Reflecting on the Soroptimist Conference, Lichfield | 12 March 2026
Last Thursday our founder, Ruth Forster, was invited to sit on a careers panel at the Together We Lead conference hosted by Soroptimist International in Lichfield.
The theme of the event was women driving change in business and communities, and the day brought together people from a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, care, local government and engineering.
It was a day full of learning, honest conversation and new connections. Here are some of Ruth’s key takeaways from the event.
One of the most thought provoking sessions explored neurodiversity in the workplace and how organisations can improve understanding and communication between neurodiverse and neurotypical colleagues.
A simple but powerful analogy compared iPhone and Android phones. Different operating systems that struggle to communicate with each other.
Both capable.
Both effective.
Just wired differently.
The discussion highlighted how teams perform best when leaders focus less on forcing everyone into the same working style and more on creating environments where different ways of thinking are understood and supported.
When organisations take time to understand how people process information and communicate, they create the conditions for high performing teams.
Another standout session was delivered by Fiona Arrand Campbell, who spoke about imposter syndrome.
It is a subject close to Ruth’s heart, and Fiona delivered a powerful session challenging the language we often use.
Perhaps it is not a “syndrome” at all.
Perhaps it is simply a sign that we are stretching, learning and growing into something new.
The session reframed self doubt in a refreshing way, encouraging people to recognise that uncertainty often appears at the same time as progress.
It was a message that clearly resonated across the room.
Ruth joined the “Your Career, Your Purpose, Your Fulfilment” panel discussion to share her own career journey.
Leaving school at 16 with limited qualifications.
Building experience through work.
Setting up Wagstaff Recruitment & Careers Coaching at 35.
Returning to education again at 43.
She also reflected on moments in her career where she had to unlearn behaviours and practices picked up earlier in her working life, and how powerful it can be to recognise what is no longer serving you.
The overall message was simple. Careers rarely follow a straight line.
Curiosity, resilience and a willingness to keep learning often matter far more than the original starting point.
Events like this remind us how valuable it is to bring people together from different sectors.
Different perspectives, but many shared challenges around leadership, confidence, communication and supporting people at work.
Thank you to Soroptimist International Lichfield for organising such a thoughtful and engaging event, and for creating a space where open conversations about leadership and inclusion could take place.
It was a pleasure to take part.
And a reminder that learning often happens best when we step outside our own industry and listen to different voices
