Civanca is honoured to join the Imperial Community to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025
and Women at Imperial.
On 7 March 2025, Imperial College Business School hosted a heartfelt fireside chat at
the LGS Lecture Theatre to celebrate the legacy of Professor Joan Woodward – Imperial’s
trailblazing second female professor.
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- Cindy Rose, OBE – Now the COO of Microsoft Global Enterprise, Cindy brought a
refreshingly down-to-earth perspective from her extensive career in tech. With
roles at Vodafone, The Walt Disney Company, and now Microsoft, she offered
honest insights about breaking through barriers and pushing for genuine change.
- Cindy Rose, OBE – Now the COO of Microsoft Global Enterprise, Cindy brought a
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- Professor Peter Todd – As the Dean of Imperial College Business School, Peter
lent depth to the discussion with his academic insights and personal reflections
on leadership. His thoughts on how technology and innovative management
practices are reshaping our world resonated with everyone present.
- Professor Peter Todd – As the Dean of Imperial College Business School, Peter
“Every barrier I faced wasn’t just a setback- it was a signal that we need to push harder
for a fairer, more inclusive space.”
Her powerful insights, alongside Dean Professor Peter Todd’s academic reflections,
highlighted the evolving challenges of leadership in our digital age. The conversation
underscored how Professor Woodward’s pioneering work still shapes modern
management theory, inspiring all of us to champion innovation and inclusivity.
A Community of Changemakers
One of the most uplifting aspects of the event was the palpable sense of community.
Attendees- from students and alumni to industry professionals- came together to share
ideas and experiences. The energy was infectious, and the discussions that continued
long after the formal session ended underscored a collective commitment to real
change. As Cindy put it,
“When we come together, every challenge becomes an opportunity. It’s the collective drive to change that turns obstacles into stepping stones.”
Wrapping Up
The Joan Woodward Memorial Event was more than an academic exercise- it was an
authentic, heartfelt conversation about the past, present and future of leadership.
Cindy Rose and Professor Peter Todd reminded us that progress comes from blending
hard-won experience with fresh ideas, and that celebrating our history can be a
powerful springboard for future innovation.
If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of business and technology, or if you
simply need a dose of honest inspiration, this event was one to remember. It left us all
with a renewed commitment to make change happen, one step at a time.
This article was written by Tenghis Sukhbaatar, an Imperial College student in medicine & biomedical engineering. As part of the Alumni Mentoring Scheme, Tenghis attended the event.