Be the Leader
Insights from a Women’s Leadership Networking Event
Last week, I had the privilege of co-hosting Be the Leader, a dynamic women’s leadership networking and learning event in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, alongside Cecilia, Alex, and Anna. Bringing together 40+ professional women and women leaders created an energising environment full of connection, inspiration, and shared purpose.
Lisa Bean: Leading with Humor, Insight, and Kindness
Our keynote speaker, Lisa Bean, delivered an engaging and humorous talk, filled with practical insights and motivating truth bombs. Her style encouraged reflection and action, a reminder that effective women’s leadership combines strategy with doing.
One line from her talk continues to resonate with me:
“Be the person who does the thing.”
As someone who loves to think and plan, this was a nudge to take action. Leadership growth comes not just from ideas or systems, but from following through and executing them.
Straight Line Through: Aligning Purpose and Action
A key takeaway for me was the importance of identifying your straight line through, your guiding principles that shape your leadership journey. Systems, projects, and tools are essential, but when aligned with your purpose, they become powerful enablers rather than constraints. Prioritizing projects over task lists helps leaders focus on what truly matters.
Networking and Community: The Power of Connection
The event also highlighted the value of connecting with other women leaders and professional women. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes reinforced that leadership is both personal and communal. Networking is more than exchanging contacts, it’s about creating meaningful relationships that support growth and impact.
Reflections and Becoming
Be the Leader left me feeling inspired, energised, and motivated to continue my own journey of leadership and action. Systems, community, and purpose matter but ultimately, leadership is about showing up and doing the thing.
I am — becoming.
If you’re interested in future women’s leadership networking events, professional development, or connecting with a community of inspiring women leaders, stay tuned for upcoming opportunities.
