International Women’s Day 2026 - Give to Gain: The power of mentorship, partnership and connection webinar

 

The APM Women in Project Management and APM Scotland networks came together on Tuesday 3 March, for an engaging webinar as their panel explored how mentorship can be the ultimate “give to gain,” sparking growth and connection across the project profession. Hearing real stories from project professionals at all stages of their career, we found out how mentoring journeys can create ripples beyond one-to-one relationships, shaping careers and project outcomes. Our speed networking session offered the chance for fellow project professionals to meet and form instant connections. The attendees whether leading complex projects or were an emerging professional, helped us to unlock the impact of mentorship and create a more connected, inclusive future.

This year, our panel explored how meaningful relationships built through guidance, collaboration, and shared purpose can accelerate progress for women in the project profession and strengthen the wider project community.

Why mentorship, partnership and connection matter in 2026?
Despite progress, women in the project profession continue to face barriers to advancement, visibility, and access to leadership pathways. Mentorship both formal and informal has proven to be one of the strongest catalysts for overcoming these challenges. It not only supports career growth but also deepens confidence, builds networks, and fosters inclusive cultures where diverse talent thrives.

• Mentorship nurtures leaders.
• Partnership fosters collaboration and shared achievement.
• Connection builds networks that support long-term success.

Together, these elements shape inclusive environments where women can lead, influence, and thrive and where organisations benefit from diverse perspectives, stronger teams, and resilient project outcomes.

The Call to ‘Give to Gain’
The theme “Give to Gain” reflects the profound impact of investing time and experience into others. When we mentor, we:

• Amplify diverse voices and create pathways for emerging leaders.
• Strengthen the profession, as shared wisdom leads to more resilient project outcomes.
• Build reciprocal value, because mentors often discover new perspectives, renewed purpose, and enriched professional relationships.

Mentorship is a cycle what we give comes back in the form of growth, connection, and collective progress.

What was shared in this IWD 2026 event?
An inspiring event that explored mentorship as a transformative force in the project profession:

• Real stories from across career stages – Hear authentic mentoring journeys from project professionals at different points in their careers, uncovering the lessons, turning points, and unexpected rewards that shaped them.
• The ripple effect of mentorship – Discover how one-to-one relationships can influence project outcomes, organisational culture, and the wider profession.
• Speed networking – We kick-started immediate interactions with a dynamic session designed to help attendees connect, share, and begin their own mentoring journey whether as a mentor, mentee, or both.

Why should engage with the recording?
Whether you’re leading complex programmes, navigating early-career challenges, or seeking new ways to give back, this webinar recording offers a unique opportunity to:

• Build meaningful connections across the project community
• Explore how mentorship can unlock personal and professional growth
• Contribute to a more connected, inclusive, and supportive profession
• Take actionable steps toward support women in project management

Mentorship, partnership, and connection are more than support mechanisms they are catalysts for a stronger and more inclusive future. 

 

Webinar resources

The panel have kindly allowed their presented material to be made available for viewing. The webinar recording on Vimeo, is available in our APM resources area and also embedded below for reference.

The questions submitted during the broadcast are being reviewed, and as an additional resource the answers will be added shortly were possible.

This webinar is suitable for professionals with any level of experience. 

 

Opening remarks
Kathryn Boyer ChPP MAPM, Project professional, Local government - LinkedIn

Kathryn is a Chartered Project Professional and MAPM with over 15 years' experience leading projects, programmes and global teams across both private and public sectors. She currently works as a project professional within the Adult Social Care and Health sector of Local Government, taking her back to her career roots where she began as a Registered General Nurse and social care professional. 

Kathryn is an experienced coach and mentor, who enjoys combining this with her project leadership role; being passionate about supporting others to realise their purpose and potential.  

She is an active APM Mentor and an APM Women in Project Management Interest Network volunteer. 

Keynote speaker

Lauren Neal CEng ChPP MIET FAPM, Founder and Chief Programme Creator, Valued at Work - LinkedIn

Lauren founded this consultancy dedicated to building workplace cultures where no one wants to leave - particularly in STEM and traditionally male-dominated sectors.

A Chartered Engineer and Chartered Project Professional, Lauren has led complex projects across the globe in the energy sector since 2005. She is the bestselling author of Valued at Work: Shining a Light on Bias to Engage, Enable, and Retain Women in STEM, which was a finalist for both the 2024 Business Book Awards and the Institute of Leadership’s Leadership Book of the Year.

Through speaking, coaching, and consulting, Lauren helps organisations align leadership, inclusion, and delivery - showing that when people thrive, results rise. Her work equips both emerging and senior leaders to create inclusive environments where diverse talent is seen, supported, and successful.

Speaker panel

Panel hosted by Veronica Sikombe ChPP MCIAT MSc, Senior Chartered Project Manager, Mott MacDonald - LinkedIn

Veronica is a Senior Chartered Project Manager at Mott MacDonald, with a career spanning both the UK and the Middle East. As an active APM Women in Project Management (WiPM) Interest Network volunteer, she is committed to advancing the project profession and amplifying the voices of women across the industry.

With a foundation as a Chartered Architectural Technologist, she is fuelled by a passion for transforming concepts into tangible outcomes, bringing together technical insight, strategic thinking, and practical delivery.

Veronica is particularly passionate about inclusive leadership and career growth through mentorship. She believes strongly in the power of intentional support, knowledge sharing, and creating opportunities that enable others to thrive. Throughout her career, she has championed mentorship as a catalyst for professional development, helping emerging talent find clarity and build confidence.

Her international experience and multidisciplinary background have shaped a leadership style that is empathetic, collaborative, and outcomes focused. Whether guiding teams, supporting colleagues, or contributing to industry networks, Veronica is driven by a commitment to continuous improvement and delivering meaningful, sustainable impact.

Speaker panel members

Shirley Conway ChPP FAPM EMBA, Senior Projects & Programme Manager, Leidos - LinkedIn

Shirley is an experienced and formally trained Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) and Fellow of the Association for Project Management (FAPM), having volunteered with APM Scotland for many years. She is a Senior Projects & Programme Manager with Leidos, following a long career in Financial Services, managing projects and undertaking project assurance.

She has a proven track record in project delivery, team building, stakeholder management and risk management. Shirley developed her skills as an effective communicator throughout her career and is passionate about giving back to the project profession. She has mentored a number of individuals over the years, sharing her experience and, supporting colleagues and other project managers on their journey to Chartership. She has worked with other project managers to mentor school children, encouraging young people to actively experience projects and to consider project management as a profession.

She has been mentoring teams on the annual APM Scotland PM Challenge over many years, having recently mentored the winners of the 2025 APM Scotland Challenge, the team which went on to win the national APM PM Challenge award.

Sofi-Jayne Badman BA Hons MSc CMgr ChPP, Bid Project Professional- Integration (International), BAE Systems - LinkedIn

Sofi-Jayne is a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) and Chartered Manager (CMI) currently working as a Bid Project Professional in the Middle East, where she specialises in complex international bids within the defence sector.

Sofi-Jayne’s career in Project Management began in 2021 following the completion of a Master’s in International Business Management. She went on to complete the Accelerate Graduate Project Management scheme in 2022, before relocating to the Middle East in 2023 to take on an international project management role.

A committed advocate for the profession, Sofi-Jayne is an active APM Mentor supporting those entering and preparing for a career in project management. Sofi-Jayne leads the Women in Project Management Interest Network (WiPM IN) Research sub-group reflecting her passion for supporting women in the project management community.

 

Steph Illingworth FAPM ChPP, MAcostE, Project Director, Turner and Townsend - LinkedIn

A Project Controls and PMO professional with over 30 years experience across many sectors (Water, Roads, Rail, Nuclear).  I have a real passion for people development and transformation,  I am a  fully accredited  strengths coach, whi

ch is something I am really passionate about, being able to see the best in people.  I am currently working as a consultant supporting organisations transform and developing a programme for female emerging leaders.  Over my career I have coached individuals, project  teams and individuals at all levels of experience.  I help unlock the power or diverse thinking and individual strengths.  Building confidence by helping people really understand where they are strong, identifying it and allowing them to play to their strengths, this of course builds confidence and supports better wellbeing, maximises performance and support successful delivery.  

I am a transformation leader, specialising in people development and high performing teams. 

Accredited strengths coach (Gallup) and mentor.