Women must lead future conversations, not just shape it

…Set for landmark London conference

From Bimbola Oyesola, Geneva, Switzerland

Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) is set to bring together some of the world’s most influential leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and changemakers in London this month as it hosts its fourth London Conference focused on building a “Meaningful Legacy” in an increasingly complex global environment.

The pan-African organisation announced that the conference, themed “Meaningful Legacy: Power, Positioning, and Influence in a Changing World,” will take place on June 26, 2026, at One Great George Street, The Institution of Civil Engineers, London.

The event is expected to attract participants from across the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa and the diaspora, creating a platform for conversations on leadership, resilience, innovation and sustainable impact in a rapidly evolving world.

Organisers said the conference comes at a time when geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption and shifting economic realities are reshaping leadership expectations, particularly for women seeking to drive meaningful change within institutions and communities.

Speaking on the significance of the theme, WIMBIZ Executive Director, OmowunmiAkingbohungbe, said the conference would challenge women leaders to think beyond personal achievements and focus on creating lasting influence.

“The concept of a meaningful legacy resonates deeply in today’s rapidly evolving world,” Akingbohungbe said. “The conference will explore how women can not only achieve professional success but also cultivate enduring influence that transcends generations and geographical boundaries.”

She described the London conference as a critical platform for cross-cultural dialogue and strategic collaboration, adding that it reflects WIMBIZ’s more than two decades of commitment to inspiring, empowering and equipping women for leadership and decision-making roles globally.

The conference will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including Julia Middleton, Founder of Common Purpose; IbukunAwosika, Co-Founder of WIMBIZ and CEO of The Chair Centre; Sarah FadoulBoulos, Founder and Chairperson of the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN); Will Anderson MBE, Founder and Managing Partner of Oakbridge Advisory; Andrew Olowude, Chief Technology Officer of Xenet Ai; and Niamh White, Founder of Hospital Rooms.

According to WIMBIZ, discussions will examine how women leaders can strengthen institutions, drive sustainable growth and create long-term impact while navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by an increasingly interconnected world.

The conference also comes against the backdrop of continuing debates around gender representation in corporate leadership. Recent findings from the FTSE Women Leaders Review 2026 revealed that women now occupy 43 percent of FTSE 350 board positions, yet only eight percent of those companies are led by female chief executives.

Industry observers say the figures highlight significant progress in boardroom representation while underscoring the persistent barriers women face in reaching the highest executive positions, making conversations around influence, leadership pipelines and legacy more relevant than ever.

Attendees can expect keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive fireside conversations designed to generate actionable insights, strategic networking opportunities and collaborative partnerships. Registration for the conference is currently open, with organisers encouraging aspiring and established leaders alike to participate in what promises to be one of the year’s most impactful gatherings focused on advancing women in leadership.