BNU hosts Women in Business Conference to mark IWD 26
Students, staff, alumni and industry leaders gathered at BNU's High Wycombe campus on Friday (6 March) to celebrate International Women’s Day at the 2026 Women in Business Conference.
Centred on the theme Give to Gain, the event brought together a diverse audience for discussions on leadership, inclusion and career development, highlighting the strength of BNU’s community and its industry connections.
The morning began with networking before a welcome from Dr Leah Fox, Dean of the College of Leadership and Innovation, who encouraged attendees to reflect on collaboration, challenging boundaries and the collective impact of women in business.
Guest speakers from across industry shared their experiences, including:
- Sakilé Graham (GE Healthcare) and Abi Frazdaq (PwC), both BNU alumnae, reflected on their early career experiences and the confidence required to succeed in competitive sectors.
- Sharon Blyfield OBE, Head of Early Careers at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, shared her passion for widening opportunities for young people and championing underrepresented talent.
- Josie Smith, former Chief Technology Officer at Marks & Spencer, provided insights from leading large-scale digital transformation while advocating for greater representation of women in technology.
- Sophie Campbell, Neurodiversity Diagnostic Clinical Lead, explored the experiences of neurodivergent women in the workplace and highlighted the importance of inclusive organisational practices.
The conference also featured a panel discussion and networking lunch, giving attendees the opportunity to continue conversations and build new professional connections.
Bringing together students, alumni, staff and industry partners, the event celebrated leadership, collaboration and the shared experiences driving positive change.
