Gemma Popejoy - Panel Host
Co-Founder
Pivot Forward
Gemma Popejoy - Panel Host
Co-Founder
Pivot Forward
Gemma is the co-founder of Pivot Forward, the business change engine helping leaders and organisations turn change into their greatest differentiator. Together with her Co-Founder Suzi Lilley, they combine the fresh energy of entrepreneurs with the proven expertise of seasoned transformation leaders, bringing a people-first, action-focused approach to complex change.
Gemma brings deep experience in leading organisational transformations, guiding leaders through high-stakes challenges with clarity and confidence. At Pivot Forward, they work with CEOs and leadership teams navigating today’s perfect storm of pressures from scaling at speed and embedding AI, to building agile cultures and rethinking organisational design. Their services span project-based consultancy, on-demand workshops, and ongoing coaching, with a focus on building lasting change capability across all levels of the organisation. Their shared mission: to democratise change, spread capability, and equip people everywhere with the skills to embrace disruption, fuel resilience, and drive growth.
Rachel Allison
Founder
Axe + Saw
Rachel Allison
Founder
Axe + Saw
Rachel Allison is the visionary force behind one of the exciting and disruptive agencies of 2025 (two awards already for agency of the year!). Their winning for brands that want impact and change. With an unwavering commitment to the power of human connection, Rachel has captivated the industry titans including the likes of Spotify, Ace & Tate, and Feeld.
In the trifecta of years since its inception, Axe + Saw has since won multiple awards, while leading a team compromising of 70% Gen Z talent.
Rachel has been recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice, NED for several purpose-led organisations, Mentor and most recently highly commended as Founder of The Year. She’s been featured in Stylist and The Times and runs many thought-provoking sessions for powerhouse brands like BT, always encouraging more brands to embrace innovation and urgency to ‘get in front before they get left behind.’
Leo Young
Founder & Creative Director
Good Nugget
Leo Young
Founder & Creative Director
Good Nugget
- Creative director with 20 years helping global brands connect with people and culture
- Founder of Good Nugget, a non-profit youth insights studio powered by diverse Gen Z voices
- Champion of inclusive creativity, driving innovation and real social impact
Mark Watson
Managing Director, Europe
tms
Mark Watson
Managing Director, Europe
tms
- Managing Director, Europe, with multi office, dual-continent leadership roles as a 32-year veteran of tms
- Recognised by Campaign Magazine as Agency Leader of the Year, and tms as Best UK Place To Work (Large Agency).
- Track record of growth, turn arounds and installing inclusion and belonging at the heart of the decision making
Annie Bartley
Founder & Creative Director
I Am Female
Annie Bartley
Founder & Creative Director
I Am Female
- Annie Bartley is a queer brand expert, creative director, and artist with nearly 20 years’ experience working with brands including Unilever, BBC, Shepherd Neame, and the Royal Academy of Arts — known for her bold storytelling and instinctive creative vision.
- She is the founder of I Am Female*, an award-winning brand communications agency redefining what a great agency looks like, turning cultural insight into strategy, creative, and campaigns that make brands part of culture, not just participants in it.
- Under her fearless leadership, I Am Female* has built a reputation for inclusive, impact-driven storytelling and brave ideas that move people, championing authenticity, equality, and creative work that sparks real change.
*If you identify as a woman, you’re a woman.