As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect opportunity to highlight the incredible female leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who have shared their insights on OxLEP’s OxTalks podcast. From business growth and sustainability to workplace transformation and entrepreneurship, these inspiring women have shared their expertise and experiences, helping to shape Oxfordshire’s thriving business landscape.
In this article, we take a look back at the women who have featured on OxTalks, showcasing their stories, advice, and impact.
1. Emma Gibson – South Hub and Reading Office Senior Partner at KPMG Law
Series One, Episode Five: ‘Backing Business, Right Now’
Emma Gibson discusses the crucial role of SMEs in the UK economy and the importance of supporting small businesses, particularly in challenging times. She explores how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors contribute to business growth and how SMEs can build a lasting legacy.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.
2. Abena Fairweather – Founder and MD of Legacy
Series One, Episode Six: ‘The Changing Face of the Workplace’
Abena Fairweather discusses the evolution of the workplace, from historical work patterns to modern approaches like the four-day workweek. With businesses rethinking productivity post-pandemic, she shares insights from running her sustainable events agency, Legacy, on a four-day week since 2018. OxLEP’s Sadie Patamia also joins to discuss their recent trial of this new way of working.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.
3. Fiona Reid – Associate Professor of Bioscience Entrepreneurship at UCL
Series Two, Episode Two: ‘How to Start a New Business: Feasible vs. Fantasy’
Fiona Reid shares expert insights on launching and funding a successful business. With years of experience in bioscience entrepreneurship, she explores the key challenges start-ups face and the mindset needed to turn ideas into reality. She also delves into the balance between feasibility and fantasy when starting a new venture.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.
4. Sarah Powell – HR Director at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Series Two, Episode Four: ‘How to Create a Happy and Motivated Workforce’
Sarah Powell shares her expertise on building a motivated workforce and improving staff retention in a competitive job market. With a career spanning top hospitality brands, she discusses key strategies for attracting and retaining the right talent, drawing from her experience at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and beyond.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.
5. Andrea Stewart – Head of Marketing, Communications & PR at Oxford University Innovation
Series Two, Episode Six: ‘Start-ups and Spinouts: How to Find the Right Business Support’
Andrea Stewart explores the journey from innovative idea to successful business, highlighting key challenges and the vital support available for start-ups and spinouts. She shares insights on funding, talent acquisition, and the power of local and international partnerships in Oxfordshire’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.
6. Melanie Tattersall – Director of Sustainability and Communications at Darcica Logistics
Series Three, Episode Two: ‘Practical Steps to Growing a Sustainable Business’
Melanie Tattersall shares actionable insights on building a sustainable business without breaking the bank. She discusses Darcica Logistics’ rapid growth, its eco-friendly delivery solutions, and the steps businesses can take to reduce their environmental impact. Learn how sustainability can be both practical and profitable.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.
7. Helen Wright – Founder of 9-2-3 Jobs & Former Broadcast Journalist
Series Three, Episode Six: ‘Putting Flex into Flexible Working – Is 9-5 a Thing of the Past?’
Helen Wright explores the evolving world of flexible working and its benefits for both employees and businesses. Drawing from her own experience of redundancy while pregnant, she shares how she built 9-2-3 Jobs to champion flexible roles and help people find work that fits their lives.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.
If you’ve felt inspired by the incredible women you’ve read about today, why not take the opportunity to continue the celebration and connect with others? Join us at our OxLEP Women in Business Gathering event on Tuesday 29th April. The Women in Business network provides an environment in which you can be yourself and have meaningful discussions with fellow women in business within Oxfordshire, as well as share experiences.
Date: Tuesday 29th April 2025
When: 9:30am – 12:00pm
Venue: Boston House, Business Centre, Grove Business Park, Wantage, OX12 9FF
Register for the Women in Business Gathering Event
Let’s continue to uplift and support one another as we mark this important occasion!
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