This morning Prof Matt Freeman, Director of Future Space invited the many companies based in their premises to enjoy a morning listening to and sharing experiences as the founders and leaders of business.

Thanh Nichols introduced us to a panel of three outstanding and inspiring women: Sian Fussell, co-founder of award winning Albotherm, Josephine Dorh, co-founder of FluoretiQ, and Aniko Varadi, Professor in Biomedical Research at the University of the West of England (UWE).

Chidimma Gift Omenoba of Future Space led the discussion, posing insightful questions to each of the panel. Since this is International Women’s ‘week’, these were mostly about how they manage the challenges in their activties.

Asked what draws people to work with women, the collective answer was an ability to multitask, a strong sense of purpose, a will to break through barriers, focus on solving problems, resilience and perseverance, nurturing and collaborative manner, always looking to do better, and an ability to reach out to others for support. All key requirements in a multi-skilled scientific team.

Asked what their main challenges were, answers varied from understanding the ecosystem, stepping out of one’s comfort zone, having to learn unimagined skills, credibility in front of others when not ‘the norm’, keeping work in the office, know the things you cannot drop, and planning forward long term.

Preferred support networks are clearly family, other entrepreneurs and female founders, minority and academic communities, WhatsApp groups – and of course Future Space!

What the panelists are most proud of is the sustainability inherent in what they do, their teams, the ability to inspire the next generation, and of being able to train and support by sharing knowledge many support people in healthcare.

And finally their key messages to us all:

Sian said to focus on purpose and always be inclusive
Josephine said to keep your ideas alive, for there will be a solution
Aniko said to keep your values, strive for excellence and aim for best possible outcome

All totally essential for any founder and leader of business.