First and deputy First Ministers echo voices of leadership at annual Women in Business Conference

Women in Business today welcomed over 400 delegates from a broad range of sectors to hear from an esteemed line up of innovative and inspiring leaders at its Voices of Leadership Conference which focused on the theme of ‘People, Purpose, Planet’.

Hosted by Donna Traynor in Mandela Hall, keynote speakers included US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III, Olympic gold medallist Hannah Scott and First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly who explored the importance of leadership for a sustainable future, leading with vision, passion, and resilience and keeping gender on the agenda.

Delivered in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and in conjunction with the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils’ Global Innovation Summit (GIS), guests also heard from Danske Bank CEO Vicky Davies, NI’s first Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser Professor Helen McCarthy, and CEO of the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland Noyona Chundur.

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The conference, sponsored by NIE Networks and supported by Belfast City Council, provided delegates with the opportunity to delve deep into the principles of leading with purpose and brought insights into how this can ignite meaningful change for both people and the planet.

Speaking on the conference, Women in Business Managing Director Lorraine Acheson said: "Today’s impressive gathering of distinguished local, and international leadership figures, has provided us with a unique opportunity to explore the core values of purpose-driven leadership. 

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"The need for leaders who prioritise both, people and the planet, has never been more critical and we will continue to work collaboratively with our partners and other business organisations to empower today’s women leaders who can have a greater impact on our future.”

You can find more information about this year’s conference at: Voices of Leadership Conference 2024 | Women in Business NI

Read Sync NI's free online Big Data Belfast autumn magazine here.