Women in Leadership Celebration in Gloucester

• Posted onJune 21, 2023

WSP Solicitors, in partnership with Azets, Benefact Group, Cooper Associates, and The Nelson Trust were joint organisers of the Women in Leadership Event in Gloucester.

The event provided an opportunity for members of the local business community to connect with like-minded business leaders and hear from a panel of inspiring women who shared their leadership experiences.

This is an especially poignant theme for WSP Solicitors as their staff are predominantly female with 60% female representation at the Board level.

Alongside an evening of fantastic food, drinks, and networking there was an expert panel of Leadership champions, consisting of the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester; Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director of Stagecoach West; Juliet Davenport, founder and former Chief Executive of Good Energy; Harriet Ward, HR Director of Benefact Group and Millie Wood, ex Gloucester and England rugby player and BBC commentator.

The themes which occurred throughout the event were focused on the significance of gender equality, overcoming gender bias, and the importance of creating opportunities for women to thrive in leadership roles across various sectors.

Bishop Rachel highlighted her journey in religious leadership and her progression to becoming the first female bishop in the Church of England in 2015. Bishop Rachel discussed her lifelong journey of discovery and the importance of being true to yourself in a leadership role.

Rachel Geliamassi shared her knowledge and expertise in the transport industry, detailing her experience of moments when she had to overcome doubt with decision-making and the importance of calling out gender bias when it occurs.

Juliet Davenport explored her commitment to sustainability in her pioneering work when launching Good Energy, promoting clean and sustainable energy solutions. Davenport also discussed the importance of authentic leadership and the challenges she has faced as a leader, together with the role of influencing the culture within the business.

Harriet Ward shared her insights on the challenges of perception and the importance of finding a place where you fit. Ward also highlighted her continuing journey of finding power in her own authenticity, commenting on the importance of being authentic and having the confidence to embrace difference.

Millie Wood discussed her leadership role within rugby and her experience of the best leaders being those who lead by example with their actions.

When asked about the event, Bishop Rachel said: “I was delighted to be able to support The Nelson Trust in this celebration of women’s leadership, and to hear the insights and experiences of my fellow female panelists Rachel, Juliet, Millie, and Harriet, as we discussed our roles and the positive impact women’s leadership can have on wider society.

“So much of leadership is about relationships and it was a joy to meet and connect in support of an excellent cause. I’m grateful to the Benefact Group for hosting the evening and to Azets, Cooper Associates, and WSP Solicitors for their generous support.

“The event raised vital funds for the work of The Nelson Trust, bringing belief, hope, and long-term recovery to those people whose lives have been torn apart from addiction.”

All proceeds raised from the event were donated to The Nelson Trust. The event raised £3,500 for the Nelson Trust.