By Aahuti Hindocha, MiM2024
The echoes of applause have faded, but the resonance of ideas exchanged at EQUALL 2024 lingers on. Join me as we rewind the tape and relive the moments of Europe’s largest student-led equality conference, reflecting on how it shaped my experience at London Business School (LBS).
The ‘EQUALL’ conference stands as a prominent forum, uniting women from various backgrounds, fostering the exchange of information and experiences at the forefront of gender equality. This year’s EQUALL conference was a huge success, hosting over 570 attendees from different universities and countries. It was a privilege to organize this alongside 35+ driven women who dedicated themselves tirelessly for 7 months. Under the theme of ‘A Seat At Every Table,’ we invited over 30 incredible female leaders to participate in panels, keynotes and host workshops, aiming to inspire students towards envisioning a world where women are empowered, equipped, and capable of exerting influence in every aspect of their lives. The event featured important and ‘hot’ topics such as women’s health, investing, sustainability and manifestation.
How it has shaped my experience at London Business School
Stepping out of comfort zones: Throughout my year at LBS, my primary objective was clear: to step out of my comfort zone. Joining the Women in Business Executive Committee’s Conference team provided the ideal opportunity to do this. Organizing the conference proved to be an eye-opening experience, revealing the importance of meticulous attention to detail and the nuanced intricacies crucial for seamless execution—elements I had previously overlooked. From setting the stage props to orchestrating panel schedules, every detail demanded unwavering attention. The level of seamless execution was only made possible by the highly experienced and dedicated Women in Business committee. They not only served as a source of inspiration for me but also played a pivotal role in my personal growth journey through their invaluable guidance.
Empowering Voices: Given my experience speaking at COP28 and my fervour for social impact and charity initiatives, I decided to coordinate and moderate the ‘Women Shaping Sustainability’ panel. Bringing together a powerhouse line-up of speakers involving Claire Perry O’Neill (Former UK Minister for Energy and Clean Growth), Lucy Greengrass (Sustainability Strategy Senior Manager at Accenture), Brit Morgan (Electrification Lead UK at Uber), and Sukhvir Basran (Partner and ESG Co-Chair at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP) was an exhilarating process fuelled by many engaging conversations with successful women in the field. Moderating the panel was a profound honour as I had the privilege of learning from these trailblazing women and gaining deeper insights into the intricacies of sustainability. Their unwavering passion and dedication towards creating societal impact whilst empowering women in the process, left a lasting impression on me. This experience left an indelible mark on my journey at LBS.
How it ties in with my career goals
Being a part of the WIB Conference team was not merely a task on my to-do list; it was a deliberate step towards aligning my career aspirations with real-world experiences. I can’t help but recognize how each aspect of this endeavour has contributed to my professional growth and development.
A Lesson in Leadership and Project Management: From the initial concept to the final execution, planning the conference demanded a blend of strategic thinking, meticulous planning, and effective execution. I was exposed to the complexities of event management such as risk mitigation and speaker engagement. This experience has been the ultimate crash course in facing challenges head-on and realizing that with enough grit, there’s no limit to what one can achieve.
Facilitating Dialogue and Building Connections: Moderating the panel taught me the importance of adaptability and active listening—qualities that are indispensable for effective communication in any career. By guiding the conversation and encouraging diverse perspectives, I aimed to create a dynamic and engaging experience for both panellists and audience members. Further, it provided me with the platform to network and connect with influential figures in various fields thereby expanding my professional network in ways I never imagined.
A pathway to growth and impact: More than that, though, this experience reaffirmed my dedication to being a force for positive change and leaving a lasting impact wherever I go – values that lie at the heart of my career ambitions. As I continue my career journey, I am better equipped to incorporate purpose in every aspect of my work.
As I reflect on the journey of EQUALL 2024, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities it has presented and the lessons it has imparted. From honing my leadership skills to expanding my professional network and deepening my understanding of key industry issues, this experience has been invaluable in shaping my growth both personally and professionally. Moreover, it has reaffirmed my commitment to driving positive change and leaving a lasting impact in all endeavours I pursue. As I look to the future, I carry with me the insights gained and the connections forged, knowing that they will continue to guide and inspire me on my career journey.