[{"_1":2,"_398":-5,"_399":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_28":29},"root",{"_5":6,"_22":23,"_24":25,"_26":27},"settings",{"_7":8,"_9":8,"_10":8,"_11":8,"_12":13,"_14":15,"_16":17,"_18":19,"_20":21},"google_login_enabled",true,"linkedin_login_enabled","microsoft_login_enabled","apple_login_enabled","primary_color","#efca07","secondary_color","#dbb704","logo","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/branding_logos/Venture-Cafe-Manchester-Logo_Horiz7_OneLine-large.png?X-Goog-Algorithm=GOOG4-RSA-SHA256&X-Goog-Credential=gatherus-storage%40itsp-160413.iam.gserviceaccount.com%2F20260606%2Fauto%2Fstorage%2Fgoog4_request&X-Goog-Date=20260606T004007Z&X-Goog-Expires=86400&X-Goog-SignedHeaders=host&X-Goog-Signature=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","community_graphic","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/branding_community/Manchester_community.jpg?X-Goog-Algorithm=GOOG4-RSA-SHA256&X-Goog-Credential=gatherus-storage%40itsp-160413.iam.gserviceaccount.com%2F20260606%2Fauto%2Fstorage%2Fgoog4_request&X-Goog-Date=20260606T004007Z&X-Goog-Expires=86400&X-Goog-SignedHeaders=host&X-Goog-Signature=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","tenant_name","Venture Café Manchester","locale","en","hasAuthCookie",false,"origin","https://community.venturecafemanchester.org","routes/sessions.$sessionId",{"_30":31,"_75":76,"_395":396,"_397":63},"session",{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":25,"_43":25,"_44":45,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":25},"id",121,"title","Collaboration Exercise: “What’s keeping you up at night”","description","

An open and collaborative founder discussion focused on the real challenges behind building a startup. Share what’s on your mind, gain fresh perspectives and exchange ideas with others navigating similar journeys.

","start_date","2026-06-04T17:00:00+01:00","end_date","2026-06-04T20:00:00+01:00","is_registration_required","is_registered","space",{"_32":46,"_47":48,"_49":50},5,"name","Cafe Space","floor_plan",{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},1,"label","Venture Cafe Floor Plan","floor_map_thumbnail","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/floor_plans/thumbnails/thumb_Simplified_Floor_Plan_wcmD2eE.jpg","floor_map","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/floor_plans/Simplified_Floor_Plan.jpg","event_id","9752620b-0108-4d9a-9f89-d367d10b11c7","event_name","Female Founders Takeover","image","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Website_Photos_5.webp","image_thumbnail","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Website_Photos_5.webp","speakers",[],"has_free_spots","timezone","Europe/London","stream_url","","booking_url","can_edit","event",{"_32":59,"_47":61,"_77":78,"_79":41,"_36":80,"_38":39,"_81":-5,"_40":41,"_82":83,"_304":305,"_360":361,"_49":-5,"_62":377,"_64":378,"_379":380,"_43":25,"_381":25,"_66":382,"_69":70},"effective_checkin_start_date","2026-06-03T17:00:00+01:00","effective_checkin_end_date","

📍 Venue: SISTER – Renold Building, 32a Altrincham Street, Manchester, M1 7JR

\r\n

Open to all, this Female Founders Takeover is a bold and inspiring evening bringing together founders, entrepreneurs, and allies, to connect, collaborate, and share their voices.

\r\n

Designed to unite and amplify the largest collective of female founder communities in the North, the event creates an open and inclusive space where women in business come together under one roof to connect, support, and grow.

\r\n

Alongside meaningful conversations and honest storytelling, the event will showcase female-led businesses, giving founders the opportunity to share their products and services with an engaged and supportive audience.

\r\n

The evening is about more than networking, it’s about visibility, collaboration, and creating real opportunities for women to be seen, heard, and supported in business.

\r\n

In partnership with and sponsored by Bruntwood SciTech

\r\n

Bruntwood SciTech is the UK’s leading developer of city-wide innovation ecosystems, specialising in environments and workspaces that empower science, tech and innovative companies to form, scale, and grow. Its network connects the UK’s most ambitious cities, regions and innovation communities through collaboration and a unique public, private, academic, clinical partner network.

\r\n

Community Partner: The Better Business Network

\r\n

Powered by Advanced Research + Invention Agency

\r\n

","check_in_source","sessions",[84,88,97,106,115,146,167,193,213,260,278],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":25,"_43":25,"_44":85,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":87,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},{"_32":46,"_47":48,"_49":86},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},[],{"_32":89,"_34":90,"_36":91,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":25,"_43":25,"_44":92,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":94,"_64":95,"_66":96,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},83,"Connect: Networking and Refreshments","

Step into a space where every conversation could spark something new. Enjoy music, refreshments, and a lively atmosphere designed to bring people together, whether you’re exchanging ideas, discovering collaborators, or simply sharing a laugh. This is the perfect moment to unwind, connect, and let serendipity guide your evening.

",{"_32":46,"_47":48,"_49":93},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Website_Photos_14.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Website_Photos_14.jpg",[],{"_32":98,"_34":99,"_36":100,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":25,"_43":25,"_44":101,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":103,"_64":104,"_66":105,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},122,"Founder’s Draw","

Enter our Founder’s Draw for the chance to win valuable founder support, including mentorship, services and startup resources. Entry is available through an optional charity donation, helping support a good cause while supporting your startup journey.

",{"_32":46,"_47":48,"_49":102},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Website_Photos_9.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Website_Photos_9.jpg",[],{"_32":107,"_34":108,"_36":109,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":25,"_43":25,"_44":110,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":112,"_64":113,"_66":114,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},143,"Innovator Showcase","

Join us before the main event to explore the Innovator Showcase, where you’ll have the chance to meet the talented startups. Be the first to experience the innovative technologies and forward-thinking ideas on display.

🏗️ AegisBuild structures the construction process through standardised job scoping, milestone-based contracts, secure escrow payments, and built-in dispute resolution. Funds are only released once agreed work is completed and verified, protecting homeowners while ensuring tradespeople are paid fairly and on time.

🤝 Clubbera is a community and events SAAS platform solving a problem affecting millions the inability to find, join, and sustain real-life communities without prohibitive fees or fragmented tools. At a time when loneliness is a global epidemic and social anxiety affects 1 in 10 people in the UK, the platforms meant to connect us are making things worse.

🏡 FuzzE™ helps people visualise and redesign their homes before they buy. Users can reimagine their space, restore existing furniture, and shop curated products and local craftsmanship in one seamless experience. Pre-launch and female-founded, FuzzE is building a smarter, more personalised way to design homes.

🌿 WildEdge Worx helps founders and leaders reconnect with clarity, courage and sustainable performance through nature-led leadership experiences, transformational coaching and immersive retreats.

",{"_32":46,"_47":48,"_49":111},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Website_Photos_3.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Website_Photos_3.webp",[],{"_32":116,"_34":117,"_36":118,"_38":119,"_40":120,"_42":25,"_43":25,"_44":121,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":125,"_64":126,"_66":127,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},142,"Workshop: The Stories Beneath the Systems: Identity, AI and the hidden narratives shaping the future","

AI is often discussed as a technological revolution. But beneath every system are human assumptions: about success, intelligence, productivity, value, leadership, creativity and what it means to live a “good” life.

\r\n

These assumptions don’t just shape culture. They shape what we build — and the futures those technologies reinforce.

\r\n

This workshop explores the hidden narratives, metaphors and identity patterns that sit beneath modern systems, and asks: What happens when unconscious worldviews become scalable through AI?

\r\n

Through reflective prompts and interactive exercises, participants will explore:

\r\n

the invisible assumptions shaping their thinking and decision-making
how language subtly encodes values and worldviews
the difference between functioning and flourishing
whether the identities and systems we reinforce are actually aligned with the futures we want to create

\r\n

This is not a technical workshop. It’s a reflective and psychologically informed exploration of the human layer shaping our future.

","2026-06-04T17:15:00+01:00","2026-06-04T18:00:00+01:00",{"_32":122,"_47":123,"_49":124},4,"Boardroom",{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Website_Photos.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Website_Photos.webp",[128],{"_32":129,"_130":131,"_132":133,"_134":135,"_136":137,"_138":139,"_140":141,"_142":143,"_144":145},111,"first_name","Annalise","last_name","Lewis","default_title","Identity Coach","linkedin_link","https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaliselewis/","profile_photo","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/profile_photos/venture-cafe-manchester/2026/05/26/580db67f4c334c918cc1fda3baf01a6b.webp","profile_photo_thumbnail","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/profile_photos/venture-cafe-manchester/thumbnails/2026/05/26/3f44154806364ac79a2d8fe9fae92327.jpg","default_bio","

Annalise Lewis, Manifesto, is an identity coach, writer and systemic thinker exploring the deeper patterns shaping how we live and work, individually and culturally. Through coaching, workshops and writing, she helps creatives, changemakers and purpose-led organisations understand the stories they are unconsciously living through how they think, lead and relate. Her work blends psychology, philosophy, archetypal insight and symbolic inquiry to support meaningful, regenerative change in the age of AI and accelerating cultural transformation.

","organization","Manifesto",{"_32":147,"_34":148,"_36":149,"_38":120,"_40":150,"_42":25,"_43":25,"_44":151,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":155,"_64":156,"_66":157,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},84,"Welcome Remarks","

Introduction from Venture Café.

","2026-06-04T18:05:00+01:00",{"_32":152,"_47":153,"_49":154},6,"Auditorium",{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Website_Photos_1.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Website_Photos_1.webp",[158],{"_32":159,"_130":160,"_132":161,"_134":162,"_136":163,"_138":164,"_140":165,"_142":166,"_144":21},102,"Hannah","Ballard","Interim Programme Manager","https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahballard/","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/8e023f63d5ed45e8ab7ee702db97540c.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/thumbnails/8e023f63d5ed45e8ab7ee702db97540c_thumb.webp","

Hannah tells stories with communities coming together to build a fairer, cleaner and greener future for all.

\r\n

Hannah leverages a decade of strategic communications in emerging technologies like AI and blockchain to accelerate and amplify just solutions to the climate crisis, responsibly. This has led to her being recognised as a Northern Gamechanger, and Entrepreneur of the Year at the MYTAs.

\r\n

She is passionate about making conversations around environment, ethics and emerging technology understandable to the people who will be most impacted by them. She has spoken about this on panels and podcasts at GA, McGill, MozFest, the ITU (UN agency), the World Circular Economy Forum, and more. She has lived on 3 continents and consulted for clients from over a dozen countries across North America, Europe and APAC.

",{"_32":168,"_34":169,"_36":72,"_38":150,"_40":170,"_42":25,"_43":25,"_44":171,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":173,"_64":174,"_66":175,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},123,"Introduction: Bruntwood SciTech","2026-06-04T18:10:00+01:00",{"_32":152,"_47":153,"_49":172},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Website_Photos_10.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Website_Photos_10.jpg",[176,184],{"_32":177,"_130":160,"_132":178,"_134":179,"_136":180,"_138":181,"_140":182,"_142":72,"_144":183},113,"Churchman","Head of Innovation & Growth, Manchester","https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrchurchman/","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/996bd90dc0e4471fa1a1444df33ffd8d.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/thumbnails/996bd90dc0e4471fa1a1444df33ffd8d_thumb.webp","Bruntwood SciTech",{"_32":185,"_130":186,"_132":187,"_134":188,"_136":189,"_138":190,"_140":191,"_142":192,"_144":183},114,"Katherine","Megson","Head of Innovation & Growth, Leeds","https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-megson-153700a5/","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/443538242e774195be3cc25eef10f3b0.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/thumbnails/443538242e774195be3cc25eef10f3b0_thumb.webp","

Katherine operates within a thriving network of 1,450+ businesses across six cities, facilitating strategic partnerships that accelerate growth for tech companies at all stages. With a background in Financial Services and FinTech, she brings practical, front-line insights to regional innovation and business development.

\r\n

A passionate champion for equality and diversity, Katherine created Bruntwood SciTech’s Female Founder Incubators in Leeds, Manchester, and Alderley Park. This initiative has supported over
60 women-led businesses and earned her \"Facilitator of the Year\" at the 2023 Leeds Digital Awards.

\r\n

She actively shapes the Northern tech landscape as a Leeds Digital Ambassador and advisory board member for The Whole Point, LegalTech in Leeds, and FemTech North. Her approach seamlessly combines strategic thinking with a genuine dedication to fostering inclusive, collaborative communities.

",{"_32":194,"_34":195,"_36":196,"_38":170,"_40":197,"_42":25,"_43":25,"_44":198,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":200,"_64":201,"_66":202,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},124,"Lightning Talk: From Founder to CEO","

Sinéad Flood is the creative powerhouse behind July Child, a cult-favorite jewelry brand she successfully scaled from a 2017 online boutique into a global, multi-million pound empire. Her inspiring journey from founder to CEO is defined by a bold pivot into designing her own nostalgic collections, capturing the attention of major global stockists—including Nordstrom, Selfridges, Urban Outfitters, and Fenwick - and iconic stars like Charli XCX and Dua Lipa.

","2026-06-04T18:20:00+01:00",{"_32":152,"_47":153,"_49":199},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Website_Photos_13.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Website_Photos_13.jpg",[203],{"_32":204,"_130":205,"_132":206,"_134":207,"_136":208,"_138":209,"_140":210,"_142":211,"_144":212},106,"Sinead","Flood","Director","https://www.linkedin.com/in/sin%C3%A9ad-flood-74910179/","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/profile_photos/venture-cafe-manchester/2026/05/19/442299c13aa34a02a6bdea2962d9ef49.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/profile_photos/venture-cafe-manchester/thumbnails/2026/05/19/41d42a889c3341a9affa00cf4eda7956.jpg","

A driven, ambitious, enthusiastic and personable individual with a wealth of experience working with start-ups.

\r\n

Founder of July Child Jewellery - www.julychild.co.uk

","July Child",{"_32":214,"_34":215,"_36":216,"_38":197,"_40":217,"_42":25,"_43":25,"_44":218,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":220,"_64":221,"_66":222,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},125,"Panel: The Reality of Building as a Female Founder in 2026","

This panel discussion explores the reality of building and leading as a female founder in 2026. From visibility and funding to resilience, leadership, and balancing growth with wellbeing, the conversation will unpack the unique challenges and opportunities women face in business today. Through honest stories and lived experiences, the panel will discuss key learnings, common myths surrounding female founders, the support women genuinely need, and what is keeping founders awake at night in the current climate. More than a conversation about entrepreneurship, this session will examine how women are redefining leadership, building communities, and creating businesses that challenge traditional models of success.

","2026-06-04T18:50:00+01:00",{"_32":152,"_47":153,"_49":219},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Website_Photos_2_HkYP4cS.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Website_Photos_2_HkYP4cS.webp",[223,233,241,251],{"_32":224,"_130":225,"_132":226,"_134":227,"_136":228,"_138":229,"_140":230,"_142":231,"_144":232},118,"Caroline","England","Founder","https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-m-england-6a137937/?skipRedirect=true","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/95f309a532b94e6e97e7e74bf7b8e53a.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/thumbnails/95f309a532b94e6e97e7e74bf7b8e53a_thumb.webp","

Caroline is the founder of Featherbed Tales, a purpose-driven business combining voice and storytelling through digital services and innovative technology. With a background in consultancy, market research, and communications, she launched the business in her fifties after losing a close friend, inspired by the power of preserving voices and memories. Featherbed Tales works with charities, libraries, local authorities, and care organisations to create meaningful storytelling experiences. Following Innovate UK funding in 2024, the company developed personalised digital talking photo books now used across health, social care, and children’s services. Caroline is passionate about collaboration, relationships, and creating impact through innovation.

","Featherbed Tales",{"_32":234,"_130":225,"_132":235,"_134":227,"_136":236,"_138":237,"_140":238,"_142":239,"_144":240},120,"Canty","https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinecanty/","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/profile_photos/venture-cafe-manchester/2026/06/04/ac83720e27a44db284c05f55deecbd80.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/profile_photos/venture-cafe-manchester/thumbnails/2026/06/04/ae3bfab308fa40ed83bb28a7890cfd74.jpg","

Caroline Canty is a business and performance coach who helps ambitious founders to scale-up without burning out. With a background in high‑growth commercial strategy and leadership development, she has spent years supporting senior leaders and teams to perform at their best – without tipping into overwhelm. From change adoption to growth mindset building, she guides founders and their teams in developing high-performance ways of working, and rewiring their mindsets to accelerate success, rather than block it.

","Craft Coaching",{"_32":242,"_130":243,"_132":244,"_134":245,"_136":246,"_138":247,"_140":248,"_142":249,"_144":250},117,"Beckie","Taylor","Co Founder","https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckie-taylor-92840712/","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/d257e69c9b5349a3b177f3c61dd203b8.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/thumbnails/d257e69c9b5349a3b177f3c61dd203b8_thumb.webp","

Beckie Taylor is a Manchester-based tech founder, speaker, and community leader focused on women, voice, and leadership in male-dominated industries. She is the founder of Tech Returners and Voices in Tech, co-founder of Empower Women in Tech, and creator of The Sound Barrier documentary. Through storytelling, programmes, and community-building, Beckie explores the cultural and systemic barriers that shape how women use their voice in STEM and business. Having built, scaled, and exited a tech company, her work helps individuals and organisations create more inclusive cultures where women feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute.

","Empower",{"_32":252,"_130":253,"_132":254,"_134":227,"_136":255,"_138":256,"_140":257,"_142":258,"_144":259},119,"Yasmin","Sidat","http://linkedin.com/in/yasminsidat/?skipRedirect=true","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/9bc0a388873d4dbbbd5adeaf419319aa.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/thumbnails/9bc0a388873d4dbbbd5adeaf419319aa_thumb.webp","

Yasmin is the founder of OLAI, building accessibility infrastructure with an initial focus on older and vulnerable adults.

\r\n

By trade, Yasmin is a product and innovation leader with 15 years of experience designing and improving digital services across both B2B and B2C sectors. Her work focuses on accessibility, inclusion, and human-centred design, operating at the intersection of technology, behaviour, and social impact to help organisations create digital experiences that truly work for everyone.

","OLAI",{"_32":261,"_34":262,"_36":263,"_38":217,"_40":264,"_42":25,"_43":25,"_44":265,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":267,"_64":268,"_66":269,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},126,"Lightning Talk: Making Your First Hire","

Drawing on 15 years of in-house experience with blue-chip FMCG and global manufacturing giants, Alastair Swindlehurst founded EZHR to break down the barriers early-stage startups face when securing top-tier HR advice. In this lightning talk, he leverages his deep expertise in employee relations and organisational change to guide founders through the critical legal pit-falls, structural decisions, and essential strategies needed to successfully navigate their very first hire.

","2026-06-04T19:00:00+01:00",{"_32":152,"_47":153,"_49":266},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Website_Photos_15.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Website_Photos_15.jpg",[270],{"_32":33,"_130":271,"_132":272,"_134":227,"_136":273,"_138":274,"_140":275,"_142":276,"_144":277},"Alastair","Swindlehurst","https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-swindlehurst-b3797a15/","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/profile_photos/venture-cafe-manchester/2026/06/02/1a9fcb80bf1f4b43aab97938b96d712c.webp","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/profile_photos/venture-cafe-manchester/thumbnails/2026/06/02/c9eb6d2d645941d397d56e0a27c2e42e.jpg","

Alastair Swindlehurst is the founder of EZHR, the HR consultancy created for businesses that are tired of corporate jargon and tick-box HR. With 20 years across multiple sectors and across several countries , Alastair has helped organisations navigate the messy realities of people management, from complex employee relations and restructures through to building leadership capability, cultures and teams that actually work.

\r\n

He brings a practical, commercial approach that cuts through the noise. Alastair created EZHR to challenge the traditional HR stereotype: less policy police, more problem solver, delivering simple, useful HR that makes a genuine difference.

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Join Amy Wild and Judy Leung as they unpack the origins of imposter syndrome, why women so often identify with it, and how we can better navigate the feelings when they arise in an exclusive pre-recorded conversation screened on the night.

\r\n

Where did imposter syndrome even come from?
Why do women disproportionately identify with it?
Is it a term that we need to stop using?
What can we do when the feelings come up?

\r\n

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Judy Leung is the founder of Sweqlink, a platform that helps founders and entrepreneurial professionals navigate equity-based collaboration. With 20 years of experience across digital, including a background in technical project management, Judy brings a rare combination of commercial instincts and technical fluency to the startup world. She leads a fully remote team and was recognised as a Women in Innovation award winner by Innovate UK in 2025. Building a company and family in parallel, Judy is passionate about technology that creates real-world impact, and is part of a new generation of female founders reshaping the UK tech landscape.

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Amy Wild founded Silvia Health after her own experience of perimenopause - feeling unsupported, struggling to make sense of what was happening, and recognising that the problem wasn't personal. It was structural. Women weren't getting the full clinical picture. Clinicians didn't have the structure or the time to provide it. Every consultation started from scratch. Every follow-up reset the thread.

\r\n

Amy's background is in building and scaling technology businesses - Northcoders PLC (AIM listed, 2021) and Basecamp Skills. She brought that commercial and technical experience to a clinical problem, and built Silvia with clinical oversight at every step - working with menopause specialists, GPs, and clinical advisors to ensure the platform reflects how menopause care actually works.

\r\n

Silvia exists because women deserve better support. And clinicians deserve better tools.

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