Pride in Leadership Annual Conference 2025

Pride in Leadership is pulling together a full day of brilliant talks, masterclasses and networking opportunities, and we expect over 200 LGBTQ+ leaders, aspiring leaders and allies in attendance.

Book your place online now  – or contact claire@onthelevelconsultancy.com to arrange invoice or BACS payment for multiple bookings.

USE THE PROMO CODE EARLY25 FOR A DISCOUNT until September.

We have also created a Pay if Forward ticket for those who would like to buy a ticket for someone who can’t afford it.

 

Designed to support LGBTQ+ leaders and aspiring leaders across sectors, our inaugural Annual Conference is not-to-be-missed.

Venue – The Printworks, Manchester, M4 2BS

Agenda

08.30 – Registration and networking

09.05 – Introduction and opening

09.25 – Panel discussion – TBC

10.30 – Break and networking

11.00 – Masterclass A &  Masterclass B 

12.00 – TED style talk 

12.20 – Lunch and networking

13.20 – Masterclass C & Masterclass D

 14.20 – Break – return to main room

14.45 – Session – TBC

15.30 – Short break

15.50 – In conversation with TBC

16.50 – Closing remarks

5pm – Networking with drinks reception, and music from DJ Ian Breen.

7.30pm – Close

Book your place online now – or contact claire@onthelevelconsultancy.com to arrange invoice or BACS payment for multiple bookings.

 

Huge thanks to Crowe UK, Trowers and Hamlins,  Charity People, SAZ MEDIA and Shoosmiths for their support.

Speaker bios (as we confirm)

Pam Burrows | For over 30 years, Pam Burrows has been on a mission to help leaders and teams stress less, smile more, and perform at their best and she does it with a contagious energy that leaves a lasting impact. From boardrooms to international conferences, Pam’s powerful, practical approach to wellbeing has transformed workplaces and won awards, including a European Health and Safety Award for reducing stress in the workplace.

Armed with expertise as a Nursery Nurse, Social Worker, and Master Practitioner in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Pam blends science with heart to create interactive, high-energy sessions that spark real change. A Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association and author of books – Burnout Buster and The CARE Wellbeing Model – she’s not just about theory, she’s about real-world results that help leaders and their people feel good and work smarter.

 

Junior Beaman | Junior is a dynamic Executive Coach and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion advocate with a passion for empowering individuals to thrive personally and professionally. With years of experience leading employee resource groups and facilitating inclusion programmes across global organisations, Junior brings deep expertise in creating safe, reflective, and transformative spaces.

As a Platinum-tier facilitator of Google’s global #IAmRemarkable programme, Junior has delivered impactful workshops to hundreds of participants, helping them find the confidence to speak up, share their stories, and own their value. He combines coaching skill, lived experience, and a people-first approach to challenge imposter syndrome and support authentic leadership.

 

 

Catherine Millan | Catherine is a trailblazing advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) with a strong track record of helping organisations and individuals create more inclusive environments. As the Founder and Company Director of Be What You See Consultancy Ltd, she has spent her career breaking barriers, challenging discrimination, and empowering individuals to become champions of inclusion.

Catherine has led EDI initiatives in both national and international settings, designing and delivering training and resources that support the development of inclusive cultures. Her work centres on elevating underrepresented voices, preventing discrimination, and equipping people with the tools to become active allies and inclusive leaders.

Passionate about empowering young people and adults alike, Catherine has developed educational resources, including diverse children’s literature and school programmes, as well as training for professionals looking to build their confidence in EDI practice. Her work is rooted in practical action and meaningful dialogue, helping clients move beyond box-ticking to create real impact.

Whether working with senior leaders, educators, or community groups, Catherine’s work is a catalyst for real change, inspiring individuals and organisations to take meaningful action towards a more just and inclusive world.

Anna Marsden | Anna is a high energy trainer and professional. Holding both a Bachelors and Masters Degree, Anna is a professionally qualified trainer (Award in Education and Training (AET)). She has trained staff from the public, private and third sectors, and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Masterclasses 

Masterclass A | Being your own advocate – why self-promotion is a leadership skill (with Junior Beaman)

Inclusion isn’t just about creating space for others – it’s also about claiming space for yourself. Yet for many professionals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, talking openly about their achievements can feel uncomfortable or even risky. This silence comes at a cost: to confidence, to visibility, and to career progression.

#IAmRemarkable is a global initiative that empowers underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. This practical and empowering session is part of the global #IAmRemarkable movement, designed to help you develop the confidence to speak up, celebrate your accomplishments, and own your worth – without apology.

This masterclass provides a supportive space to explore how cultural norms, internalised bias, and workplace dynamics can hold us back from self-advocacy, and what we can do about it.

You’ll leave with:

• Greater clarity on what makes you remarkable, and how to speak about it with confidence
• The ability to challenge the social perceptions around self-promotion
• Tools to challenge the internal barriers that keep you quiet
• Techniques to track and communicate your achievements without feeling like you’re “bragging”

Whether you’re building a career, leading a team, or stepping into a new opportunity, this workshop helps you reconnect with your voice and realise the power of showing up fully as yourself. Because accomplishments don’t always speak for themselves!

Masterclass B | Finding courage in the moment (with Catherine Millan)

Every leader wants to create an inclusive, respectful workplace, but what happens in those subtle, awkward moments when someone says something inappropriate or exclusionary can determine the real culture of an organisation. Microaggressions often go unchecked not because people don’t care, but because they don’t know how to respond. This session equips you to change that.

Rooted in the evidence-based ‘Active Bystander’ model, this practical and reflective masterclass will help you take meaningful action when it matters most — whether you’re the person being impacted, witnessing behaviour as a colleague, or leading a team where culture is everything.

This session combines deep understanding with a highly practical approach. Catherine brings a wealth of experience supporting leaders across sectors to confidently step into inclusive leadership — even in the moments that feel uncomfortable or uncertain.

You’ll leave with:

• A clear understanding of what microaggressions are, how they show up in professional spaces, and the harm they cause, especially for LGBTQ+ colleagues and clients
• Insight into the four key intervention strategies: Direct, Distract, Delegate, and Delay – and how to choose which one fits the moment
• Tools to confidently challenge problematic behaviour without escalating conflict
• Techniques for embedding inclusive leadership habits that prevent microaggressions before they start
• Space to reflect on your own role in shaping safer, more inclusive environments

This session offers sharp insight, relatable scenarios, and no-fluff strategies you can apply immediately – not just to protect others, but to lead with clarity, courage, and impact.

Masterclass C | When they zig, we zag: Unlocking the power of difference in leadership

In a world that often rewards conformity, true leadership demands the courage to zag when others zig. Inspired by the 1980’s adage from John Hegarty this Masterclass will explore how embracing difference isn’t just a personal strength, but a strategic leadership advantage.

We’ll dive into why distinctiveness is a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and authentic influence. Together, we’ll unpack how leaders from underrepresented communities such as ours — and allies — can leverage their unique perspectives to challenge norms, reshape cultures, and drive meaningful change.

Expect a session rich in storytelling, real-world examples, and practical strategies to help you lead not by fitting in, but by standing out — proudly, purposefully, and powerfully.

Masterclass D – TBC

 

Headline partner:

 

 

The Pride in Leadership Annual Conference is proudly sponsored by: