In a cosy gathering hosted at Made by Many in Islington, London, 12 senior women in leadership came together for an intimate discussion facilitated by the Women in Innovation London Chapter. The conversation spanned beyond boardrooms and business strategies, delving into the deeper layers of what it means to be a leader, a woman, and a human being in today’s complex world. Here are the key themes that emerged from the discussion.

1. The whole person beyond work

The session began with a simple yet impactful exercise. We asked each participant to introduce themselves without mentioning work. At first, there was an almost instinctive hesitation, as if remembering who they were beyond their professional titles took a moment of reflection.

But as the introductions unfolded, the room came to life with stories of passions, relationships, and personal journeys that extended far beyond careers. This shift in perspective set the tone for a discussion that was not just about women in leadership, but about women as individuals.

What made the conversation even richer was the international range of the group. While we were gathered in London, the perspectives shared spanned continents, industries, and cultures, making it clear that the challenges and opportunities facing women in leadership are connected to the global landscape. The impact of macro events whether political, economic, or societal felt personal, reinforcing the idea that leadership isn’t just shaped by the work we do, but by the world we navigate every day.

2. Navigating a complex world

The broader macroeconomic and geopolitical context could not be ignored in the discussion. Whether from the influence of AI, the rollback of DE&I and sustainability initiatives, or the increasing polarisation of political and social discourse there was a sense that these factors will influence the future of leadership.

One of the key messages that emerged was that there has been an erosion of nuance across conversations. In today’s world, everything feels binary and categorised, leaving little room for complexity or dialogue. Social media plays a role in this, creating echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs rather than challenge them.

For many, this sense of instability has had direct workplace implications. Some felt a renewed urgency to push for change, while others admitted to feeling that they don’t know how to make a difference on their own. A common thread was the need to focus on what is within one’s control, whether through small but meaningful actions or by creating spaces for open, honest discussion.

3. The double burden of leadership and gender

The discussion highlighted a tension familiar to many women leaders - the desire to be recognised for leadership qualities beyond gender, while also acknowledging the specific challenges that come with being a woman in leadership.

Many participants spoke of the heightened pressure they feel to ‘double down’ and make an impact, often with a sense of guilt about not doing enough. There was also frustration at the stagnation of progress in furthering women’s development at work why are we still having the same conversations about gender equity decades later? Why haven’t behaviours changed in the way we hoped?

The group also explored the paradox of feminism today. While some had an adverse reaction to being labelled as ‘women leaders’ and want to be seen as leaders, full stop, the reality remains that systemic barriers exist. Feminism, for some, has become a ‘dirty word’, yet the need to empower and uplift women remains as critical as ever.

This conversation naturally evolved into a discussion on motherhood and identity. Many attendees reflected on their experiences of raising children - particularly sons - and how this shaped their own relationship with feminism. Questions arose about how to instill values of equality while navigating societal expectations, as well as how their own partnerships with husbands or co-parents influenced their perspective on gender roles at home.

There was also a shared recognition that, in an increasingly polarised world, parenting has become even more complex, with external pressures shaping the way children perceive and engage with these issues.

4. Redefining work and value

A shift in how younger generations view work was another key theme. There is a growing emphasis on holistic career aspirations rather than linear progression. More people are questioning whether traditional metrics such as salary, title, and promotions are the only way to define success.

For senior leaders, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. There is a responsibility to ensure that the next generation feels valued - not just through financial remuneration but through mentorship, learning opportunities, and workplace cultures that align with their values. Some leaders in the discussion talked about the importance of asking their team about their aspirations, not just in work, but in life too - and how they help them achieve those goals.

Reverse mentoring was identified as an important but under-used tool, allowing senior leaders to learn from younger employees and stay connected to shifting expectations.

5. Work, life, and unfinished business

The intersection of work and personal life remains a persistent challenge. Women still disproportionately bear the burden of care responsibilities, which affects career trajectories. Shared parental leave policies in places like Iceland have proven effective at reducing gender pay gaps, but societal norms continue to make it difficult for men to fully embrace caregiving roles (for example, most child and parent activities are aimed at mothers).

There was also recognition that men need to be more actively involved in conversations about gender equity. The group noted that when conversations about diversity and inclusion are framed as ‘women’s issues,’ they risk becoming echo chambers. True progress requires engagement from all, rather than siloing discussions into female-only spaces.

6. The power of community

Despite the challenges, the discussion ended on a hopeful note. The importance of community, both in and outside of work, was a key takeaway. Participants were asked to share their ‘Asks’ and ‘Offers’ to the community and offers of mentorship, connections, and expertise emerged, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not just about personal success but about lifting others up.

More than that, there was a sense that, in that room, the attendees had found community in each other - a space where they could openly discuss, debate, and reflect on these issues without judgement. It was a reminder of how vital it is to have environments where women can not only share their experiences but also ask for support and offer it in return.

There was also a call to embrace being ‘unbusy’ - to create space for deeper connections, for meaningful conversations, and for the kind of leadership that is based on listening rather than simply directing. Leadership, after all, is not just about reaching the top, but about making sure the ladder is sturdy for those who come next.

The Women in Innovation Leadership Roundtable was more than just a discussion around a table in North London; it was a reflection of the evolving nature of leadership in a rapidly changing world. The conversations underscored the need for nuance, for rethinking traditional success metrics, and for ensuring that leadership is not just about individual achievement but about creating a legacy that benefits others.

As these discussions continue, there is a clear opportunity for Women in Innovation to help facilitate the kind of support and networks that attendees expressed a need for and ensure that these conversations don’t just happen in a single moment, but become an ongoing source of connection and empowerment.

As the first roundtable hosted by WIN LDN, we kept the discussion intentionally exploratory and broad. We encourage any feedback and ideas on where to take it next. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or reflections, we’d love to hear from you—please feel free to reach out to Depika at depika@womenininnovation.co

WINSights // Key Themes from the Women in Innovation London Leadership Roundtable