Today marks a significant milestone in the journey toward gender equality.

‍264 women have just stormed into parliament, boosting the female MP count by 6%—that’s up from 35% to over 40%.

This historic high brings us closer than ever to a gender-balanced Parliament, an achievement nearly a century in the making since the Equal Franchise Act granted women the right to vote.

Despite women making up 51% of the population, it has taken nearly a hundred years to approach a 50:50 representation.

Yet, here we are, stepping into a bright new era for women. This major win, capping off a gruelling election campaign, is a moment for celebration.

This triumph in politics serves as a beacon for women in other fields to continue breaking barriers and redefining success.

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One such inspirational move comes from our very own Lisa Carter. Our team has been celebrating it's own success, relaunching Lisa's innovative women-led event platform, formerly known as Discussion Box, under the dynamic new brand name: Panelle.

This bold rebranding aims to elevate the bootstrapped business to new heights, fostering diverse communities of women in business to engage in meaningful, high-quality conversations.

The relaunch of Panelle promises to be as captivating and unique as its journey, reflecting the same spirit of perseverance and progress that has driven the recent success in Parliament.

As we celebrate these achievements, we also look forward to the continued rise of women in all spheres, empowered to redefine what success looks like in the modern era.

“A seat at the table is no longer enough.”

The inspiration for Panelle is deeply rooted in the personal and professional experiences of its Founder. Lisa Carter's story is particularly compelling: a mother of three who, whilst breastfeeding and juggling numerous responsibilities, built her bootstrapped business out of necessity.

The inception of Panelle emerged from a desire to address significant gaps in the events industry, particularly those that affect women. The platform initially thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a vital online space when in-person events were impossible.

It then evolved into a space dedicated to women, capitalising on two things. One; the Founders' understanding of the unique challenges women face in business and leadership. Two; her own jewellery brand “NIKAO”, which sold out after her London Fashion Week debut. The exposure she had provided the capital needed to launch what is now Panelle.

“Panelle creates spaces women want to be in, vs creating spaces you want women to be in.”

“We realised that there was a significant gap in the market for a platform that not only amplifies the voices of women, but was built by and for them too,” says CRO Jemma Charles. “Panelle is not about ticking a diversity box.

This community enables women to build generational wealth and show the younger generation, the future c-suite, there’s a voice for women at the table. This is where change happens.”

Panelle stands out by offering meticulously executed events that emphasise connection and diversity of thought. The platform is a response to the often rushed and poorly executed events in the industry, offering a refreshing alternative where every conversation is meaningful, and every voice is heard.

“Movements like this are born in discomfort”

“It was a no brainer for me to turn this up a notch and take it to the highest heights where no woman has been before.” Carter asserts. “We are here to disrupt the norm and create spaces where women can thrive. Movements like this are born in discomfort.”

Panelle is more than just an event platform; it is a movement aimed at creating generational wealth and opportunities for women in business. It is a testament to the power of women helping women, with a clear message that it is okay to pivot, to grow, and to embrace change.

Carter explains, “We've done so much learning to get this brand here. We have refined it to such a place that it adds value in every aspect. So, let's even do this bigger and better.”

• Despite comprising nearly 57% of the workforce, only 35% of women hold management positions.

• Women earn 83 cents on the dollar compared to men, with executives facing an even wider gap at 72 cents.

• Since 2015, the number of women in the C-suite has increased from 17% to 28%, and the representation of women at vice president and senior vice president levels has also improved.

The system wasn’t built by or for women, but we can change that. Panelle’s all-woman community is grounded in lived experience, with a shared drive to rebuild the system from the ground up.

Despite representing half of the population and wielding influence over $20 trillion in annual consumer spending, the question remains: why are there so few women at the table? Here’s an industry secret: it’s no coincidence that imposter syndrome is almost always coined by high-achieving women.

In the past decade, the rise of women in leadership and CxO roles has reached unprecedented heights. Shutting down challenging external biases that perpetuate fallacies and stifle progress allowed us to be here. Language and dialogue break the cycles that have held us back. The power in conversation changes our fate and the trajectory of future generations.

‍Now that’s progression.

Panelle has long been recognised for its commitment to empowering women in business through its innovative roundtable events, live panel discussions, and diverse range of content. Now, with the relaunch, the platform is poised to take its mission to new heights, offering even more resources, support, and opportunities for women to thrive in their careers and businesses.

Commenting on the relaunch, Panelle's CEO Lisa Carter says,

"We are thrilled to unveil the next chapter of Panelle and reaffirm our commitment to empowering women in business. With the relaunch, we are doubling down on our mission to create a supportive and inclusive community where women can thrive professionally and personally. We believe that by coming together, sharing our experiences, and lifting each other up, we can achieve remarkable things."

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