Karen Jefford - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Karen Jefford CMgr FCMI, the CEO of Electric Storm Youth.

Believe it or not, I was painfully shy as a child. That changed during a dance competition final. I slipped in a silent room, and in that moment I had a choice: walk off or carry on. I carried on and I won, but more importantly I learned that setbacks don’t define you, your response does.

That mindset has stayed with me. What matters in leadership is staying true to self, listening properly, and choosing to move forward with clarity. That’s how I work with organisations today, practical, honest and focused on progress.

2. What would you tell your younger self?

Say yes to opportunities when they come, you won’t always know where they’ll lead, but they’ll shape you. Those early experiences will build your confidence and resilience. Over time, you’ll learn when to be more selective. Trust that thinking differently is your strength. You see things others don’t, back your judgement and speak up sooner. Stop waiting to feel “ready”; confidence comes from action.

As you grow then learn to say no. Not everything is aligned, and protecting your energy is part of leadership.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Be proud of who you are! Everyone is individual, and everyone brings something different to the table, that difference is your strength. Be clear about what you stand for; that strengthens your decisions, your relationships and your direction.

Invest in your thinking, not just your profile, choose partners who respect your ambition and encourage you to grow.

Leadership isn’t about being louder, it’s about being clear, consistent and doing your best with what you know, and improving as you learn.

www.electricstormyouth.co.uk

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Lainy Russell - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Lainy Russell from Flourish.

1. How did you get to where you are today?

My business evolved from working in education and senior management.  I was drawn to the students that were ‘difficult’ to manage and staff that seemed to mirror similar behaviours. This led to learning more about the ‘why’ behind behaviour. What I soon realised was the reasons were complex. Along the way I attended many courses, worked alongside a neuroscientist and read, researched and studied independently for over 30 years. I wanted to make the information, accessible, easy not only to understand, but with real tools you can pick up and use every day. Hence the name ‘Flourish’, as that is my mission for all clients.

2. What would you tell your younger self?

As a teen: keep dreaming big, you have plenty of time and you are freer now than you are ever going to be

In my 20’s: you can make anything a reality, it’s all about belief, learn to manage your mind and keep expecting the dream

In my 30’s: Don’t listen to advice from people who aren’t where you want to be

In my 40’s: Put your fingers in your ears when around negative people, don’t let it seep into your thinking, it’s never too late and you’re still allowed to dream big!

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Cultivate self-belief above all else, because when you are confident about what you do, it creates an invisible ‘energy’ that makes others feel safe around you and drawn towards you.

Never listen to people who don’t share or understand your dream, they cannot give you moral support or good advice because they are in the wrong place. 

Look at your competitors as potential collaborators, they are not the enemy, they are your tribe!

Hone your craft, never stop learning, always be curious; learn to love change and be flexible because your business will undoubtedly take you on many journeys.

Finally, age isn’t a barrier, you are not too young or too old, that type of thinking is called ‘conditioning’ and you need to erase that from your mind, and put a new message in there.

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Lisa Kerr - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Lisa Kerr from Think Exceptionally.

1. How did you get to where you are today?

I’m a Deloitte-trained Chartered Accountant with over 20 years in senior finance, operations and HR roles. In 2020, I launched what became Think Exceptionally to help businesses grow and individuals thrive. Around the same time, I was diagnosed Autistic and ADHD – a turning point that reshaped my purpose and fuelled my neurodiversity work. I trained as an ICF-Certified ADHD Life Coach and completed additional neurodiversity-inclusive coaching training to give others the support I didn’t realise I needed during my corporate career. Now I blend consulting, coaching, and speaking to turn complex challenges into opportunities to help people and organisations flourish.

2. What would you tell your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self that you’re not broken, you’re different, and that difference is powerful. Stop trying to fit systems that were never designed for your brain. Your sensitivity, intensity, and curiosity are strengths, not flaws. Burnout isn’t a personal failure; it’s a signal you’ve been pushing too hard to be ‘normal’. Ask for support sooner. Trust your instincts more. You don’t need to earn rest or prove your worth. One day, the things you struggle with now will become the very reason you help others thrive.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

I’d tell the next generation of women in business to stop waiting for permission. You don’t need to be more confident, more qualified, or more likeable to take up space. Build careers or businesses that work with your life and your brain, not against them. Question systems that reward burnout and silence difference. Learn your boundaries early and defend them without apology. Surround yourself with people who challenge you and support you, not just those who look impressive on paper. Community is important so find your tribe. Your perspective is valuable precisely because it’s unique. Use it boldly.

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Sonia Baker - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Sonia Baker from Sight Support Worthing.

1. How did you get to where you are today? (max 100 words)

I grew up in Brighton and after being very artistic at school, randomly ended up working for the Crown Prosecution Service for 11 years presenting criminal cases in the Magistrates court. I developed some invaluable skills there and having always been a creative, it taught me to be evidenced based in my thinking. However, after having young children I needed more flexible work, so I left and spent several years trying to find my ‘purpose’! I’ve always been an all-rounder who likes variety and luckily I found leadership in the nonprofit sector – which pretty much encompasses everything!

2. What would you tell your younger self? (max 100 words)

Vocation, vocation, vocation! Some young people are academic and know very early they want to be, say, a doctor, but others aren’t or don’t. I would tell any young person starting out to seize any opportunity for work placements, volunteering, or apprenticeships to build your professional experience. You’ll not only build knowledge but valuable soft skills as well. That’s how you’ll find what you love to do. And what you don’t!

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business? (max 100 words)

To remain curious about everything and never stop learning. Also, being able to give back to your local community through your work whether through sharing your knowledge or volunteering or even occasional fundraising. Not only is it incredibly personally rewarding, it boosts your ESG profile and makes business sense!

www.sswcharity.org.uk

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Lisa Hector - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Lisa Hector from Link to Hope. 

1. How did you get to where you are today?

I’ve spent over two decades leading a UK charity working across Eastern Europe, growing it from small beginnings into something sustainable and impactful. Along the way, I’ve made plenty of mistakes — but each one has been part of the learning. The role has required constant adaptation, awareness of the changing external environment, and the ability to lead through uncertainty and change. Much of my journey has involved setting direction and bringing others with me. Coming from a corporate background, I expected the transition to be easier, but working in the non-profit sector has given me a level of experience and responsibility I could never have imagined. Leading a Christian organisation, my work is faith-based, and that has always been the guiding focus behind my decisions.

2.What would you tell your younger self?

Get a mentor early on and don’t be afraid to move more quickly. Don’t let things happen to you — make them happen. I started out in an era where I could be the second most senior person in a room full of men and still be asked to make the coffee. Thankfully, things have changed, but I would tell my younger self not to stay in toxic environments. Choose roles where you can be yourself, grow, and use your strengths — not ones that keep you boxed in by expectation. Be more confident, trust your instincts, ask for help sooner, and never underestimate the power of relationships.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Build strong networks, seek out mentors, and support other women along the way.  You have a unique set of attributes and skills that no-one else has.  Don't compare yourself to people that you think have done better or have got up the career ladder faster.  Its your journey,  make it the one you want it to be and be happy with what you have achieved not what others have.

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Sam Pewsey - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Sam Pewsey from People Finding Consultancy. 

1. How did you get to where you are today?  

I got here through a combination of nearly 20 years working in recruitment for other people and a deep desire to do it differently. I wanted to be part of my clients’ teams as a true in house recruiter, which led me to build the People Finding model. Alongside that, losing my dad caused me to step back and reassess life, work and purpose. That perspective pulled me back to recruitment because helping people is what I love. It’s been built through hard work, reflection, feedback, adaptation, trusting my instincts and showing up every day.  

2. What would you tell your younger self?

You are not too sensitive, too emotional or too much. Those things are your strength. Stop trying to fit into boxes that were never designed for you and trust your gut earlier. Confidence doesn’t arrive fully formed, it’s built by doing the scary things anyway. You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the next step and you are allowed to change direction as you grow.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Build businesses that work for your life, not at the expense of it. You don’t need to copy loud models of success to be taken seriously. Kindness, integrity and emotional intelligence are commercial strengths, not weaknesses. Find people who support you, ask for help sooner, listen to your own instincts and remember that rest is productive. Success looks different for everyone and you get to define what that means for you.

www.peoplefindingconsultancy.com

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Mary Sawyer - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Mary Sawyer, owner of Vintage Looks (Paint A Bag)

1. How did you get to where you are today?

I have always been passionate about arts and crafts - the messier the better.  With my NNEB training, working experience in different settings.  But mainly the dream at the back off my head for at least 15 years, of encouraging the general public to ditch plastic bags and paint/express themselves on reusable linen bags.  Starting out by being mobile at fayres, care homes and parties. Then having a small base in Steyning.  To finally taking the chance on a bigger base, now in Worthing. Incorporating the painting of bags, with offering a save space to bring children to play and meet others and even have a party.

2. What would you tell your younger self?
I generally believe things happen for a reason and you cannot always guide how things are going to turn out.  So my patience and life experiences have helped me to get to where I am today.  I would probably tell a younger me to do a bit more planning ( specially financially). But I am glad I did not give up and was brave (spontaneous) enough to take chances, however scary it seems at times.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?
Life is unpredictable and expensive, so you do need a career/job (even if it not your first choice), that helps you stay safe and healthy.  But if you have a dream that does not go away, I think you should follow it. Take chances, if it does not work out, at least you have tried with no regrets!

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Janet Webb - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Janet Webb of Janet Webb Consulting

Like most people working in HR and L&D, I fell into it. But I fell into it because I grabbed opportunities when they came my way. Those opportunities included management responsibility in Selfridges, The NHS and East Sussex County Council. I also ran some pretty heavy projects at ESCC, in a wide range of departments. So when I was made redundant in 2026 it seemed natural to grab the chance to go it alone and support businesses with their staff development and projects.

2. What would you tell your younger self?

Life is going to throw all sorts of junk at you – some of it awful. But the good stuff is going to be utterly brilliant, beyond what you can imagine. You will be surprised and what you can achieve. So, take a deep breath, be straightforward with people, notice who is in your tribe and cherish the moments of joy. It’s a roller coaster – you can scream with fear or scream with excitement; it’s your choice.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Build your network, say yes to things when they come along (even if they are completely out of left field) and never stop being curious and learning. These things will give you a solid foundation and poise from which to excel in whatever you do. And don’t worry about other people being aggressive or putting you down. That stuff belongs to them; don’t waste your time trying to deal with it. Just be polite and respectful, step up and over and forward on to greater things.

www.janetwebbconsulting.co.uk

Ginny Santer - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Ginny Santer, Director of Monetaire Accountants.

1. How did you get to where you are today?

I did a business admin degree and then, after doing an admin job for a couple of years, decided that the bit that I really enjoyed was the finance.  I joined an accountancy firm on a training contract and stayed there until about 18 months after I qualified.  I have worked in practice, not for profit and industry.  I joined the firm that I now run knowing that it was going to be a potential outcome if things went well.  I’ve been here just over 11 years and running it for 10.

2. What would you tell your younger self?

Failing your A levels is not the end of the world.  There are lots of different ways to get to where you want to go – and where you thought you wanted to go at 18 was not even the case at 19!  You are more capable than you will ever believe you are and you should have more confidence in yourself.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Don’t be discouraged if the route that you think you are going to take doesn’t work out.  There are lots of different ways to get to most places.  Being in business can feel really isolated so keep time for your family and friends because there will be times when you really need them.  It is ok to admit that you don’t know everything about running your business.  Most people don’t go in to it because they’re great at business – they go in to it because they have a passion.  Join networks and talk to others in the same boat.

www.monetaire.org.uk

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.