Wonder Women Live
“In my 30 year’s working in Television, I’ve never been to an event quite like it!”
Each year, the great and the good of the TV industry come together for Wonder Women Live! The annual women’s networking event, which brings diverse women who work in Television and the Creative Industries together, to celebrate International Women’s Day; make new connections and hear from four phenomenal women as they reflect on their careers.
Hosted by TV Presenter, Ria Hebden this year’s industry trailblazers on the panel included; Former Editor at large of Channel 4 News & Current Affairs, Dorothy Byrne, CEO of Fremantle UK, Amelia Brown; Head of BBC Entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight and ITN News Anchor & Loose Woman, Charlene White who discussed the importance of setting goals, taking risks and asking for what you want to get ahead in your career.
On the subject of diversity and inclusion at senior leadership level in Television, Wonder Women TV Founder & TV Presenter, Ria Hebden commented:
“When I look back as a leader today, I am appalled at the lack of proper induction and the toleration of what was criminal conduct.”
Dorothy Byrne, Channel 4’s Former Editor at large, News & Current Affairs
“While there’s progress being made in broadcasting, with more women in senior roles on and off camera in TV, there is still work to be done.”
Wonder Women Founder & CEO, Ria Hebden
Despite women making up 51% of the industry, there’s clear evidence that confirms the gender, ethnicity, disability, and class pay gaps still remain. Reflecting on her colourful career in News & Current Affairs, Dorothy Byrne shared;
Wonder Women Live! is also live-streamed making our event accessible to people all over the world. Audiences heard an insightful and galvanising keynote speech from Dorothy Byrne who encouraged women to;
“You have to be aware women don’t always push themselves forward or ask for pay rises, whereas men do, so if you’re not careful you can end up favouring men unfairly… I say to all women, don't wait until you have all the qualifications to apply for a job, look at Boris Johnson”.”
Dorothy Byrne, Channel 4’s former Editor at large, News & Current Affairs
Talking about leadership and the importance of accruing a diverse range of experience. Fremantle UK CEO, Amelia Brown shared;
“The more people you meet and the more people you work with in different situations, the better anyone in any industry will be at their job. Nobody thinks the same, not one person is the same and that is brilliant.”
Amelia Brown, Fremantle UK CEO
Discussing how important it is to learn new skills, Kalpna shared…
“Imposter syndrome can be a driver - rather than giving into it, you have to look at it as a driving force and remember that you deserve to be who you are, where you are…never give someone that power to make you feel like you don’t belong.”
ITN News Anchor & Loose Woman, Charlene White
“It’s very important in this industry to have a growth mindset…every job that I have done has helped me to get to where I am. Take every opportunity, as long as you feel like you’re growing and that it is taking you somewhere.” .”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment BBC
During the insightful panel discussion, the women discussed the impacts of imposter syndrome that so many women face, Charlene shared,
The inspirational event which was attended by the Worshipful the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr Patrcia Quigley and women who work for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky Amazon and All3Media International provided a much needed forum for 100 women who work in Television to share their experiences, discuss the pressing issues affecting women’s progression in the workplace, and forge new connections with industry leaders.
In addition to insightful discussions, attendees engaged in a structured networking session to encourage collaboration, social mobility and employability.
Wonder Women would like to thank our sponsors White City Place, Orchard Studios and our live events insurance partner, Tysers Live for bringing Wonder Women Live to life.
