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Women in Business: Redesigning Work to Thrive - May 2026

Designing Careers That Last

 

Careers are rarely linear. As professionals move through different life stages, the expectations of leadership, caregiving, creativity and wellbeing evolve. Yet many workplaces still operate within systems designed for uninterrupted career paths and constant availability.

Designing Careers That Last explores how we can rethink both careers and organisations to better reflect the realities of modern life. The conversation will examine how individuals can shape sustainable career trajectories, and how organisations can design more human-centred environments that recognise diverse needs, value care, and enable people to thrive over the long term.

Agenda

9.00 - 10.00
Registration
10.00 - 11.00
Welcome and Keynote Session

The event opens with introductions followed by a featured keynote speaker, offering insight into how sustainable working practices are being implemented within organisations today.

11.00 - 11.30
Networking Break
11.30 - 12.30
Panel Discussion: Cross-sector Perspectives

Leaders from fashion, sport, non-profit, and business innovation come together to share how sustainable work is approached in different contexts - and where further change is needed.

12.30 - 13.00
Networking Break
13.00 - 14.00
Spotlight Session: From Conversation to Action

In a dedicated spotlight session, Samira Rafaela - Former Member of the European Parliament and Executive Reward & Equal Pay at PwC - explores how to continue the conversation beyond the workplace, connecting policy, leadership, and everyday practice to drive lasting change.

14.00 - 15.00
Closing and Networking Lunch

The event concludes with reflections and an opportunity to continue the discussion during a networking lunch.

Meet the speakers

Learn from other trailblazing women who are shaping the future of business

Véronique De Bruijn

CEO driven to impact 4 Sustainable Planet. WEF TechPioneer. TedX Speaker. 100Women@Davos.

Irene Diaz Soto

Head of Innovation, Solidaridad Network

Charlotte Lowther

Marketplace Strategy Director, Nike

Liz Bates

Breakaway Equestrian

Erika Harriford-McLaren

Chief Operating Officer for Blueyse

Samira Rafaela

Former Member of the European Parliament; Executive Reward & Equal Pay at PwC

Mechteld Petersen

Co-founder Future by Diversity

Caroline Angle

Executive MBA Recruitment & Admissions Manager RSM
 

Hear from Executive MBA Alumni

Professionals from diverse industries join the Executive MBA at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) to strengthen their leadership and broaden their global perspective. Discover how alumni experienced the programme and applied their insights in their careers.

The Executive MBA at RSM strengthens my credibility and equips me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to grow within my company and lead more effectively.

Hannah Timmer, Executive MBA Class of 2026

You grow enormously as a person during the Executive MBA. The immediate return is personal development, but the real value is the confidence and perspective you gain along the journey.

Lusanele Magwa, Executive MBA Class of 2024

RSM’s Executive MBA strengthened my entrepreneurial ambitions and gave me the confidence to take bigger steps. Learning from peers and professors has helped me see how I can turn ideas into real opportunities.

Raza Padhani, Executive MBA Class of 2025

I’m naturally curious and enjoy taking on new challenges. The Executive MBA pushes me to think differently and is accelerating both my learning and the opportunities ahead of me.

Annette van Lochem, Executive MBA Class of 2025

I want to be part of meaningful change and become the best people manager I can be. The Executive MBA helps me develop the perspective and leadership skills to make that impact.

Diana Alvarez, Executive MBA Class of 2024

Book your place