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In the fabulous setting of the Hilton London Metropole at the start of this week, delegates from the second cohort of WiHTL & Diversity in Retail’s Women Non-Executive Director Programme came together for a final in-person graduation ceremony. After the hugely successful first cohort in 2023 after which 25% of graduates have already been promoted and/or gained a NED or a Trustee role, this second group of 30 senior women leaders from 23 member organisations were nominated to take part in this unique leadership development programme. The aim of the programme is to equip delegates with the confidence, knowledge and network required to be successful as a first-time NED.
Introducing our sponsors: Flutter
Flutter CFO Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson, whose team has supported the programme throughout the past six months, opened the graduation ceremony highlighting how someone with passion can absolutely make positive change, and how a NED role can mean challenging current wisdom and changing the paradigm, while also giving a broader perspective to an exec role.
“The best investment we ever make is in ourselves.”
Carolan Lennon, Independent NED at Flutter talked the audience through her career and how she moved towards a NED role while progressing in her exec role and managing her family. She stressed the importance of finding time for learning through initiatives such as WiHTL & DiR’s Women NED Programme and that while progress comes from ensuring a good fit in terms of role and sector, it is also important to acknowledge and accept that it can take time to fully know the business.
“Some people say: ‘don’t take the smaller NED roles’ – but I disagree. Think about a smaller role first and focus on visibility and networking.”
Peer Accountability Groups (PAGs): Programme review
With profound honesty interspersed with amusing anecdotes of their time together, graduates from each of the Peer Accountability Groups (PAGs) shared their learning, reflections and new focus since beginning the programme. These groups met regularly throughout the duration of the programme to share experience and for mutual support. Despite the breadth of roles across the HTL and retail sectors – and in markets in the UK, Ireland, China and Italy – there were a number of common observations:
Finding the right sector and the right Board for a good cultural fit: “What are your interests? What is going to make you look through documents on the weekend?”
Understanding the big differences between exec roles and non-exec roles: “Be the lifeguard. Drive from the back seat.”
Networking, networking, networking: “There’s no such thing as a casual cup of tea (with a Chair).”
Preparation is key when considering plural careers: “We need to define our superpowers, think about what it is that we're going to add as a non-exec.”
Commitment: “A big takeaway is the reminder that you're signing up for the long haul. You really need to have a passion and a sense of excitement about the organisation that you're joining if you're going to go down the route of joining their board of directors.”
The benefit of taking the WNED Programme: “The tips and tricks are not something you learn in a text book.”
WiHTL & DiR Found & Chair: Tea Colaianni
After each PAG spent time engaging with executive search firms invited specifically to contribute advice on how to prepare for a NED role from a recruitment perspective, Tea Colaianni, Founder/Chair of WiHTL & DiR brought the afternoon to a close reiterating the invaluable contribution senior women make to business. She explained how research has shown the presence of women on Boards reduces the obstructive nature of “pluralistic ignorance”, where individuals underestimate the same strength of concern in others, but that women are facilitators of open conversation and the courage to address these concerns which improves corporate governance and better overall decision-making. Tea reminded delegates to believe in themselves, in their skills and capabilities, to find their voice and not be afraid to use it.
“Whenever you start doubting yourself, whenever you feel afraid – just remember. Courage is at the route of change and change is what we are chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. Do not allow yourself to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future.” - Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Graduate testimonials:
“This course has been very inspirational and opened my eyes to a wider network, a different career perspective and encouraged me to think again about my development for the future. The best development I have had in the last 10 years.”
Amanda Cox, Chief People Officer & Executive Stores Director, Dunelm
“An incredibly valuable course for anyone considering a NED role or future NED portfolio career. Fantastic and insightful speakers, experienced and knowledgeable subject matter experts, all delivered in a great format that fit into a busy exec job schedule. Can't recommend it highly enough!”
Kate Macnamara, Corporate Affairs Director, Western Europe, Molson Coors
“I have attended a large number of programmes during my leadership career and I can honestly say that this has been one of the best. Great content and brilliant experts sharing real experiences with honesty. I've also built some great friends who I will stay in touch with. I feel well equipped to transition into a NED role. Thank you!”
Sam Dickson, Vice President Commercial Strategy, Own Brand and Operations, ASDA
Women NED Programme overview
Reaching Executive level may be the pinnacle of professional ambition for some women, but for those who are hoping to expand their knowledge further, to find the next challenge or to put their experience to use in a different environment or sector, taking steps towards a Non-Executive role could provide exciting opportunities for the future. The WNED Programme is a key stepping stone as part of this transition.
Our unique programme is specifically designed to prepare women senior leaders for non-executive director (NED) roles within the hospitality, travel, leisure and retail sectors and support them in understanding the skills required. This programme is endorsed by the Good Governance Academy who provide recognition of life-long learning and continued professional development.
Special thanks
With special thanks to Flutter for sponsoring this latest cohort and their ongoing support throughout the programme, and to Hilton for hosting such a fantastic event.
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