15 October 2026
“I realised just how much difference leaders can make through the values and purpose they lead with and the environments they create"
Chancellor of the University of Sunderland, Leanne Cahill
The Chancellor of the University of Sunderland and CEO of international retailer, icon, has delivered a keynote address at the Global Girl Leading Summit.
Speaking to more than 300 young women from across the UK, Asia and North America, Leanne Cahill shared her personal journey from growing up in Sunderland to becoming a business leader and university Chancellor, exploring themes of leadership, resilience and opportunity.
During the keynote, Leanne highlighted the role her grandmother played in inspiring her ambition and belief that leadership is about supporting others to succeed.
Addressing the summit's theme, Who Gets to Lead?, she challenged perceptions of leadership and encouraged participants to recognise their own potential.
Urging the audience of young women not to "wait until you're older, until you've achieved something impressive, or until someone gives you permission", Leanne argued that "talent is everywhere, while opportunity isn't".
Reflecting on leadership, Leanne said, “I realised just how much difference leaders can make through the values and purpose they lead with and the environments they create. And that started to shape the kind of leader I wanted to become.”
The Global Girl Leading Summit held at Mulberry School for Girls in East London in celebration of International Day of the Girl on October 9, aimed to empower participants, build global networks, and create a platform for young women to engage with one another.
Following her keynote, Leanne joined the Inspirational Women's Leadership at National Level panel alongside leaders from business, education and government, including representatives from the Department for Education and the Obama Foundation.
Leanne’s visit to Mulberry School for Girls is another step in the growing partnership between the Mulberry Schools Trust and the University of Sunderland in London.
Now in its fifth year, the collaboration enabled hundreds of Mulberry pupils complete taster days at the University’s campus near Canary Wharf – showcasing higher education pathways in business, healthcare and hospitality.
Earlier this year, the University also recognised education leader and former Mulberry Schools Trust CEO, Dr Vanessa Ogden, with an Honorary Fellowship(opens in new tab).