www.acquisition-international.com • Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 Cultural Event Finance Leader of the Year 2026 (London): Ella Byrne Ella Byrne is the CFO and Board Adviser at South by Southwest (SXSW) London, a festival where culture, creativity, and technology converge. London hosted its first ever edition of SXSW last year, with the festival, which originates from Austin, Texas, standing for inclusion and practical optimism in the face of growing global uncertainty. For more on this London festival, the part she plays in delivering it, and the experiences that have shaped her career, we had the pleasure of catching up with Ella.
www.acquisition-international.com • Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 Values-Driven Brand Builder of the Year 2026: Lisa Gralnek iF Design is a non-profit design institute renowned for hosting the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD, the world’s largest independent design award now in its 73rd year. Lisa Gralnek is the US Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainability & Impact based in New York City. Following her recognition in this programme, we caught up with Lisa for more on her role within this esteemed organisation, which includes continuing to host her own award-winning interview series.
Acquisition International is proud to announce the launch of the Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026, celebrating the women leading businesses across the globe. From dynamic entrepreneurs to executives driving change in established organisations, this awards programme honours the trailblazers redefining leadership and empowering others through innovation, creativity, and resilience. Championing Women Driving Global Business Forward In a business world shaped by diversity and transformation, women leaders continue to play an increasingly vital role in shaping global economic progress. The Influential Businesswoman Awards recognise the women who lead with purpose – those who break barriers, champion inclusion, and set new benchmarks for success across industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, marketing, sustainability, and beyond. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026
6 SXSW London: Cultural Event Finance Leader of the Year 2026 (London): Ella Byrne 7 iF Design: Values-Driven Brand Builder of the Year 2026: Lisa Gralnek 8 Smith & Burgess: Most Visionary Process Safety Operations Leader 2026 (Houston): Michelle Ramirez 10 ReStart Consulting Ltd: Healthcare Data Solutions Business Leader of the Year 2026 (North West England): Lynette Ousby 12 Away Day Care: Most Influential Health & Social Care Business Leader 2026 (North West England): Jean O’Hara 14 Stafford House Study Holidays: Language Education Industry Veteran of the Year 2026 (UK): Ruth Fenton & Leadership Dedication & Resilience Award 2026 16 Neal’s Yard Remedies: Leading Ethical Beauty Brand Marketing Strategist 2026 (UK): Grace Oh 17 itSMF UK: Most Trusted Businesswoman in Professional Services 2026 (Berkshire): Claire Drake 18 Number One Real Estate: Real Estate Business Leader of the Year 2026 (Wales): Katie Darlow 19 She’s the Veteran & Camo Chic Brooke: Most Inspiring Women Veterans Advocate 2026 (USA): Brooke Jackson Kahn & Veteran Mental Health Leadership Excellence Award 2026 20 Align Business Advisory Services: Most Influential M&A Advisory Businesswoman 2026 (USA): Dena Jalbert 21 EC1 Partners: Most Influential Executive Search Businesswoman 2026: Joyce McCarthy 22 Oakwood Solicitors: Leading Workplace Mental Health Law Businesswoman 2026 (UK): Jessica Rowson 23 Suite2Go: FinTech Services Businesswoman of the Year 2026 (Australia): Leanne Bradley 24 EDP: Energy Grant Program Businesswoman of the Year 2026 (Portugal): Marta Louro & Social Impact Excellence Award 2026 25 Dodds & Shute: Best Design-Led Procurement Operations Director 2026 (UK): Amy Davies 26 Culture Architects: Culture Change Leader of the Year 2026 (UK): Suzanne Sallam 27 TSBetc: Most Influential Live Marketing Businesswoman 2026 (Brazil): Renata Leme 28 Amo Education: Education Recruitment Leader of the Year 2026 (UK): Anne-Marie Oldroyd 29 All Access Accounting: Accounting CEO of the Year 2026 (Colorado): Carrie Van Meter 30 Glulam Ltd: Structural Timber Business Leader of the Year 2026 (Hampshire): Emma Moss 31 GritHR Solutions: Trailblazing HR Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 (USA): Shannon Anderson 32 intersection, the agency: Most Innovative PR Business Leader 2026 (New York): Jennifer Bickerton 33 Consilient Health: Pharmaceutical Businesswoman of the Year 2026 (UK): Karen Pulley 34 PSS Solutions GMBH: Most Infl uential IP Strategy Consulting Businesswoman 2026: Nadine Stuttle 39 Contents 25
42 35 Lilia.Pertsiya & ExtraDetox-Box: Most Supportive Personal Well-Being Coach 2026 (Europe): Lilia Pertsiya & Holistic Health & Life Strategy Excellence Award 2026 36 Emperor Group: Most Influential Businesswoman of the Year 2026 (Hong Kong): Do Do Chan & Excellence in Strategic Legal Leadership & Global Governance 2026 37 FreightInsure: Insurtech Leader of the Year 2026 (APAC): Tiffany Sangster & Strategic Leadership Innovation Award 2026 38 Fast Cover: Insurance Businesswoman of the Year 2026 (Australia): Kanika Puri 39 International Sports Broadcasting: Most Influential Sports Broadcasting Businesswoman 2026: Ursula Romero Gerberding 40 GoodOaks Homecare Edgware/Finchley: Homecare Business Leader of the Year 2026 (South East England): Beatrice Kinyua 41 Ruoff Advisory & folx global: Executive Leadership & Diversity Champion of the Year 2026 (Switzerland): Susanne Ruoff 42 Btomorrow Ventures: Most Influential Corporate Venture Capital Businesswoman 2026 (UK): Annie Goman 43 Collaborative Co-Parent: Most Influential Family Law Changemaker 2026: Gabriella Pomare 44 Towans Care Limited: Most Influential Elderly Care Business Leader 2026 (South West England): Lucy Ledger & Values- Led Leadership Excellence Award 2026 45 Events Inc Ltd: Most Infl uential Event Management Business Leader 2026 (UK): Sonia Dean 46 McLean & Stewart: Law Firm Businesswoman of the Year 2026 (Scotland): Gemma Baillie
6 | Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 Cultural Event Finance Leader of the Year 2026 (London): Ella Byrne Ella Byrne is the CFO and Board Adviser at South by Southwest (SXSW) London, a festival where culture, creativity, and technology converge. London hosted its first ever edition of SXSW last year, with the festival, which originates from Austin, Texas, standing for inclusion and practical optimism in the face of growing global uncertainty. For more on this London festival, the part she plays in delivering it, and the experiences that have shaped her career, we had the pleasure of catching up with Ella. Contact: Ella Byrne Company: SXSW London Web Address: www.sxswlondon.com Convening the sharpest minds across the political, scientific, and artistic spheres, SXSW London’s aim is to blend provocative debate and positive storytelling to reframe the world’s most pressing challenges as the opportunities of tomorrow. Now in its second year, with the vibrant backdrop of Shoreditch returning from the 2025 event, SXSW is set to come alive across more than 20 grassroots venues between the 1st and the 6th June 2026. In her role as CFO, Ella is responsible for leading the finance function of this dynamic conference, music showcase, and screen festival, building credibility and managing risk as she leads the strategic direction and growth of the SXSW brand in Europe. This entails building strategic partnerships, undertaking major financial decisions, and communicating with stakeholders, alongside leading a talented finance and HR team looking to position SXSW London as a premier platform across the technology and creative sectors. As this shows, the scope of Ella’s position at SXSW is much broader than a traditional finance role, and this CFO is embracing what she described as a “new era in finance leadership, where CFOs really do have a seat at the table to shape strategy and oversee operational control.” Supporting Ella as she pioneers in this environment is her previous experience, with each of her former roles, including overseeing divisional director duties for Thorpe Park and being the CFOO at Secret Cinema, having operational elements. At SXSW, Ella has channelled these experiences into looking after the customer service, HR, and retail merchandise functions, as well as leading and managing entire departments across these and other such areas. Regarding the financial side specifically, Ella’s expertise is underpinned by her status as a Financial Chartered Accountant and more than 17 years spent working with listed companies, private equity, and privately-owned businesses. Across what is an incredibly impressive career in the world of entertainment and hospitality, Ella shares with us how fortunate she has been to work with brilliant female leaders. Ella has also never once felt any form of negative bias towards her, which is all the more refreshing to hear given she is also a mother factoring young children into her daily life. However, despite her experiences, Ella is aware of the imbalance that still exists across this industry. Doing her best to challenge this by serving as an inspiration to women and championing the shift towards more women holding executive roles, which she believes stems from talent and skill increasingly being recognised over gender, Ella is rightfully proud of all of she has achieved over the course of her career. From qualifying as an accountant to securing her first role with Merlin Entertainments, the highs have continued to roll in for Ella. This continued into last year, when Ella helped to deliver the first SXSW London festival in June 2025. Commenting on this, Ella explained: “The week was a huge sense of pride for me, the months of planning and seeing the small team deliver what was achieved was phenomenal. We didn’t get absolutely everything right but we recognised that and are improving things for the second year.” The sense of continuous improvement Ella is seeking to nurture through SXSW London is mirrored through her own development, and this comes from the mentorship schemes and external opportunities she has been able to participate in throughout her career. One example of the latter recently saw her selected for a British Growth Fund programme that will nurture 20 aspiring female chairs, something she is looking forward to taking part in. Finally, with SXSW London on the horizon, Ella is excited to deliver the second edition of an event that is driving meaningful exchange in an era of AI and other rapid shifts. It is through her work in helping to curate this festival that Ella has been recognised as the Cultural Event Finance Leader of the Year 2026 (London) in our Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026, a feat that this CFO is truly deserving of. More on SXSW London 2026, which is set to feature an integrated programme, longer sessions, and deeper conversations with huge names, can be found below.
Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 | 7 Values-Driven Brand Builder of the Year 2026: Lisa Gralnek ounded in 1953, iF Design’s mission for more than 70 years has been to showcase design excellence and impact, highlighting all of the ways that design can help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges. Through its international network of design leaders and and dedicated research, this organisation is helping researchers and journalists to understand the crucial role that design plays in making our world a better place. Lisa’s role in this multifaceted organisation was created to expand iF Design’s brand footprint in North America, where its prestige was previously mostly recognized within high-end industrial design and expat circles for whom the annual multi-disciplinary competition has been long established. To this end, Lisa oversees all brand operations in the region, as well as actively recruiting partners and participants within the design ecosystem. As Lisa explained, her role is a new one: “Global Head of Sustainability & Impact is also a newly-created role – one about shaping our global sustainability strategy as it relates to integrating social and environmental considerations into the primary jurying criteria of the iF DESIGN AWARD, while also advancing the idea that design has a responsibility to create positive and meaningful impact in everything we do.” For Lisa, this job of dual roles marked a new, exciting challenge. Joining iF after more than two decades in senior-level positions in strategy, marketing, and operations for global organizations like BCG and Walmart, Lisa was leading LVG & Co., a boutique consultancy focused on brand positioning, innovation, and impact strategy, immediately prior to being recruited by iF. The common thread across all of these positions has been her values-driven leadership, for which she has been recognised with this award. Values are a big thing for Lisa, who cites her biggest career achievement being to have always followed her own intellectual curiosity and personal values. The rewards for doing so have paid off, as Lisa told us: “To date, I have never held a role that existed before I took it, whether the role was created for me or I was simply the first to hold it, as is the case at iF.” There are many other achievements this pioneer of values-driven business strategy is proud of, including major business transformations and change initiatives such as rearchitecting the brand product portfolio of Chobani during her tenure as VP of Brand and Innovation which lay the foundation for a multi-award-winning rebrand, and overhauling the product development and go-to-market process from 18 months to just 10 months during her time leading Product Marketing Operations at Rockport Shoes, then part of adidas. These milestones have continued into her role at iF, where Lisa hosts her award-winning interview series. Created as a passion project more than five and a half years ago during the hight of the pandemic, this series, FUTURE OF XYZ, sees Lisa amplify diverse voices across industries and geographies. Now into its eighth season, the series broadcasts 25–30-minute unedited conversations around a specific topic to unpack what the future holds for it. There are more than 165 episodes to date, with each based on the guest’s area of expertise. Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms, these informative, provocative, and free-flowing conversations are perfect for those who are curious and hungry for continued learning across a range of topics, from business and design to art, activism, technology, innovation, science, policy making, and more. FUTURE OF XYZ is available at future-of.XYZ, ifdesign.com/XYZ, YouTube and anywhere you get your favorite podcasts. Finally, as for the future of iF Design more broadly, Lisa told us about recently launching the iF DESIGN ACADEMY which provides world-class executive education across personal leadership, business fundamentals, and future literacy topics. Lisa commented: “The goal is to equip current design leaders and the next generation of designers with the tools they need to address complex global challenges and be part of the solution.” Lisa herself remains deeply involved in this exceptional project. For her work driving system-level change at the intersection of design, business, and sustainability, we are delighted to name Lisa Gralnek the Values-Driven Brand Builder of the Year 2026. More on the work she stands for in sustainable design leadership can be found at iF Design’s website below. Contact: Lisa Gralnek Company: iF Design Web Address: https://ifdesign.com/en/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagralnek/ iF Design is a non-profit design institute renowned for hosting the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD, the world’s largest independent design award now in its 73rd year. Lisa Gralnek is the US Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainability & Impact based in New York City. Following her recognition in this programme, we caught up with Lisa for more on her role within this esteemed organisation, which includes continuing to host her own award-winning interview series. F
8 | Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 Michelle Ramirez, SHRM-CP In industries where precision, accountability, and operational discipline are non-negotiable, leadership must extend far beyond strategy alone. It requires the ability to build structure, align people, and create systems that allow organizations to scale responsibly while maintaining excellence. That is the space where Michelle Ramirez, SHRM-CP has established herself as a transformative leader. As Director of Internal Operations at Smith & Burgess, Michelle Ramirez oversees the operational backbone of a globally expanding process safety engineering consultancy specializing in relief system design, flare system analysis, and process safety management solutions for highhazard industries. Her leadership spans operations, HR, administration, and financial coordination, creating the infrastructure necessary to support both technical excellence and sustainable growth. “Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed a significant evolution in the presence of women within engineering, operations, and executive leadership,” Michelle explains. “Early in my career, it was common to walk into a room and be one of very few women at the table. Today, while there is still work to do, there is also undeniable progress. Organizations are beginning to recognize that diverse leadership perspectives strengthen decision-making, strengthen culture, and ultimately strengthen business performance. At Smith & Burgess, Michelle’s role is centered on operational alignment at scale. As the organization continues expanding across the United States and internationally, she has led efforts to standardize processes, strengthen accountability, improve crossfunctional collaboration, and build operational frameworks capable of supporting long-term global growth. “In process safety consulting, the stakes are incredibly high,” she says. “Our clients operate in industries where safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance directly impact people, assets, communities, and the environment. Internally, my responsibility is ensuring our operations support that same level of precision and discipline across every function of the business.” Under Michelle’s leadership, operational improvements have extended across multiple business areas, including organizational infrastructure, performance management, global workforce operations, financial process alignment, compliance initiatives, and scalable systems development. Her ability to bridge operational execution with people strategy has become one of the defining characteristics of her leadership style. “Visionary leadership is not just about having ideas, it’s about building the structure, discipline, and accountability required to turn those ideas into sustainable results. ” Michelle believes operational leadership is often misunderstood as purely administrative, when in reality it serves as one of the most critical drivers of organizational scalability and long-term performance. “A company can have exceptional technical talent, but without operational alignment, communication, accountability, and infrastructure, growth becomes difficult to sustain,” she explains. “One of the areas I’m most passionate about is creating systems that allow talented people to perform at their highest level while also positioning the organization for the future.” That future-focused mindset has played a major role in Smith & Burgess’ continued expansion into international markets. Michelle has helped support the operational coordination involved in global growth initiatives spanning multiple regions, ensuring business continuity while maintaining organizational consistency and culture. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in intentionality, accountability, and continuous improvement. “I’ve always believed that strong leadership is built through consistency,” she says. “It’s the small decisions, the operational discipline, the willingness to solve difficult problems, and the ability to remain steady under pressure that ultimately build credibility and trust.” In addition to operational leadership, Michelle has become a strong advocate for leadership development and mentorship, particularly for women pursuing careers in engineering, operations, and executive management. “Representation matters because it creates visibility,” Michelle says. “When people can see someone who looks like them operating successfully in leadership, it changes what feels possible. I take that responsibility seriously.” She is equally passionate about developing future leaders internally, creating opportunities for employees to step into expanded responsibilities, contribute strategically, and grow beyond traditional role limitations. “One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is helping people recognize capabilities in themselves they may not have fully seen yet,” she explains. “Creating growth opportunities and investing in people has a long-term impact not only on individuals, but on the strength of the organization as a whole.” “Strong organizations are built when leaders invest not only in performance, but in people, development, and longterm capability. ” Michelle also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and executive development. Over the course of her career, she has consistently pursued advanced education, professional certifications, and leadership development opportunities to expand both her operational and strategic expertise. “In leadership, growth cannot become static,” she says. “Industries evolve, businesses evolve, and leadership must evolve with them. Most Visionary Process Safety Operations Leader 2026 (Houston)
Most Visionary Process Safety Operations Leader 2026 (Houston): Michelle Ramirez Staying committed to learning has been one of the most important investments I’ve made in my career.” Looking ahead, Michelle remains focused on continuing to align operations, people strategy, and financial performance at a broader executive level as Smith & Burgess expands globally. “My long-term focus is building sustainable operational excellence at scale,” she explains. “That means creating environments where people can thrive, where businesses can grow responsibly, and where operational discipline supports innovation rather than slowing it down.” For the next generation of professionals entering engineering, operations, or executive leadership, Michelle offers practical advice grounded in experience. “Do not underestimate the value of competence, adaptability, and resilience,” she says. “Be willing to step into difficult situations. Learn how the business operates beyond your immediate role. The leaders who create the greatest impact are the ones who understand how all the moving pieces connect.” Closing Perspective Receiving recognition as Most Visionary Process Safety Operations Leader 2026 (Houston) reflects more than professional achievement alone. It represents years of disciplined execution, operational transformation, people development, and an unwavering commitment to building organizations capable of sustaining excellence at every level. “Impactful leadership is built through consistency, operational discipline, thoughtful decision-making, and an ongoing commitment to creating lasting value. ”
10 | Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 ynette Ousby is the woman at the helm of ReStart Consulting, a specialist healthcare technology consultancy working primarily with NHS organisations to guide them through complex digital transformation in a way that is safe, sustainable, and grounded in the real-world clinical environments staff operate in every day. “Our work sits at a critical point where technology and patient care meet”, Lynette told us. “We support NHS trusts through programmes such as electronic patient records, legacy system retirement, data archiving, and large-scale integration. These are not just technical projects, they are moments of significant operational change, where access to accurate information and system stability directly impact clinical decision-making processes and patient outcomes.” Like the NHS itself, the team here have a presence across the UK, with ReStart’s base in Lancashire being only a stone’s throw from NHS England’s headquarters in Leeds, thus underpinning this synergy. The work between the two bodies intensifies during periods of pressure and transformation, and ReStart Consulting very much sees its goal as being to ensure that the necessary modernisation of the NHS’ services does not come at the cost of continuity or care. The work carried out by this consultancy is there to enable healthcare professionals to access the information they need at the time they need it, reducing administration time and freeing up their focus for patient care. Beyond this noble aim, Lynette believes that what sets ReStart apart is its approach. She shared: “We are not there to deliver technology in isolation; we work alongside our clients as long-term partners, ensuring that what we build is practical, sustainable, and genuinely improves the environments in which clinicians operate.” As the CEO of ReStart, Lynette is responsible for ensuring that the consultancy remains aligned with its purpose of delivering meaningful and measurable outcomes, as well as setting its direction as it continues to drive digital transformations in this ever-evolving landscape. Lynette also plays a huge part in shaping its strategy, supporting its teams, and maintaining strong relationships with all of its clients. Her experience across all of these avenues has been shaped by a diverse career in leadership, with performance and accountability defining every role she has inhabited. For example, in her first major role, Lynette was responsible for delivering significant financial improvements during what was a highly challenging economic period. Exploring this in more detail, Lynette said: “In my first major leadership role at GE Capital, I led a team that reduced bad debt by 79% within 12 months, releasing almost £8 million in profit that had been tied up in reserves.” As a result, she received the ACE Award and was recognised as one of its best employees at just 23 years old, a remarkable achievement. This immediately taught her the value of resilience, clarity, and decisive leadership, three things she continues to leverage to this day when building high-performing teams, strengthening culture, and delivering results that are meaningful on both commercial and operational levels, all of which are ReStart mainstays. More than this, these experiences have reinforced Lynette’s long-held belief that the best leadership is not just about outcomes, it is about how they are achieved, the environment in which they are achieved, and creating opportunities for others along the way. The latter is a key focus area across our International Businesswoman Awards, with women still facing a number of challenges when it comes to securing senior leadership roles, especially in the male-dominated world of tech. Nevertheless, since starting out in this space, Lynette has seen a noticeable shift in the visibility and recognition of women within it. There is greater opportunity than before, as well as more awareness and conversation than there was previously. Yet, we are in a period of transition, and whilst entry is more accessible than it once was, there are still barriers to leadership. These mainly involve the expectations placed on women, especially balancing professional ambition with personal responsibilities such as childcare and family life. Lynette has experienced all of this first-hand, having achieved consistent delivery, fostered strong commercial outcomes, and built high-performing teams alongside being a wife, a mother, and a daughter. “The demands of leadership are constant”, Lynette told us, “but so too are the roles that exist outside of work.” What makes striking this balance tough is the unspoken expectation that success in a senior role means being fully absorbed in a career, leaving no time or energy for a personal life. Interestingly, Lynette is bucking the trend by championing the opposite, and she cites the responsibilities she carries outside of ReStart as having made her a better leader. What makes all of this rewarding for Lynette Helping the NHS to unlock the power of its data, ReStart Consulting Ltd has been a leading provider in the world of interoperable digital care services in the health and care ecosystem since opening its doors in 2004. Trusted by more than 65 NHS Trusts, its combination of an innovative IMX platform and deep interoperability see organisations across the NHS and beyond empowered at every turn. Lynette Ousby, ReStart’s CEO, sat down with us for more following her recognition here in this programme. L Healthcare Data Solutions Business Leader of the Year 2026 (North West England): Lynette Ousby
is not the benefit this has had on her, but rather the wider impact on those whose lives she has touched. This includes the employees of her consultancy, all of whom she aims to support. “I have always believed that leadership carries a responsibility to create opportunities for others, not just achieve outcomes.” Lynette has also dedicated a lot of her time to investing in initiatives that support young people from underprivileged backgrounds looking to explore pathways into STEM, with this arising from her awareness that talent is widely distributed but opportunity is often not. She added: “Success becomes far more meaningful when it creates space for others to succeed.” Shifting gears to the next stages of both her career and ReStart more broadly, Lynette is aware that the demand for solutions across areas including healthcare data integration and system optimisation is only set to increase, making the work the team here carry out in these environments even more critical than it is today. To this end, Lynette explained; “Our focus is on continuing to support NHS organisations through this evolution, strengthening our capabilities while maintaining the principles that define us. We want to remain a Healthcare Data Solutions Business Leader of the Year 2026 (North West England): Lynette Ousby trusted partner, not just delivering solutions, but helping organisations navigate change with confidence.” Long term, the aim for this CEO is to grow her consultancy in a purposeful and sustainable way, all whilst being aligned with the needs of the NHS and the wider healthcare sector. Ultimately, as she shared with us in closing: “My goal is not just to grow a successful business, but to build something that is sustainable, responsible, and meaningful, both for the organisations we support and for the people who are a part of that journey.” Recognised as the Healthcare Data Solutions Business Leader of the Year 2026 (North West England) as a result of her dedication to this aim, Lynette Ousby’s role at the head of this leading NHS digital transformation consultancy has seen measurable advancements made concerning everything from data archiving and legacy system retirement to ERP transition support, data migration, system optimisation, and more. Further details on all of this work can be found at ReStart Consulting’s website below. Contact: Lynette Ousby Company: ReStart Consulting Ltd Web Address: https://restartconsulting.com/
12 | Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 Most Influential Health & Social Care Business Leader 2026 (North West England): Jean O’Hara “Social care has always had a strong female workforce, particularly in frontline roles,” Jean begins. “But historically, there were fewer women in senior leadership, operational management, and strategic decision-making positions. Within Away Day Care, that has shifted significantly. We now see women not only delivering excellent care on the frontline, but also leading services, shaping organisational strategy, and influencing how we grow and innovate as a provider.” Across the wider industry, Jean says it seems to have become easier for women to enter and progress – but this isn’t by accident. Social care has evolved to have a much stronger focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as development, and training opportunities, which Away Day Care actively supports by creating clear progression pathways, from support worker roles through to senior and management positions, alongside incorporating professional development. Jean tells us that this helps ensure talent is recognised and nurtured regardless of gender. By having strong female role models, this helps to inspire and normalise women progressing into leadership roles. However, that’s not to say that there aren’t challenges. The social care sector can be demanding, with issues like pay, recognition, and work-life balance affecting retention, particularly for women. “Overall, though, the direction of travel is positive,” says Jean. “At Away Day Care, we’re proud to be part of that progress by fostering an inclusive culture where women are supported to develop, lead, and thrive at every level of the organisation.” Jean’s role at Away Day Care is to steer the ship and ensure the values on which the organisation was founded 18 years ago are still closely adhered to. These include putting people first and ensuring the service evolves in a way that is led by the needs of its users and their families. This comes alongside a commitment toward developing staff and recruiting from inside the organisation where possible. “I believe giving your own people the opportunity to step up, and grow is so important and it has been a huge part of our success,” shares Jean. “Give them the support they need, then get out of their way so they can flourish. Creating opportunities for our staff to develop within has been one of our greatest keys to maintaining a high retention rate, something that is unfortunately quite rare across the sector we are really proud of the formula we have devised to help us hold on to our amazing staff teams.” “My advice to other women entering or progressing in this sector would be to back yourself, seek out development opportunities, and not be afraid to step into leadership roles. Social care needs strong, compassionate leaders, and women bring enormous value to that.” Before starting Away Day Care, Jean wore many different hats in many different sectors, from office management in multinational corporations, to starting her own business selling high-end tools, diagnostics, and equipment, primarily servicing the automotive and transportation industries. She balanced that alongside being a full-time mum, and after a while, found herself feeling disconnected from the world of commerce, thus she sought out more fulfilling work. “I was ready to give back to my local community and as my boys were starting to grow up and become teenagers, I wanted to find a role that would give me that rewarding feeling that I had enjoyed so much as a mother,” she reminisces. Now, Jean has a lot to be proud of, with her greatest career achievement to date being the opening of Away Day Care’s first regulated service, a state-of-the-art respite facility situated in the heart of the community, offering hydrotherapy and a full sensory suite. She says, “For years, families, carers, and service users themselves were coming to us saying that they loved our day service and outreach so much, and could we set up respite for them to access. From hosting regular family forums and having candid conversations with these families and carers, it quickly became apparent that there just wasn’t adequate provisions in the borough for them to access their allocated respite hours.” For more than a year, Jean and her team worked tirelessly to come up with a plan and devise a model on how this service could be feasible and sustainable in the long-term. As a result of a lot of hard work, risk taking, and late nights burning the midnight oil, the Fairways respite was open in September 2020, having become a real success and flagship for the organisation. Jean’s passion for giving back to her local community shows, even making Away Day Care a stadium sponsor for the local nonleague football club, Trafford FC, which is a real community club with a mission and values that strongly resonate with that of the organisation. As such, Jean and co. wanted to support the club in any way they could. “They have a fantastic grass roots academy with girls’ teams at all age groups, and this is an initiative we could really get behind,” Jean explains. “Sport is a massive part of our family life, and it is something that has always helped channel me and my two boys alongside academic and work life. It affords young girls the skills that they will take with them into all different aspects of their bright futures.” We are feeling greatly inspired by Jean and the incredible impact she is having both within Away Day Care and beyond. Now, we wonder what’s next for her professionally. Alongside guiding Away Day Care to lead the way toward a better tomorrow for the sector and those Jean O’Hara founded Away Day Care in 2007 – an independent, family-run adult social care provider in Trafford, Greater Manchester – and to this day, she thrives within the role of Managing Director. A leading woman in the social care industry, Jean does face obstacles such as making sure her voice is, particularly in more commercial or multi-agency environments where decisions are being made at pace. That being said, Jean has always remained true to her values, focussed on delivering results and deeply invested in the development of the team she has built around her to actualise her vision for the organisation. We learn more about Jean’s flourishing career and the inspirational strides she continues to make in what can be a challenging world of female leadership.
who rely on its services, Jean plans to keep supporting women in social care and in the world of business at large. She would also like to continue mentoring and nurturing young people who are entering the sector so they can realise the opportunities available and go on to have a long and fulfilled career. Jean concludes, “I wish to continually advocate for equality by supporting femaleled initiatives, bang the drum for female achievements within the sector, and do my bit to inspire the next generation of female leaders in care.” Company name: Away Day Care Contact name: Jean O’Hara Email: jean.ohara@awaydaycare.co.uk Website: www.awaydaycare.com Most Influential Health & Social Care Business Leader 2026 (North West England): Jean O’Hara
14 | Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 Stafford House Study Holidays provides international student immersion programmes across both the UK and abroad, delivering high-quality English-language courses for its young learners at a number of exciting locations. The organisation was established in 1994 and operates under the leadership of Ruth Fenton, its Founder-Director. Following her recognition in this programme, we caught up with Ruth for more on her integral role within Stafford House Study Holidays. Language Education Industry Veteran of the Year 2026 (UK): Ruth Fenton Leadership Dedication & Resilience Award 2026 ased in the UK and the US, Stafford House Study Holidays runs its English language study holidays for international students at some great locations across these two nations, including London, Cambridge, San Francisco, and Boston. Whether students want to stay at a boarding school, college, or university campus in the city centre, countryside, a small town, or near the beach, they can do so with Stafford House Study Holidays. Alongside English language, other courses available include art and design, sports, and academic prep. Ruth explained: “We specialise in English language study holidays, offering immersive programmes that combine high-quality English tuition with cultural experiences and travel. Our courses are delivered across a range of locations in the UK and internationally, allowing students to learn English while exploring new destinations.” This appeals particularly to young learners around the world, from individuals looking to improve their skills to those travelling in groups curated by schools and agents. More than three decades delivering excellence in this space has seen Stafford House Study Holidays build a strong reputation in the UK and globally for its expertise, high-calibre teaching, and unique commitment to exceptional student experiences. As the hands-on Founder-Director of this operation, much of the success fostered over the last 30 years can be attributed directly to Ruth Fenton. Her role includes overseeing the strategic direction of Stafford House Study Holidays, ensuring its programmes are engaging and beneficial and that relationships with its global partners remain strong. Ruth draws on her wealth of experience concerning English language education, travel, and tourism to consistently deliver across her role, and has developed a deep and unique understanding of the needs of both the industry and the internal students she serves. The decades she has spent honing her craft have proven instrumental in shaping the growth and continued success of Stafford House Study Holidays. Having spent a great deal of time in these environments over her career, Ruth has seen many changes across them, especially regarding female accessibility. She told us: “When I first started, leadership roles were less accessible. Today there is far greater visibility of women in senior positions.” Discussing the reasons behind this, Ruth commented: “I believe the industry has become more accessible to women, supported by broader social change, increased awareness around equality, and more inclusive workplaces.” However, challenges still remain, and long-term success in this sector requires resilience and adaptability from those at the top of the chain, especially given this is an industry shaped by constant political, social, and technological shifts. Ruth stays one step ahead of these developments by leveraging both her own longevity and that of Stafford House Study Holidays, with her rich tenure in the industry being a career highlight. “Sustaining and growing a company over more than 30 years, despite evolving global challenges, reflects not only industry changes but also the increasing role and impact of women in leadership.” Another highlight for Ruth has been the consistent delivery Stafford House Study Holidays has stood for all of this time, with this serving as the foundation for the many long-standing relationships it enjoys with its partners, some of whom it has been with since the very beginning and others still since before Ruth established the organisation. The key to maintaining these is trust, continuity, and a reputation for reliability. Shining some more light on what these partnerships mean to her and the wider organisation, Ruth proudly said: “Having repeat customers for over 30 years is something I am incredibly proud of and consider my greatest achievement in this industry.” These values have helped to guide Ruth through a career filled with make-or-break moments, something which comes with navigating a role that sits between a variety of stakeholders and balances the expectations of clients and suppliers whilst still maintaining trust on all sides. “I strongly believe in never promising what you cannot deliver”, Ruth added. “Building a successful and sustainable business depends on finding the right balance and consistently working to achieve the best outcomes for everyone involved.” For women looking to follow in Ruth’s footsteps and succeed in the world of education or beyond, her advice is simple: listen, learn, and remain resilient. To this end, Ruth is keen on supporting women (as well as men) beyond this advice, nurturing the growth of those around her through a combination of guidance, encouragement, and growth opportunities. B
Language Education Industry Veteran of the Year 2026 (UK): Ruth Fenton & Leadership Dedication & Resilience Award 2026 Stafford House Study Holidays embodies this ethos perfectly, with its international and inclusive environment serving young people from a wide range of backgrounds. Its ability to do so effectively starts from within, and Ruth is incredibly proud to have built a team over the years who share the same values as she does when it comes to customer service, the standard of education provided, and other such fundamentals of the brand. As a member of the senior leadership team at both Stafford House Study Holidays and its parent company, CATS Global Schools, Ruth also helps to coach and champion the women around her, something she considers fundamental to her founder-director position. Looking ahead, Ruth strives to continue to grow and evolve the organisation, all whilst adapting its strategy and day-to-day operations to the changing needs of the industry. This includes further digitisation of its operations, the development of new and engaging programme materials, and the integration of new technologies to enhance learning and the overall student experience. All of this will be carried out against a backdrop of international presence expansion and a strengthening the partnerships that are so essential. Of course, the nature of the work that Stafford House Study Holidays does also means that political, social, and technological shifts all define how it operates, and the realities of these are both immediate and complex. Ruth commented: “For example, when global events occur, such as travel disruptions, you naturally consider how this may affect the regions you work with and the students you support. It requires constant awareness, adaptability, and careful decision making.” Focusing on these areas remains key moving forwards. Ultimately, reflecting on her recognition in this programme, Ruth believes her status as an influential businesswoman comes from her adherence to consistency, reliability, and trust, three traits she looks to demonstrate every single day of her working life. Having built a great team who believe in these values and established a partner network with these as its cornerstones, the future is bright for Stafford House Study Holidays, which is continuing to raise the bar in study travel programmes for groups and individuals alike. For more on the remarkable work of Ruth Fenton, named the Language Education Industry Veteran of the Year 2026 (UK) and celebrated with our Leadership Dedication & Resilience Award 2026 in this this year’s stacked and coveted Influential Businesswoman Awards programme, visit Stafford House Study Holidays and CATS Global Schools at the web address below. Contact: Ruth Fenton Company: Stafford House Study Holidays Web Address: www.studyholidays.com or www.catsglobalschools.com
16 | Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 Leading Ethical Beauty Brand Marketing Strategist 2026 (UK): Grace Oh race Oh’s career first began at L’Oréal, where she spent a decade building global brand such as Lancôme, Kiehl’s, and Shu Uemura. Following this position, Grace moved into independent consulting. Here, she collaborated with a diverse range of businesses, from small, founder-led startups to high-profile celebrity brands such as Ariana Grande’s R.E.M. Beauty and social-first disruptors like Charlotte Tilbury and Gisou. Now, Grace has served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Neal’s Yard Remedies for 18 months. She oversees the full end-to-end journey – from product concept and innovation through to formulation, creative campaigns, and go-to-market strategy – leveraging two decades of experience within the luxury beauty and cosmetics industry. “For me, it’s the combination of the training and foundation-building from L’Oréal, alongside the agile, entrepreneurial environments within founder-led brands, that have shaped my path today,” she told us. “It allows me to identify not just what should be done strategically, but what can be delivered effectively and authentically in today’s fastmoving market.” With an unrivalled understanding of the industry, Grace has propelled her team forward to achieve greatness. The CMO upholds the belief that “leadership is as much about people as it is performance” and asserts that her most rewarding achievement has been mentoring her team, developing talent, and steering individuals to success. “Leadership is as much about people as it is performance.” Beauty has always been a female-driven industry, but historically that representation has not extended fully into leadership. Earlier in her career, Grace noted that many C-suite roles across global beauty companies were still dominated by male leadership. While it has not become harder for women to enter the industry today, the structural challenges – particularly around work-life balance, motherhood, and leadership progression – are still very real. When Grace first entered the beauty industry, she understood the importance of navigating such a male-dominated space with caution, recognising that her work and voice had to remain her top priority. Stepping outside of the corporate environment during her early family years also afforded Grace the flexibility to define success on her own terms, which remains a relevant topic today. At first, Grace defined success by the brands she aspired to work with. Joining YSL Beauty and becoming one of the first Asian Marketing Directors within a traditionally French-led haute couture environment was a significant achievement. Two decades later, however, and Grace’s definition of success has evolved in alignment with her own personal growth. “Today, working with Neal’s Yard Remedies, a brand whose values I genuinely love and respect – particularly around sustainability, wellbeing, and doing business with purpose – feels incredibly meaningful at this stage in my career,” she shared. “I think a lot about the future and what the world will be like for the next generation. I didn’t see many people that looked like me in the public eye growing up, and to see my son and daughter experiencing a more diverse world, where key leadership and role models are relatable to them, is amazing.” “As global companies we have a responsibility: how can brands help protect both the future generation and the earth. How do we counter an increasingly detached, dehumanising, digital-first culture that is increasingly emerging, with something more human and meaningful?” Looking ahead, Grace intends to remain actively part of the conversations surrounding what is shaping the future of the beauty industry. This year marks the 45th anniversary of Neal’s Yard Remedies, and her team is more focused than ever on leading the market with innovation and authenticity. Wellbeing continues to grow and evolve, influencing how consumers think about beauty, whilst debate intensifies regarding the balance of naturality and artificial intelligence, and the undoubtedly defining role such advancements will play in the years ahead. “In a world where we’re increasingly focused on the instant, the now and the external, how do I create meaningful, engaging conversations with the consumer that allows us to go deeper?” Grace concluded. “My goal is to keep being inspired. I still love the industry after 20 years and, as long as the mission is exciting and sparks my curiosity, I am open to wherever it takes me.” Contact: Grace Oh Company: Neal’s Yard Remedies Web Address: www.nealsyardremedies.com Neal’s Yard Remedies has stood as a pioneer in natural skincare and organic beauty for more than four decades. The British beauty brand is grounded in sustainability, wellbeing, and ethical sourcing, delivering award-winning collections that help consumers find a natural balance between outer beauty and inner health. We sat down with Grace Oh, celebrated Chief Marketing Officer at Neal’s Yard Remedies and a recent recipient in the Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026, to learn more about her journey of success. G
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