International Women’s Day (Sunday 8th March) is always a significant marker in our calendar. At Enterprise Oxfordshire, it’s a celebration that feels close to home; our own workforce is made up largely of women, and we see first-hand the creativity, multitasking mastery, and strategic brilliance that female professionals bring to the table every day.
A Vibrant Morning at the IWD Brunch
We kicked off our International Women’s Day celebrations this morning, Friday 6th March, by co-hosting a spectacular International Women’s Day Brunch alongside Oxfordshire Women in Business and the Athena Network.
The room was electric with a vibrant, sold-out gathering of female leaders and entrepreneurs who travelled from every corner of the county to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. From the first pour of coffee to the final exchange of business cards, the atmosphere was a testament to the strength of our local ecosystem. The common thread in every conversation? “Give to Gain” – this year’s global theme, highlighting how we unlock progress when we support one another.
Continuing the Inspiration: OxTalks Series 4
To keep that momentum going through the weekend, we are officially dedicating Series 4 of our podcast, OxTalks, as our Female Founders Series. If you couldn’t make it to the brunch, or if you left feeling inspired and hungry for more deep-dive insights, these five episodes are your essential toolkit for 2026.
1. Purpose-Led Scaling with Bethan Thomas (HotTea Mama)
Bethan’s journey is a masterclass in identifying a niche and filling it with heart. From a kitchen-table start-up to being stocked in Selfridges and Holland & Barrett, Bethan discusses the challenges of building a brand that supports women through specific life stages, from pregnancy to menopause.
What you’ll gain from tuning in: Insights into moving from “founder-led” to “brand-led” and how to maintain your mission while scaling at pace.
2. Social Impact & Education with Veena Virahsammy (Oxford Creators)
Veena’s story is a powerful reminder that the best businesses often solve the most personal problems. By turning her personal experiences into a social enterprise, she has created a vital space in alternative education.
What you’ll gain from listening: A blueprint for running a non-profit with a sharp business mindset and the importance of resilience when navigating the social impact sector (plus an inspiring story of first-hand experience)
3. The Science of Wellness with Catherine Hurley Arbibe (NEWROAD)
How do you go from a career in high fashion and the cover of Vogue to the cutting edge of gut health? Catherine shares her fascinating transition into the wellness industry, fuelled by rigorous scientific research and an award-winning brand.
What you can take away from this episode: Advice on career pivoting, the importance of product integrity, and how to stand out in a competitive marketplace.
4. Global Ambition with Lis Lewis-Jones (Liquid)
For anyone dreaming of international expansion, Lis is the person to listen to. She has successfully scaled her communications agency, Liquid, across 26 jurisdictions and 20 different time zones.
What you’ll gain from tuning in: Practical tips on managing international teams, maintaining culture across borders, and the logistics of global growth for SMEs.
5. Inclusive Leadership with Olga Zilberberg (The Missing Link)
Olga brings a vital conversation to the series: neurodiversity and mental health. In a world where “burnout” is a constant risk, Olga looks at how to move toward genuine psychological safety and inclusive workplace design.
What you’ll gain from listening: Strategies for supporting a neurodiverse workforce and why mental wellbeing is a competitive advantage, not just an HR “add-on.”
6. The Human Side of Business with Claire Croft
Claire takes us on a journey into the internal world of leadership. As a founder and coach, she explores how our personal narratives and emotional intelligence directly impact the health and success of our businesses.
What you’ll pick up from this discussion: Practical tools for building self-awareness as a leader and understanding the “human” dynamics that drive team performance.
Why This Matters for Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire is more than just a place on a map; it is a global hub for innovation. However, the real “secret sauce” of our local economy is the interconnectedness of our female leaders. When women in our county succeed, they don’t just build businesses; they build communities, they mentor the next generation, and they advocate for more inclusive workplaces.
Whether it was the buzz at this morning’s brunch or the candid honesty shared in these podcast episodes, the message is clear: We are stronger when we share our stories. By highlighting these five founders, we hope to provide the “Gain” for other women in the county who are currently in the “Give” stage of their journey.
Take the Next Step with Us
We don’t want the inspiration to end when the podcast does. Whether you are just starting your entrepreneurial journey or you are looking to scale your established business, Enterprise Oxfordshire is here to help you navigate the path ahead.
Every business journey is unique. If you need guidance on funding, strategy, or operations, click here to find out about our tailored business support and how we can help you reach your specific goals.
If you missed today’s vibrant brunch, don’t let it happen again! Sign up for our mailing list here to be the first to hear about upcoming networking events, workshops, and the launch of future OxTalks series.
Listen to OxTalks Series 4 on your platform of choice:
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