Handbag Homage: #OnAir with Denise Barrett

 At our latest #OnAir we shared a passion for handbags thanks to the amazing Denise Barrett, who revealed much about bags, the history of handbags - from Da Vinci to Miuccia Prada - and their psychology.

Denise took us through a journey of fabulous bags and her own personal favourites from the V&A exhibition, which will hopefully reopen after lock down.

Then once we’d seen some of Denise’s exquisite bags, including the stunning butterfly bag below, we each shared stories of favourite bags, their special memories and the occasions on which we enjoyed them.

And of course, the books they’ve inspired – our own Cali Bird and ‘Tales of the Countess’ and leadership tips for women leaders from Lynne Copp, and her go-to book for every successful woman ‘Dancing around the Handbags’

Denise herself has enough material for what would be a beautiful coffee table book, so we’re aiming to seek out potential publishers for her!

For anyone who loves bags, we highly recommend www.handbaghomage.com

First Women Live: Dame Stephanie Shirley

A truly wonderful evening spent at First Women Live, hosted by ace photographer Anita Corbin who created the inspiring First Women series of images of women firsts to commemorate the centenary of women getting the vote.

Each of Anita’s photographs tells the story of an incredible woman, and this month we were in the company of Dame Stephanie Shirley, one of the most inspirational role models we will ever have the privilege and pleasure to meet.

After a marvellous introduction from Anita, Dame Steve kept us captivated as she shared her story, from arriving in Britain aged 5 as a Kindertransport refugee, through her earlier life, and going on to found an IT company which until the sex discrimination act recruited women. Highly successful in business, Dame Shirley is a tireless campaigner and philanthropist supporting autism research in memory of her late son Giles, himself autistic.

   

The evening went far too quickly, and we all had lots of questions to ask of this amazing role model. So we were delighted to discover we can get a copy of her new book, especially as all income will go to her Foundation: https://www.steveshirley.com/biography/

You can check out Anita's fabulous First Women images here: https://1stwomenuk.co.uk/

The live exhibition is on tour, and will reopen at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter once we're out of lockdown. See: https://1stwomenuk.co.uk/2019/01/15/the-first-women-tour/

Savvitas Special Envoys

We were super excited at this February #OnAir to Award the first ever Savvitas Special Envoys.

Appointed for a term of one year, these amazing women leaders have supported the work of Pink Shoe for many years and are now with Savvitas every step of the way. As we widen opportunity, grow our global reach, and continue to champion the lifelong development of women from all cultures, sectors and backgrounds.

Helene Martin Gee thanked each of the Special Envoys for their contributions and input to our work, and highlighted some of their significant achievements as role models and trail blazers, which has given every one of them an inspiring and successful career in their field. 

We'll be featuring the exciting work and experience of each of these wonderful women at future #OnAir events over the coming year. 

Many congratulations Antonella Ragona, Jacqueline Winstanley, Lynne Copp, Lynn Turner, Rev Lotwina Farodoye, Rebecca Hill, Val McKie, Vena Ramphal.

World Business Women: #WBWCaucus Technology

It was an energising #WBWCaucus with two events during the day to capture as many time zones as possible. At each of the online meetings, ideas were shared on how to make best use of technology from around the world, to build businesses and especially how women can better leverage technology.

Joined by women leaders from around the world, with delegate numbers limited to ensure full interactivity, we connected with global Female Founders and Business Leaders for the 1st #WBWCaucus, following the success of our inaugural World Business Women Day last October.

 President and Founder Helene Martin Gee said, "It’s a privilege to lead Savvitas World Business Women events, to share ideas and create connections across diverse nations, businesses and sectors"

 

World Business Women Lead Sue Lawton says 'We're creating connections, vital conversations, that support women leaders worldwide'

Thank you to all the women leaders who joined us, sometimes at very early or late hours of the day!

Huge thanks to our fabulous #WBWCaucus partners and supporters, and especially our outstanding Marketing duo @AntonellaRagona @MarketAccents and our excellent international interns, Project Manager Kei Okajima, and Ivrina Nivarosa.

Big thanks to Chairs @Debbie_RCL @AngeliqueM2010 And amazing #SpeedKeynote Speakers @elainegold @juliekapsalis @jillpay @KathySlackEM3 @sarahjmatthew @ShilpaKarkeraa @WASD_news @ishreenbradley @jschawapiwa @runamagnus @WhampaChick