INSIDE THE IOD WOMEN’S BUSINESS FORUM: POWER, PURPOSE AND PROGRESS
A cross-section of Britain’s most influential business leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers convened in central London last month for what is fast becoming one of the UK’s most significant platforms for female leadership and enterprise.
Hosted by the Institute of Directors (IoD) at The View in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the 2026 Women’s Business Forum drew hundreds of senior decision-makers and emerging leaders for a day of high-level discussion focused on leadership, innovation and growth in an evolving economic landscape.
Set against a backdrop of shifting workplace expectations and increasing scrutiny on diversity at the top, the event underscored a broader transformation underway in British business: the steady redefinition of leadership through authenticity, adaptability and lived experience.
Among the headline speakers was Mariella Frostrup, the veteran broadcaster and UK Government Menopause Ambassador, whose work has increasingly focused on workplace equity and the economic implications of women’s health. Frostrup has been instrumental in bringing menopause into the corporate conversation, advising both policymakers and employers on retention, productivity and inclusion.
She was joined by Stephanie Hilborne OBE, chief executive of Women in Sport, whose organisation has become a leading voice in addressing gender inequality across sport and physical activity. Under her leadership, the charity has expanded its influence into policy, research and corporate partnerships, highlighting the link between physical wellbeing and leadership performance.
The commercial perspective came from figures such as Rachel Jenkins, managing director of lingerie brand Curvy Kate, a business widely recognised for its body-positive marketing and direct-to-consumer growth strategy. Jenkins has played a key role in scaling the brand while challenging conventional retail narratives around representation and customer engagement.
Also speaking was Steph Douglas, founder and chief executive of dontbuyherflowers.com, an e-commerce platform that has carved out a niche in the gifting market by prioritising emotional intelligence and customer insight. Douglas, a former corporate professional turned entrepreneur, has built the business into a recognised brand by responding to underserved consumer needs, particularly around life events such as illness, bereavement and motherhood.
Together, the speaker line-up reflected the breadth of modern leadership—spanning media, retail, technology, health and social impact—while reinforcing the forum’s central theme: that leadership today is less about hierarchy and more about influence, resilience and purpose.
Roisin Sweeney, Director of Membership Services at the IoD, said: “The Women’s Business Forum was a celebration of the incredible impact women are making in business. We saw women from across a plethora of industries and organisations come together to learn, connect and be inspired by leaders who are redefining success on their own terms.”
Throughout the programme, panellists challenged traditional models of leadership that prioritise uniformity over individuality. Sessions such as “Breaking the Mould: Women Redefining Leadership” explored how storytelling, culture and innovation are reshaping organisational dynamics, while “Boardroom Bound” addressed the persistent barriers facing women seeking senior governance roles.
In a particularly timely discussion, “Beyond the Algorithm” examined the growing influence of women in technology and artificial intelligence—fields that remain male-dominated despite increasing participation. Speakers highlighted both the opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption, emphasising the importance of inclusive design and ethical leadership.
Entrepreneurship was another focal point, with sessions such as “From Pitch to Power” offering candid insights into scaling businesses in a challenging funding environment. Founders spoke openly about resilience, capital constraints and the realities of building sustainable enterprises in uncertain economic conditions.
Beyond strategy and performance, the forum also placed a notable emphasis on wellbeing—a theme gaining traction in boardrooms as organisations recognise the link between mental fitness and productivity. Interactive workshops on confidence, resilience and stress management reflected a growing consensus that leadership effectiveness is inseparable from personal sustainability.
The choice of Women in Sport as the forum’s partner charity further reinforced this holistic approach, highlighting the role of physical activity in building confidence, leadership capability and long-term career success.
Founded in 1903 and granted a Royal Charter in 1906, the IoD has long positioned itself at the centre of the UK’s business community, advocating for free enterprise and high standards of corporate governance. Events such as the Women’s Business Forum signal its evolving role in shaping not only economic policy but also the culture of leadership itself.
As delegates left the event—many armed with new connections, practical insights and a renewed sense of purpose—the message was clear: the future of British business leadership is being shaped not by conformity, but by diversity of thought, experience and perspective.
In an era defined by rapid change, the leaders best equipped to navigate complexity may well be those willing to challenge convention—and, in doing so, redefine what success looks like.
As if the event itself wasn’t enough, the goody bags were packed with high-quality items; demonstrating the level of sophistication the day brought with it.
