Women + Innovation #5
The speakers from the night and SharkNinja team who helped organise the event
On Wednesday, June 28th 2023, Studio Wood teamed up with SharkNinja to host our fifth Women + Innovation event. The event took place at the stunning new SharkNinja offices in Battersea Power Station and welcomed professionals from the creative industry to engage in an evening of insightful discussions.
This time, we had the privilege of hosting an all-female panel of exceptional leaders: Lauren, the VP of Shark & Robotics and General Manager of London; Alba, the Head of Product Design at Kingfisher; Tracy, the Senior Design Manager at the RCA and Founder of Sharp Minds; and Kirsty, the Managing Director of PriestmanGoode.
Each speaker shared their unique career journeys, offering valuable advice garnered from their experiences along the way. The demand for this event was overwhelming, as tickets "sold out" (although attendance was free) within just 48 hours of going live. We were delighted to see such a diverse range of attendees and were truly humbled by the positive feedback we received. The Women + Innovation series, an initiative set up by Sophie here at Studio Wood, aims to inspire more women to enter the creative industry, pursue job opportunities they may have thought were unattainable, and embark on their entrepreneurial endeavours. We noticed a significant lack of events specifically tailored for women in creative fields, particularly those that showcase accomplished women in senior positions. Our intention is to create an inclusive space where open discussions thrive, enabling attendees to freely ask questions and gain insights from the panel.
Sophie introducing the event
At the event, Sophie kicked off the night with a brief introduction, highlighting her personal connections with the speakers and the reasons behind their selection. We pride ourselves on shedding light on unconventional and inspiring stories, sharing the journeys of those who have faced and overcome challenges.
First on the agenda was Alba, who captivated the audience with her account of growing up in Spain and her subsequent journey to the UK, where she learned English while applying for design roles. Alba's passion for inclusive design, accessible to everyone, reminded us of the importance of creating everyday products that cater to all individuals, rather than focusing solely on luxury or expensive items. Her story resonated deeply with us all.
Alba (Kingfisher) our first speaker of the night
Lauren from SharkNinja, took the stage next. Not only was Lauren instrumental in securing the venue for the event, but she also shared her determination in convincing the international team to make the Battersea office their UK headquarters. Her humble beginnings in Scotland, coupled with her willingness to take risks and adapt, illuminated her impressive career path. Lauren's enthusiasm for empowering the younger generation within her company was truly inspiring, and we have no doubt that SharkNinja will continue to be at the forefront of promoting women in engineering and design.
Lauren (SharkNinja) our second speaker of the night
Tracy, the Senior Design Manager and Founder of Sharp Minds, was the third speaker. Tracy's well-established presence in the industry preceded her, and her authenticity, both professionally and personally, was refreshing. She spoke candidly about her rollercoaster career, including moving countries for job opportunities, facing heartbreak, and ultimately discovering her passion for coaching. Tracy's current role at the Design Age Institute, where she mentors businesses in developing products for an aging population, further emphasised the importance of supporting independence and well-being.
Tracy (RCA and Sharp Minds Founder)
Last but not least, Kirsty, the Managing Director of PriestmanGoode, took the stage. Kirsty had always been on Sophie's radar as a potential speaker, and her reputation as an inspiring leader preceded her. Kirsty shared her twenty-one-year journey at PriestmanGoode, navigating the challenges of motherhood and embracing changes along the way. She emphasised the significance of curiosity, creativity, collaboration, a comprehensive approach, and competence in shaping any person. Kirsty's emphasis on giving her team time for creativity and the benefits of the business being employee-owned resonated strongly with the audience. She also showcased her passion for supporting individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. Kirsty encouraged applicants to include their work-related roles such as bar work and retail on their CVs, as it adds depth to their experiences and demonstrates their ability to handle challenges and navigate work environments.
Kirsty (PriestmanGoode) our final speaker
The feedback we received after the event reflected the impact of the speakers' stories. Attendees laughed, cried, and felt inspired throughout the evening. A significant discussion centered around the importance of honesty and authenticity during job interviews and in the application process. Tracy provided valuable insight by suggesting that applicants focus on highlighting what they learned in previous roles rather than simply listing their responsibilities. Interestingly, it was revealed that most of our speakers had worked in ad hoc, low-paid jobs at the beginning of their careers as well.
Following the speakers' presentations, we took a break for refreshments and a demo of some of the SharkNinja products. We then reconvened for a panel discussion, where we explored key learnings from the past five events, including the significance of taking risks, trusting one's instincts, and embracing failure. Sophie also shared her recommended reading list for the past quarter, as well as some noteworthy podcasts. The panel eagerly fielded questions from the engaged attendees.
Our panel discussion
Once again, we are overwhelmed by the immense interest and support this event series has gained. We extend our gratitude to the men who attended and showed their support for the speakers and the event as a whole. The tickets are open to both men and women, and we genuinely appreciate the male attendees who join us. We cannot thank our speakers enough for sharing their stories, bravely tackling difficult questions, and openly discussing the challenges they have faced. Every individual present that evening walked away with newfound knowledge, and we hope they will spread the word about what they learned and the remarkable people they met.
From left to right: Alba, Kirsty, Lauren and Tracy (our speakers)
Special thanks go to the SharkNinja team, Ioana and Clara, for their invaluable assistance in organising the event, as well as the Studio Wood team, including James, Hayley, Celine, Bret, and Josh. Midas Prosecco for supporting the event and lastly, a massive thank you to Michael O'Driscoll for capturing the night beautifully through his photography.
While we do not disclose the guest list, we had the pleasure of hosting a diverse range of professionals in the room, including designers, creatives, product managers, founders, entrepreneurs, and mothers. If you wish to stay connected or secure tickets for our upcoming events, be sure to follow us on the Studiowood Instagram or LinkedIn, as we announce them there first.
