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ORA AGM & Dinner - 'Who Wears the Trousers in 2012?'

Monday 6 February 2012 - the Lansdowne Club, 9 Fitzmaurice Place, Mayfair, London W1J 5JD 

A fantastic evening was enjoyed by around 80 guests at this year's post AGM Dinner.

Four successful and award-winning ORs from the Art, Health, Charity, IT and Business worlds took part in a ‘Question Time’ style panel, debating "Who wears the trousers in 2012?"

Panel members, Seema Sharma (Bahal, No.1, 1983-85), Kirstin Duffield (Cropper, No.2, 1984-89), Jennifer Harris (No.3, 1993-98) and Rebecca Osborne (Long, No.4, 1982-91) provided a unique insight in to their own secrets of success and shared their, often humorous, experiences along the way! 

View the profiles of our fabulous panel.

Event Review by Natalie Nzeyimana (Former Headgirl, No.2, 2003-9)

This year's ORA AGM saw the introduction of a unique after-dinner speaker format. A panel of charismatic ORs, all high achievers in their respective fields, shared their professional (and personal) experiences with an engaged audience.

The evening began with Adela Hussain (No.2, 1997-99; Vice Preisdent ORA and Social Secretary) taking on the role of David Dimbleby as she introduced the panel. 'Question Time' was soon in session and eleven thought-provoking questions, submitted by audience members, were posed to the experienced panellists. Among these, several stood out and the discussion was often opened to the floor.

Rebecca Osborne (Long, No.4, 1982-91) is a Film Producer who recently produced her first full length and award winning feature film "Forget Me Not" (available on Amazon and iTunes). Rebecca shared the unconventional path which led her to the entertainment industry. A notoriously exclusive and financially tumultuous industry, Rebecca highlighted the value of networking and persistence. When asked which piece of advice she would give to her 20 year-old self, she answered that although she had no regrets, she would have emphasised the importance of taking any and every opportunity which came her way.

Entrepreneur and Secret Slumdog Millionaire star Seema Sharma (Bahal, No.1 1983-85) spoke honestly of her apprehension the night before signing the lease of her first dental practice. However, once she had pragmatically assessed the risks, she found that the venture was worth the leap and hasn't looked back since. Seema's impressive portfolio of healthcare practices and training programmes stand as a testament to her rare combination of courage and risk-aversion. She also recounted her life-changing trip to India where she encountered poverty on an unimaginable scale. The experience profoundly inspired her to support and promote the work of three amazing charities.

Jennifer Harris (No.3, 1993-98), MD and Founder of leading consultancy, Board Intelligence, highlighted the importance of taking risks in one's youth when there are fewer overheads and financial responsibilities. As a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit she displayed in 2005 she was named The Times’ Young Business Woman of the Year and in 2007 she was listed in Management Today’s 35 under 35. Further to this, she noted the importance of a sense of self-confidence, the awareness that challenges are always going to arise, but reminded us all that we have it within us to overcome them

Kirstin Duffield (Cropper, No.2, 1984-89), CEO of IT business, Morning Data, charmed the audience with her hilarious anecdotes of climbing to the top in the notoriously male-dominated square mile of the City. Her flawless comic timing was peppered with useful tips such as 'get rid of the guilt' where she urged women to free themselves of the crippling feelings of not being able to be both the perfect mother and successful professional they thought they had to be.

The audience response to the event was overwhelmingly positive with tables often in fits of laughter listening to Kirstin's stories, inspired by Seema's philanthropic ventures, impressed with Jennifer's successes at such a young age and wowed by the Rebecca's resilience and patience in the cut-throat entertainment industry.

Guest Feedback:

Alexandra Dixon (No.1, 1986-90) - Thank you so much Sasha and the whole team for organizing such a super evening. The ladies on the panel were such superb ambassadors and I hope Roedean continues to turn out such powerful and inspiring alumni. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and it was great to see familiar faces and indeed to meet new ones from both before and after my time.

Emily Thornton (No.1, 1985-89) - Really found it a stimulating and hugely inspiring evening - serious, entertaining and great humour all at the same time. Some really excellent advice and I’m looking forward to seeing what's lined up for next year. Thanks for a really memorable evening.

Claudia Purley (No.1, 1995-2002) - FANTASTIC night at the Lansdowne Club on Monday. I really learnt a lot about how Roedean works behind the scenes and how much thought goes into each decision that is made. The panellists answered some difficult questions and I'm sure we all gained a lot from them. It was brilliant to network with such an inspirational group of Old Roedean Girls.

Frances King (Headmistress - Roedean School) - Many congratulations on the splendid event at the Lansdowne Club. The mood seemed very positive and cheerful and the dinner went very well.

Margot Chaundler OBE (No.4, 1962-67, and current Vice-Chairman of Roedean Council)
I should very much like to offer my congratulations to you and your committee for an excellent evening on Monday. The new formula was highly successful; you had an excellent panel of high-achievers, all of whom had a great deal to offer.

Nicola Dennes (No. 4, 1990-2) - A quick note to say I really enjoyed last Monday. A big thank you to you and the committee for all your hard work behind the scenes. What a group of power women, and I thought the panel worked really well.

Lucy Tanat-Jones (No.4, 1995-2000) -A truly brilliant, fun and inspiring night meeting new ORs on Monday in London! Networking, giggling and sharing.... I wish we had more of these events to fill the year. Well done all speakers and contributors, and thanks.

Oluwafunmbi Adeagbo (No.1, 2006-10) - Just wanted to last night’s meeting was really inspirational! Especially for those of us that just left Roedean and are taking our first steps in the working world. We should have them more often!

Jodie Gough (No.4, Current ORA Scholar) Thank you for such a wonderful time, it was truly inspiring.

Emma Andrews (Mother of current ORA Scholar) Love you all, you're all wonderful!

Sheila Roy OR (No.3, 1991-97) - Lovely to meet you. Thanks for organising such a good event.

Lorna Wallis (Hall, No. 3, 1981-86) OR Mag and QUAD Designer  - So annoyed I had to leave to get my train. Was really enjoying the evening. Well done for an excellent evening - more of those please.

Natalie Nzeyimana (Former Headgirl, No.2, 2003-9) - THANK YOU for everything, the event was a SMASH HIT - Top of the Pops if you will.

Laurence Cooper (Clarinet and Music teacher 1979-88 )- This is to thank you for a most enjoyable evening. It was lovely to see you and Liz again after so many years! I am honoured to be a Honarary OR and look forward to meeting up again soon.

Fleur Cook (Kimber, No.3, 1979-87 and current member of Roedean Council) - I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you so much for a great evening last night. The AGM was perfect with a really lovely atmosphere (especially after last year), The dinner was wonderful too and I loved the panel a really good mix of people and great questions and I came away feeling very pleased to be a woman and a Roedeanian. Thank you.

Phoebe Daws (No.3, 1971-73) - I thought that Monday evening went very well. There was a wonderful turnout for the dinner and a very pleasing number also made the effort to attend the AGM. There was one OR on our table at dinner, who had decided to come along by herself for the first time just to see what actually goes on. From her reaction, I am sure she would come again if able.

Gabi Norland (Cameraman and Mentee in WFTV discovered by Rebecca Osborne) -I really enjoyed last night - the panel discussion was inspiring and informative, and it was great to get to meet some of the strong, intelligent, creative alumni of your school.

Lucy Zhang (No.1, 2008-10) -Thank you for inviting me last night and it was super. I am so sorry that I was not able to join for the dinner. Hope you all had a good evening.

Julia Mackworth (No.3, 1979-86) -I thought Monday was a fantastic evening, - very impressive as well as great fun x

Emily Thornton OR (No. 1, 1985-89) - That was a memorable evening and totally stimulating. Lots of non OR friends wanting to see the video - seems to have struck a chord. Really well done. Can't wait for next year!

Alexa Broad (No.1, 1986-91) - big thanks to all you panellists from Monday evening. Having just gone back to work (completely new industry and role) after a family break of a few years, it was great to get some strong and inspiring answers from Roedean women. It is hard combining family and career, but clearly worth it judging from all of you. I will try to lose the guilt!!

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