Kirsty Wigley-Smith | Logicmonitor
My recruitment career began over 15 years ago working within niche industries in agency.
After testing various roles spanning across employment and recruiting I found my sweet spot, working in-house within a hyper growth Software Vendor as the first EMEA Recruiter on the ground.
During this role I was responsible for GTM recruiting & recruitment programs across the board, helped the company to scale from 3 to 16 Countries, 40- circa 300 people and was part of an incredible growth story that took us from scrappy start up with $100m valuation to a $3.7bn acquisition with a 17.3x enterprise value/trailing twelve month revenue multiple. After 4.5 years in this company I transitioned to Logicmonitor and have been with the organisation for just over 2 years now.
My mission when joining was to be able to streamline our hiring process, formalise our hiring criteria and to train and enable Stakeholders with interviewing techniques as well as empower them to make smart hiring decisions. All of this would allow us to grow EMEA into a successful region.
I've worked in Leadership roles now for over 4 years and take huge satisfaction from watching my team grow and achieve, I am passionate about hiring the absolute best people possible for my team, as well as the company overall and I strive to ensure we are competitive in the market by advocating for what we need in EMEA to be successful. Examples of this would be streamlining our hiring process to push to remove barriers to hire in the form of multiple cognitive tests, as well as petitioning for increases in packages - salaries and benefits to ensure we can attract and retain the best talent possible. This has been done by building valid business cases based on market data, as well as building trust amongst global stakeholders.
The pandemic was an extremely difficult time for us all and unfortunately I personally suffered the death of my Son after he was born prematurely in 2021. After some time out on maternity leave I came back to Logicmonitor on a phased return to work and set my personal goal to hire additional team members for Talent Acquisition, which would allow us to deliver effectively on our 2022 hiring plans, as well as additional project work in my plan. I've successfully grown our team to 4 in-house Recruiters and we closed out FY21 Q4 with the largest number of hires ever achieved in EMEA. We have already beaten this hiring number in FY22 Q1 which I am extremely proud of. I will be going on maternity leave again in July this year and know I will be leaving my team set up for success, as well as leaving the EMEA business in a great position ready to hire for the 2nd half of the year.
Laura Mahoney | Browne Jacobson LLP
After graduating, like many people, I was thrown into the world of work after being under the comfort blanket of education and was quite clueless about what I wanted to do.
All I knew was that I was passionate about people and after working in several different roles and doing lots of travelling, decided to enrol myself onto the CIPD and pursue a career in HR. My first HR position was working for a law firm and nearly a decade later, I am still working within this industry. The very nature of being an HR Advisor is that you work closely with ambitious individuals who experience a diverse range of situations that directly impacts their ability to be their best. Being a part-time working mother (of two young sons), I can specifically identify with the challenges women face when trying to climb the career ladder and so my passion to drive the agenda on equality and women's health & wellbeing began!
Over the last 12 months, I have had the amazing opportunity to also become more involved in D&I matters (with our wonderful D&I team), specifically in leading projects that I hope can make a real difference in spreading awareness of the challenges women may face while at work, breaking down stigma and helping shape a culture of inclusivity at the firm. I am very proud of the work we delivered on menopause awareness and domestic abuse and hope to continue to create a community at work where we are able to support one another to reach our collective potential. I also look forward to continuing to educate my colleagues within HR and the firm of the fantastic opportunities they have to help drive the D&I agenda; HR have the privilege of being able to try and do this with nearly every conversation we have whether it be on pay, talent planning, health and wellbeing, performance - the list is endless in ways we can help create a more inclusive culture for everyone.
Chanise Evans | BBC
Growing up in Telford in the Midlands, I didn’t set out to be a journalist.
I did know I wanted to be a leader and create change for those from underrepresented communities like myself. I applied to the BBC Digital Journalism Apprenticeship and was successful. It combined my two favorite things, telling stories and technology.
Graduating the BBC Digital Journalism Apprenticeship I achieved a DISTINCTION and the highest overall grade in my End Point Assessment which is now used as the standard to mark against.
Since starting at BBC Radio Coventry where I trained in Radio, TV, Online and Digital, I have worked at BBC News Online Birmingham. Ensuring underrepresented audiences are given a platform to tell their stories is extremely important to me. While at BBC News Online Birmingham, every single story I pitched, filmed, and edited featured on the front page of The BBC News website. I brought local diverse communities, with authentic voices to a global audience.
I then moved to London for my current role at BBC Young Reporter. I currently support under 18’s telling the stories that really matter to them. Helping to develop their ideas for broadcast in a way that speaks authentically to young people. The main part of my role is to produce, film and edit digital content for various BBC platforms. In recognition of my abilities, I have been headhunted by various parts of the BBC to present panels, workshops and events. I was also asked to be a part of a Creative Diversity Experience, as a copywriter.
Outside of my role as a digital journalist, I have recently developed my on screen abilities, hosting live online broadcasts such as The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, and a follow up event Graduate Careers Live. My interest in sport has also led me to become involved with sports presenting; I host Netball matches for both the England National Team and Team Bath Netball.
Louise Farrow | British Army
In the past year I have had the privilege of taking part in events which have helped numerous Cancer charities in and around the UK and those surrounding mental health.
I was also blessed with the opportunity to communicate with a great orphanage in Nepal who specialise in care of young women, where myself and my team will be visiting within the next year.
In service I have deployed to various locations where I have had the great honour of working with numerous different nations around the world. Our work has not only allowed us to form strong bonds, but also to assist in the effort to bettering their conditions.
Whilst in Iraq I was afforded the fortune to assist and aid with the NATO Building Integrity team, where we worked hard to implement anti-corruption methods within the Iraqi Ministry of Defence whilst also working alongside the Iraqi Government. The work that the NATO mission conducted over in Iraq is nothing short of fantastic, and there are real life changes taking place to better the lives of millions. Corruption within governments is something many countries sadly have the burden of suffering from, but with the efforts of many, burdens can and will be lifted throughout the world to make the world a better place for all. The work in Iraq allowed us to create a path which could lead to a more unified country and build an environment where corruption no longer exists, allowing better working environments.
I take great pride in offering my assistance and aid to whomever may require it and I believe in empowerment of everyone, no matter their gender, beliefs or culture which is something we can all champion.
I truly believe that the only way we can empower our people is by providing a suitable work/life environment to allow them to feel empowered. This falls to selfless leadership and a large amount of coaching and mentoring.
Trudianne Bedward | BBC
Trudianne was born in a deprived area of Birmingham, unfortunately known for its gang violence and unemployment rates being one of the highest in the country.
She didn’t particularly enjoy school but, eventually found her passion in dance and decided to study performing arts. Trudianne later joined a dance agency performing around the world and set up her own dance classes for children. However, as she experience weight issues and depression her passion for dance was lost and she spent the next 6 years working as a barista. It was after the loss of a pregnancy that she decided she needed to get back on track with finding her passion again.
She landed a role with ITV in London and over the years Trudianne has worked on productions such as British Soap Awards, The Chase, and even looked after David Cameron for the Euro Referendum. She’s worked at Channel 4 on various projects and BBC Studios working with the team that delivers campaigns for the likes of Doctor Who and Top Gear but found her niche in events whilst working on the BBC Studios Showcase trade event and the Country File live event. She is paving her own way by creating her own opportunities, including presenting to the BBC in their New York Office and in her current role, as an event producer, pitches ideas and produces event to help attract diverse talent to join the team. She is loving every minute and found her love for dancing again in her spare time. Trudianne volunteers with Butterfly books, creating book launch events in collaboration with organisations such as the NHS , British Army and London Fire Brigade.
Trudianne is proud of where she has come from and is a wonderful role model for young girls in Birmingham and countrywide. No matter what your background, if you work hard enough and focus, you can achieve your goals.
Egbe Manton | Manton Legal Consultancy
I'm on a mission to disrupt the legal space and bring it into the 21st-century. I'm a lawyer at a global energy company and the founder of Manton Legal, a legal consultancy that offers simplified, affordable legal guidance to entrepreneurs and SMEs.
Working with freelancers, founders and executives in my consultancy, I empower women to pursue their passions and prepare their commercial offering for investment. I prepare and coach them for pitching their business for investment.
As a lawyer, I have worked across the UK, Europe and India with entrepreneurs, SMEs and FTSE 100 companies. Now, through Manton Legal I'm able to align my skills, values and passion into transforming and shaping the new generation of female startups.
I'm an educator, a regular in the media and a sought-after, dynamic speaker who creates positive impact by challenging convention, encouraging inclusion and championing social change in the investment sector. Clients and partnerships include: Natwest, Dell, Enterprise Nation, Found & Flourish, and We are Radikl amongst others.
Iona Gallagher | Covent Garden Family Law
I currently work as a paralegal at Covent Garden Family Law (CGFL). I am passionate about family law and I am in the process of applying for pupillage to work as a barrister.
I graduated from my law degree in 2015 and completed my LLM in 2018. I was awarded a major Exhibition Scholarship from Inner Temple and in 2019 I was Called to the Bar of England and Wales.
Prior to starting at CGFL, I worked at the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF). SEFF is a charity based in Northern Ireland that supports victims of The Troubles. I worked directly with victims based in England and Wales. In 2020, I presented to the Northern Ireland Select Committee on victims’ issues.
I am passionate about improving social mobility in law. In 2021, I set up a professional mentoring scheme with my old university to match aspiring solicitors and barristers with alumni who are practising lawyers. I am a volunteer at the Free Representation Unit and a mentor with The Girls’ Network. I want to make the law more accessible and diverse.
Kelly Knight | Reed Smith
I am a Senior Associate in the Financial Industries Group at law firm Reed Smith.
I advise a range of market participants including issuers, trustees, agents, account banks, and investors on structured finance matters. My recent experience includes the debt restructuring of a major Dutch corporate, advising investors in relation to sales of NPL portfolios, advising Issuers in relation to cross-border receivables financings, and assisting with the development of an innovative financing solution for the continued production of a key component in a malaria vaccine.
I am what is commonly referred to as a ‘returner’. Following a ten year career break, I spent a number of years working in-house in financial institutions as senior counsel before joining Reed Smith as a temporary knowledge management lawyer via the Reignite Academy programme in 2020. In March 2021, I joined Reed Smith’s structured finance team as a senior associate. I decided to move into private practice transactional work because I enjoy working closely with a variety of clients in a fast-paced and intellectually demanding environment. Reed Smith’s structured finance team is relatively small in size but has a broad, high quality practice which means I am able to grow my practice in directions that interest me.
As a ‘mature’ returner (I am probably old enough to be the mother of at least half of the team!), I am passionate about the development and well-being of junior talent at the firm, acting as informal mentor for a number of trainees and NQs. I also am a keen participant in Reed Smith’s many pro bono and diversity & inclusion initiatives, including co-Champion of the firm’s Lawyers Without Borders team, assisting with KIND cases to protect children with unresolved immigration status, an active member of the firm’s Racial Justice Working Group, and volunteer reading tutor for year 1 pupils in disadvantaged areas of London.
I originally studied History at the University of Toronto and University of Cambridge and did my law conversion at Northumbria University in Newcastle. I have two teenage children and live in North London.
Lynette Wieland | Browne Jacobson
Lynette is an Associate in the Health and Social Care Advisory and Inquests team specialising in Court of Protection work and inquests at Browne Jacobson.
Prior to joining Browne Jacobson, Lynette completed an access course in Legal Methods at Birkbeck, part of the University of London, and went on to complete her LLB at the University at York. She entered the profession as an awardee of the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme which provided sponsorship to complete her Legal Practice Course at the University of Law. She continues to support the Diversity Access Scheme as an alumna, volunteering to shortlist applications and as a panel judge for interviews.
Lynette joined the Inquests and Advisory team following 3 years’ experience as a paralegal handling clinical negligence matters for NHS Resolution and healthcare trusts. She completed her training contract at Browne Jacobson.
In her role in the Advisory and Inquests team, she regularly acts on behalf of NHS Trusts, CCGs and independent health and social care providers. She advises on obligations under the Care Act, Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act, including providing guidance as to best interests, deprivation of liberty and ordinary residence. Lynette has since been on a 10-month long internal secondment to a large NHS Trust, managing a large caseload of clinical negligence claims and inquests.
Aside from her role, Lynette is a passionate advocate for equality in the profession for people of all backgrounds. Lynette contributes to diversity and inclusion agenda as a member of Browne Jacobson’s Diversity and Inclusion group, ‘disability lead’ and founder of the Disabilities and Conditions network for employees at the firm. Additionally, she was appointed as a Social Mobility Ambassador for the Law Society and as a Champion for Neurodiversity in Law. Lynette was recognised as Champion of the Year at the Inspirational Women in Law Awards 2021 issued by Next 100 Years.
Having collaborated with a number of organisations aimed at promoting equality from a gender, disability and social mobility perspective, she has promoted greater inclusive practices for people in these communities. Lynette has also contributed via blogs, podcasts, news articles and articles she has written for the Law Society Gazette. She has also been a key speaker at a number of events discussing social mobility and disability.
Lynette was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia and Irlen syndrome whilst attending university. Lynette feels honoured to form part of an incredible community of solicitors who represent those with seen and unseen disabilities championing for greater visibility and diversity in the profession.
Molly Scanlon | The Wine Society
After completing my A-Levels, at 18 years old I undertook the role of Legal Administrator at Roche, the world's largest biotech company.
As an in-house Administrator I was able to take on a wide range of tasks from proofreading contracts and assigning training to more extensive work, namely acting as Data Protection Champion for the site and developing the first ever Roche Bursary Scheme.
After my year at Roche I began studying Law at the University of Kent, the first of many steps towards qualifying as a Solicitor. My extracurriculars were varied but most notably included rowing for the University's club, helping to run an on-campus foodbank for food-insecure students and providing pro-bono support to local domestic abuse survivors.
Upon graduating I started working as a Freelance Legal Consultant alongside my job in retail, offering Paralegal support upon request.
In October, I started working as Assistant Legal Counsel for the Wine Society, where I have continued to develop my skills and legal expertise.