Inspiring Women in Business: Celebrating Success and Resilience
On March 6, a powerful event took place at Penrith's North Lakes Hotel & Spa, highlighting the incredible stories of female leaders from across Cumbria. This gathering, hosted by in-Cumbria business magazine, was part of the lead-up to International Women's Day (IWD), which is celebrated on March 8. The theme 'Give to Gain' served to emphasize the importance of collaboration, gender equality, and the celebration of achievements among women in the business sector.
A Keynote to Remember
Keynote speaker Rebecca Graves, director of NRL, a leading technical and engineering recruitment business, captivated the audience with her journey in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She introduced her mentorship program, She Leads, aimed at empowering women and has already transformed numerous careers. Rebecca encouraged new mentors and mentees to join the 2026 cohort, following a successful inaugural year.
The Voices of Experience
The event featured an engaging panel discussion with high-profile women including Trudie Davies, Joanne Stronach, Lauren Allison, and Claire Aindow. Each panelist shared their unique journeys to leadership, revealing common themes of overcoming self-doubt and the significance of a strong support network. Trudie emphasized the importance of curiosity and humility in developing effective workplace cultures, while Joanne shared her personal struggle with self-doubt despite her groundbreaking achievements.
Building Confidence and Community
Lauren Allison's reflections resonated with many attendees as she addressed the persistent feelings of self-doubt that women often experience in the workplace. She reminded the audience that their presence in leadership roles is earned and deserved. Claire Aindow underscored that personal and professional development is a lifelong journey, one that is integral to success in any field.
An Engaged Audience and a Bright Future
The event concluded with an audience keenly engaged in discussion, seeking to connect and learn from the inspiring stories shared. Joy Yates, the regional editor for Newsquest Cumbria and moderator of the panel, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to host such an impactful group of female leaders and offered thanks to the attendees for their enthusiastic participation. The event stood as a remarkable celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for continued collaboration and mentorship in the community.
