ramroop, Leadership Coach

12:00

Preparing for Success: Laying the groundwork to communicate with impact 

• Structuring your meetings and preparatory work for maximum effect 
• Managing adrenaline to think clearly under pressure 
• Holding attention in a hybrid environment 

Cath Baxter, Professional Voice Coach & Public Speaking expert

13:00

Networking Lunch

14:00

Leadership in action: rising to challenges and providing empowering leadership in uncertain times

• Managing communications in a cost-of-living crisis and recession
• Maintaining confidence in your leadership abilities and worth during difficult times
• Your role in managing, motivating and supporting colleagues
• Key tips and strategies for successfully giving and receiving feedback  

Sarah Pinch, Pinch Point Communications

14:35

Keynote address

Intersectionality at work: appreciating individuality and recognising the business benefits

Caroline Olaiya, Principal Business Relationship Manager, Ministry of Justice Digital

14.50 

Panel Discussion

Leading a change in culture: where do we go from here?  

• Raising the visibility of women as leaders in communications
• Dispelling expectations around traditional leadership paths and behaviours 
• The importance of lifting others as you climb 

Sarah Ogden,  Managing Director, Team Lewis

Chloe Hodgson, HR manager, Team Lewis

Matthew Bleaney, D&I ambassador, Team Lewis

Sydney Barnett, Campaign Executive, Team Lewis

15:35

Chair’s closing remarks