A coaching and mentoring expert who is dedicated to using this knowledge to bring about tangible change for women in sport and business. Ex-global Head of Coaching at HSBC and Managing Partner at GP Strategies. First woman to cycle the entire route of the Tour de France (2012). 30% Club steering committee member and co-chair of the Club’s sport and business working group.
Liz’s cycling achievement highlighted long-standing inequality in the sport she loves – and ignited her desire to use her corporate experience to bring about a level playing field for women in sport and business. In May 2014 Liz founded Women Ahead. She also sits on the Steering Committee of the 30% Club and is co-chair of their Sport and Business working group.
Women Ahead, moves organisations beyond the debate and focuses on practical action to improve the parity of women in sport and business. Over the last two years Liz has been fundamental in creating innovative partnerships between and within the worlds of sport and business. Liz has led the three initiatives of particular note: the delivery of the 30% Club’s cross-company mentoring scheme (supporting 640 mentors and mentees from 49 organisations in 2016); Women Ahead’ flagship cross-company mentoring scheme; and a pioneering Speakers Academy for female athletes.
Women Ahead has worked with 102 organisations and supported more than 2,300 mentors and mentees, working in partnership to create positive change and build the pipeline of female talent. Liz has managed to effectively bring together sport and business in a unique way, at scale, with sustainable models for the future. Liz is currently leading a research programme into the myths and realties of women’s networks.