COUNTDOWN TO WED25 - 3.7.25

Welcome to #WED25: Transforming Defence: Leading With Purpose, Power & Partnership

Step into the future of leadership at #WED25, our flagship annual leadership summit designed to spark transformation across the defence and security sector.

This year’s theme — “Transforming Defence: Leading with Purpose, Power & Partnership” brings together visionary leaders, innovators, and changemakers to explore how purposeful leadership, strategic influence, and powerful collaboration are driving meaningful change.

Get ready for an inspiring day that will challenge your thinking, expand your network, and strengthen your leadership impact.

Registration closed

Please contact Natalie@womenempoweringdefence.com with any enquiries

Agenda

  • 07.45 – 8.45 Registration & Welcome Refreshments
  • 09.00 – 9.10 Welcome Address – Natalie Maddox-Hussain & Jodie Evans
  • 09.10 – 09.20 Compere Introduction – WED25 Compere
  • 09.25 – 09.55 Leadership 1 – Chair: Col Lucy Giles
    WO Caroline Cooper, Major Will Matthews, Lt Cdr Victoria Rees-Hughes, Lt Col Danny McTaggart

As conflict evolves and defence ecosystems become more integrated, leadership must transform. This panel brings together military leaders from across domains to explore the future of defence leadership—drawing on operational experience, strategic foresight, and cross-sector collaboration.

In an era of hybrid threats, rapid tech disruption, and integrated operations, leadership must be agile, inclusive, and future-focused. How are leaders adapting to command diverse, tech-enabled forces? And what can the broader defence community—civilian agencies, industry, and allies—learn from military leadership?

Key themes include:

  • Leading in contested, fast-changing environments
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • Building trust across multi-agency teams
  • Driving innovation and ethical resilience
  • Bridging civil-military leadership in whole-of-nation defence

This session offers sharp insights for both civilian and military professionals navigating the future of defence leadership.

  • 10.05 – 10.35 Insight Zones: Option 1A – Faye Roebuck

Welcome to a session that will challenge your perspective on what it truly means to lead! While spreadsheets and strategy sessions get the limelight, emotional intelligence (EQ) often lingers unnoticed — like the unsung hero of exceptional leadership.

In this engaging session, Faye will unpack why EQ is not just a buzzword but the secret sauce to driving teams, fostering collaboration, and making authentic decisions. From navigating tricky conversations to inspiring genuine loyalty, you’ll discover how mastering EQ can elevate your leadership game.

But we’re not stopping there. Faye will also explore how value-based practice grounds your leadership in integrity, moulding your decision-making process to be not just effective but meaningful. And, for the grand finale, she will delve into authentic leadership, a concept that challenges the notion of leadership personas and instead champions leading with your genuine self (flaws and all).

Expect a mix of thought-provoking insights, interactive discussions, and practical tools you can implement immediately—because who has time for fluff?

Get ready to lead with heart and head. Your team (and possibly your sanity) will thank you.

  • 10.05 – 10.35 Insight Zones: Option 1B – Gemma Jones, Amazon 

Experience the future of artificial intelligence firsthand in this dynamic and immersive live technology demonstration from AWS. Witness AI come to life as Gemma showcases real-world applications built using cutting-edge AWS services. From intelligent automation to generative AI and machine learning innovations, this session offers a behind-the-scenes look at how businesses are transforming ideas into impact. Whether you’re a developer, technologist, or business leader, you’ll gain valuable insights into how AWS makes it faster, easier, and more secure to build with AI at scale. Don’t miss this opportunity to see innovation in action and discover how you can harness the full potential of AI to drive your next breakthrough.

10.35 – 11.00 Break

  • 11.10 – 11.40 Insight Zones: Option 2A – Major Ric Cole
In today’s interconnected world, social media plays a powerful role in shaping public perception, building trust, and communicating effectively, especially within the Defence and Security Sector. As such, understanding how to use these platforms responsibly and strategically is no longer optional; it’s essential. In this session, Ric will explore why the safe and effective use of social media should be a fundamental part of all command and leadership training.

Ric highlights how various organisations and individuals have successfully integrated social media into their professional day to day dealings. He will also discuss evolving digital challenges, and share practical strategies to help leaders at all levels build digital literacy and confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned commander or new to leadership, this session will provide insights to help you and your teams navigate the digital space with clarity, purpose, and professionalism.
  • 11.10 – 11.40 Insight Zones: Option 2B – Ainslie Beattie & Sarah Stone, Oracle
This dynamic session explores the transformational power of mentoring—including the often-overlooked impact of reverse mentoring—in creating inclusive, empowered, and future-ready workforces. Our speakers will share how these relationships can break down barriers, unlock hidden potential, and foster leadership at every level.

We’ll also delve into how organisations can use social value as a powerful tool to elevate communities, drive meaningful skill-building, and create lasting impact across diverse networks.

Whether you’re a mentor, mentee, or leader looking to build stronger teams and more equitable environments, this session offers valuable insight into how connection, purpose, and empowerment go hand in hand.

  • 11.50 – 12.20 Insight Zones: Option 3A – Dr Victoria Carr
While the ideal is that women champion and uplift one another in professional settings, the reality can be more complex and at times, deeply disheartening. Beneath the surface of many organisations lie unspoken tensions, toxic rivalries, and exclusionary behaviors that not only harm individual careers but also erode team cohesion, psychological safety, and organisational culture.

This session confronts the uncomfortable but critical issue of destructive dynamics among women in the workplace. From subtle exclusion and competitive undermining to overt bullying and reputation sabotage, toxic behaviours such as the “Queen Bee” syndrome where women in leadership distance themselves from or obstruct the advancement of other women and the “Mean Girl” culture marked by gossip, cliques, and social power plays can have lasting personal and professional consequences.

Attendees will explore:
  • The psychological and systemic roots of intra-gender competition and why it persists
  • How power, scarcity, and unconscious bias shape toxic behaviors between women
  • The hidden costs of these dynamics on morale, productivity, and organisational credibility.
  • 11.50 – 12.20 Insight Zones: Option 3B – Jason Cohen, Boxxe

Jason Cohen first displayed symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome in early childhood but was not formally diagnosed until he was a teenager. As a young adult Jason had a glimpse of what life without Tourette’s might be like when, during his first driving lesson, the multiple manual and cognitive tasks of driving seemed to suppress his ticks entirely.

At 23 Jason put himself forward for Deep Brain Stimulation, the groundbreaking medical technology that would transform his life.

Jason, a pioneer in healthcare technology, has been transforming the NHS for over a decade. Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at a young age, Jason became one of the first in the UK to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation treatment. His personal journey fuels his passion for improving healthcare systems and advocating for those with neurological conditions.

  • 12.30 – 13.00 Leadership 2 – Emma Langton

In a fast-paced world full of noise, the most impactful leaders are often the ones who bring calm, not chaos. This keynote explores the power of quiet resilience – leading with clarity, presence, and steadiness under pressure. Through real stories and practical coaching insights, Emma Langton offers a refreshing take on resilience, that steadies the room and shapes lasting impact. Perfect for leaders at all levels navigating complexity, change, and high expectations.

Attendees will leave with a refreshed view of resilience that is more than ‘bouncing back’. Emma will share tools and practical strategies to steady people under pressure and cope with challenge.

13.00 – 14.00 Lunch – Expo

  • 14.05 – 14.35 Leadership 3 – Chris Larsen

In this session, Chris will explore the critical role that self-belief and confidence play in effective leadership. We’ll begin by examining why confidence is so essential for leaders and how it directly influences our ability to inspire, make decisions, and lead authentically. He will then delve into the common reasons confidence may erode, whether through setbacks, external pressures, or internal doubt. Finally, Chris will  outline practical, empowering strategies for regaining and strengthening confidence, helping participants reconnect with their leadership potential and move forward with clarity and conviction.

  • 14.45 – 15.15 Insight Zone: Option 4A – Capt David Hird

In this honest and reflective session, David shares his personal journey of confronting bias, acknowledging past mistakes, and embracing change. He’ll explore the key moments that challenged his perspectives, the experiences that reshaped his attitude, and his ongoing commitment to being a better ally. With insights from working with Gen Z in the Army, David will discuss the evolving expectations of leadership, inclusion, and the future of workplace culture. Join this candid conversation on growth, accountability, and the power of self-reflection in driving meaningful change.

  • 14.45 – 15.15 Insight Zone: Option 4B – Adam Versteeg & Rebecca Keane, Janes

In this session, Adam and Rebecca will explore Janes journey since becoming an independent business 5 years ago, starting with their legacy structure and traditional skillsets, through the challenges they faced in evolving into a data-driven business.  Adam and Rebecca will cover how strategic, diverse hiring became a catalyst for innovation, what diversity means to Janes in practice, and the tangible impact it has had on their culture, product development, and performance. They will also share some key lessons learned and how they’re keeping the momentum going.

  • 15.25 – 15.55 Insight Zone: Option 5A – Russell Lewis

Great leadership transcends industries, geographies, and contexts, but some of the most profound lessons emerge in high-stakes operational environments. In this session, we will explore the universal leadership principles honed through real-world operational experiences, from crisis management to strategic execution. Through firsthand insights and practical examples, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of adaptability, decision-making under pressure, team resilience, and mission-driven leadership. Whether you lead in corporate, military, or humanitarian settings, these timeless lessons will equip you to inspire, guide, and drive impact in any environment.

  • 15.25 – 15.55 Insight Zone: Option 5B – Libby Vallance-Bull

We read so much about the principles of leadership, and the “traits” of great leaders. But what does good leadership look like to those who we lead? This talk on love-based leadership, explores how this leadership style emphasises empathy, compassion and a deep commitment to the well-being others, building a culture of care and respect, where individuals feel valued and empowered.

15.55 – 16.25 Break

  • 16.25 – 16.55 Leadership 5 – Jodi Goldman

There’s a secret to success and happiness that a lot of people (particularly women) don’t know…it’s why we struggle with ‘work-life’ balance, why we feel burnt out, why we can feel guilty when we aren’t ‘being productive’ and why it can sometimes feel like success comes at a price (especially when the world feels a bit crazy!). In this session, Personal Impact Specialist Jodi Goldman will give you the truth about work-life balance and her D.R.E.A.M goal method so that you can take control and achieve both success and happiness on YOUR terms.

  • 16.55 – 17.10 Closing Remarks – WED25 Compere

Date: Thu 3 Jul 2025
Time: 7:45 AM – 5:10 PM
Location: Hilton Metropole, W2 1JU

Headline Partner:

Thank you to all WED25 partners

SPEAKERS:

Lucy Giles CBE

Land Command and Staff College, British Army

Colonel Lucy Giles was commissioned in 1992 after studying at Exeter University. Postings with the Royal Logistic Corps included Germany and South Africa with deployments to Bosnia, East Timor and Sierra Leone. After gaining her Masters, she was posted to HQ Northern Ireland in 2003.

She commanded 47 Air Despatch Squadron enabling operations in Iraq and Afghanistan before instructing at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in 2011, where she gained her PGCE.

Appointed Commander of New College RMAS in January 2015, she received an entry into Debretts’ People of the Day in 2016. She won the ‘Inspirational’ and ‘Woman of the Year’ awards at the inaugural Women in Defence event in October 2016 and received an honorary doctorate from Exeter University for services to the military in July 2017. Promoted in 2018, she was the 37th President of the Army Officer Selection Board and is currently serving at the Land Command and Staff College in Shrivenham.

Lucy is an ambassador for First Women UK, Girl Guiding and Walking with the Wounded. She is a Freeman of the City of London, a Director for the Foundation for Leadership through Sport, a member of Somerset CCC and the FA’s Performance Advisory Group and is on the Governing Body for Women in Defence. She is Honorary Colonel of Exeter University Officer Training Corps, a Colonel Commandant for the RLC and received a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours 2024.

Caroline Cooper MSc

Command Warrant Officer UK Space Command

Caroline joined the Royal Air Force as a Medic. She has extensive experience operating within single-Service and tri-Service arenas. One of her most memorable events was coordinating the UK military medical responses during the 2005 London bombings. She has also amassed considerable operational experience conducting aeromedical evacuations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Zagreb, Ascension Island, and Afghanistan.

She was the first Warrant Officer appointed as the RAF Medic advisor, responsible for the largest medical profession in the RAF. She dedicated herself to sourcing and delivering an accredited pathway and funding, to provide all medics with the opportunity to obtain civilian qualifications from NVQ to master’s degrees.

As a founding member of the Astra Core Team in 2020, she led in re-establishing the innovative culture, delivering strategic effect to drive grassroots innovation within the RAF. She also created and leads Pj MINDSET delivering outward mindset principles across the RAF, which aims to remove psychological and relational impediments that diminish operational outputs, culture, and the retention of our people (and a derived benefit is improved leadership).

In September 2023 she assumed the position of Command Warrant Officer UK Space Command. She is excited about the opportunity to help shape the Cmd’s vision to become a competitive space command, able to deter, fight and win.

Caroline is currently a Global Doctoral Candidate at Durham – Em-ylon studying organisational behaviour, culture and Innovation. Married to Kev, who also serves in the RAF, they have two sons who are both studying Bio-Chem and Veterinary.

Major Will Matthews

Directorate Army Recruiting, Standing Joint Command (UK)

Maj Will Matthews joined the British Army in June 96, and serves in the Royal Engineers.

His career has seen him serve in various operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq & Afghanistan.

Upon commissioning from the ranks in 2018, he has focussed his talents in a recruiting & training environment, including an assignment to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He was selected to attend Staff College at Shrivenham & has recently taken up post in the new Directorate of Army Recruiting. Will is passionate about supporting and mentoring others, youth engagement with Cadet Forces & is particularly proud to be an active supporter of Women Empowering Defence.

Lt Cdr Victoria Rees-Hughes

Marine Engineer Training Group

Lieutenant Commander Victoria Rees-Hughes is a Training Management Officer in the Royal Navy. Victoria has held diverse positions from core training roles to defence engagement. Highlights include second-in-Command of the Indo-Iranian Language Wing in the Defence School of Languages, International Defence Training RN, twice working with the Marine Engineers at HMS SULTAN, and working in HQ SACT, Norfolk Virginia in the research and development of Human Capital. This focus on Human Captial continued in NCHQ Personnel and Training Command Support Group as SO2 People Plans Capability and People Policy Coherence.

Victoria leads Sultan's Women's and Allies Network and is a key member of MentoRNavy. A dedicated linguist and academic, Victoria enjoys open-water swimming and actively supports her daughter’s Brownie Pack. As a mother of 2 young girls, and one half of a dual serving parenting team, she skilfully balances numerous responsibilities while studying for a Professional Doctorate at Cardiff Metropolitan University, coaching, mentoring and supporting colleagues, trainees and friends.

Lt Col Danny McTaggart

Royal Army Medical Service

Lt Col McTaggart commissioned from Sandhurst in 2009 after serving 6 years as a soldier and reaching the rank of Corporal. His early Officer career saw him deploy to Afghanistan as a Troop Commander and later as a Squadron Second in Command, before taking up Adjutant and Ops Officer roles within Medical units. On promotion to Major in 2017, he was first employed as the lead workforce planner for the Army Medical Services before commanding a Sub Unit at Army Training Regiment Pirbright. His last job as a Major was as Military Assistant to Director Medical Personnel and Training where he had the privilage of supporting two different female 2 Star Officers.

On being selected for promotion to Lt Col in 2023 he volunteered to deploy as the sole British Military representative to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in the role of Chief of Outreach Operations. This eventful tour of duty ended in Jun 25.

Lt Col McTaggart has had a range of secondary duties whilst serving, but the most notable are his time as Secretary of Army Bobsleigh and as a Trustee at the Museum of Military Medicine.

Faye Roebuck

​​Meet Faye, a dynamic leader whose career exemplifies the transformative power of emotional intelligence in action. Co-founding Riviera Insurance in 2015, Faye nurtured its growth from a fledgling startup into a thriving enterprise boasting over 10,000 policyholders and £8 million in gross written premiums. This journey was not solely about numbers; it was about cultivating a people-centric culture where integrity and compassion were the cornerstones of success.​

In 2023, recognising the potential for global collaboration, Faye led the offshoring of sales and back-office operations to Cape Town, South Africa. This strategic initiative aimed to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining sales and service functions within the UK. Navigating the complexities of integrating teams across continents, Faye prioritised cultural awareness and sensitivity, fostering a cohesive environment that bridged diverse work ethics and communication styles. This experience underscored the importance of understanding cultural nuances in leadership, highlighting how emotional intelligence is pivotal in uniting teams across geographical boundaries. ​

In 2024, Faye assumed the role of Devon Service Manager at FearFree, a Southwest charity dedicated to breaking the cycle of abuse for over 10,000 individuals annually. Here, she led multidisciplinary teams across seven contracts, championing trauma-informed, victim-focused services that set new benchmarks for excellence.​

Beyond the boardroom, Faye is deeply committed to community service. As Chair of Age UK Torbay, a dedicated Samaritans call listener, and a certified Mental Health First Aider, she embodies the principles of authentic leadership and value-based practice. Whether navigating the corporate landscape or embracing the challenge of year-round sea swimming, Faye approaches each endeavor with unwavering resilience and a spirit of adventure.​

In this session, Faye will intertwine professional insights with real-world experiences, offering a compelling exploration of how emotional intelligence, when authentically applied, can elevate leadership from merely effective to truly exceptional.

Gemma Jones

Amazon

Gemma is an Enterprise Account Manager within the National Security, Defence and Public Safety team at AWS. She supports her public sector customers to make the best use of AWS Cloud technologies. She has been at Amazon for over 6 years, starting in recruitment before moving to Amazon Logistics and now AWS. Prior to Amazon, Gemma spent 11 years as a Warfare Officer in the Royal Navy and in addition to deployments to the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean as part of a NATO Task Force, she also deployed on Herrick 19 to Afghanistan. She juggles work with her two children, Jacob and Freya and dog, Dasch.

Ric Cole

Major RM 30 Commando IX Group

Ric Cole joined the Royal Marines in 1995 on a Short Service Commission. He then transferred to the Army and served a decade in Northern Ireland, as well as operational tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria, with the Army Reserve. In 2020, Ric rejoined the Royal Marines (aged 45!) and commands the Information Activites Cell at 30 Commando. The Cell is responsible for Media Ops, Info Ops Planning and Tac PSYOPS for the UK Commando Force.

Ainslie Beattie

Oracle

Ainslie is an accomplished contributor to socially-focused issues, having served as a Board member to several organisations that focused on developing both local and national communities. Passionate about supporting the development of resilient communities able to engage with the needs of local residents and the networks and infrastructure that support them.

Ainslie is a senior leader in Oracle, a member of the UK country leadership team, Chair of the Oracle UK Cultural and Inclusion Board and Head of Social Value and her professional career has focused on driving business value through Sustainability and Social Value endeavours.

Sarah Stone

Oracle

Sarah is the founder of Social Value Agency Samtaler. She has extensive experience in social value design and delivery across multi-sectors and consults with many blue-chip corporations and procurers across the UK. She also hosts the social value podcast “Let’s Talk Social Value.” Sarah began working in social and sustainable procurement in 2016 to support public sector bodies to implement the requirements of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act. She founded Samtaler in 2017 and in 2019 created Scotland’s first community benefit wish list for Perth & Kinross Council. The concept won a prestigious GO Award and has since been adopted by Local Authorities across Scotland and the UK.

Sarah has extensive governmental, policy and public affairs experience. She worked for David Cameron from 2006 – 2012; coordinating the production of the Conservative Party's 2010 General Election Manifesto and serving in the Coalition Government as Downing Street External Relations Adviser. On moving to Scotland in 2014 she worked as Stakeholder Engagement Advisor to the Better Together campaign during the Scottish Independence Referendum and consulted for Ruth Davidson during the 2015 and 2017 General Elections and 2016 Scottish Parliamentary election campaigns. Before founding Samtaler, she co-founded and ran a public affairs social enterprise, McNeill & Stone, which used the profits from its corporate work to provide free professional public affairs services to community groups and grassroot campaigners in Scotland. She ran the company with her co-founder, Scottish Labour's Pauline McNeill MSP, until Pauline's re-election to the Scottish Parliament in 2016. Sarah is a former community councillor and the founder of the Military Coworking Network, a community group for non-serving military community members. In addition, she is a trustee and adviser to several military charities and social enterprises.

Dr Victoria Carr

WED Leadership Team

Dr Victoria Carr is a Reserve Officer in the British Army Intelligence Corps; a primary school Headteacher; a Chartered Manager and member of the CMI; a CollectivEd Senior Fellow, Leeds Beckett University; a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching; a Senior Research Fellow, the Centre for Army Leadership; an author and TEDx speaker who focuses on leadership, the power of language and how we all have the power to change lives. Vic advocates that there is a social imperative for those in leadership positions to actively create opportunities for transformational interactions with others.

She has been a keynote speaker at a multitude of of military and educational leadership events and brings her passion and insight, gained through decades of leadership in a range of environments, to each bespoke brief she delivers. She has lectured part time at Master’s degree level. She has 3 MAs: in Equality and Diversity, Leadership, and Modern War Studies/ Contemporary Military History, and is currently working on her fourth, in Global Security. Her doctorate is in leadership and politics in education.

She published her first two books, Leading with Love and Authentic School Improvement, with Routledge, and is working on a third with a co-author, about the history of British Army officer recruitment since 1660, titled ‘The Steps to Glory’, due to be published by Helion, early 2026.

Jason Cohen

Boxxe

Jason Cohen first displayed symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome in early childhood but was not formally diagnosed until he was a teenager. As a young adult Jason had a glimpse of what life without Tourette’s might be like when, during his first driving lesson, the multiple manual and cognitive tasks of driving seemed to suppress his ticks entirely. At 23 Jason put himself forward for Deep Brain Stimulation, the groundbreaking medical technology that would transform his life.

Jason, a pioneer in healthcare technology, has been transforming the NHS for over a decade. Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at a young age, Jason became one of the first in the UK to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation treatment. His personal journey fuels his passion for improving healthcare systems and advocating for those with neurological conditions.

Emma Langton

Emma Langton is an executive leadership coach and trainer with a deep understanding of human behaviour and emotional resilience, she helps leaders find strength in stillness and power in presence. She draws on personal experiences - including parenting and grandparenting - as well as over a decade of coaching leaders navigating uncertainty.

Often referred to by her clients as the resilience goddess, she shares her passion for progress with practical tips and advice so that her clients improve leadership skills and thrive even when under pressure.

Her talks are down to earth, straight talking, honest and funny! She speaks from the heart and leaves people with actionable takeaways that are powerful yet realistic.

www.emmalangton.com

Chris Larsen

Chris Larsen is an extraordinary entrepreneur and motivational speaker. He is one of the world’s leading mindset coaches who started from nothing, and he has an incredible story to share. He is driven to inspire as many people as possible to achieve their full potential.

Chris has worked with some of the most successful professionals and athletes to this day and has a proven track record of discovering and bringing out the great in people.

Chris is the mind and creativity behind the number 1 leadership course in the country at Leap76, which delivers a life changing experience to thousands of people.

With a passion for people, naturally, Chris supports many charities, schools and communities to help build a better future for the next generation.

leap76.com

Captain David Hird

Royal Engineers

I joined the Army in 1997 and have been lucky enough to have enjoyed a great career so far. I have deployed in all major conflicts since joining, experiencing the best and worst of humanity. In spite of doing some epically cool sh*t, my proudest achievement without a doubt, is my Daughter, hence my enthusiasm to be involved with WED. Having recently returned from operations in Somalia (Apr-Nov 24), I am now in my first ‘proper’ Captain assignment, currently employed in 25 (Close Support) Engineer Group, which is the Engineer HQ in 3 (UK) Division.

Prior to my trip to Somalia and after 'deferring' my Late Entry Commission, I had the great privilege of being the Command Sergeant Major of the Land Warfare Centre. This was a scale of 'Army' I'd never experienced before, exposing me to details, decisions and activities not many in my peer group will ever see. Of note for me was the quality of people we still recruit in our Army. Passionate professionals, committed to doing the best they can with what they have. Being able to waft around on the coat tails of a General and talk freely with our fantastic soldiers was always enlightenting and a genuine pleasure. And with that came the opportunity to be an Ally. As a 'robust' Airborne LE Officer and Sgt Maj, not all would have maybe expected the transition to Ally, but I've genuinely relished the opportunity to support our servicewomen and challenege dated and inappropriate attitudes.

In my Regimental and Squadron Sergeant Major appointments, I think I also truly learnt the value of inclusive excellence. As the Senior Soldier in a Regiment or Squadron, you have the platform to influence thinking, to set an example. To be your authentic self though is sometimes risky...especially if you're burdened with a dark sense of humour in a time when everyone seems to be losing theirs... But here I am, determined to be a better colleague, committed to make others think before they speak or act, to reinforce the fact we aren't getting anymore people - so we absolutely have to learn to celebrate the strengths in the incredible individuals we've got!

Adam Versteeg

Janes

Adam holds the position of Chief People Officer at Janes and is passionate about building HR teams that can drive and enable business strategy and execution.

His professional journey spans multiple sectors, beginning with 8 years as an infantry officer in the British Army, progressing through roles in the public sector and a leading consulting firm, before taking on HR leadership positions within international data and intelligence businesses.

At Janes, Adam plays a pivotal role in shaping the people strategy to support the company’s evolution from a traditional publisher to a data-driven organisation. Central to this transformation has been his commitment to embedding diversity at every level – ensuring that inclusive hiring not only reflects the markets we serve but also drives innovation, agility, and performance across the business.

Rebecca Keane

Janes

Rebecca is the Global Talent Acquisition Director at Janes. Her career has spanned large professional services and publishing companies before making the conscious shift to SME data and intelligence businesses undergoing transformation.

She is passionate about using data to drive smarter talent decisions, while also influencing the way the business thinks, grows, and competes. At Janes, Rebecca has been instrumental in building a hiring strategy rooted in the diversity of thought, background, and experience, enabling the business to unlock new capabilities and accelerate its shift in its journey to a data business.

Russell Lewis

Russell Lewis spent over 20 years in the British Army, serving as a Regular officer in the Parachute Regiment. He has served in numerous operational theatres including Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was awarded the Military Cross for his leadership and gallantry under fire in Afghanistan. He wrote an account of this tour which was published under the title of Company Commander Upon leaving the full-time military, Russell became a leadership and strategy consultant to both the corporate and charitable sectors. He recently finished as Chief of Staff at Ashford and St Peters NHS hospitals trust. In April he founded Finance for Forces, the UKs first commercial finance brokerage dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community.

In 2017 he joined the Army Reserves. He has worked at the Centre for Army Leadership, within the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, as a Military Teaching Fellow and within Academy Headquarters as the officer responsible for Engagement.

Libby Vallance-Bull

WED Leadership Team

Libby is the co-founder of black and white consulting, and a Specialist Reservist, who has served for the last four years, the past two of which have been full time as a technical advisor within Army Headquarters (Futures Directorate), co-authoring the British Army’s Approach to Artificial Intelligence and delivering an AI Decision Support System, a software tool, which used advanced data, data analytics and AI for competitive advantage. Libby’s former civilian career, spans two sectors, Oil and Gas exploration – as a geophysicist and strategist– and Defence, as an innovator and scientist, on major projects such as Tempest the next generation fighter jet.

Libby Co-Founded black and white consulting with Ronnie Robson (long service vetran) in Sept 2024, to continue to support Defence and National Security with her technical experience from across industry sectors. Libby's passion for life long learning saw her awarded a Fellowship with the Geological Society - in 2011 - (one of the youngest females to be recognised at this institution for charitable services to the Oil and Gas sector), and also holds an Honorary Research Fellowship at the University of Exeter at the Centre for Public Understanding for Defence and Security. She attained undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in Geology, Geophysics and International Relations from the University of St. Andrews, Aberdeeen and Cambridge respectively.

Jodi Goldman

Jodi Goldman is a Personal Impact Coach and experienced international speaker. Over the last two decades, she's worked with thousands of professionals and business owners to help them develop magnetic confidence, a powerful personal brand and assertive communication skills. Her corporate clients include companies like Google, RBS, Sony, and Merlin Entertainment.

www.jodigoldman.co.uk

Why Attend #WED25

  • Be inspired by keynote speakers shaping the future of defence leadership
  • Gain critical insights from diverse voices and experiences across the sector
  • Forge new partnerships and expand your professional network
  • Discover innovative ideas and drive strategic impact in your role
  • Accelerate your growth with practical leadership tools and knowledge
Registration closed

Please contact Natalie@womenempoweringdefence.com with any enquiries

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