CMI conference helps students understand the value of a diverse workplace

Postgraduate students accompanied by Liza Pybus at CMI conference

Students from MSc Management and MBA courses were given the opportunity to attend a CMI conference focused on women and leadership.

The conference held in Leeds was aimed at recognising potential and achievements in the workplace and understanding the benefits of diversity.

The talks offered fresh insights from a range of empowering women. Students heard from Anj Handa, founder of Inspiring Women Changemakers, a dynamic movement of women leading transformational change – at work, in society, and in the wider world. Anj shared her experience of extensive work with female leaders helping them to become highly effective, authentic communicators through coaching in public speaking, media handling and personal brand.

Students also heard from Chris Baines, director of Baines Craig Consultancy who discussed the myths about sex that shape both male and female careers and life choices. Chris discussed how women in senior roles can make a positive impact to the dynamics and profits of an organisation. She shared her experiences of studying various aspects of sex differences as part of her first degree which she later went on to utilise when persuading managers to look differently at female job candidates. Her efforts resulted in an increase in women in technical and senior roles in her employers’ organisations and influenced a change in managers’ attitudes to women’s abilities.

Students thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from the event. Dipika Mishra, MSc Management and Marketing student commented: “The event was well organised and informative. It was truly helpful in terms of engaging with new people and networking. The speakers at the event coming from different working background enlightened us with their personal experiences which was motivational and it gave me a chance to think over new opportunities I would like to seek.”

Dhamodaran Venkateasan, an MBA student also commented about the event:  “Personally, I enjoyed each topic presented during the session and it was a great opportunity for me to learn the diverse specializations in one stage. Especially the insights of “Boiling frogs” from “How to Strategise” by Stephen and “Political skills for managers - Owl, Fox, Donkey and Sheep matrix” from “Overcoming the challenges of public & political life” by Meg Munn which are all contenders to implement in real time.”

Visit our postgraduate course pages to find out about other similar activities that you can get involved in here at Nottingham Business School.