GUILD WEBINAR REPORTS

SUSTAINABLE FASHION - 2nd March 2022

Please do listen to this recording of Jessica Saunders (Talbot-Ponsonby, 1977-1982, Sidney Lodge), Associate Dean and PhD Student at UAL, London College of Fashion; Charlotte Dunn (2009-2014, Farnley Lodge/Elizabeth), creator and owner of a pyjama company using organic fabrics (Charlotte Dunn Design) and Cecelia Thornett (2016-2018, Cambray Annexe), owner of a recycled swimwear company (Take2shop), as they discuss the issues facing the fashion industry as it responds to consumer demands for sustainable goods produced in a responsible way. Charlotte and Cecelia, both young entrepreneurs , describe the process of setting up a business from scratch and the hurdles they faced as they dealt with suppliers and the production process, the necessity of record keeping and the challenge of keeping true to their vision. 

There was practical advice to anyone interested in pursuing a career in fashion and Jessica reminded us that the industry needs specialists from many disciplines outside design including tech, chemistry, law, marketing and finance.

Please let the Guild Office know if you have any questions about the fashion industry, as the panellists have kindly offered to be contacted via email.

A huge thank you to Jessica, Charlotte and Cecelia for participating in the webinar series.

If you missed the webinar or would like to listen again, a recording is available on CLC Connect (you will need to have registered) click here.  

Charlotte Dunn, Jessica Saunders and Cecelia Thornett

FOOD AND DRINK - 18th November 2021 

This webinar, packed with fascinating information and insight, was led  by Marie Cheong-Thong (Cheong, 1976-1978, St Austin’s/Fauconberg), wine, spirits and sake educator and food and wine writer, who was joined in conversation by Anne Jones (1991-1998, Farnley Lodge/Elizabeth), from Waitrose and John Lewis’ Drinks Experience and Event Development department and member of the Sustainable Wine Global Roundtable, and food writer Xanthe Clay (1978-1983, Sidney Lodge).

Although none of the panellists had planned a career in the food and drink sector they had all been interested in the subject from an early age. Their stories are inspiring and their collective expertise was evident as they discussed the effect of the pandemic on our approach to eating and drinking and the important trends emerging as we move forward. Marie also described the courses available to those who wish to join the sector. Anne and Xanthe introduced us to some wonderful restaurants around the UK as well as suggesting some great Christmas gadgets. 

A huge thank you to Marie, Anne and Xanthe for participating in the webinar. 

If you missed the webinar or would like to listen again, a recording is available on CLC Connect (you will need to have registered) click here.  If you have any questions for the panellists, they have kindly offered to be contacted by email (please contact the Guild Office).

Marie Cheong-Thong, Xanthe Clay and Anne Jones

CROSS CULTURAL FLUENCY - 3rd November 2021

Shonali Devereaux (Rodrigues, 1988-1992, Glenlee/Cambray) was joined by Tamara Makoni (2002-2006, Sidney Lodge/Elizabeth), award winning interculturalist and manager at Deloitte Consulting in Belgium; Amanda Palin (1999-2006, St Austin's/Beale), a film development specialist with Pinewood Studios in Beijing and Scarlett Fu (1999-2006, St Austin's/Elizabeth), a UI artist in the video gaming industry at Ubisoft in Dusseldorf and ambassador for Women in Games; in a conversation about their experience of living and working in a different culture from their own and the practical ways in which they have dealt with cultural differences.

Aside from some great anecdotes, the discussion covered attitudes towards work such as time, hierarchy and work life balance as well as life outside work. Scarlett also spoke about the distinctive culture in the gaming world and how it is changing.

The group discussed their motivation to move to another culture and encouraged those in a position to work abroad to seize any opportunity presented to them. Advice for a successful move was to make good preparation and included reading a history of the new country beforehand, not to continuously compare cultures and to try to embrace and immerse oneself in the new culture once there.

A huge thank you to Tamara, who suggested the topic, Amanda and Scarlett as well as Shonali for participating in the webinar. 

If you missed the webinar or would like to listen again, a recording is available on CLC Connect (you will need to have registered) click here.  If you have any questions for the panellists, they have kindly offered to be contacted by email (please contact the Guild Office).

 Shonali Devereaux, Amanda Palin, Scarlett Fu and Tamara Makoni

THE FUTURE OF BRANDS - 6th October 2021

Panellists Charlotte Leechman (2002-2008, St Helen's/Bayshill), Marketing Manager at Estée Lauder; Eleonora Cattaneo (1979-1981, Roderic/Fauconberg), Head of Programme MA in Luxury Brand Management at Regent’s University London; Jenny Laurence (2009-2014, Glenlee/St Hilda's), Purpose Strategist at Revolt and Reiko Bridge (1994-2001, Sidney Lodge/St Hilda's), Business Director at Mother advertising agency, joined chair Shonali Devereaux (Rodrigues, 1988-1992, Glenlee/ Cambray) to discuss The Future of Brands. The panel talked about the impact of the pandemic on heritage brands and how the challenges arising from the emergence of smaller, more agile brands have accelerated changes in the advertising industry as a whole.

The panel highlighted the changing attitudes of consumers in that they have begun to expect more from brands in terms of sustainability and high ethical standards applied throughout production process.  A key change is that brands are really listening to consumers, who are increasingly sophisticated and discerning in looking for authenticity of message and are less tolerant of companies appearing to tick boxes.

This webinar will change the way you view advertising and marketing and will show you that no specific degree subject is required to join the industry - just a curious and creative mind.

A huge thank you to Charlotte, Eleonora, Reiko, Jenny and Shonali for their time and valuable insight.

If you missed the webinar or would like to listen again, a recording is available on CLC Connect (you will need to have registered) click here.  If you have any questions for the panellists, they have kindly offered to be contacted by email (please contact the Guild Office).

Shonali Devereaux, Charlotte Leechman, Reiko Bridge, Eleonora Cattaneo and Jenny Laurence

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: WOMEN ON BOARDS - 29th September 2021

Continuing the series of Guild webinars, Guild members Nandini Basuthakur (1982-1987, St Helen's/St Hilda's) and Harriet Edwards (1999-2004, Farnley Lodge/Elizabeth), Directors of St Hilda’s East; Sara Putt (1999-2004, Farnley Lodge/Elizabeth), Trustee of BAFTA, Film and TV Charity and CLC Council member; and Sophie Coleridge (2007-2014, St Margaret's/Beale), former C-Suite headhunter and co-opted member of CLC Council, prompted by a record number of questions from the audience, discussed their experiences as non-executive directors.

There was much to take away from this webinar but the overriding message was that regardless of age, level of skill and current experience, a board position is attainable provided that a person has sufficient time and enthusiasm for their chosen organisation. The panellists provided many helpful hints and references to sources for information but most of all encouragement to women to have confidence in the contribution that they can make as part of a board. 

If you missed the webinar or would like to listen again, a recording is available on CLC Connect (you will need to have registered) click here. The panellists have kindly agreed to provide their email addresses to answer any further questions and details of resources mentioned in the webinar are available from the Guild Office.

A huge thank you to Nandini, Harriet, Sara and Sophie for their time and for delivering such an interesting event.

Nandini Basuthakur, Sara Putt, Sophie Coleridge and Harriet Edwards

WOMEN IN MUSIC: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE CAREER - 15th September 2021

Becca Byram Wigfield (1978-1982, Farnley Lodge), Grace Grundy (2010-2015, Glengar/Bayshill), Melissa Taylor (1989-1996, St Helen's/Beale) and Radhika Rathinasabapathy (1997-1999, Beale) joined chair, Shonali Devereaux (Rodrigues, 1988-1992, Glenlee/ Cambray), to discuss their experience of entering the contemporary music business, developing a career, particularly as a woman, and protecting their brand and earnings.

The webinar began with a presentation and practical guide to starting out as a performer which revealed that careers can begin with a passion for music and just a phone. It also showed the huge range of career options available to people who love music but choose not to perform. (Slides available from the Guild Office).

The overall message was that, if you want to perform put your content out, take any job opportunity which allows you to network and engage with your fans and to immerse yourself in music. A chance meeting could lead to your breakout performance.

The panel also warned that, despite the common perception of the business, it was important to be professional and that reputation is key because much of the work is offered by word of mouth. That said, artists should be true to themselves as much as possible and build their brand according to their own image and then protect it. The key is to know your worth and have a good manager and lawyer.

If you missed the webinar or would like to listen again, a recording is available on CLC Connect (you will need to have registered) click here. If you have any questions for the panellists, they have kindly offered to be contacted by email (please contact the Guild Office).

A huge thank you to Becca, Grace, Melissa, Radhika and Shonali for their time and insight.

Shonali Devereaux, Grace Grundy, Melissa Taylor,
Radhika and Becca Byram Wigfield

TRAVEL INDUSTRY - 16th June 2021

Cathy Wood (1977-1981, Roderic/Eversleigh), author, journalist and founder of Matchstick Media, was joined by Milly Whitehead (née  Blood, 1981-1988, Sidney Lodge/St Hilda’s), of The Leap and Isabel Clark (1999-2006, St Clare/Elizabeth), of Expedia who gave us a fascinating insight into the travel industry. Their message was upbeat for the industry as we emerge from the pandemic and thy agreed that, as well as some wonderful destinations to visit in the UK, if you are well prepared for the Covid paperwork, testing and quarantine issues it is still possible to holiday abroad in beautiful places which are mostly tourist free.

Thank you to all the panellists for their hard work and time spent preparing and presenting the webinar.

If you missed the webinar or would like to listen again, a recording is available on CLC Connect (you will need to have registered) click here.

Isabel Clark, Cathy Wood and Milly Whitehead

ART: BEHIND THE SCENES - 21st April 2021

Ann French (1974-1981, St Helen's/Fauconberg), Collections Care Manager of the Whitworth Gallery, University of Manchester, led an expert panel that included Edwina Ehrman (Johnson, 1965-1970, Roderic/Fauconberg), Curator and writer and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the V&A Research Institute, Rachel Saunders (1990-1992, Bayshill), Abby Aldrich Rockerfeller Curator of Asian Art at Harvard University and Grace Storey (2000-2007, Glengar/Bayshill) Assistant curator at the Whitechapel Gallery, in a fascinating conversation about how museum exhibitions come into existence, from the spark of an idea to the opening of a show and publication of the catalogue.

The essence of their work and work environment was described with great passion. It demonstrated the clarity of mind, persistence and team work needed to create the magic of an exhibition, while still putting all practicalities and budgeting restraints firmly in the audience’s mind. Who knew that a conservator might need scaffolding qualifications or that curators were spreadsheet experts!

A huge thank you to all the panellists for the time and enthusiasm spent in preparing and presenting the webinar.

If you missed the webinar or would like to listen again, a recording is available on CLC Connect (you will need to have registered) click here.

 Ann French, Rachel Saunders, Grace Storey and Edwina Ehrman

CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT WEBINAR - 18th March 2021

Thank you to our Guild panellists, Katie Parker (Saunders, 1991, St Austin's), Julia Christian (2005, Beale), Charis Evans (2014, Sidney Lodge), for their presentations about conservation, climate change and COP26 as well as to Eve Jardine-Young (1990, Elizabeth) and College pupil, Antonina, who described how College and its pupils are responding to the challenges presented by climate change.

The webinar was informative and thought-provoking and, despite the very real threats facing our planet, the panellists demonstrated that everyone can play their part to halt it both as an individual and as part of a wider community.

If you missed the webinar or would like to listen again, a recording is available on CLC Connect (you will need to have registered) click here.

Katie Parker, Charis Evans, Eve Jardine-Young, Julia Christian and Antonina

WELLBEING WEBINAR - 3rd February 2021

FACING THE FUTURE: THE PANDEMIC, ITS EFFECT ON MENTAL HEALTH AND HOW WE DEAL WITH LIFE BEYOND COVID

An audience of Guild members and College pupils and staff attended a webinar on 3rd February examining the effect of the pandemic on people’s mental health which was chaired by Dr Nikki Scheiner (Harrison, 1965-1973, St Helen's/Fauconberg) who was joined on the panel by Jemima Edney (Peterken, 1990-1996, Sidney Lodge/Cambray) and Gabby Mathews (2009-2016, Glenlee/St Hilda’s).  

The panel explored themes from their different perspectives: Gabby, a medical student who is an advocate for child and youth health talked about the importance of maintaining good supportive family relationships and friendships especially on social media; Jemima who is Head of Boarding and Co- Curricular at City of London Freemen’s School described the effect of school closures on children which she explained is very similar to the effect on adults working from home and she also suggested some practical ways to help cope; Nikki, who is a psychologist, spoke about the principle that mental health should be regarded as being on a par with physical health as well as more broadly about the mental health issues which have been common during the pandemic, how to identify any problems and not to be afraid to get help. Despite the recognition that there may be unknown long term mental health consequences of the pandemic, the message was one of optimism, that there are ways in which we can help ourselves and others.

We would like to thank all the panellists for putting together and presenting a very interesting webinar and for their generous offer to share their details if anyone has any further questions.

If you missed the webinar or would like to listen again, a recording is available on CLC Connect (you will need to have registered) click here.

Gabby Mathews, Jemima Edney and Nikki Scheiner

AI, TECH AND DISRUPTORS WEBINAR - 20th January 2021

We were delighted to launch our series of online events with the AI, Tech and Disruptors webinar on 20^th January.

Sophie Emler (1997-2004, Bellairs/Bayshill) chaired the event joined by panellists Natasha Montagu (2004-2011, Farnley Lodge/Cambray) and Georgia Terry (2007-2014, St Margaret’s/Elizabeth), all Guild members with experience in the AI and tech sector, and Dr Matthew Lim, Head of Digital Education at College. 

It was a fascinating, informative and wide ranging discussion of the impact of AI and tech on our everyday lives, particularly in the light of Covid, as well as the ethical issues arising from a sector which is experiencing exponential growth. We left the webinar with no doubt of the growing importance of AI in our lives, of the fact that in the future all jobs would involve some tech and of the necessity for all of us to gain early insight into and understanding of the importance of the issues involved.

If you missed the webinar or would like to listen again, a recording is available on CLC Connect (you will need to have registered) click here.

Sophie Emler, Georgia Terry, Matthew Lim and Natasha Montagu

Please click here to see details of future webinars.

Please let us know if you would be interested in joining a panel, or whether there are any other areas you would like to see covered in future by contacting the Guild Office guild@cheltladi​escollege.org.