Welcome
Help yourself to coffee, fruit and pastries before the morning begins with an introduction from Helen Bennett, UK CEO, Weber Shandwick. (3 mins)
135 BISHOPGATE | 24 APRIL 2025 | 8.30am – 10.00am
Will the backlash against woke detract from the value of doing the right thing?
Today’s c-suite stand at a crossroads. Despite increased pressure on leaders to be seen as embodiments of their organisations’ societal and environmental commitments, there has been a counter-surge against “corporate activism” and a retrenchment from the consensus on sustainability and DEI.
At a time of global geopolitical upheaval and with traditional “western” notions of corporate responsibility under pressure, how should brands and their leaders communicate on societal and environmental topics?
Join us for an invite-only breakfast roundtable, where we will explore the value of ESG in 2025.
Agenda
Context
Weber Shandwick’s Sarita Shah, VP Strategic Reputation, sets the scene in conversation with two communications leaders from leading global organisations. We’ll explore what’s driving decision making, whether this is a temporary blip or a seismic shift, and ask the question – what’s next for woke? (15 mins)
Roundtable discussion
With the scene set, Helen and Sarita throw open the discussion to the floor and hear the views of our roundtable participants. This debate will be held under Chatham House rules – and whilst we’ll produce a summary paper following the session any contributions will be anonymised, so please don’t hold back on your thoughts and opinions. (35 mins)
Conclusions and next steps
Helen will sum up the morning’s conversation, and you’ll be invited to join an exclusive WhatsApp group with your fellow participants – an opportunity for knowledge-sharing to continue beyond the room. (7 mins)
Register now
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