Second keynote confirmed for Chamber leadership conference

A senior business leader and member of the House of Lords is to address delegates at virtual leadership and people management conference hosted by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith (pictured) will speak about authentic leadership in times of change at the Chamber 's Growth Through People Conference..

The online conference will focus on topical leadership and people management challenges following the impacts of Brexit and Covid-19.

It will also provide an opportunity to network with other local leaders, managers and decision makers from businesses looking to grow through the adoption of new, best-practice ideas.

Further speakers include Jess Phillips MP, who will give a keynote address on empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

The University of Birmingham 's Dr Holly Birkett and Miss Macaroon founder Rosie Ginday will also participate in a panel discussion on managing beyond a crisis.

Further panellists and workshop facilitators will be announced in the coming weeks.

Both the conference and virtual events are free for Chamber members. Conference tickets are £15 for non-members.

Aston University, BMet College and the University of Birmingham 's Work Inclusivity Research Centre (WIRC) are headline sponsors of Growth Through People 2021.

Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith is currently a non-executive director at the Department for Education and Tideway, senior independent advisor at Mace Group and chair of the Airport Operators Association.

She is a member of the House of Lords Committee on Democracy and Digital Technologies, and patron of the Employers Forum for Equality and Inclusion.

Previously, she spent 15 years at Mitie Group PLC - including eight as CEO, as one of a small number of female CEOs in the FTSE 250.

She also served as chair of the Women 's Business Council and has held a range of NED and public appointments and won a number of national awards during her business career.

Ruby was appointed CBE in 2011 for services to business and to diversity in business, and became a life peer in 2015.

Henrietta Brealey, chief strategy officer of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said: “We are delighted that Ruby will be joining us to share her experience with our Growth Through People conference delegates.

“This past year has brought about immense and unprecedented changes to almost every aspect of how we live and work and unfortunately we have not reached the end of these changes yet.

“Ruby 's experience will provide invaluable insights to those currently leading through this difficult period, on doing so authentically and in a way which effectively engages people. ”

Click here to register to virtually attend the Growth Through People Conference on 30 March

For information about the campaign 's final headline sponsorship opportunity, contact Emily Stubbs