I knew the night was going to be special when the room started filling with warm greetings, familiar faces, and hugs that said “it’s so good to see you.” That’s the magic of She Rocks Business – it’s more than an event; it’s a space where women at every stage of their careers come together to connect, share, and lift each other up. This time, we turned our focus to the next generation of female leaders – and the conversations that followed were real, raw, and seriously inspiring.
With a buzzing room of 60+ women and a panel packed with powerhouse voices, the theme this time was “Paving the Way for the Next Generation” – and what followed was a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation. About leadership, resilience, imposter syndrome, wellbeing, and everything in between.
The panel was phenomenal. Incredibly open and honest, sharing their experiences.
- Kavita Oberoi OBE, one of the UK’s most respected entrepreneurs and philanthropists.
- Mariam Smith, Owner and MD of Datalink Electronics.
- April Homer, Chief People Officer at Cooper Parry and wellbeing champion.
I hosted the event along with Suzanne Leggott, between us we came up with the She Rocks Business concept. We wanted to create spaces for conversations to unfold, flourish, and go deep.
The Biggest Barriers? Sometimes, It’s You
One theme that came through loud and clear: we’re often our own biggest barrier.
Whether it’s imposter syndrome, the fear of failure, or trying to be someone we’re not, all three speakers shared how much shifted when they stopped trying to fit in and started showing up as their authentic selves.
“I was told to change my hair, my voice, wear makeup, don’t wear makeup – and it was often other women saying it,” April shared. “But as soon as I stopped trying to fit in and just was me, everything changed.”
It was a theme echoed across the panel. That self-belief, setting boundaries, and doing what’s right for you – even when it’s hard – is what leads to long-term success and fulfilment.
Mentorship, Networks & Not Doing It Alone
Another consistent message. No one gets to the top alone.
Mentoring, coaching, building support networks – these were all highlighted as game-changers. Mariam spoke about how she moved through self-doubt by surrounding herself with people who knew more. Hiring well (and letting go of needing all the answers) became her biggest growth driver.
It’s about finding mentors. Opening doors for others. Building each other up rather than diluting yourself just to fit in.
And mentoring isn’t just for those starting out – it’s a two-way street. The panel discussed the importance of reverse mentoring, generational understanding, and passing the baton by lifting others up as you climb.
Purpose Over Pressure
The conversation naturally shifted to success and how it evolves over time.
Where once it was all about the next promotion or pay rise, the panellists all shared how their definitions have shifted. Success now looks like health, family, giving back, and creating space for others to thrive.
And what underpins it all is purpose.
“Knowing your ‘why’ keeps you grounded,” April said. “When things get tough – and they will – it’s your purpose that helps you stay true to yourself.”
The Generation Game
With the spotlight on the next generation, the panel explored how leadership needs to evolve. Are younger employees more demanding? Not necessarily – they’re just more open about what they want.
April put it best: “All generations want the same thing – flexibility, trust, work-life balance. The younger generation is just better at saying it out loud.”
The challenge and opportunity is for current leaders to listen, adapt, and avoid assumptions. That includes recognising that experience still matters. People in their 40s, 50s, and 60s often have just as much ambition and drive as the next cohort coming through.
Tough Talks, Real Leadership
From managing underperformance to handling setbacks, the panel didn’t shy away from the tough stuff.
Kavita spoke about recovering from betrayal and business disruption by focusing on “revenge through success.” Mariam shared how she softened her leadership style over time. And April reminded us all that when someone’s underperforming, there’s usually a reason – and that leading with empathy, then clarity, is key.
Ultimately, it was a masterclass in authentic leadership – showing up, owning your truth, and creating environments where others can do the same.
Final Thought: Believe in Yourself
As the panel wrapped up, the question was posed: What advice would you give your younger self?
The answers?
“Be authentically you – anything else is exhausting.”
“Take more risks.”
“Believe in yourself.”
And as one attendee said on LinkedIn, “I took away so much – not just for business, but for me as a person, and as a mother to teenage daughters.”
She Rocks Business – And So Do You
The evening ended as it started – with connection, community, and a whole lot of joy. Over incredible food, women from all sectors and backgrounds shared their own stories, swapped contact details, and kept the conversation going.
Because that’s the beauty of She Rocks Business. It’s not just an event. It’s a space to pause, reflect, and refuel. A reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress, passion, and people.
And most importantly it’s about knowing that you’re not doing this alone. Get in touch if you’d like to join the conversation.
