Guest Speaker: Gisela Abbam FRSA, Novi Women on Boards 2024 winner

As the wise African proverb tells us…

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Join our special guest Gisela Abbam FRSA — global board leader and trailblazer — for an unmissable evening of connection, candour, and career insight on:“What I Wish I Knew Before Joining a Board.”

Whether you're already at the table or preparing to take your seat, this intimate networking dinner will offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at board-level leadership and the crucial lessons no one tells you beforehand.

What to Expect

🌟 Gain real-world insight into board leadership — from someone who’s served at the highest levels of influence across the UK and beyond

🌟 Connect with a powerful network of senior women across industries

🌟Get inspired to step more confidently into strategic leadership

🌟Leave with fresh perspective, practical takeaways, and new allies in your corner

Don't miss this chance to connect, grow, and empower yourself alongside other driven professionals in the sophisticated atmosphere of The Ivy. The restaurant offers an extensive menu ranging from British classics to Asian-inspired dishes, with excellent options for all dietary preferences including vegetarian and vegan.

Special Guest Speaker – Gisela Abbam FRSA

Gisela Abbam FRSA is the Chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council – the regulator for the 90,000 plus Pharmacy profession in Great Britain, and former Chair of the British Science Association. She is the Senior Director for Government Affairs at Revvity, a global Life Sciences and Diagnostics corporation. She also serves on the Boards of the Bar Standards Board – the regulator for Barristers and Briyah Institute, USA. Gisela is the Founder and former Managing Director of OTGA Management Consultancy. Gisela is a Commissioner for the National Preparedness Commission in UK.

She has worked in conjunction with the WHO, World Bank and the UN to improve health outcomes globally. She has presented to and advised Presidents, Prime Ministers and Ministers.

Gisela was named one of the 100 Women to Watch for FTSE 350 Boards. Gisela was the winner of the 2019 Black British Business Person of the Year Award. She was awarded Iconic Woman creating a better World for All by the Women Economic Forum. In 2018, Gisela was awarded Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce for her contribution to social change.

Previously, she was the Director of Strategic Partnerships and a Company Officer for Abt Associates, one of the top 20 global research and evaluation companies.

Gisela was also previously the inaugural Global Executive Director for Government Affairs & Policy for General Electric Healthcare. She developed the global function. She was responsible for the strategic direction of government affairs and policy for GE Healthcare, the $18 billion business unit of GE that provides transformational medical technologies to health customers in over 100 countries. She was part of the leadership team that set up the Centre for Public Health Excellence at NICE.

Gisela has written over 50 white papers on various public policy issues.

Location & Getting There

By Train: 7-minute walk from London Bridge Station

By Car: Parking available at Tower Bridge Parking (50 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DT)

City Center: Perfectly situated near Tower Bridge, ideal for combining with a riverside stroll or cultural activities

Important Notes

1. Seat at the table ticket – will cover their own food and drink costs
2. Please RSVP to secure your place
3. Limited spots available to ensure quality conversation and connection

Don't miss this opportunity to meet the amazing women of our community in person. Whether you're a new member or a familiar face, there's a seat at our table for you!

Not a Novi Member Yet?

If you’re joining us for this event and love being part of a supportive, empowering community of women, we’d love to welcome you as a Novi member!

Membership gives you access to exclusive events resources, and a powerful network of like-minded women.

💡 Learn more & join here: www.wearenovi.com/membership/

As the wise African proverb tells us…

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Join us every month for an inspiring gathering designed for ambitious women. Led by our renowned CEO Griselda Togobo, the goal is to create a space where you can find inspiration, forge meaningful connections, and gain actionable insights to apply in your professional journey.

What to Expect

Each session features a thought-provoking prompt to spark engaging discussions on trending topics, career challenges, and business strategies. In this supportive environment, you'll have the opportunity to share your experiences and learn from the collective wisdom of like-minded women under the guidance of Novi CEO Griselda Togobo.

Don't miss this chance to connect, grow, and empower yourself alongside other driven professionals.

Step into the sophisticated atmosphere of The Ivy and join fellow members for a relaxed gathering where you can forge new friendships and strengthen existing connections. The restaurant offers an extensive menu ranging from British classics to Asian-inspired dishes, with excellent options for all dietary preferences including vegetarian and vegan.

Host: Griselda Togobo: Founder Novi, Goal Achiever Planner, The Novi Awards, The Novi Futures.

Griselda Togobo has over 15 years of experience working with global organizations including Boeing, United Utilities, Cambridge University, GKN Aerospace, Yorkshire Water, BASF, Bouygues UK, Goldman Sachs and many small businesses too. Griselda helps her clients and their teams to be braver, higher performing, more inclusive and successfulthrough high-energy, thought-provoking motivational keynotes, coaching programs and talent development programmes. She has always been passionate about advancing social mobility and inclusion in business through her women in leadership community WeAreNovi.com, The Novi Awards and Novi Futures a recent initiative to extend her impact to the next generation.

As a multi-faceted entrepreneur, engineer and chartered accountant, Griselda brings a data-driven approach to leadership transformation. She holds multiple advisory positions including a Fellow at the Girls' Schools Association, a boardMember of The National School of Contemporary Dance and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Academic Advisory Group.

She lives in West Yorkshire with her husband, Michael, and their children, Makavo and Elinam. For more information visit https://griseldatogobo.com.

Important Notes

1. Seat at the table ticket – will cover their own food and drink costs
2. Please RSVP to secure your place
3. Limited spots available to ensure quality conversation and connection

Don't miss this opportunity to meet the amazing women of our community in person. Whether you're a new member or a familiar face, there's a seat at our table for you!

Not a Novi Member Yet?

If you’re joining us for this event and love being part of a supportive, empowering community of women, we’d love to welcome you as a Novi member! Membership gives you access to exclusive events resources, and a powerful network of like-minded women.

💡 Learn more & join here: www.wearenovi.com/membership/