You Don’t Have to Shrink to Fit

Join us for an honest and empowering conversation about confidence, authenticity and navigating professional life as women in the built environment. Dr Catalina Ionita of Planit and Samantha Cutler of Chapman Taylor will share their career journeys as two women at different stages of life and professional development, exploring how leadership skills can be cultivated while staying true to your authentic self.

Confidence isn’t something you’re simply born with; it’s something you develop. Through personal stories, shared experiences and practical tools, this session will explore how to build confidence over time, how to stay true to yourself in professional spaces and why so-called “soft” traits like empathy and emotional intelligence are in fact powerful leadership strengths.

We’ll also discuss the realities many women face in their careers, from perception bias to balancing life stages, and the importance of women supporting women through visible allyship, sponsorship and everyday acts of encouragement.

This session is about showing up fully, backing yourself, and creating workplaces where no one feels they need to shrink to succeed.

Come ready for reflection, practical takeaways and a reminder that authenticity is not a weakness - it’s your advantage.

Drinks and nibbles provided.

Members and non-members of all genders are welcome.

Registration Deadline: 25 July 2026

Event Contact: Events Team