First Time CEOs, Leadership Journeys and Reflections

On Wednesday, May 8th, Perrett Laver’s Social, Impact and Environment (SIE) team hosted the "First Time CEOs, Leadership Journeys and Reflections" Q&A event.

With true candour, the five panellists—Najwa Abdallah, Claire Eadington, Farah Nazeer, Ebele Okobi, and Saba Shafi—discussed their journeys to becoming first-time CEOs, sharing the trials, tribulations, and moments of reckoning. Through individual stories, they advised emerging leaders and articulated the impact and purpose behind their calls to action and daily work. Leaning into moments of growth when presented with opportunities was a common theme throughout the event, as was acknowledging the extent to which existing leadership dynamics that are unwilling to embrace transformation can hinder agency. Being 'scrappy' and persistent about pushing for transparency within organisational structures, and asking for help, were two key threads reiterated throughout the discussion. Ultimately, as an audience, we were reminded of our humanity and the raw power that works and exists within environments that foster joy, safety, and prioritise inclusion.