New Year - New Name!

For the first #OnAir of 2021, Jill Pay reviewed the many highlights of 2020. Despite the restrictions of the current circumstances, Pink Shoe rose to the challenge and delivered a wide range of interactive sessions on a diverse variety of topics.

Before lockdown, in January thanks to Warwick Business School and the Enterprise Research Centre, we held our main event of the year. #FQ6, the latest FQ international forum at the Shard focused on Women in Business. With an exciting array of international speakers and delegates to discuss ideas and share opportunities for female founders and business leaders.

In February the BoardAble programme began, which was subsequently able to continue online. Ambassadors and Senators also attended events, including at the House of Lords, at Coutts, and again at the Shard.

However, with the arrival of the Covid, the network adapted. As a result, there have been many successful online discussions. These ‘OnAir’ sessions included talks from member authors, well being, mindfulness, financial management, and leadership, as well as art and fashion. For VEDay we shared family WW2 stories

There was the  very successful launch of the Savvitas NatWest Economic Blueprint White Paper (EB White Paper), which has been circulated to government along with private and third sector organisations. This was possible thanks to NatWest sponsorship. The White Paper and its Executive Summary are available online: https://www.savvitas.com/economic-blueprint

After an update on MP Heroes which will now take place later in 2021, Susan Greenwood, our new Deputy Chairman of the Savvitas Senate, discussed the different membership options as we move into the new brand.

Helene Martin Gee talked about the inaugural World Business Women Day, opened by former Prime Minister Theresa May and Alison Rose, CEO of NatWest Group. A highly successful event with businesswomen from over 25 countries around the world attending. To build on this achievement the WBW Caucus was created which will meet on the second Tuesday of every second month, beginning in February.

Helene then outlined the exciting rebrand and reasons behind the new, global identity of Savvitas: 'Savvy Women Leaders with Gravitas' adding that some events such as the Soirees will remain under the Pink Shoe banner; while Savvitas will manage the many different programmes and activities for women leaders of all ages, abilities, cultures, sectors and backgrounds. 

It was also announced that Savvitas will appoint a number of Special Envoys, an honour for those who have contributed to the work of Pink Shoe, now Savvitas, over a number of years.

Report by Ivrina Nivarosa, Savvitas International Intern Programme.