The latest Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid’s Women’s Network event was another sell out as 70 attendees from across the region came together to hear two inspirational speakers share their insights into how we can show up for ourselves.

The sold-out event on 21 January was sponsored by Welsh broadband provider and Chamber partner Ogi and held in their impressive offices in Hodge House on St Mary Street. Sally-Anne Skinner, Ogi’s chief revenue officer, offered a warm welcome to delegates and gave a short introduction to Ogi, detailing their Welsh credentials and what they can offer Welsh businesses, before presenting the day’s speakers.

Travelling to a more powerful mindset

The first talk of the day came from Blessing Mutamba, NatWest’s business inclusion manager, who addressed the crowd about how a recent travelling experience helped her shape the way she approaches her life and work.

Blessing outlined the four rules she tries to live by:

1. You deserve life’s little luxuries – too many of us wait for special occasions and holidays to treat ourselves but there are things we can, and should, do to make every day special.
2. Choose your difficult – we are often faced with two choices and there is no right or wrong, you just have to decide which decision you can live with.
3. Compassion is powerful
4. You didn’t come this far, only to come this far – don’t let something knock you off course. If you hold your nerve, what is on the other side of the ‘scary situation’ is often not scary at all.

Ultimately, Blessing urged attendees to face tough decisions head on to constantly move forward and with faith.

Channelling grief into positive action

Beth Baldwin gave an emotional talk about ‘growing through grief’ and the fact that grief doesn’t only relate to the loss of a loved one but can come in many forms. Beth has dealt with a lot of grief in her life, but it was the death of her son to undiagnosed type 1 diabetes when he was 13 that has most profoundly shaped her.

This though was a story of hope not sadness, and Beth talked about how since the death of her son she has campaigned tirelessly for better diagnosis of diabetes, especially in children, and through her work, she knows of 15 children whose lives have been saved because parents were able to identify the 4Ts: Tiredness, Thirst, Thinness and Toilet.

Crucially, Beth also talked about the fact that she is still standing because of the women that have shown up for her, who have lifted and supported her through her life and career.

Following their thought-provoking presentations, Blessing and Beth answered questions from the group. During the Q&A both talked about the people and events that have inspired and shaped them.

Penny Lock, director of partnerships and business development at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said:

“The key things I will take away from today are that we need to focus on what we can control and that ultimately, the most important thing we can do is to keep showing up. Both Beth and Blessing are truly exceptional, and I am sure that the women at today’s event left feeling inspired.”

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