interprise:2012 for GEW at Houses of Parliament

A series of events was held on the first day of Global Entrepreneurship Week. This annual event was the sixth involving successful and emerging entrepreneurs, school students and Parliamentarians; we were also joined by the eight finalists in the Shell LiveWIRE awards.

We are proud and delighted to announce that interprise:2012 gained a ‘High Impact’ Award from the organisers of GEW for the second year running! 

 

Pamela Chambers O’Rourke at the House of Lords

As part of the Pink Shoe activities to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, we were honoured to hold a Têtes à Têtes conversation with the inspirational Pamela, founder of ICON Information Consultants LP and an extraordinary business woman.

The Earl of Erroll was an excellent host as enjoyed a tradtional Champagne afternoon tea in the Peers' Dining Room of the House of Lords. 

Pamela founded ICON in 1998, to fulfil her vision of what a consulting company should be. It now has over 1,500 employees in 48 states and revenues in excess of $165m (2011) with forecast revenues for 2012 of $185m+

Renowned for ICON’s customer service, Pamela also works extensively in the community and is the recipient of numerous business awards, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and US Women in Business Champion of the Year.  

This was an amazing opportunity to learn some of the business secrets of Pamela’s success. Pamela praised her team and talked about the importance of personal determination and persistence. Its clear that Pamela’s absolute focus on looking after clients is a vital component in her success. We are sure her wonderful Southern charm is a big help too!

Pink Shoe Club at French Parliament for WIL event

Helene Martin Gee and Jill Pay represented Pink Shoe Club in Paris for the biannual event of European Network for Women in Leadership (WIL); along with representatives from the US Global Women’s Innovation Network (GlobalWIN).

Hosted by Claude Bartolone, President of the French National Assembly, more than 100 high level women from across Europe and the US, debated Internet Security and transparency.

The venue was the Hôtel de Lassay, stunning residence of the President. Following a Champagne reception with some exceptional canapés we were seated in the glorious grand Salon for lunch and the debate.

After a warm welcome from Claude Bartolone, we heard from Maureen Ohlhausen, US Federal Trade Commissioner. We then listened to excellent presentations from senior women involved in Internet businesses across the world. Table companions included the FD of Orange, senior Politicians and directors from Microsoft and Nokia.

The most inspiring part of the event were presentations from two participants in the Future Talent programme. After the formalities we met with many delegates to exchange ideas for women in top level roles. We also discussed future collaborations and reciprocal visits amongst our networks.

There was then time for a glass or two of Champagne in the glorious Paris sunshine before heading back to Gard du Nord and home.

With thanks to WIL President Thaima Samman and her team for organising such a brilliant day and giving us such a wonderful welcome.