Emma specialises in creating positive change through communications. She has 30 years’ experience in the communications industry. Today she is Chief Executive of SEC Newgate UK, part of the international communications group, SEC Newgate S.p.A. on whose board she also sits. Her clients include business leaders, household brands and international organisations. She is a regular feature in the ‘PR Week UK Power Book’.

She is Deputy Chair of the Elton John Aids Foundation and a Non-Executive Director of the Green Finance Institute. She is the former Chair of the UK’s largest ovarian cancer charity, Target Ovarian Cancer, and of The Barbican Centre Trust and served on both boards for nine years. She was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2017.

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In this empowering episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, we sit down with Louise Vardeman—cyclist, campaigner, and changemaker—as she shares her inspiring journey from a self-described non-sporty child to a trailblazer in women’s cycling. Louise speaks openly about overcoming injuries, navigating personal challenges, and discovering her purpose on two wheels. She dives into important topics like mental health, parenting, and redefining work-life balance to create a more meaningful life. You'll also hear how her efforts with The Internationelles helped ignite the campaign for a women’s Tour de France—and why she's committed to making sport more inclusive for all.

Best known as the founder of The Internationelles, Louise is a passionate advocate for gender equality in professional cycling. Despite having no elite sports background, her evolution into a prominent voice in the movement is a powerful story of resilience and vision. Off the bike, she champions mental wellbeing, inclusion, and structural change in sport—using her platform to inspire a new generation to embrace strength, community, and joy through cycling.

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Clémence Mahéo is a publishing professional and feminist activist who has built her career around amplifying powerful stories and championing social change.

Originally from Brittany, France, Clémence has always been passionate about books and the power they hold. She studied French Literature at the Sorbonne, followed by Media, Communication, and Marketing at CELSA in Paris. In 2008, she moved to the UK and began her publishing career, turning a lifelong love of literature into a global vocation. With over 15 years of experience, she now works internationally, connecting beautiful children’s books and thought-provoking non-fiction with readers around the world.

In March 2023, alongside her publishing work, Clémence co-founded togetHER (www.togetheragainstsexism.org), a UK-based feminist social enterprise and collective with a bold mission to end sexism and sexual violence. The organisation brings together people of all genders, backgrounds, and experiences to make feminism practical, inclusive, and accessible. Through free, action-oriented training, togetHER empowers individuals to understand gender inequality and actively challenge it in their everyday lives.

Clémence's involvement in togetHER reflects her strong commitment to justice, a collaborative spirit, and the belief that real change starts with everyday actions. Trilingual in French, English, and Spanish, she brings a truly international perspective

In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, host Leigh interviews Clémence Mahéo. Clémence shares her journey from a strict upbringing in Brittany, France, to her current work in the UK, where she champions women's rights and social justice through literature and activism.

The conversation explores her influences, the nuances of ambition, the importance of collaboration, and the founding of her social enterprise aimed at combating sexism. Clémence emphasises the need for practical action against sexism and the role of literature in empowering voices. She also reflects on navigating dark times and her aspirations for a legacy of justice and inclusivity.

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