Leading with Purpose: The Success of Herstory V

Over 140 business leaders, entrepreneurs and community members gathered at the iconic DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole for what became Brighton’s largest International Women’s Day event, Herstory V.

Hosted by local business leader Stephanie Prior, the event was already shaping up to be a significant moment for the city’s business community. What made it even more remarkable, however, was that Prior organised and hosted the entire event while eight months pregnant.

Some questioned whether it was the right moment to take on such a major undertaking so close to maternity leave. But for Stephanie, the decision to continue the annual event was intentional.

Stephanie Prior, Founder of Prior Media & Marketing said:

Herstory,  exists to showcase the power of women leading change and to demonstrate that motherhood and leadership do not have to be mutually exclusive.

With the right support around her on the day, that belief proved true. The result was the most successful Herstory event to date, bringing together more than 140 attendees for an evening focused on the theme “Leading with Purpose.”

A Panel Shaped by Purpose

At the heart of the event was a powerful panel conversation featuring women from very different sectors, healthcare, fashion, property and inclusion, each bringing a unique perspective on leadership.

The Panel Featured:

• Carole Gilling-Smith – founder of the Agora fertility clinic

• Fal Blake – creative force behind Brighton fashion brand Gresham Blake

• Mo Kanjilal – diversity and inclusion leader and co-founder of Edge of Difference

• Lucy Dawe – property entrepreneur and industry advocate (Property Fusion & Lawton & Dawe Properties)

Despite their very different industries, a number of common themes emerged during the discussion: authenticity, resilience and the courage to challenge existing systems.

Rather than presenting polished success stories, the panel spoke candidly about the realities behind leadership,  from imposter syndrome and exclusion to illness, criticism and the loneliness that can accompany entrepreneurship.

Several speakers reflected on how adversity became the catalyst for growth and clarity.

“Confidence was something I had to learn. It was a craft,” said Dawe, describing her journey from receptionist to business owner in the property sector.

Kanjilal highlighted the importance of systemic change rather than symbolic gestures, particularly when it comes to equality in the workplace. Meanwhile, Gilling-Smith spoke passionately about improving fertility access and education, emphasising that the chance to build a family should not depend on income, postcode or background.

For Blake, identity and authenticity were central themes. “My suit became my armour,” she reflected, describing how fashion helped her embrace her identity and leadership with confidence.

Stories of Resilience and Reinvention

The evening also featured a powerful performance from Brighton platinum recording artist and cancer survivor Abi Flynn.

Flynn shared the story behind her music, explaining how a cancer diagnosis at just 26 forced her to reconnect with her voice and purpose. During treatment, she wrote an album, using creativity as a way to process adversity and reclaim her artistic identity.

“Those adversities really have become my greatest gift,” she told the audience.

Her story added a deeply emotional dimension to the evening, reinforcing one of the panel’s strongest themes: leadership and authenticity are often forged through challenge.

The Power of Visibility

Another key element of the event focused on the importance of being seen.

Professional photographer Claire Bond led a powerful visual initiative as part of the Herstory experience, capturing striking portraits of women attending the event.

The photography project was designed not simply as a creative activity but as a statement about representation, highlighting the importance of women stepping forward, owning their achievements and being visible as leaders.

Complementing this visual storytelling, the room itself was thoughtfully styled by Sarah King, whose design helped bring the atmosphere of the event to life. Through carefully curated styling, the space reflected the visual power, femininity and celebration at the heart of International Women’s Day, creating an environment that felt both inspiring and welcoming.

The images created throughout the event will form part of the ongoing Herstory narrative, celebrating the women shaping business and community life across Sussex.

A Community Effort

HerStory V was supported by a strong network of partners from the local business community, including The GelBottle Inc, Latest TV, Bennett Oakley Solicitors and IT Document Solutions Limited.

The event also created space for meaningful networking and conversation, with attendees from across Sussex sharing experiences and building new professional connections.

More than a Celebration

While International Women’s Day events often focus on celebration, Herstory V aimed to go further.

The conversation repeatedly returned to the idea that leadership is not just about personal success but about changing systems, improving opportunities and supporting others to rise.

Speakers discussed everything from fertility equality and property regulation to representation, identity and workplace inclusion.

Perhaps the strongest message of the evening, however, was the importance of community.

Across the panel and the audience there was a clear sense that progress rarely happens in isolation. It is built through collaboration, mentorship and women championing one another.

In a city known for its entrepreneurial spirit, Herstory V demonstrated the power of bringing those voices together.

And for its founder, the event delivered an additional message: that leadership, business and motherhood can exist side by side.

As the evening concluded, one theme remained clear,  purpose-led leadership is not just about individual success, but about creating space for others to be seen, heard and empowered.

For more information regarding Prior Media & Marketing, please visit their website.