They say there's no substitute for the benefit of quality, first-hand business experience. But as an attendee of our recent 'Women in Leadership Roundtable' that's exactly what we gained.

JCI London members put their questions to a splendid 'triumvirate' - executive image consultant, Lynne Cantor, top corporate recruiter, Kate Butler, and Head of Christian Aid Africa, Esther Stevenson.

Topics discussed included handling the emotional side of team dynamics, managing the difference between male and female leaders, the challenges faced by female leaders as well as how to raise your profile without seeming arrogant or self-serving.

Rather than run a standard 'speaker format', each speaker hosted an informal small group discussion - so members could get to grips with what it really takes to succeed and prosper as a female leader in business... Although as the comments below might suggest, many tips and insights proved entirely applicable to male leaders too!

From the outset the tone of the evening was open and engaging. The high calibre of speakers mixed with the interactive nature of the event gave me a valuable and unprecedented insight into the lives and careers of three very inspiring women. - Euan Gillies

A very personal, thought provoking evening with exactly the right profile of speakers. A great opportunity for us to have one-to-one conversations with each speaker and to make sure our questions were answere, while also learning from other JCI members given the mini-group structure of the event! - Stephanie Zammit

Where else can you have that sort of intimate access to outstanding business women and leaders willing to share their personal stories and advice?  I was inspired by each of the three speakers and have come away with much to think about.  More fool those who did not sign up - they missed a treat! - Sarah Beckwith