International Women’s Day #EmbraceEquity – Women in Leadership

Equity means creating a fair and equal world and we all, no matter the gender, sexuality or age, have a part to play in this. This webinar, a joint session between APM WiPM SIG and Scotland Branch, explores the impact of diversity and inclusion on team performance.

Skills shortages and recruitment are one of the biggest issues faced by the UK, and to successfully manage and deliver projects we need access to critical talent. It’s important that organisations recognise the vital role that diversity and inclusion has to play in addressing these gaps.

Research spanning over a decade makes it increasingly clear that companies, with a more diverse workforce and pay close attention to inclusion to create a long-lasting inclusive culture, perform better.

The session includes an introduction to diversity and inclusion on team performance and a panel discussion on the role of leadership in creating diverse and inclusive teams. 

Speakers:

Susanne Madsen: Guest Speaker

Susanne is an internationally recognised leadership coach and mentor for project and change managers. She has partnered and founded the Project Leadership Institute, which runs leadership programmes to help project managers become better leaders in the workplace. Susanne is also an award-winning author of The Power of Project Leadership, which is now in its second edition, and has been described as "a must-read for everyone in the project world".

Adam Quin: Facilitator

Adam is an experienced project manager and portfolio manager with experience in assessing complex projects and programmes in Government today. A Fellow of APM and active member of Scotland Branch. A trained coach who is capable of inspiring and developing individuals to form positive, high performing teams; creating the right environment and structure to achieve the desired outcomes. Highly experienced in breaking projects down into bite size pieces and delivering successfully with the right balance of investigation, remediation and leadership. He helped create a culture to champion EDI in his workplace by developing Equality training for the organisation.

Nicola Thomson: Panel Member

Nicola is an experienced project and programme manager with experience in developing and delivering multi-disciplinary rail programmes / projects. She was one of the first to become APM Chartered Project Professional and is an active member of Scotland Branch, organising branch competitions. A trained mentor who helps to direct and inspire individuals to deliver high performance and high performing teams. She is highly experienced in delivering multi-disciplinary enhancement rail projects through various stages of the project lifecycle, from inception to completion. Recent projects include new Inverness Airport Station, Barnhill track/signalling remodelling, Rutherglen to Coatbridge Electrification and Edinburgh Waverley station enhancements. She is a STEM ambassador and has delivered presentations to local schools, with recently participation in schools competitions. She is currently on secondment within Transport Scotland, leading sponsorship on a number of rail projects in Scotland.

Brenda Jones: Panel Member

Brenda has extensive experience in managing construction projects, from renovation of listed buildings to major port infrastructure. She has worked in the public and private sectors and in large and small companies and has held leadership roles in a range of organisations.  Brenda has supported numerous women into project management roles and supported their career development. Brenda is a member of the Women in Property’ National Advisory Board and oversees their mentoring programme.  She has been a mentor to women at various stages of their career.

Irene Maposa:  Panel Member

Senior IT Project Manager, APM Graduate Ambassador, APM ex Secretary, APM Committee Member and Associate Lecturer. Irene joined APM as Associate member in 2020, she has taken several volunteer and outreach supporting roles within APM including APM Graduate Ambassador, APM WiPM Committee Member. Of recent, Irene took the role of APM WiPM Secretary 2021/2022, through WiPM Irene focused on implementing positive tangible change by raising awareness, celebrating diversity, creating opportunities and supporting networks within project management profession. Irene is also visiting an associate lecturer at University of East London.

Prior to joining APM, Irene held several project management roles in different industries including railway, events, healthcare, research, education and innovation. Recently Irene has supported COVID-19 programmes and projects notably within NHS sector. Irene was nominated and enrolled on RSSB Top 12 Emerging Leaders programme for future leaders. She was a diversity and inclusion champion and has participated in reverse mentoring programmes.

Irene is deeply passionate about enhancing and developing opportunities for women in the project management profession and continues to support the WiPM community.

Karen Whelan: Panel Member

Karen studied Aeronautical Engineering at Bristol University and later joined BAE Systems, working in Advanced Technology and Aerodynamics. After a couple of years, she moved into Project Management and has worked on Typhoon development and support. She is now Programme Manager for the United States Marines Corps Harrier AV-8B fleet which will go out of service in 2028.

Karen holds a private pilots licence and flies with the BAE systems flying club from Blackpool Airport. She is also a Non-Executive Director of Blackpool Airport and on the Board of Trustees of the APM

Previous presentations and webinars can be viewed on the APM Slideshare and YouTube channels.

This event is suitable for beginner project professionals.

Follow @APMEvents for upcoming event information.

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