November 2012 For immediate release

Maximising female corporate talent at Leeds Met lecture

A lecture, which explores how to maximise female talent in the corporate environment, is to be held at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Heather Jackson, Founder and Chief Executive of An Inspirational Journey, will give the guest lecture at the Universitys Rose Bowl building on Thursday 8 November from 6-7pm.

An Inspirational Journey which launched in May 2011, is a group of four programmes including The Women's Business Forum and is fuelled by the Royal Bank of Scotland. The organisation aims to increase the number of women working at the senior corporate level by breaking down barriers and helping UK companies identify, develop and grow a large talent pool of women who have the potential to be leaders in the future. Heather Jackson, commented: I see this event as a great opportunity to discuss the issues around talent retention and development, as well as discussing the benefits of achieving better corporate performance and the positive impact this can have for both the individual and organisations. Furthermore, the chance to connect with an audience in this environment, some of whom will represent the next generation of our female talent is great!

An Inspirational Journey currently works with over 33 globally recognised companies and reaches out to 4000 women through the delivery of its work -

The Pearls Programme, The Two Percent Club and The Women's Business Forum.

Event organiser and Principle Lecturer in Accounting and Finance at Leeds Metropolitan, Paul Houghton, said: Heather Jackson is an incredibly successful and inspirational figure in the corporate business world and whether youre a student, a budding professional or youre already established in your career, the seminar and her knowledge and experiences will undoubtedly be of great interest.

The free lecture will conclude with an opportunity to ask questions and places are available on a first come, first served basis.

To book your place at this event please email guestspeaker@leedsmet.ac.uk

Ends

For further details please contact Julia Williams in the Communications team at Leeds Met on 0113 8125978 or email j.t.williams@leedsmet.ac.uk

Notes for editors: Leeds Metropolitan University has over 25,000 students and around 3,000 staff. The Vice Chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University is Professor Susan Price and the Chair of the Board is Lord Woolmer of Leeds. Leeds Metropolitans four faculties are: Arts, Environment and Technology, Business & Law, Health and Social Sciences, and Carnegie. Leeds Metropolitans heritage can be traced back to the founding of the Mechanics Institute in Leeds in 1824.