A practical, multi-faceted panel discussion aimed at shedding gender stereotypes and recognising individual character traits
to create an inclusive workplace.
Our Women in IP community brought together panellists to discuss what we can all do to avoid the pitfalls of gender-based stereotyping. This event explored how to appreciate and utilise the full range of character traits found in the workforce – how to make them work for you, how to support and develop them and how to lead a successful and balanced team. Our panellists included professional coaches, HR personnel, leaders in the IP field and those who could speak to character profiling, making this event an informative, engaging and constructive session.
Thanks to the generosity of our hosts Bird & Bird, this event was free of charge and open to all IP professionals, regardless of gender.
Our panellists were:
- Alicia Chantrey, Vice President, Legal Brand Protection, Consumer Healthcare at GSK. Alicia is a UK Solicitor and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, and an IPReg board member. Based on her experiences of managing an in-house team, she addressed in particular how to build and manage a new team among your peers and help everyone in it to thrive.
- Jonathan Clarke, Director of Human Resources, Kilburn & Strode. Jonathan spoke about recognising different character traits in a team and how to help teams work together to get the best out of people. He also tackled issues around delivering feedback and having difficult conversations with people.
- Development coach and former GSK patent attorney Karen Crawley talked about the character traits that are often considered in coaching, with tips on how to make your best traits work better for you – rather than all trying to be the same. She emphasised the importance of considering personal goals rather than following predetermined, often linear, career paths.
- Anne-Marie L’Estrange, Coach and Development Consultant, Oak Consultants. Anne-Marie spoke powerfully on building and projecting personal confidence and using that to help shape a fulfilling career.
Venue & timings
Our venue was the London offices of Bird & Bird LLP:
12 New Fetter Lane
London EC4A 1JP
Registration was from 5.30 pm, with the panel discussion starting at 6 pm. A lively drinks and networking session continued afterwards.
Pre-reading
A recent article highlighted by one of our committee members provided some thought-provoking pre-reading on the event topic: see here.