Brummell magazine was delighted to celebrate its current Inspirational Women in the City listing with iconic luxury accessories brand Jimmy Choo at their chic flagship store on New Bond Street on Wednesday 4 March.

This year, Brummell‘s Inspirational Women list shone a spotlight on women who are leaders in their respective fields, each spearheading positive change in the City, overcoming challenges and inspiring others to do the same. The sparkling event was an uplifting celebration of the achievements of the Inspirational Women, who all prove that determined and dynamic leadership is the key to success.

Throughout the evening, the Inspirational Women and their guests explored the elegant three-storey building, where they were invited to browse the Jimmy Choo shoe, bag and accessory collections while enjoying live music on the first floor.

To tie in with International Women’s Day, and as part of the Jimmy Choo ‘In my Choos’ speaker series, there was a riveting panel discussion between three previous ‘Inspirational Women’: Sue Langley OBE, non-executive chairwoman for Arthur J Gallagher UK and first Alderwoman of the City, Dr Miranda Brawn, founder and CEO of the Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation. The panel was hosted by Julia Streets, founder and CEO of Streets Consulting, comedian and DiverCity podcast host.

The panel discussion was an incredibly uplifting, yet honest, conversation about working in the City as a woman today, including how to overcome obstacles, secrets to success, the gender agenda, and the importance of giving back.

When asked about how she has become so successful in her career, Miranda Brawn stressed the power of a network, and never taking no for an answer. ‘Never give up,’ she said. ‘For me it was a case of either I’m not asking the right question, or, I’m not talking to the right person. You have to build a network and make things happen for yourself.’

Sue Langley agreed that networking is important, but explained that you have to have the self-belief that you can do it when you get the opportunity. ‘The secret of success is to be authentic and be yourself. Don’t be frightened of being you; don’t be a ‘she-man’; be resilient and move quietly forward. If you don’t like a job, don’t do it, as life is too short.’

Echoing the message of being yourself and believing in yourself, Julia Streets revealed that the early mistakes she made as an entrepreneur were because she listened to the wrong people. ‘People said you can be a businesswoman or a comedian, but you can’t be both. Yet look where we are now! Don’t believe the people around you who try to put you in a box.’