LDC hosts all-female Brilliant Breakfast panel discussion

Klara Klarowicz, Investment Manager at LDC, hosted an inspirational all-female panel discussion as part of The Prince’s Trust ‘Brilliant Breakfast’ series. Here Klara explains why the event was a success and shares some of the insight the panel of speakers provided about the value of women in leadership positions. 

I had the opportunity in late November to welcome a mix of inspirational female leaders at our ‘Brilliant Breakfast with Brilliant Women’ event at the Covent Garden Hotel in London.  Alongside an experienced panel of speakers, we were joined by business leaders, CEOs, non-executive directors and LDC employees.

The panel of four speakers included Sharon Baylay, an experienced non-executive chair, sitting on boards including LDC’s portfolio company FSP; healthcare and pharmaceutical industry expert, Jan Steele; independent board advisor Julia Hayhoe; and Marion Stewart,  CEO at market leading cybersecurity firm Red Helix. 

Our session started with lively discussion around the considerable value and depth women can bring to a business board and senior leadership positions. My key takeaways included:

1. The evolution of leadership skills is an ongoing process – building skills, confidence and success is a career-long journey, so ask for help when needed and be open-minded to new ways of working. Being an authentic female leader is a powerful skill.
2. Support networks are invaluable – never underestimate the importance of women supporting women and maximising great networking opportunities. Helping and empowering other women to achieve their goals can be incredibly fulfilling – if someone is amazing at their job, tell them to enable their own confidence and belief.
3. Prioritisation is a superpower – given women’s proficiency at juggling demands and keeping focus on what’s important, prioritisation mixed with considerable tenacity and patience are standout qualities.
4. Don’t be intimidated by ‘imposter syndrome’ – feelings of self-doubt can be in anyone’s mind and make them doubt their capabilities. Have confidence in your skills and experience, leave insecurities at the door and focus on turning fear and nervousness into anticipation and excitement of what the next challenge may bring.
5. Embrace the imbalance of work and life – make peace with sometimes leaning too heavily into work; striving to achieve a seemingly perfect work-life balance is nigh-on impossible. It’s about achieving a healthy combination of what you love doing most in life and making the choices that are right for you.

From start to finish, there was an energy at the event, and it was fantastic to be in the company of so many inspirational women who have overcome challenges during their careers to become leaders and trailblazers in their respective fields, all in support of an outstanding cause.

The event was part of the nationwide ‘Brilliant Breakfast’ series, hosted each year by The Prince’s Trust. With a £5,000 donation from LDC, the campaign has raised nearly £400,000 to support young women who are facing adversity, helping them to change their lives for the better and setting them on a path to fulfilling employment. 

LDC extends our thanks to all the inspirational women that joined our breakfast event this year. You can find out more about how The Brilliant Breakfast series helps The Prince’s Trust to support disadvantaged young women here.