International Biannual with WIL and Global WIN

At the House of Commons Attlee Suite, the WIL Biannual event was opened by PSC Founder Helene Martin Gee and Thaima Samman founder of WIL; then we heard from Helen Milby of GlobalWIN, welcoming over 100 international businesswomen and men.

The keynote speeches were given by Mary Macleod MP and US Commissioner Julie Brill.

The conference topic was ‘How to determine a company’s true value’. Full outcomes from the high powered discussions are being circulated.

During this amazing day we heard from some fascinating speakers, including: Pierre-Yves Cros, Chief Development Officer Capgemini; Laurence Capron, INSEAD Strategy Professor; Brigitte Dumont, Chief Officer, Group CSR Orange;  Paulina Dejmek-Hack, Cabinet Commissioner at the European Commission.

After an energizing morning of panel debate, we moved to the House of Lords for lunch hosted by Baroness Jenkin. 

This gave us the opportunity to mix with other delegates, gaining insights from the influential businesswomen, thought leaders and high ranking politicians from across the EU and US. 


Then it was back to the House of Commons for the next panel debate and some roundtable discussion on SMEs, brilliantly chaired by multi award-winning entrepreneur Katherine Corich of Sysdoc. 

At 4pm the event was eloquently closed by PSC Senate Chairman Jill Pay, before delegates were given guided tours of the Palace of Westminster.

Women's Talent Pool & Skype Reception

Women in leadership (WIL) held its Biannual meeting at Westminster in partnership with Pink Shoe Club and Washington’s Global WIN. Over two packed days in London, we joined with international delegates from across the EU and USA.

On Thursday afternoon the conference began with a great session on the ‘Women’s Talent Pool’ in House of Lords Committee Room 1. After a warm welcome from Baroness Howells of St David’s, we heard from WTP creator Elena Bonfiglioli, Senior Director Health EMEA, Microsoft. 

The inspiring speakers included Julie Brill, US Federal Trade Commissioner and prominent Author Avivah Wittenberg Cox. Then the first WTP cohort, having completed their year on the programme, reported on their experiences and welcomed the second intake for the 2014 Talent Pool.

 

Thanks to Global WIN, an evening reception was then held at Skype’s London HQ. Delegates were joined by business leaders including many Pink Shoe members.











With a keynote speech from Joanna Shields, CEO of Tech City.

Tessa Sanderson Reception

Pink Shoe Club supported its Patron Tessa Sanderson White CBE at a lunch reception for her Foundation. Held by permission of the Lord Speaker at the River Room, House of Lords the event was hosted by Baroness Howells, the charity’s Patron. 

Guests included Diane Abbott MP and Tessa's husband Densign White, along with leading sports people and young athletes from the Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy.

WIP Global Forum in Brussels

Pink Shoe Founder Helene Martin Gee attended the Women in Parliaments (WIP) Global Forum Annual Summit at the European Parliament in Brussels.



The event is attended by women from Parliaments around the world, with over 100 nations represented.






The aim was to advance the participation of women in Parliament and to address global challenges by using the collective strength and ability of women Parliamentarians. 








After a packed day of debate in the main chamber there was a stunning Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony at the Royal Museum of Art & History, supported by EY. Following the welcome, there was a keynote speech from Vivian Reding, VP of the European Commission, then Awards were presented for winners in 'Political Empowerment' and 'Closing the Gender Gap'. 

Recipients included Portia Simpson-Miller. PM of Jamaica; Donatille Mukabalosa, Speaker from Rwanda; Loren Legarda, Phillipines Senator; Eyglo Haroardottir Minsiter, Iceland.

Shell LiveWIRE Awards

One of the highlights of Global Entrepreneurship Week are the Shell LiveWIRE Awards.

Eight finalists are chosen from the 48 winners of the monthly LiveWIRE ‘Grand Ideas’ awards. Our very own Helene Martin Gee was a judge this year and she and her fellow judges had a hard time choosing from such innovative young entrepreneurs. Finalists showcase their business at the awards ceremony and guests are able to meet the entrepreneurs and hear more about each journey to success.

The energetic and inspiring MC was Saira Khan, who delighted the audience with her own stories of starting her business- including trips to the post office in pajamas!

Helene gave the audience a glimpse into the process of judging, and the inspiration the judges took from each finalist - they are selecting an entrepreneur not judging the business. 

The 2013 Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year is Jerome Hagan, aged 24, founder of RevisionApp which has had over 1million downloads and launched just one year ago.

For the first time ever the judges requested a special Innovation Award, which Shell UK Chairman Ed Daniels presented to Arthur Kay, founder of bio-bean, which uses coffee grounds to create green bio-fuel.  

Clearly all the Finalists are winners and no doubt we'll be hearing a lot more from these awesome entrepreneurs!