Online event
Exporting Without Borders: Real Stories and Strategies from Women Leading International Businesses
Wednesday 05 November at 1:00PM
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Join us for an inspirational and insightful panel discussion featuring four Female Export Champions as they share their journeys from startup beginnings to international business success.
What you’ll learn
- The importance of developing your Brand for International Markets
- Why understanding different cultures and building relationships is essential to international success
- The reality of being a female leader of an international business
Description
This webinar will delve into the realities of leading global enterprises, with each panellist offering unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities faced by women in international business.
Key topics will focus on the importance of cultural awareness in export success, honest conversations around work-life balance, and the lived experiences of being a woman in leadership. The discussion will highlight practical strategies for navigating different cultures, maintaining wellbeing, and building confidence as a female leader on the world stage.
Time permitting, the panel may also touch upon other relevant themes, such as branding for international markets and the evolving role of technology in business.
Attendees will gain first-hand advice and actionable insights, learning from real experiences to help empower their own global ambitions, whether just starting out or already leading in the field.
Speakers
Gbemi Shitta
CEO, Sweet Dough Things
Gbemi is a confectionery entrepreneur and a qualified lawyer with a master's degree in law from Cardiff University and a business leadership course from Kingston University.
Gbemi is the CEO of Sweet Dough Things, a company that manufactures and retails sweet treats and also caters for any event with its themed treat carts.
At Sweet Dough Things, Gbemi leads a team of passionate and creative "treat designers" who create delicious and ethical products that delight our customers and reduce our environmental impact.
Gbemi is responsible for overseeing the strategy, operations, marketing, and finance of the company, as well as developing partnerships and collaborations with other businesses and organizations.
Gbemi is an Export Champion for the Department for Business and Trade
Dr Grace Olugbodi
Founder, BeGenio Tech
Dr Grace Olugbodi is the creator of the multi-award-winning maths game, Race To Infinity, and author of 'Make Maths Fun'.
With a background in computing and financial markets, Grace has worked as an investment banker and software programmer.
Her mission is to help millions of children overcome maths anxiety through innovative, gamified learning.
She has received numerous accolades, including Export Champion awards and an honorary doctorate. Grace chairs educational boards and has spoken at major platforms such as BBC News and LSE.
Grace is an Export Champion for the Department of Business and Trade.
Helen Tonks MBE
Co-Founder, Hydraulicsonline.com
Helen is the visionary behind Hydraulics Online, transforming it from a kitchen table start-up into the UK fluid power industry's only Department for Business and Trade Export Champion, now serving customers in 130 countries.
With a background in blue-chip financial services and strategic change management, Helen is passionate about collaboration, mentoring, and supporting SMEs and start-ups.
She actively engages in education and business outreach, earning recognition on the Northern Power Women Power List and being shortlisted for Mentor of the Year.
In June 2024, Helen was awarded an MBE for services to business and exports.
Helen is an Export Champion for the Department of Business and Trade
Elizabeth Vega OBE
Group CEO, Informed Solutions
Elizabeth Vega OBE is an accomplished Main Board Director, Non-Exec Director, and digital transformation expert with over 25 years’ executive leadership experience.
She founded Informed Solutions in the UK, growing it into a multi-award-winning market leader with clients in over 50 countries.
Elizabeth is a trusted advisor to government and private sector clients, serving on the UK's Cabinet Office SME Advisory Panel and contributing to national export strategy.
She champions sustainable business, diversity in tech, and SME growth, advocating for women in STEM and improved digital skills to drive productivity and economic growth in the UK and Australia.
Elizabeth is an Export Champion for the Department for Business and Trade.