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Lead with Her 2025: Watch. Reflect. Lead.
An International Women's Day Event
Unlock the Insights: Event Recordings Now Available
200 +
Companies
350 +
Registrants
30 +
Speakers
In a world of constant change, bold leadership is the key to unlocking innovation and opportunity for all. On March 12, 2025, Duke Corporate Education challenged the status quo at Lead with Her 2025 in London and explored how women and allies can redefine leadership, shaping a future where visionary leaders drive meaningful transformation.
Now in its 5th year, this flagship event brought together global leaders, industry experts, and trailblazers to engage in critical conversations about the evolving role of women in leadership and the power of collective action in shaping tomorrow’s workplaces.
From AI-driven innovation to multigenerational workforces, this year’s event focused on actionable strategies to build a forward-thinking future. Interactive workshops, keynote sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities empowered participants to lead with purpose, make bold decisions, and drive transformative impact in their organizations and beyond.
Be the voice of change. Lead with purpose. Shape the future.
Voices of the Future
Empowering voices for the next generation.
Welcome Catalyzing Leadership for a Bold Tomorrow
The future belongs to those who lead with vision, adaptability, and the courage to drive meaningful change. In a world where rapid transformation is the new constant, leadership requires not just reacting to change but actively shaping it. This opening address underscored the urgency of forward-thinking leadership, offering insights that inspired bold action and set the tone for the day of innovation, impact, and momentum.
Dr. Sharmla Chetty
CEO, Duke Corporate Education
CXO Panel
The Board Balancing Act How Can Leadership Steer Innovation and Impact?
This roundtable explored the balancing act that boards face today—between short-term pressures and long-term strategy, financial performance and stakeholder expectations, governance and agility, tradition and transformation. Our panelists shared their experiences in navigating governance, leadership, and decision-making at the highest levels.
MODERATOR
Tryphosa Ramano
Strategic Advisor
Anne Minto OBE
Chair, IWF UK
Kate Grussing
Managing Director, Sapphire Partners
James Beasley
AVP | Head of Board Advisory EMEA, NASDAQ
Swazi Tshabalala
Candidate for President of the African Development Bank
Keynote
Resilient Leadership for Global Impact
Fran Katsoudas delved into resilient leadership at the intersection of technology, communities, and innovation. She explored the key levers in driving resilience at the leadership and community level.
Fran Katsoudas
EVP and Chief People Policy and Purpose Officer, Cisco
Tech Panel
Trailblazers in Tech Transforming the Global Economy
This dynamic panel showcased how leaders in technology are driving innovation for a more sustainable global economy. Our panelists explored the transformative role of technology in addressing climate justice, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment. From AI-driven solutions to financial and digital accessibility, they shared insights on how technology can create a brighter future for all.
Jennifer Marriner
EVP Global Acceptance Solutions, Mastercard
Liz Centoni
EVP and Chief Customer Experience Officer, Cisco
Margarete McGrath
Global Advisory Partner Lead, Dell Technologies
Dr. Christina Yan Zhang
CEO, The Metaverse Institute
Vivien Boche
Head of Customer/Partner Advocacy and Product Co-Innovation
Virtual Speaker
The Future of Aging Healthy Longevity and Financial Security
As leaders reach the height of their careers, many also face the complex reality of supporting an aging generation. This session explored the intersection of longevity, brain health, and financial security—factors that shape both personal and professional decisions.
Diane Ty
Managing Director, The Milken Institute
CHRO Panel
Leading Forward Strategies for Resilient Workforce Futures
As the workforce continues to evolve, organizations must take intentional steps to create pathways for growth and opportunity. This panel explored actionable strategies to drive workforce resilience, from reskilling and internal talent mobility to policies that foster adaptability and long-term success. Leaders gained insights into building sustainable career trajectories and shaping a future where all talent can thrive and lead with confidence.
Monique Carter
People & Organisation Director, Anglo American
Belén Presas
HR Director for Strategic Projects, Radisson Hotel Group
Sue Whalley
Chief People and Performance Officer, Associated British Foods
Nicole Haris
Global HR Director, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, AstraZeneca
MODERATOR
Vishal Patel
President of Global Markets, Duke Corporate Education
The Power of a Unified IWF Voice Amplifying our Global Impact
This conversation explored how the International Women's Forum (IWF) is amplifying its global impact through wider geographical reach and enhanced fellowship initiatives. The mission of the IWF is to advance women's leadership by providing a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and thought leadership, empowering women to drive meaningful change in their industries and communities. Through its initiatives, IWF strengthens women's leadership worldwide, ensuring that future generations have the necessary tools for long-term success.
Julie Goldstein
Global Board Director, IWF
Global Keynote
Resist, Reflect, and Rev Up
Julia Gillard is the only woman to have served as Prime Minister of Australia, a position she held from 2010 to 2013. Julia was central to the successful management of Australia’s economy, the 12th biggest in the world, during the global financial crisis, and delivered nation-changing policies including reforming Australian education at every level and establishing the nation’s first ever national scheme to care for people with disabilities. In October 2012, Julia received worldwide attention for her speech in parliament on the treatment of women in professional and public life. In April 2018, Julia was appointed Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London.
Julia Gillard
Chair, Global Institute for Women's Leadership and 27th Prime Minster of Australia
Closing Reflections
Dr. Mary Frances Luce
Interim Dean and Robert A. Ingram Professor of Business Administration at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business
Vishal Patel
President of Global Markets, Duke Corporate Education