IWD 2026 - Playing Big in Work and Life: Reclaiming Space, Voice and Impact

Playing Big in Work and Life: Reclaiming Space, Voice and Impact

Advancing Women’s Leadership SIG | In commemoration of International Women’s Day 

This year’s session focuses on playing big in work and life, exploring how women can step fully into their voice, influence and potential while navigating professional demands and personal priorities.

Why this session?

Many women in professional and leadership roles continue to balance competing expectations, invisible pressures, and shifting identities. This interactive session will provide space to reflect on how we show up at work and beyond, and how we can expand our impact without compromising wellbeing.

What we will explore

Participants will:

• Reflect on what “playing big” means in their professional and personal lives

• Recognise patterns that may keep them “playing small”

• Explore the interplay between work, identity, and life priorities

• Develop practical strategies to step into greater confidence and influence

• Consider how to support others to do the same

Interactive and engaging format

The session will include:

• Chat reflections and guided prompts

• Polls and live feedback

• Q&A and facilitated discussion

• Opportunities to contribute verbally for those who wish

Event details

Date: Thursday 12 March
Time: 12:30 – 13:30
Format: Online via Zoom

About the presenters

The presenters bring deep expertise in leadership development, reflective practice, and creating inclusive spaces for growth. Their work supports professionals to lead with clarity, courage and authenticity.

About the Speakers

Dr Maria Kukhareva
Dr Maria Kukhareva is a resilience expert, published author, TEDx speaker and women's leadership coach with over 20 years’ experience in the UK higher education sector. Her career spans academic, research and senior professional roles, most recently serving as Head of People Development at the University of Bedfordshire, where she led initiatives to develop women leaders and strengthen cross-sector women’s networks.

Maria’s interdisciplinary work bridges leadership, inclusion, pedagogy and art-based methodologies, shaping her distinctive integrative and embodied approach to leadership and human development. A certified  Zen Leadership Instructor, Physical Intelligence Coach, and High-Performing Teams coach, Maria has supported over 300 women in their leadership and career development. 

Professor Christina Hughes
Professor Christina Hughes is an internationally recognised feminist educator, leadership expert and executive coach. Named a “Woman of Influence 2023” by Baroness Sandy Verma, Christina has held senior executive roles across the UK university sector, including Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Warwick, Provost at Sheffield Hallam University, and Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Kent.

A leading scholar with over 16 books and £1.6 million in research funding, Christina has dedicated her career to advancing gender equity and supporting women’s leadership. She is an ILM Level 7 qualified executive coach, an accredited StrengthsProfile practitioner, and has mentored leaders at every level of university life.

Christina is Visiting Professor at Coventry University and Honorary Professor at the University of Kent. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Warwick International Higher Education Academy, a lifetime fellow of the Gender and Education Association, and an external EDI advisor to the Association of British Chinese Professors. Her leadership extends beyond academia through governance and trustee roles supporting educational access and social impact.