Manchester Launch Pop-Up Event - supported by Berg

Great John Street Hotel in Manchester was the perfect venue for our first big Pop-Up in the city. Sponsored by Berg and with lovely gifts from ESPA.

This truly eclectic hotel really pushed the boat out with our sumptuous tea in their rooftop rooms overlooking Granada TV studios.  Even the sun was shining!

First, Jill gave us a peep into her time as Serjeant at Arms in the House of Commons, and what a role that was. An historic appointment that Jill filled with professionalism and panache.

The conversation between Jill Pay and Maria McGeoghan  was totally absorbing, 

Maria shared stories of her early career in Liverpool leading up to appointment as the first female editor of Manchester Evening News. 

We soon learned that it was typically Maria that she didn’t realise this was a first until it was pointed out.

Maria’s success she places firmly down to teamwork and hardwork. She too came across as a true professional and ethics are at the heart of all she does, which was demonstrated when Maria gave evidence at the Leveson enquiry.

In her move from the work of newspapers to PR, Maria is clearly bringing her experience and ethics to her new career and enjoying life. Maria is a practical sort too, her favourite shoes are from Clarks ‘in recent years they’ve improved their styles’ but the wearability is vital to her.

And what of the future – perhaps a croft in Ireland and a book idea she’s got buzzing away. We can’t wait to read it!

After the conversation there was a great atmosphere in the room as we mingled over glasses of Champagne and swapped details of careers, new business ideas and life in general...

With huge thanks to Berg for their support, especially Alison Loveday,

 to Eclectic Hotels, to ESPA for the fabulous gifts. 

 to Maria McGeoghan & Jill Pay

 and to Beverley Reilly of Berg for all her hard work.

Entrepreneurs' Dinner Discussion at the Lanesborough

Book Launch & Reception

 A fascinating event at Ernst & Young More London, hosted by the fabulous Fleur Bothwick OBE, E&Y's EMEA Head of Inclusion. 

Author Meena Thurasingham is an organisational psychologist and shared with us some of her insights from her book ‘The Secret Life of Decisions’. 



Analysing why we as leaders often get it wrong when making a decision and demonstrating how often emotions shape the process, even when we’re convinced we’re being completely objective. 


Meena explained that the processes we use are ‘hardwired’ so that our subconscious bias can repeatedly thwart our judgement.