Join us to gain valuable guidance on securing your first board role and making a meaningful impact once you’re there.
This in person event, in London, offers valuable insights for every stage of your board career—from securing your first commercial role to making a lasting impact in the boardroom. Through roundtable discussions led by experienced speakers, you’ll explore the challenges of landing that often-elusive first role, learn how to maximise your effectiveness once appointed, build productive relationships with executives, and understand the vital role of committees.
Following the Roundtable discussions, there will be informal networking time to connect with all participants over drinks and nibbles. This is a great chance to make supportive connections, deepen your knowledge and grow your network.
About each Roundtable
You’ll have the opportunity to rotate between tables, gaining valuable insights from each of our expert speakers.
Roundtable 1 – Chaired by Gail Tucker and Mike Clancy
Gail Tucker
Gail Tucker is an accomplished business leader with extensive experience in professional services and corporate governance. A former Audit Partner at PwC, she built a distinguished career with deep expertise across both the UK and global insurance markets, advising the likes of Aviva plc and HSBC. Gail was the firm’s chief auditor for the UK insurance practice.
Gail is now rapidly transitioning into a successful non-executive. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director on the board of Chesnara plc and is a Trustee with Breast Cancer Now where she contributes strategic insight, governance expertise, and a commitment to driving positive outcomes. Gail has previously sat on the Council of The University of Warwick.
Mike Clancy
Mike is the founder of Walgrove, a business specialising in Chair and NED appointments for UK SME’s. Clients are AIM listed companies and family owned businesses. Mike is an ambassador for WB Directors. He is also a regular speaker and presenter for the Financial Times on their Board Director Programme of courses and workshops.
Roundtable 2 – Chaired by Nicole Coll and Laurie Benson
Nicole Coll
Nicole is an accomplished senior non-executive director and finance professional with extensive board-level experience across financial services, corporate banking, and regulated institutions. Nicole has built her board expertise across audit, risk, governance and remuneration. She is currently Independent Non-Executive Director & Chair of the Audit Committee, Alpha Group International plc, Independent Non-Executive Director & Chair of Remco Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking, Non-Executive Director & Chair of Audit, DF Capital Bank Limited, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, Chair of Audit & Remco , Atrium Underwriters Limited and Deputy Chair of Dudley Building Society. Prior to embarking upon her board career, Nicole held senior C-Suite positions across financial services.
Laurie Benson
Laurie Benson has had a successful career as a media executive in both the US and the UK, including Publisher of Time Magazine (TWX:NYSE) and Bloomberg Publishing for Europe, The Middle East and Africa, Laurie has been able to leverage her experience and expertise into a Non-Executive Director portfolio career.
Laurie is currently a Non Executive Director of Intellectual Property Office and a Board Member for the Animal Plant Health Agency, a part of DEFRA.
Laurie, also held the role of Chair of the Remuneration Committee and Board Member for Bonhill Group plc. She has also held Non-Executive positions at the The Royal Air Force Museum, Charity Commission for England and Wales, Christie Group plc and Medal: The Medical Algorithms Company.
This event will be most impactful for those who are in a position to realistically target positions in their chosen sector or who are already on a board. Places are limited so please book early to guarantee your attendance.
Timing:
5.30pm – Registration and networking
5.45pm – Roundtable discussions
7pm – Networking with wine/soft drinks
7.30pm – Finish
With thanks to our event hosts Manow Wealth Partners Ltd
