GLAMOUR Empowerment Summit: Everything That Went Down
“If it sabotages you, bin it. If it empowers you, run with it,” said Tiwalola Ogunlesi, one of the incredible speakers at GLAMOUR's first-ever Empowerment Summit, in partnership with Samsung, Squarespace, and Tinder, which kicked off last weekend.
Taking place at Somerset House Embankment Galleries on Saturday, 25th November 2023, guests were treated to an empowering morning or afternoon session, featuring inspiring live speakers and masterclasses with leading experts – not to mention an array of workshops, beauty treatments, and exclusive tech experiences.
We heard from a remarkable line-up of game-changing speakers – including Munroe Bergdorf, Fearne Cotton, and Laura Whitmore – who all shared their invaluable, expert insight into the issues that really matter to women, as well as providing actionable advice for all attendees to incorporate into their daily routines.
Here are all the stand-out moments from GLAMOUR's sold-out Empowerment Summit:
1. All the empowering interviews, panel discussions, and masterclasses
The day kicked off with social activist, broadcaster, model (and all-round legend) Munroe Bergdorf in conversation with GLAMOUR contributing editor and host of the Reign with Josh Smith podcast, where she discussed the power of community, allyship and how she uses her platform to champion diversity and inclusion in the fashion and beauty industry.
“Every time you worry about sounding stupid, you water down all the great things that make you so different” – Stefanie Sword Williams
Next up, TEDx speaker and author of F*ck Being Humble: Why Self-Promotion Isn't a Dirty Word, Stefanie Sword Williams, took to the stage to deliver a blockbuster workshop about how to be unapologetically proud of your achievements and overcome the fear of self-promotion – as well as how to build and boost your brand or profile online, powered by Squarespace.
We unlocked our ‘Main Character Energy’ during an incredible panel led by GLAMOUR Woman of the Year, Fats Timbo and starring Tiwalola Ogunlesi, the founder of Confident and Killing It; viral online sensation Sabrina Bahsoon (AKA Tube Girl); and activist and author Florence Given. We could basically fill a book will all the motivational quotes that came out of this panel talk – and we aren't even joking.
“I will not be bullied out of my purpose” – Florence Given
Next up, viral content creators Oghosa Ovienrioba @Sincerelyoghosa and Michelle Reid @BeautyandtheBlog, delivered a masterclass in 'How To Make An Online Video That Kills It, powered by Samsung.
“Empowerment is it's not necessarily one place, it's a journey” – Laura Whitmore
The afternoon session kicked off with ‘Pay Rises, Boundaries & Being Heard’: a panel chaired by GLAMOUR’s European Editorial Director, Deborah Joseph and featuring the expertise of Annika Bizon, Marketing and Omni Channel Director for Samsung UK, broadcaster, author and mental health advocate, Fearne Cotton; Fisayo Longe, CEO of Kai Collective and listed as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Jess Hunt, entrepreneur, social media star and Gen Z founder of viral beauty brand REFY Beauty.
Next up, GLAMOUR's Money Matters columnist, Makala Green, hosted an empowering, jargon-free panel featuring female financial powerhouses, including Ellie Austin Williams (AKA This Girl Talks Money), best-selling author of We Need To Talk About Money, Otegha Uwagba, and founder of financial literacy platform ‘Pennies to Pounds’, Kia Commodore.
“Stop running and recognise that everything that you need is within you” – Munroe Bergdorf
Our next panel was hosted by GLAMOUR's very own Shei Mamona, who spoke to Paul C. Brunson, Tinder’s Global Relationship Insights Expert; Emma-Louise Boynton, writer, broadcaster, founder and host of the award-winning platform, Sex Talks; and Megan Crabbe, presenter, content creator and bestselling author of Body Positive Power, about modern-day dating and the power of self-love in relationships, powered by Tinder.
Finally, we were treated to TV presenter, radio broadcaster, actor, journalist and Sunday Times best-selling author, Laura Whitmore, in conversation on her empowerment journey with Deborah Joseph, GLAMOUR’s European Editorial Director. Phew!
2. We manifested
At GLAMOUR, we're all about speaking our most audacious dreams and desires into existence, which is why manifestation – essentially focusing your energy and thoughts on a desired outcome – featured so prominently at the Empowerment Summit.
We introduced the ‘Manifest-station’: a space for attendees to write their affirmations – we loved ‘I am the best at what I do’ – on post-stick notes to create a wall of positive energy and strong intentions.
Those who attended the morning session had the chance to try out a cacao ceremony with the renowned practitioner Kat Shenton, while those who came for the afternoon session were joined by Roxie Nafousi, who delivered a powerful workshop about how to use affirmations in your manifestation journey.
And it didn't end there; all attendees were entitled to a GLAMOUR goodie bag (more on those later), which featured a copy of The Head Plan The Mantras by Roxie Nafousi.
3. Exclusive experiences
All Empowerment Summit attendees had access to exclusive tech experiences, courtesy of event sponsors Tinder and Samsung.
Over on the Tinder Catwalk, guests had their main-character moment on the runway, captured all by the ‘Glambot’, which was sent straight to attendees' inbox.
The Samsung Studio:
Over at the Samsung Studio, powered by Galaxy Z Flip5, attendees had the option to get a professional-level headshot for work or, on the FlipSide, leave with an eye-catching image to share on social media and/or dating profiles.
4. Beauty treatments
Now, it wouldn't be a GLAMOUR event without a big splash of beauty, would it? At the Empowerment Summit, attendees had the opportunity to receive a luxurious BioSculpture Gel Manicure and a Dyson Airwrap styling experience.
5. Drinks
Hydration is key – especially at GLAMOUR's Empowerment Summit! Attendees were able to sip on the following drinks:
G Spot Lift Red Berries & Sarawak Sparkling soft drink
Wild Idol alcohol-free sparkling wine
6. GLAMOUR Goodie bags
Of course, all attendees took home a legendary GLAMOUR goodie bag, featuring the following products:
- Molton Brown Re-charge Black Pepper Bath & Shower Gel 300ml
- Caudaulie Vinoclean Make-up Removing Cleansing Oil 75ml
- SUPERGOOP! Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 20ml
- Blink Brow Bar Brow & Eye Mask
- Weleda Hydrating Facial Mist 100ml
- NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
- Il Makiage Icon Mascara High Volume & Intense Curl Mascara
- Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask 100ml
- Blink Brow Bar Brow & Eye Mask
- Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask
- The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Revlon ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick
- Fable & Mane Sahascalp Cooling Scalp Mud Mask 177ml
- HiSmile PAP+ Whitening Strips
- Protein Formula 1 - I Maintain 15ml
- Protein Formula Enriched Hand Cream 40ml
- The Head Plan The Mantras by Roxie Nafousi
We'll see you next year, yeah?
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
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