#WECAN (Women Creating an Agile Network) is a leadership development initiative delivered by Leeds Beckett University.
Through expert-led workshops, networking events and practical learning opportunities, the programme supports women to develop leadership confidence, build professional networks and gain the skills needed to thrive in an evolving workplace.
As Artificial Intelligence becomes an increasingly common part of the workplace, leaders are facing new opportunities, new challenges and important decisions about how to embrace AI responsibly.
This #WECAN Networking Event brings together experienced industry leaders to explore what confident leadership looks like in an AI-enabled world.
Rather than focusing on AI tools themselves, the conversation will centre on leading people through change, building trust, making informed decisions and ensuring the human element remains at the heart of organisations.
Through keynote presentations, an interactive panel discussion and audience Q&A, our speakers will share their experiences, insights and perspectives on leading in a rapidly evolving world.
The discussion will explore:
This event is open to anyone interested in leadership and organisational change, particularly managers, leaders, HR professionals, change practitioners, business owners, and those responsible for driving transformation within their organisations. Whether you’re a regular member of the #WECAN community or attending for the first time, you’ll be warmly welcomed.
Dr Sumona Mukhuty is a Reader in Leadership, Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management at Leeds Business School, Leeds Beckett University, and Research Cluster Lead for Leadership, Management and Business Education.
She is an experienced academic and researcher whose work explores leadership, workplace behaviour, AI, innovation and organisational change. Sumona has held senior leadership roles across higher education and currently chairs the Organisational Psychology Special Interest Group at the British Academy of Management. Her research has been published in leading international journals, and she is passionate about translating research into practical insights that help organisations and leaders navigate an evolving world of work.
Richard Keegan is a strategic innovation, enterprise and partnership leader with more than 30 years’ experience driving growth, transformation and collaboration across higher education, skills and business ecosystems. He currently leads the development of Leeds Beckett University’s Digital Innovation and Enterprise Hub, helping organisations harness innovation, AI and emerging technologies to enhance productivity and create value.
Throughout a career spanning senior leadership roles at the University of Hull, University of Leeds, Northumbria University and the Higher Education Academy, Richard has built high-impact programmes connecting academia, industry and government. A qualified Leadership Coach and Mentor, he is passionate about developing people and organisations, combining strategic insight with practical action to deliver sustainable growth, innovation and lasting impact.
Nandar Bhone Zaw is Marketing and Digital Strategy Lead at Medasil Surgical Limited, a Leeds-based medical device manufacturer supplying surgical products to NHS Trusts, hospitals and global distributors across multiple markets.
Originally from Myanmar and educated across Malaysia and the UK, Nandar holds an MSc in Marketing and Digital Strategy with Distinction from Leeds Beckett University.
In her role at Medasil, Nandar leads brand strategy, multi-channel campaigns and digital transformation. She builds purpose-specific AI workflows from the ground up inside a lean, regulated SME environment, using technology to accelerate thinking rather than replace it.
She regularly speaks at industry events on the practical application of AI for startups and SMEs and is passionate about making AI accessible, useful and human-centred in the workplace.
Rebecca Charlesworth is Digital Marketing Manager at Blueberry Marketing Solutions, where she leads the company’s digital strategy, combining creativity, data and emerging technology to help organisations connect with the right audiences.
Over the last few years, her role has evolved to focus on embedding digital change across people, processes and systems, with a particular emphasis on improving efficiency, simplifying workflows and making better use of digital tools.
Her interests include emerging technology and the practical application of AI to reduce friction, improve consistency and help teams work more effectively. Rebecca brings a commercially aware, collaborative approach and enjoys contributing to conversations about best practice, innovation and the real-world impact of digital transformation.
