On Wednesday 2nd April 2025, Northumbria University hosted an insightful and energising morning of discussion at Leading the Workplace and Workforce Evolution, a must-attend event for business leaders, HR professionals, and managers.
Delivered in partnership with the North East Chamber of Commerce and supported by media partner NE Times, the event brought together expert voices and lived experiences to examine the leadership challenges organisations face today, ranging from technological disruption and workforce generational shifts to employee wellbeing, inclusion, and purpose-led cultures.
Key Themes and Highlights
The Evolving Leadership Landscape
Aneela Ali, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services at the North East Chamber of Commerce, opened the session with a compelling overview of current business pressures from the pace of AI adoption to the increasing expectations of Gen Z employees. Her remarks framed the wider discussions that followed, acknowledging the complexity facing today’s leaders and calling for new, more adaptive approaches to leadership.
Keynote: Human-Centred Leadership
Dr Helen Charlton, Associate Professor and Head of Executive Education at Newcastle Business School, took to the stage with a powerful message: human-centred, responsible leadership is no longer optional. As workplaces continue to shift in structure, values, and expectations, Dr Charlton emphasised the importance of empathy, trust, and inclusive decision-making as central components of effective leadership in a modern context.
Keynote: Championing Working Parents
Next, Joeli Brearley MBE, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, delivered a passionate and deeply personal keynote on building parent-friendly workplaces. Drawing from her own experiences and her organisation’s advocacy work, she highlighted the far-reaching impacts of the “motherhood penalty” and shared actionable strategies for employers to better support working parents.
Panel Conversation and Q&A
The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Sarah Glendinning, featuring all three speakers. Audience members engaged directly with the panel, exploring hot-button topics such as hybrid working, the future of leadership, organisational values, and how businesses can remain agile while meeting the needs of a diverse and evolving workforce.
Key Takeaways
- The pace of change in both workplace technology and culture demands more empathetic, people-first leadership.
- Supporting working parents isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a competitive advantage in today’s talent market.
- Cross-generational expectations, flexible working models, and a renewed focus on wellbeing are reshaping what employees value most.
- Leadership today is as much about listening and adapting as it is about strategy and direction.
Didn’t make it to the event?
We’ll be sharing further insights, resources, and future opportunities to continue the conversation. For more information or to express interest in upcoming events, please complete our form here.
