Empowering Employability: Women Shaping the Future of Work - Panel and Q&A

In honour of Women’s History Month, this event brought together four trailblazing leaders - Rhian Burrell, Sasha Graham, Imani Brown, and Hannah McMullan - whose careers span coaching, DEI, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. They shared fresh perspectives on building confidence, navigating non‑linear career paths, leveraging emerging technologies, and adapting to a rapidly evolving world of work.

Attendees gained practical strategies to strengthen their employability and personal brand, inspired by the speakers’ real‑world experiences driving change, championing equity, and shaping mission‑driven careers.

Chaired by Bea Anderson, President of the Women in Business Society, the panel explored themes of reinvention, values‑led leadership, and purposeful progression, followed by an audience Q&A and networking.

Panellists

Chair - Bea Anderson | President of the Women in Business society | Henley Business School current BSc student

Currently pursuing a BSc in Business Management and Marketing at Henley Business School, where she has gained hands‑on experience in business development. Her work as a Business Development Intern with the Reading Internship Scheme strengthened her skills in strategy and outreach, leading to her current role as a Reading Internship Scheme Assistant. Alongside her studies, Bea has been actively involved in the Women in Business Society, serving as Welfare Representative in her second year and President in her third, where she has focused on creating an inclusive and supportive community and has collaborated with some of the most influential women in business.

Rhian Burrell - Founder and CEO | ASPIRE2B | Henley Business School alumna

Rhian Burrell is a registered Career Development Professional and founder of ASPIRE2B, a purpose-led organisation helping people build careers rooted in joy, clarity, and fulfilment. Drawing on experience across leadership, education governance, and community mentoring, Rhian’s work centres on empowering individuals to discover the careers they love. She is an active mentor and speaker, committed to widening opportunity and nurturing confidence in young people and career changers.

Sasha Graham - CEO | Equality Group

Sasha Graham is a social justice careers leader, purpose coach, and community advocate dedicated to supporting Black and Brown changemakers. As Director of Social Justice Careers & Mentoring at Columbia Law School’s Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice, she empowers emerging leaders to build sustainable, purpose-led careers in re-entry, youth development, higher education, and philanthropy. Her work prioritises liberation, equity, and systemic change.

Imani Brown - Brand Marketing Manager | Pearson | Henley Business School alumna

Imani Brown is a former degree apprentice turned Brand Marketing Manager, known for championing early‑career talent and expanding access to vocational pathways. A young entrepreneur from age 17, she is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities for Gen Z and uses her platform to share practical, honest advice that helps young people navigate the world of work with confidence.

Hannah McMullan - Team & Systematic Coach / Leadership and Learning Consultant | Together We Soar Consulting | Henley Business School alumna

Hannah McMullan is a team coach and leadership development expert with 20+ years’ experience helping global teams shift from individual performance to collective impact. With a background in risk, audit, and talent development, she specialises in creating psychologically safe environments where leaders can collaborate, connect, and thrive. She brings a practical, commercial perspective to coaching, supported by professional accreditation in systemic coaching, emotional intelligence, and behavioural profiling.

This event is in collaboration with Henley Business School and University of Reading student societies. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for these events, please contact the Alumni Team.