Leading under the microscope: Clarity, accountability, and authenticity in LGBTQ+ leadership
A conversation with Lauren Stoner, former Chief Executive of Mermaids
LGBTQ+ leaders often carry the weight of both organisational responsibility and the lived experience of navigating identity in environments that can be politicised, scrutinised, or hostile. This is only magnified when they step into organisations whose purpose is to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.
Join Lauren Stoner, former CEO of Mermaids, for a rare and candid exploration of what it’s like to lead an organisation through intense public scrutiny and a statutory inquiry. Drawing on her experience in governance reform, crisis leadership, and organisational transformation, Lauren will unpack the realities of being a CEO under the microscope and the resilience, integrity, and values driven leadership that enabled her to thrive in this space.
With a focus on the reality of leading an organisation under very significant scrutiny and regulatory involvement, the challenge of doing the right thing when it’s hard, navigating media misinformation and a difficult public narrative and developing personal resilience and sustainable leadership practices this is an event for existing and aspiring leaders alike.
Bio
Lauren Stoner is a seasoned executive leader known for guiding organisations through complexity, scrutiny, and transformational change. Most recently the CEO of Mermaids for almost three years, Lauren led the charity through a period of intense public attention and a statutory inquiry, steering governance reform, stabilising operations, and strengthening organisational resilience.
With a career spanning health, social care, justice, and charitable services, Lauren has built a reputation for values driven leadership grounded in integrity, clarity, and compassion. She specialises in governance, strategy, income generation, and organisational transformation. Across these roles, she has consistently delivered improved governance, stronger partnerships, and sustainable growth.
Lauren is also a vocal advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, embedding inclusive practice into organisational culture and service delivery. Her leadership is shaped by a deep commitment to improving outcomes for marginalised communities and creating environments where people can thrive.
Drawing on her lived experience as an LGBTQ+ leader and her time navigating inquiry as a CEO, Lauren brings candour and insight into what it means to lead under pressure, hold firm to your values, and rebuild with purpose. Her work resonates with leaders across sectors who are navigating complexity, visibility, and the demands of modern leadership.
