The WiPR 40 over 40 Power List

Over the past year, Suraya has led strategic communications for a global energy producer’s fleet services and energy sectors, driving innovative sustainability campaigns and successful new service launches that enhanced Shell Fleet Services’ brand and stakeholder engagement.

She has built high-performing teams within Edelman and collaborated closely with the client, championing digital and data-driven strategies that reflect her forward-thinking approach.

Suraya also contributes to the wider industry by sharing her expertise and insights. Her strategic vision, leadership, and measurable impact make her a strong contender for recognition among top women in PR.

Suraya brings a deeply personal and multifaceted perspective to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has actively challenged ageism in the industry, mentoring younger colleagues and advocating for the value of seasoned professionals, especially women over 40.

Suraya challenges assumptions about adaptability and energy often unfairly attributed to older women. Her multicultural background drives her commitment to inclusive practices that go beyond surface representation. She actively seeks to amplify voices from diverse ethnic backgrounds and life experiences. Within her workplace, Suraya champions initiatives to ensure equitable career advancement opportunities for women over 40, advocates flexible work arrangements supporting work-life balance, and challenges age-related stereotypes in hiring and promotions. Her aim is to foster an environment where experience is valued and all women can thrive.

“One piece of advice I’d offer is to own your experience as your superpower. Don’t let anyone diminish the wealth of knowledge, resilience, and strategic thinking you’ve cultivated over the years. Speak confidently about your accomplishments and the unique perspective your experience brings. Actively challenge ageist assumptions by showcasing your adaptability, tech-savviness, and continued growth. By demonstrating your value and refusing to be sidelined, you actively shatter misconceptions and pave the way for other women.”

Claire is the founder of a successful London-based B2B tech communications agency, which she launched in 2018. Under her leadership, the multi-award-winning agency has grown from the ground up, achieving strong revenues and representing fast-growing companies in the tech sector. With a focus on long-term client relationships—60% have stayed for over four years—her team is known for combining consistency with fresh thinking.

After taking full leadership in early 2025, Claire expanded the agency’s services and aligned its offering with the rapid rise of AI and advanced technologies, positioning it for continued growth.

Under Claire’s leadership, half of Eleven Hundred’s team are women over 40, including two who switched careers mid-way and started in entry-level roles. Claire has personally mentored them, helping them progress and apply their experience in a new field. She has fostered a flexible work culture that supports employees balancing work with family responsibilities, allowing them to adapt hours and work remotely when needed. At the same time, Claire ensures younger team members receive strong support through a physical office, social events, and a mentorship scheme pairing them with more experienced colleagues. This approach meets diverse needs and builds the trust behind the agency’s success.

“Employers need to be more human in their approach to recruitment. Screening CVs using technology tools might save your HR team time, but this can also lead to a procession of identikit applicants. Far too often, these systems overlook people who could bring a new perspective to your organisation, like older women or people who’ve gained experience in other fields. Today more than ever, companies need diverse skills to adapt and prosper, and that means hiring people from diverse backgrounds.”

Hilary is celebrating 40 years in a career she passionately loves for its potential to create positive societal impact. As a senior strategist, connector, and mentor, she leverages her vast experience and network to drive meaningful change.

After co-running M&C Saatchi LIFE, she returned to independent consultancy 15 months ago, advising global clients on sustainability strategies and championing social and climate justice. Hilary is best known for leading responsible business strategy at Iceland Foods, including award-winning advocacy on child poverty, and continues to advise its Executive Chair. She founded Iceland Food Club, which provides interest-free loans to struggling families.

Hilary also works confidentially with brands to sharpen their social justice strategies and co-authored a national IPA report offering agencies tools to become more sustainable. As an active charity trustee, she supports innovative social change through Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Feeding Britain, and the Rothesay Foundation.

Social equity has been at the heart of Hilary’s work for 25 years. She has mentored and supported women PR practitioners since her first leadership role. She co-founded a social enterprise in Nepal with women’s groups to sell products in the UK.

Hilary mentored 300+ business leaders, mostly women from marginalised communities, through The School for Social Entrepreneurs and Blackburne House. She ran courses for isolated women in Wigan, helping all return to work or training.

Inspired by ethical microloans in Bangladesh, she created Iceland Food Club, benefiting tens of thousands of UK families and reducing loan shark use by 80%. At Alder Hey Hospital, she leads social innovation projects that reduced child admissions by 20% and supports young innovators joining national programmes.

Victoria’s 25+ year PR career includes senior roles at eBay, Trainline, Motorway, Freud Communications, MSL Group, and 160over90. At Trainline, she rose to Chief Communications Officer, leading communications through a successful IPO and heading ESG and Brand teams. Now at 160over90, she leads a 90-strong global PR, influencer, and social team and manages their 110+ London team. Victoria featured in the PR Week Power Book and was named the 4th most influential sports PR. From 2023 to 2025, she served on the Women in PR Committee, co-leading events to support member networking, learning, and campaigning.

At Trainline, Vicky was Chair of the Women’s Group, championing women in a tech and rail travel-focused organisation where they were underrepresented. At Motorway, she launched the company’s first D&I and social responsibility initiatives and led the D&I and Social Responsibility Committee. She was also an active Women in PR Committee member for two years, partnering with Charlie Mulock to develop and deliver over 25 events supporting members to network, campaign, and learn.

“Two pieces of advice:
Stay curious and keep learning; don’t be afraid to grow your experience and expand your role to take on new challenges that sit outside your core expertise so you’re evolving as the industry evolves and staying current.

Establish a network of women of all ages who are supportive and to whom you can provide support when they need it. I love being a member of Women in PR, it provides me with the opportunity to meet inspirational women at every level of seniority, a growing group of role models, many of whom are trail blazers for other women in the industry.”

Claire Bridges has 30+ years in PR and creative leadership. After senior agency roles, including Consumer MD and one of the first female Creative Directors at Cohn & Wolfe, she founded Now Go Create, training 50,000+ people to build creative capability. She leads the Creativity in PR study, coaches Young Lions, hosts a top 10 podcast, and helped create the first Creative MBA for Cannes Lions. Claire self-nominates to spotlight freelancers and suppliers who lead without formal agency titles.

As a woman in her 50s in the creative industries, Claire knows the challenges of being seen, heard, and valued with age. Having lacked senior female role models in agency life, she is determined to be the role model she never had and create space for others. She co-authors the annual Creativity in PR study with PRovoke, tracking female creative directors and representation gaps. Claire mentors many women, including those over 40 and working mothers, supporting their confidence and career growth. Through her podcast and writing, she spotlights diverse female voices and candidly shares her age and reinvention journey, modelling “see it, be it.” Her training champions DEI as central to creativity, addresses unconscious bias, and helps organisation embrace diversity of thought for innovation and cultural change.

“I honestly feel that whatever age you are, it is about staying relevant.
As I enter my 5th decade and in the era of AI, I’m upskilling myself in the tools and skills I need to stay relevant in the jobs market for the next decade. In that sense, age is genuinely about your mindset and your desire to continue to learn. Growth doesn’t have an age limit.

As we get older, age bias can intersect with gender bias, making it harder for older women to stay visible and valued. The PR industry’s fast-paced, always-on environment could also be seen to favour the young and unencumbered. Older professionals may have caregiving responsibilities or want a healthier work-life balance (the reason I left agency life even before I had a child) and you may be unfairly labelled as ‘less committed.’

There’s also a massive opportunity here for anyone answering client briefs to make a change: women over 50, despite our financial power, are often overlooked by advertisers and marketers. This underrepresentation can contribute to ageist attitudes and the perpetuation of stereotypes. We can work to help change this from the inside.

The only way to navigate all of these external factors and opinions, I believe, is to know yourself, your values, and stay true to yourself.”

Mairead is an outstanding communications professional whose career shows leadership, innovation, and resilience. At E&J Gallo, she led PR and digital communications for EMEA, navigating complex challenges with calm authority. Despite limited resources, she delivered creative, high-impact campaigns. Mairead’s achievements reflect the power of experience and the continued relevance of seasoned professionals in the industry. She embodies the values of the WiPR 40 Over 40 Power List and is more than deserving of this recognition.

Mairead has quietly but powerfully championed diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially for women over 40 facing career and life challenges. At E&J Gallo, she promoted flexible working, supported life transitions, and mentored women rebuilding confidence, creating safe spaces for all ages and backgrounds. As a cancer survivor, Mairead’s resilience deepens her empathy and leadership. After redundancy, she rebuilt her career openly, mentoring others through change. She embodies intersectionality, woman over 40, survivor, mentor, and leader, continuing to open doors and shift mindsets with quiet strength.

“Don’t let anyone else define your relevance.”

That’s the advice Mairead offers to women facing ageism at work.

“Your experience is not a liability – it’s your superpower. Own it.”

Mairead encourages women to speak confidently about their achievements, stay visible, and never be afraid to pivot or start again. Having rebuilt her career after redundancy and survived cancer, Mairead knows reinvention is always possible. She believes the best way to shatter misconceptions is to keep showing up — authentically, unapologetically, and with the quiet confidence that comes from knowing your worth.

With 25 years’ experience as an award-winning national newspaper writer and editor, including as associate editor of The Sun, Sam launched her own independent PR consultancy, Cause Communications, eight years ago. As a parent-carer to her severely disabled daughter, Sam uses her agency to amplify voices needing to be heard and supports female PR professionals with caring responsibilities through flexible, inspiring work. Recently, she spearheaded the Disabled Children’s Partnership’s external response to the Government’s proposed SEND reforms, securing national press coverage in outlets like Metro and The Sun, highlighting the challenges faced by SEND families and mothers reducing work hours due to lack of support. Alongside her agency work, Sam volunteers extensively as chair and co-founder of the Disability Journalism Forum, mentor for Women in Journalism, charity advisor and trustee, leveraging her skills to help women return to PR and fight for SEND families. Her tireless commitment makes her a powerful advocate and leader.

Sam is a DEI expert committed to fair treatment for underrepresented groups. In 2021, she created News UK’s first diversity language guide, praised for its passion and professionalism. Cause Communications represents female CEOs over 40, like Angela Terry and Tish Feilden, ensuring they gain media visibility across major outlets. Sam mentors women in journalism, helping address gender disparities, and was a founding member of the Disabled Journalism Forum, promoting inclusion in the industry. At 49, she launched Cause Communications, providing flexible, fulfilling careers for female PR professionals with caring responsibilities, helping retain talent in the sector.

“Our age is our super power and collectively we need to reframe the way we see it. Where else would years of rich experience be seen as anything other than an incredible asset? We must advocate for ourselves and be clear about the value that we bring to a role or organisation. Let’s be loud about our ongoing ambitions and visible with our actions. We must nurture our relationships, rally our networks and support each other through mentorship. It’s an old adage but we must be the change we want to see in the workplace.”

Bianca joined Havas Red four years ago to cover a maternity leave in the Manchester office, but her impact was immediate. Within six months, she secured a permanent role and took on a modest corporate and B2B portfolio. Today, she leads strategic programmed for 16 brands across multiple sectors, delivering real business impact. What sets Bianca apart is not just her communications expertise, but her unwavering belief in the power of PR to drive inclusive, equitable narratives. A passionate advocate for DE&I, she leads with both conviction and action, mentoring others, challenging systemic norms, and championing representation within the industry and the work we deliver. She combines deep experience with a fresh, progressive mindset, inspiring those around her to think bigger and do better.

Bianca’s biggest impact is advancing DE&I within Havas and beyond. As a senior woman of colour, she drives Havas Group’s emb[race] network and serves as the DE&I lead for the North of England. She mentors talent, shapes inclusive policies, and champions programs like UPRISER to widen access for underrepresented communities. Bianca also helps clients increase female representation, She leads DE&I with clear purpose and persistence.

“Know your worth and don’t be afraid to show it. Our experience is a strength. Speak up, stay confident, and share every idea. You don’t need to hide your age – own it. With time comes knowledge, calm, and better judgment. By being yourself and supporting others, we help break old stereotypes and show that women only get stronger and wiser with age.”

Orla is the founder and director of Strategic, a global platform dedicated to communication leadership. Known as an empathetic servant leader, Orla drives a people-first approach to foster collaboration and enhance business relationships, reputations, and growth. Strategic serves communication leaders worldwide by offering high-quality content, connections, and experiences through its magazine, which features a global network of expert columnists, and Strategic Training, powered by the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence, providing 39 in-person and virtual courses across Europe, North America, and APAC. Passionate about elevating the communication industry’s reputation, Orla nurtures relationships and champions a collective approach to showcase the vital impact of communication professionals on organizations and society.

Orla is building a global network of 33 industry-recognised communication leaders for Strategic, with gender parity at 50% women. Through her consultancy, she helps multinational organisations advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. Orla has also held key roles in Network Ireland, including PRO of West Cork and president of Limerick, and served on the national executive committee. Network Ireland, founded in 1983, is a vibrant nonprofit supporting over 1,300 women from entrepreneurs to corporate leaders, promoting diversity, equality, entrepreneurship, and leadership development through collaboration.

“Always remain true to yourself, and be authentic and principled in your dealings with every stakeholder.”

Tanya is a powerhouse in PR and communications whose leadership at the Metropolitan Police, including delivering New Met for London’s 32 events in 40 days, shaping race-sensitive messaging after critical incidents, and pushing for impactful community engagement, has transformed communications and challenged systemic barriers.

Returning to the Met amid urgent calls for reform, Tanya championed cultural change by challenging institutional racism, promoting inclusive communication, and mentoring minority women – especially those over 40, to break barriers and foster actionable diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“Don’t let anyone trick you out of your spot”

A reminder that mature women, especially minority ethnic older women, have every right to claim their space, voice, and value in today’s climate where their expertise is needed more than ever.

Lynda is a highly respected communications professional with over 20 years’ experience spanning journalism, PR, marketing, digital strategy, content creation, crisis management, and large broadcast projects. She has supported clients in travel, beauty, food, and lifestyle sectors through agency, in-house, and consultancy roles, balancing detailed work with big-picture thinking.

In the past year, Lynda delivered two major broadcast opportunities for a Caribbean client, boosting impact with a strong social strategy. She mentors Black-owned brand founders as their businesses grow and contributes to sustainability in beauty through her work with The Soil Association and industry panels.

Above all, Lynda’s leadership is matched by her collaborative spirit, always supporting and uplifting women in PR with generosity and no agenda.

Lynda is also a co-founder of a collective that operated from 2019 to 2023, specifically launched to provide a platform for women aged 40+ to collaborate, stay visible, and share digital skills.

“Keep building on a body of work and a reputation that is based on outcomes, and an in person experience that people remember for the work you are attached to. Credibility is the kryptonite of tropes.”

Suzanne founded Moxy Communications, an agency focused on supporting female communications leaders at this stage of their careers, using consultancy and coaching to build clarity, confidence, and control.

Recently, Moxy sponsored the first joint WIPR and WIPA event, and Suzanne runs bespoke empowering events, including a free Retreat praised for her ability to bring out the best in attendees.

This month, she tripled the team size with two hires: one Director sponsored to qualify as a coach, showing it’s never too late to learn new skills, and another returning after a six-year career break, supported by flexible working. Suzanne invests in people’s potential, not their age, transforming the agency landscape.

Suzanne shares her burnout story openly to break stigma, because it happened, she once felt invincible, and many others face similar risks. She’s a passionate advocate for dyslexia in communications, believing neurodiversity unlocks creative solutions.

She promotes true inclusion, where everyone’s strengths are celebrated, through speaking, social media, and her company culture—built on resilience, rebellious leadership, and courage. Suzanne leads by example, supporting flexible working to fit individual lives.

Clients say her combined coaching and consultancy approach transforms their mindset, bringing clarity, motivation, and confidence when they need it most.

“Be brave: trust your instincts and do things your way even – or perhaps especially – if that’s different to what’s expected of you. Be bold: challenge conventions, do what makes you happy. Don’t define yourself by others’ expectations: you’re perfect just as you are. Don’t be afraid to be different: as Oscar Wilde said, ‘be yourself because everyone else is taken’. Besides, no one does you nearly as well as you can. And finally, be kind to yourself: it’s not selfish, it’s self-care. You’re the most important thing that you – and everyone you care about – has. And you’re worth looking after.”

Danielle founded her purpose-driven communications agency six years ago, focusing on the positive social impact of communications. Her expertise spans investor relations, public affairs, crisis comms, and reputation management.

Over the past year, she and her co-founders developed new services like the STAND framework and Dialogues, helping clients tackle net zero, DEI, social mobility, and health equity challenges.

She leads a team of 12 with DEI central to their work. The agency won multiple awards, including eight for Sanofi’s “A Million Conversations” campaign and PR Moment’s Boutique Agency of the Year.

As a mother of two who took maternity leave twice while running the business, Danielle is committed to mentoring women in PR, especially in agencies.

Danielle’s agency is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring women of all ages are welcome despite fewer women over 40 currently employed. As a certified B Corp, they prioritise diverse hiring by anonymising applications, targeting outreach, and running paid internships beyond London.

They promote pay equity with transparent salary bands and are exploring pay gap reporting. Their Supplier Diversity Policy sets clear targets and currently exceeds 20% minority- and women-owned suppliers, as well as supporting local businesses.

“Attending a number of women’s PR networking events recently, it is clear to me that senior women feel the same – they have a lot to give but they don’t feel valued and in the current economic climate many are losing their jobs. This makes no sense to me, as all the senior women in comms that I know are the ones that have the most experience, work the hardest, juggle the most and deliver the best. My advice would be find someone that values you and appreciates all that you can bring to an organisation.”

With 30 years of expertise, Tokunboh has shown exceptional leadership as Founder/CEO of SKOT Communications and former MD of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Nigeria, establishing and growing a global agency presence in a key African market. Her innovative work includes leading Oando Plc.’s communications during its Johannesburg Stock Exchange listing and delivering culturally relevant, strategically aligned campaigns. Her deep understanding of Nigeria’s landscape and ability to inspire teams make her a deserving candidate for the WiPR 40 Over 40 Power List.

Tokunboh advances diversity, equity, and inclusion. particularly for women over 40 through her leadership as Founder/CEO and Vice Chairperson of WISCAR, where she drives mentorship programs, training on unconscious bias and ageism, and advocacy for inclusive policies that celebrate the experience and contributions of mature women.

“Own your experience and let your results speak volumes” encourages women to value their career skills and prove their ongoing impact, challenging age-related biases by focusing on capability and success.”

Louise is a go-to expert on digital media in the public sector, consistently delivering above-industry-standard engagement and measurement results for in-house and paid channels. As a deaf PR practitioner, she advocates for accessibility and inclusion, driving positive changes in recruitment and onboarding processes. Generous with her deep technical knowledge, Louise stays ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and is a trusted voice within her agency.

Louise regularly provides training on these themes, including support for women over 40, both professionally and as a volunteer for LG Comms. She champions the needs of neurodivergent individuals and those requiring physical accommodations. Living and working in Sheffield, she understands multicultural considerations in content creation, ensuring accessibility through captions, translations, community engagement, and inclusive digital outputs.

“We are in our prime at this age. I am 51 and wear my age as a badge of experience. Age and wisdom is a strength not to be underestimated, especially when they are held by powerful kind women.”

Arriving in the UK 20 years ago without a network, Shalini is now a Fellow, Chartered Practitioner, and elected Board member for the IoIC and Asian Comms Network. She has led award-winning internal communications strategies at BT, Aviva, RSA, NatWest, and now Arup, where last year she led the launch of Arup’s UKIMEA business strategy, embedding EDI to deliver commercial outcomes. She coached Arup’s first female Chair to lead courageous conversations on complex issues, resulting in 80% positive engagement in the Middle East. The December 2024 board report credited strategy communications with strengthening the firm’s positioning, improving trust, and contributing to a £5M business pipeline. At BT, her D&I strategy #WeAreDifferentTogether inspired thousands and boosted belonging scores by 4% for 12,000 colleagues.

Shalini has consistently embedded Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) as a strategic driver across sectors and organisations. As a Board Director at the Institute of Internal Communications and Founding Board Member of the Asian Communications Network, she champions visibility for women over 40 and ethnic minorities, supporting ACN co-founders Farzana and Advita. A Fellow and Chartered Practitioner, she was selected for BT’s Future Leaders Talent Programme. After Black Lives Matter, Shalini transformed BT’s D&I communications, embedding inclusion for 12k employees and earning the Corporate Affairs Director’s Award for the impactful #WeAreDifferentTogether strategy. At Arup, she linked strategy and inclusion across the UKIMEA region, recognised in the year-end board report. She shares her passion for mentoring underrepresented women on podcasts and blogs, inspiring future communications leaders.

“Over 40, your power decade begins. Women like Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey demonstrate that true greatness often comes later in life. Icons like Mary Berry became a household name in her 60s, JK Rowling’s Harry Potter gained global success after her 40s – exemplifying the power of resilience and timing. Corporate trailblazers like Indra Nooyi, former PepsiCo CEO and Leena Nair, Unilever’s former Global HRD, now CEO of Chanel, found their stride in leadership after 40. Age is a launchpad. Invest unapologetically in yourself, champion your voice, and rise boldly. And as you rise, lift others — real power is collective.”

Anna, founder and CEO of Greenhouse Communications, has grown the agency from a one-person operation to a team of fifty focused on driving the green agenda through PR and digital communications. Inspired by a film about climate refugees, she shifted from corporate comms to climate justice, motivated by her faith to support those hardest hit by climate change. Greenhouse works only with clients making meaningful impact, running over 150 campaigns last year. Anna also champions and mentors female climate activists, inspiring the next generation.

Anna’s mission centers on gender equality, recognising that women and girls are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Through Greenhouse’s pro-bono work, she amplifies female climate experts, entrepreneurs, and activists, while championing activists of color via Climate Reframe and supporting youth climate leaders in the Global South with specialist training. Greenhouse donates 3% of profits to environmental causes. Anna mentors staff and interns, raises the profile of women in the green economy, including advising SHE Changes Climate and supports youth-led initiatives like Earth Minutes. She has also implemented menopause, parental, carer leave, flexible working, and time-off policies at Greenhouse to support women balancing work and caregiving at all life stages.

“It is vital that women of any age have access to opportunities without bias or discrimination. One piece of advice I can give other women worried about ageism is to look to employers who have diversity at the top. Actively seek out mentorships, both formal and informal, build your networks to find women who will lift you up in your career. ||I feel privileged to have been able to make a difference for female climate activists, showing them that age isn’t a barrier to success.”

Victoria has demonstrated exceptional leadership in communications, co-managing the Press Office and leading major campaigns like the Silvertown Tunnel opening and London Overground renaming. Her expert advice is highly valued by senior leaders, and she consistently anticipates reputational risks.

Victoria mentors women at all career stages and is passionate about improving diversity, especially for BAME and socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Under her leadership, diversity in the Press Office has grown, and employee engagement has improved year on year. TfL’s recent PRCA Workplace Champion award reflects the initiatives she has introduced.

Victoria leads the Stuart Ross Communications internship scheme, launched in 2006 to increase diversity in communications. Originally for ethnic minorities, it now includes people with disabilities and those socially or economically disadvantaged, offering paid internships at the London Living Wage.

When the scheme faced opposition, Victoria defended its value to both TfL and the industry. She also serves on the PRCA Equity & Inclusion Advisory Board, helping set standards for inclusion in PR.

Within TfL, Victoria mentors and advocates for women over 40, encouraging self-advocacy and pushing for real cultural change. She was awarded an MBE in 2018 for her services to diversity in public relations.

“My advice to women concerned about ageism at work is for them and more importantly, anyone else witnessing it, to speak up. Things will never change unless we collectively take an active stance against ageism. It isn’t an easy thing to do but we need to normalise calling out inequality.”

Rachel founded Irvine Partners in South Africa in 2010 and has grown it into the largest independent PR agency group across Africa. Since 2020, she has expanded internationally, opening thriving offices in the UK and Germany, with plans for China underway.

The agency is proudly woman-owned and led, with 76% female staff, 60% people of colour, and nearly 70% women in senior management across all markets. Rachel is committed to empowerment and plans to establish an Employee Ownership Trust in 2028, giving all staff direct ownership in the company.

Rachel places diversity and inclusion at the core of Irvine Partners’ hiring across all markets, living by her mantra: “do it better today, don’t wait for tomorrow.” The agency is woman-owned and female-led at senior levels, with strong representation of minorities, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent individuals, and women over 40 throughout the organisation.

She established an Education Trust providing bursaries exclusively for staff from historically disadvantaged groups to pursue tertiary education.

To diversify the supply chain, Rachel created a two-year incubation program supporting small Black and Black women-owned businesses with financial aid, mentoring, brand experience, and a share of profits; so far, four suppliers have been incubated.

Rachel also funds the #IPExchange, a fully supported programme enabling staff to live and work for a month in any Irvine Partners office to foster cultural exchange and understanding.

“Complaining about a stacked deck seldom yields results. If you are in an environment that does not serve or back you, leave. Back yourself and find your tribe. If you hate the old boys network make damn sure you find the old girls network and leverage it for your benefit and the benefit of the other old gals. Be vocal and demonstrative of your skills and abilities. Be a self-starter. Stop waiting to be picked. If you have a lifetime of valuable experience, do something with it – don’t complain that no one else is asking for it.”

Effie has launched two businesses in 14 months, championed ethical AI in comms with her award-winning tool LILA Assistant, mentored through schemes like WiPR, ran free training for women struggling to find jobs, became UK Chair of the G100 Media, Arts & Communications, and was recognised by Campaign’s Inspiring Women Awards, BTA’s Inspirational Woman of the Year, PRovoke Media’s Innovator 25, and Barclays’ Female Founders 2025 cohort.

As part of her work with the G100, Effie supports women within the industry, through support, collaboration, mentorship, and by providing opportunities for them. She is slowly building a support community where members feel supported, uplifted, and most importantly, celebrated. The free training she has been doing with LILA has had a particularly big uptake with women over 40, particularly when it comes to job search, as many qualified women have struggled to find work within the industry despite being fully qualified. Having been there herself, she has offered free support and guidance based on her own experience. She is also running further training for women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s next month, although this is for women across multiple industries.

“Find a supportive community, there are often women who are experiencing exactly the same issues as you and by coming together you can share knowledge, wisdom and support. I truly believe that we are stronger together when we work as an united front and uplift each other.”

Amanda is the co-founder and MD of Alpha Kilo. Under her leadership, the firm has expanded from boutique roots to offices in London, Edinburgh, New York, and Seattle. A 2024 PR Net 100 honoree, Amanda combines two decades of PR and events expertise with strategic insight, shaping narratives that resonate globally. She is also a trusted C-suite advisor, a regular voice in Fast Company and PR Week, and editor of Alpha Kilo’s thought-leading newsletter Industry Related. Her inclusion on the Power List would spotlight the lasting impact of globally minded, values-driven leadership in PR.

Amanda DEI commitment is reflected in her leadership of Alpha Kilo, a women-led, multicultural agency that embeds equity in its culture and operations. She champions inclusive hiring, flexible work, and supports women balancing career and personal life. By removing geographic and logistical barriers through global offices and remote work, Amanda enables women to thrive and lead without compromise. Her approach sees age, gender, and identity as strengths that drive innovation and change.

“One reason men have historically thrived in the workplace is their tendency to form support networks, the so-called “old boys clubs.” Women, by contrast, have often been conditioned to compete for visibility. To dismantle ageism and other biases, we must rewrite that script. Older women can lead by example, cultivating mentorship, championing collaboration, and fostering solidarity across generations. When we uplift one another and reject the myths that pit us against each other, we create a stronger, more inclusive workplace – one where wisdom is valued, experience is respected, and every woman has space to rise.”

Joining Cirkle in 2018, Ruth steered the agency through the pandemic with 36% growth and strong EBITDA margins. In 2022, she successfully managed its sale to Huntsworth (now Accordience) while preserving its independent spirit. Under her leadership, Cirkle was crowned Sabre EMEA Creative Consultancy in 2023, achieved B Corp certification, and Full Blueprint Status. As Accordience’s ESG board sponsor, Ruth has embedded ESG principles, committed to net zero by 2030, and championed inclusive, progressive workplace policies. Her leadership has earned her PRWeek Power Book inclusion for six years, PRCA PR Leader of the Year 2022, Campaign’s 40 over 40, and G100 Media & Communications Wing recognition.

As Accordience’s ESG board sponsor, Ruth has embedded equity and inclusion across every level of agency life. Under her leadership, Cirkle achieved B Corp certification and progressed from 0% ethnic diversity to earning Full Blueprint Status from BME PR Pros in 2024. Her senior board is 80% female, with half of those women over 40. A powerful statement in an industry where women often exit mid-career. She has introduced progressive parental policies, zero gender pay gap reporting, and wellbeing initiatives including flexible working, ‘Joy Days’, menopause support, and carers leave, recognising the dual demands many women over 40 face in supporting both children and ageing parents.

“The workplace is changing rapidly and women of every generation are going to need to keep up woth new technologies. I think making sure that you keep learning and your skills sharp is key – don’t accept that you’re ‘too old’ for anything. Absorb every learning opportunity you can.”

In 2024-25, Lisa earned PRCA Fellowship, was named a top 25 EMEA innovator, became a UK export champion, and won Business Woman of the Year. As CEO of Liquid, she opened a second Australian office, won a PRCA APAC award, expanded the food division, and launched the Liquid Studio. Lisa has led the PRCA as President and Chair, spoken globally, mentored government communicators, and supported Cabinet Office reviews.

As CIPR President, Lisa introduced chartered practitioner status, enabling over 40s to gain recognised accreditation, and launched the first PRide awards to highlight regional talent. As PRCA Chair, she supported the Dare awards, promoting equity and inclusion across the UK.

During lockdown, Lisa provided virtual work experience to 240 students and sixth formers, helping them build their CVs and UCAS applications.

In 2025, she has spoken at key events like the Department for Trade & Business’s ‘Empowering Women in Global Trade’ and actively supports the Female Entrepreneurs Network and Women’s Presidents Organisation, championing women of all ages.

“Age is irrelevant as you are judged on performance and attitude. By achieving beyond expectations you smash any preconceptions or glass ceilings.”

Sarah is a dynamic and authentic leader who truly understands the importance of women feeling seen. She creates safe spaces where women can be visible and share their stories. By sharing authentic narratives, Sarah helps women feel recognised and connected through stories that resonate deeply.

Sarah’s work is fully inclusive, driven by her passion for supporting women from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds.

“Age brings wisdom.”

With a 25-year agency career breaking ceilings, from being the first Partner to return from maternity leave and first female MD promoted while pregnant, to working through chemotherapy and sharing her cancer journey, Emily continues to inspire by launching disruptive comms offering in the world’s largest sustainability consulting firm, while mentoring through WiPR and continuing to rewrite the rules.

Emily has dedicated much of her latter career to advancing the profile and potential of women over 40, mentoring a current WiPR mentee over 40, publicly blogging through cancer treatment at 41, and highlighting how women in her generation lacked the awards, mentoring, and support programs available today.

“You alone can be your biggest critic or your greatest champion. Ignore the small doubting voice on your shoulder; age, gender, disability – you can let them hold you back, or you can turn them into your secret weapon! If you’re an older woman in the workplace you’ve got here on pure merit; take that and hold on to it. And don’t be afraid to remind them of this fact. We don’t do that enough.”

Holly is a standout leader in PR and communications, proving that experience is a superpower. As Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at Nottingham Building Society, she led a major rebrand and transformation, navigating reputational challenges with strategic clarity. She builds inclusive, high-performing teams and is known for her empathetic, effective leadership. Holly speaks openly about the realities of mid-career progression, age bias, and balancing ambition with family, making her a powerful role model for women over 40.

Holly has played a key role in building inclusive workplace culture, from founding Women’s Networks to launching initiatives like Family at Work Day. She leads by example, creating space for underrepresented voices, advocating for flexible working, and mentoring across generations. Her leadership breaks down hierarchies and biases, fostering a culture where lived experience is valued and inclusion is real. Holly also brings her values into the wider community, recently becoming a magistrate to support diversity in the justice system.

“Your value doesn’t diminish with age – it deepens. Experience is your superpower, not a limitation. Don’t shrink yourself to fit outdated expectations; challenge them by showing up with confidence, clarity and curiosity. If you sense ageism, name it. If you see it, challenge it – kindly, but firmly. Surround yourself with those who recognise your worth, not just your years. And remember: leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about creating space for others to thrive. The more we own our voice, the more we change the narrative – not just for ourselves, but for the women who come next.”

Kat founded Fine Lines in 2021 to help communications agencies accelerate growth by sharpening their market proposition, pitching skills, and client conversion. Kat also co-founded The Lonely Female Founders Club, a community that supports female entrepreneurs through the often-isolating journey of building a business.

Before Fine Lines, Kat spent 18 years at leading agencies in London, Hong Kong, New York, and Manchester, including Weber Shandwick, M&C Saatchi PR.

Kat is a trustee of Young Champs, a youth tennis charity promoting accessibility, and mentors through the Creative Mentor Network’s Break The Wall initiative, which aims to break class barriers in the UK creative industries.

Kat’s creation of The Lonely Female Founders Club speaks volumes about her commitment to inclusion and support. The club offers a safe, judgment-free space for female founders to share vulnerable questions, receive advice, and validate their experiences. Members appreciate the global community that provides insight, collaboration, and comfort through the shared highs and lows of entrepreneurship. One member describes it as “a breath of fresh air,” a place to end loneliness and connect with a supportive “girl gang” beyond specific sectors or business goals.

“Niche.
Find it.
Play with it.
Harness it.
Evolve it.
Love it.”

Judith is a transformative leader with over 20 years in corporate communications. As Managing Director of FleishmanHillard’s Corporate Affairs team and crisis lead for EMEA, she guides clients through complex crises like product recalls and cyber breaches. Her leadership has positioned FH as a top crisis communications agency. Judith is a passionate advocate for her team, fostering innovation and inclusion to help them thrive. Her dedication has made a lasting impact on FH and its clients.

Judith is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion at FleishmanHillard. She fosters a Corporate Affairs culture that champions women, with a management team predominantly female and mostly over 40. She is a passionate supporter of working mothers, many over 40, pioneering flexible working arrangements and backing extended maternity pay policies. Judith also leads the Corporate Affairs team as a pilot group for FH’s DEI training programs, including microaggression training, helping to create an inclusive workplace.

“Own your experience – it’s your superpower||Jud’s advice would be for women to recognise that experience isn’t just valuable, it’s their competitive advantage. More and more, clients and businesses are seeking deep-seated expertise, something that only truly comes with experience. ||Jud encourages women to asset their value, make their voices heard and embrace their experience with confidence.”

Tarita is a leader in the UK Black Comms Network and was promoted to Co-MD of The Story, a beverage PR company. Her promotion reflects eight years of tireless commitment, during a challenging time following the loss of the company’s founder.

Simply bringing UK Black Comms Network to life.

“How to get back their mojo because I feel I’ve certainly lost it after working on some terrible organisations. Would love to flourish as I’ve just entered my forties and I’ve noticed a difference in getting hired.”

Over the past year, Sharon has championed bold, strategic communication in complex environments, bringing experience and fresh thinking to her consultancy work. Advising major organisations and clients across the UK, US, and Europe, she helps tackle challenges in digital workplace strategy, governance, and employee engagement. Sharon shares her expertise through speaking, social media, and mentoring, advocating for the value of internal comms in driving culture and change. Far from a barrier, age and experience have been her greatest assets, giving her perspective, resilience, and confidence to champion meaningful change.

In 2013, Sharon co-founded 300 Seconds, a volunteer-led initiative to increase visibility for under-represented groups in digital, tech, and communications. The programme helps people from marginalised backgrounds gain confidence and skills to speak publicly, often for the first time, through short, five-minute talks at supportive events. While focusing on women, 300 Seconds prioritises women of colour, disabled women, and older women, addressing multiple layers of invisibility. The initiative runs UK-wide events and partners with others to broaden diverse speaker line-ups. Many participants now speak regularly, mentor, and take visible leadership roles, creating a cycle of role models inspiring others. For women over 40, 300 Seconds provides a space to reclaim visibility, share experience, and model leadership beyond stereotypes. Sharon champions equity by removing barriers and helping under-represented voices take their rightful place.

“Don’t shrink yourself to fit other people’s ideas of what a woman over 40 should be. I’ve spent years in rooms where I was underestimated. Too short, too inexperienced, too over-experienced (can’t win!). But I’ve learned to own that. Your experience is valuable. Your voice matters. Speak up, even when it feels uncomfortable. Especially then. You don’t have to be the youngest in the room to have the most relevant ideas. And the more visible you are, the more space you make for others. You’ve earned your place—so take it, unapologetically.”

In the last year, Jo has driven conversations around ageism and harassment for Global Women in PR; shared her wisdom – and mistakes – on running an agency in a PR Moment Masterclass; published the agency’s gender and racial pay gaps in PRWeek; supported returning women in the workplace for No Turning Back 2020; mentored for WiPR; instigated a collaboration with six fellow agencies to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into comms; and taken part in podcasts discussing industry inequality – all while managing Zeno’s 70-strong London office in her straight-talking style.

At work, Jo often talks about ‘filling the bucket’ – a metaphor for the small or significant actions we all take to build and nurture agency culture. Her ‘exceptional leadership’ isn’t about provocative LinkedIn posts; it’s about giving people the mandate, confidence, and encouragement to help fill the bucket. It’s something she strives to do every day.

Jo champions DE&I across generations. She led Zeno’s partnership with Discover! Creative Careers, opening the industry to diverse young talent. This year, she brought six agencies together to engage 150+ students from six schools, working on an anti-knife crime brief for Idris Elba’s charity. At the other end of the age spectrum, Jo supports No Turning Back 2020, helping female returners through high-intensity interview practice. She also joins Charlotte West on PR Moment’s podcast, unpacking Global Women in PR’s Annual Index to spotlight pay gaps, childcare challenges, and ageism, calling out industry inequality with honesty and impact.

“Words matter. Over decades older women have been conditioned to apologise – for their opinions, their achievements, even taking up space. This shows up at work, more than anything else, in the language we use.|Consciously banish that little but oh-so-damaging word ‘just’. Talk openly about the menopause but don’t say you’re having a ‘senior moment’. Consign phrases like ‘back in the day’ and ‘this is showing my age’ to the linguistic bin – frame your wisdom through impact, not time. And when you hear others using ageist language, call it out. You’ve earned the right.”

Sarah’s leadership roles include serving as President of the CIPR, founding the Spring Forward Conference, and chairing the Taylor Bennett Foundation. Over the past year, she has continued to run her successful independent consultancy, PinchPoint Communications, while also serving as a Non-Executive Director at Manx Care. Most recently, she was appointed Chair of Gingerbread, the charity supporting single parents.

Across all her roles, Sarah brings sharp business acumen, exceptional communication, persuasion and crisis management skills, and a deep commitment to work that serves the public interest. She is a powerful role model for how women over 40 can continue to shape the PR industry and contribute meaningfully to society.

At 52, Sarah proudly owns both her professional success and personal milestones. Through Spring Forward, she has spoken widely on ageism and sexism, while continuing to mentor women via programmes like Cancer Research UK’s Women of Influence. Her seven years as Chair of the Taylor Bennett Foundation saw her champion diversity and inclusion at the highest levels. Most recently, she shared the Foundation’s success at Heriot-Watt University as a leading example of social mobility in action.

“Show up, and build a network of support inside and outside the industry. Know your worth and look after yourself, in every way – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually; if you do that you will feel as strong as you know you really are. And never ever pull up the ladder behind you.”

Rachel has driven remarkable growth at Havas Red, building a thriving agency with a happy, motivated team and satisfied clients.

Rachael is an exceptionally inclusive leader

“Right and wrong is not a difficult concept – do what’s right and results will follow.”

Over the past year, Ramma has led strategic communications and engagement centred on inclusion, behaviour change, and real-world impact. As host of the Women in Transport podcast, she highlights key issues like menopause, disability, and race equity. She co-delivers leadership development programmes, facilitates #IAmRemarkable sessions, and serves on the Met Police’s Strutiny Panel on Violence Against Women and Girls. Grounded in psychology and behaviour, Ramma shapes meaningful messaging that helps people feel seen, heard, and safe. Now in her 40s, she brings deep experience, curiosity, and clarity, driving important conversations forward.

Ramma has dedicated her career to advancing true inclusion through deep listening, structural change, and cultural transformation, not just ticking boxes. Over the past year, she has led intersectionality-focused initiatives supporting women over 40 at the crossroads of race, disability, class, religion, caregiving, and single parenthood, drawing on her own lived experience as a single parent. Through her Women in Transport podcast, she amplifies underrepresented voices on topics like menopause, neurodivergence, and ageism, creating visibility where it’s often missing. Ramma designs and delivers programmes that help women navigate career changes and toxic workplaces while reclaiming their voice and value. She combines strategic insight with storytelling, co-authoring white papers, developing inclusive communications training, and advising on policies that support complex lives. Her approach is personal, practical, and courageous, embodying equity in action.

“Being in my 40s is the best thing that’s happened to my career — I’m clearer, braver, and more grounded than I’ve ever been. My advice? Stop asking for permission. You’re not behind. You’re not too late. This is your time. Try the new thing. Speak in the meeting. Change direction. Say no. Say hell yes. You don’t need to prove you can keep up — you *are* the pace-setter. Ageism shrinks people. Don’t shrink. Expand. Your lived experience is your leverage. Walk into every room like you belong — because you do. And make space for others while you’re at it.”

Deepa has 29 years’ experience and applies her skills to creating impactful communications strategies and building company reputation and engagement. As Head of Engagement at the Cabinet Office’s Civil Service Strategy Unit, she engages with half a million civil servants and 8,000 senior leaders on key government priorities, working closely with stakeholders to communicate policy objectives. She completed an MBA and Professional Consulting qualification in 2021 and became a Chartered PR Professional in 2025. Deepa mentors two civil servants and is an EDI Champion for the CIPR North West, recognised as EDI Leader of the Year in 2024. She champions inclusion through the Cabinet Office Staff Board, CSSU Connect Café, and Menopause Network.

Ramma has dedicated her career to advancing true inclusion through deep listening, structural change, and cultural transformation, not just ticking boxes. Over the past year, she has led intersectionality-focused initiatives supporting women over 40 at the crossroads of race, disability, class, religion, caregiving, and single parenthood, drawing on her own lived experience as a single parent. Through her Women in Transport podcast, she amplifies underrepresented voices on topics like menopause, neurodivergence, and ageism, creating visibility where it’s often missing. Ramma designs and delivers programmes that help women navigate career changes and toxic workplaces while reclaiming their voice and value. She combines strategic insight with storytelling, co-authoring white papers, developing inclusive communications training, and advising on policies that support complex lives. Her approach is personal, practical, and courageous, embodying equity in action.As EDI Champion at CIPR North West, Deepa created the EDI strategy, made communications and events more inclusive, and was awarded EDI Leader of the Year in 2024. Through her podcast, she champions social impact and inclusion stories. She mentors two people from underrepresented backgrounds and champions staff voice in her Cabinet Office roles. Deepa joined the Cabinet Office Menopause Network in 2024 and led a Line Manager’s panel for World Menopause Day attended by over 300 employees. She also set up the CSSU Connect Café, a safe space for inclusion conversations, and spoke at the Department for Education Women of Colour network sharing leadership lessons.

“Develop your emotional intelligence as a leadership super power. Be confident of your abilities and trust your judgement and experience. Dress smart, bring your best self to work and build a network of allies. Share your experience and life lessons. Develop resilience as there will be challenges. Be authentic and be adaptable. Be committed to your purpose and champion inclusion. Always act with integrity. Pay it forward through mentoring and advice.”

Karen Tippett-Lehane has over 30 years’ experience across agency roles, in-house leadership at Virgin Holidays, and now runs her own successful consultancy. A ten-time PR Week Power Book honouree and four-time CIPR “Outstanding Independent Practitioner,” she’s a transformative force in travel and lifestyle PR. In the past year, Karen secured primetime TV placements, led standout social media campaigns, and guided crisis communications.

Karen is deeply committed to mentoring underrepresented PR talent, including through BME PR Pros and pro bono support for female-founded start-ups. Her legacy shines in her pioneering campaigns, practices, and the many professionals she’s empowered.

Karen co-founded a collective that operated from 2019 to 2023, providing women aged 40 and over with a platform to collaborate, maintain visibility, and develop digital skills.

“Be unapologetically visible, and bold about sharing both your experience and your present relevance through a skill set that spans your years. It’s a provable and inspiring way to reject tropes.”

In 2024/25, Georgia continued volunteering on the LGComms Executive Committee, helping organise the Academy, contributing to webinars, and mentoring through the Future Leaders programme, all while freelancing. As a Local Government Association associate, she leads Communications Peer Reviews and co-created a public affairs workshop, attended by 70+ professionals, with a third due in May 2025. She also supports the LGA’s Heads of Comms network in an unpaid capacity.

Georgia is a driving force behind Comms Unplugged, a unique not-for-profit outdoor event promoting wellbeing in public sector comms. Now running her own consultancy after 25 years in local government, including as Director of Communications at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, she continues to guide others through reform, using deep experience to support meaningful change.

Georgia’s own experiences have fuelled her commitment to supporting others. Through the Future Leaders mentoring programme, she has helped younger women facing poor treatment, lack of opportunity, and discrimination. One mentee even nominated Georgia for a lifetime achievement award, citing her life-changing impact.

She has mentored women facing intersectional challenges, including long-term health conditions, gender, and LGBTQ+ identity, with equal commitment. As co-creator of Comms Unplugged, she’s built a welcoming, off-grid event that champions wellbeing and inclusivity, with a programme featuring voices from across neurodiverse, disabled, LGBTQ+ and ethnic minority communities.

“Never stop lifting each other up. Women now are much more in tune with what is acceptable and what is not, with discrimination when they see or experience it. We have the confidence to call it what it is and to defend each other when facing such adversities.||I am a firm believer in women lifting women. I will continue to do this for as long as I am able, and encourage all women, whatever your age, to do the same. Only by coming together to persistently stand united and strong will we continue to effect change for the better.”

Mary is Senior Director, Group Communications at the British Business Bank, advising senior leaders on strategic communication and leading a multi-award-winning team. With a 25-year global agency background, she’s a Fellow of the CIPR, Chartered PR Practitioner, and featured in the PR Week Powerbook since 2015. Mary was awarded Outstanding Contribution to the industry in 2021, served as Women in PR President (2015-2018), and joined the PRCA Equity Inclusion and Advisory Board in 2024. She actively supports diversity initiatives and aims to leave the PR industry more diverse than she found it.

Mary, praised by Elizabeth Bananuka as the first white woman in PR to actively support BME PR Pros, has worked with the group since 2018, supporting initiatives like Blueprint and the Xec leadership programme, and participated in the 2023 Taylor Bennett Foundation Reverse Mentoring Programme. As former Women in PR President (2015-2018) and Cannes Lions Glass Lion juror, she was appointed to the PRCA Equity Inclusion and Advisory Board in 2024 and recently recorded a Spin Unspun podcast on DE&I.

“Stay relevant”

Elly has demonstrated strong new business success, leading teams to secure major retained clients and managing multiple M&A, activism, and crisis projects for high-profile organisations. With 20 years of experience, she creates tailored, strategic engagement plans that respond to each client’s specific needs, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

She is also a committed leader and mentor, offering both formal and informal support to early and mid-career colleagues. Drawing on her experience across three previous agencies, including navigating an acquisition and two closures. Elly brings valuable insight as her current organisation continues to evolve following its own recent acquisition.

In her first four years at Powerscourt (now Sodali & Co), Elly led events including women’s breakfasts featuring speakers such as Clare Connor and Sue Unerman to raise awareness of gender equality. She has consistently sponsored and supported internal diversity initiatives to demonstrate their importance within the organisation. Additionally, Elly worked closely with HR to review and implement a sector-leading maternity leave policy, which she later applied and refined while managing a team member’s maternity leave.

“Always nurture your reputation for doing something that is valuable in your workplace particularly well – work to make your authority visible and known. ||If you take control of this to the greatest extent possible, it will be the source of your power and security.||To do this you will need to highlight when you achieve something impressive and overcome any excess of modesty.”

Debbie is a respected PR agency founder, voted PRCA ‘Industry Leader of the Year’ in 2022. She founded With in 2010 with no clients, office, or team and grew it into one of the UK’s top specialist PR agencies, winning PRCA ‘Specialist Agency of the Year 2023’ for exceptional growth, profit, and client satisfaction. In 2023, Debbie led With’s sale on an employee ownership model, selling 100% to its employees and securing their financial legacy. She remains with the business to guide its next chapter. Passionate about women’s visibility, Debbie launched the With Women programme in 2022, training over 350 women leaders for free, including at Web Summit. She champions women’s leadership as a founding UK member of Chief, advises marketing services and B2B tech firms as an NED, and has invested £100,000 in women-founded businesses.

Only 30% of quoted media experts are women, so Debbie offers free media training to help change this. Each intensive two-hour session gives women tools to confidently handle media interviews, increasing their visibility. Women she has trained have appeared on the BBC, Times, and Bloomberg. Debbie and her team run a pro bono WhatsApp group to share ongoing media tips. Partnering with groups like Now You’re Talking and the Young Women’s Trust, she reaches women from ethnic minority and wider socio-economic backgrounds. Debbie also invests in women-founded B2B tech businesses, challenging stereotypes about female founders in the sector.

“I am surrounded every day by women who shatter misconceptions about what being an older woman in the workplace means. Our job, collectively, is to celebrate them, show them off, shout them out. These are women some of whom have negotiated with teenagers, some managed decades long relationships and most fought inequality in both personal and professional lives. They are warriors. One of the best things I see on LinkedIn and across event panels is women lifting other women up. But my one piece of advice would be to ask the male leaders in our worlds to do the same.”