Banking on Change - Breakfast with Anne Boden MBE

Banking on Change: Leadership Lessons from a Financial Revolutionary

Breakfast with Anne Boden MBE

Thursday 6th November 2025 | 8:30am - 11:00am | APEX Reading

Join us for an exclusive morning with Anne Boden MBE, founder and former CEO of Starling Bank, one of the UK's most successful digital challenger banks. Author of the acclaimed Female Founders' Playbook, Anne revolutionised British banking and became a leading voice for female entrepreneurship.

What to Expect:

• 8:30-9:00am: Networking breakfast 
• 9:15-10:00am: 'Banking on Change' Anne Boden in conversation with Samantha Harman
• 10:00-10:20am: Interactive Q&A session
• 10:20-11:00am: Continued networking. the chance to hear about Smart Works Reading's impact over the last 10 years PLUS the Smart Works fashion sale

About Anne Boden MBE: Anne transformed the banking landscape as founder of Starling Bank, which now serves millions of customers and has won numerous awards for innovation and customer service. Her journey from traditional banking executive to fintech pioneer offers invaluable insights into leadership, resilience, and driving change in established industries.

"I'm really inspired by the mission of Smart Works. The idea that a well-fitting outfit and the right preparation can unlock someone's confidence and potential is incredibly powerful. Empowering women to step into interviews feeling capable and valued is about so much more than clothes – it's about dignity, opportunity, and belief in themselves." - Anne Boden MBE

About Samantha Harman: Sam is an award-winning journalist and editor turned style strategist and soon-to-be-published author. She has edited newspapers including the Oxford Mail, has lectured at the International Centre for Publishing, consulted for the government on the Online Safety bill and led a number of campaigns. As one of the first working class female editors in the history of UK newspapers, Samantha is passionate about socio-economic issues and diversity. She founded her business in 2022 to empower women in corporate and female founders with the confidence to express themselves through their wardrobes. Her first book, Just Get Dressed, will be published in January 2026. 

Perfect for:

• Business leaders and entrepreneurs
• Finance and fintech professionals
• Anyone interested in leadership and innovation
• Supporters of women's empowerment

Your ticket includes:

• Breakfast 
• Exclusive presentation and Q&A with Anne Boden
• Networking opportunities with local business leaders
• Access to Smart Works fashion sale
• All proceeds support Smart Works Reading's vital work helping women succeed at job interviews

Tickets: £35