Join Women in Property for an uplifting, community-led breakfast panel dedicated to one of the most pivotal stages in any career: returning to work. Whether stepping back into the industry after parental leave, medical treatment, personal loss, or transitioning from military service to civilian construction, the journey back often comes with a complex mix of emotions, workplace adjustment, and imposter syndrome.

We are hosting this event in light of World Mental Health Day (10th October) and Baby Loss Awareness Week (9th–15th October). Alongside honest, lived-experience stories, this session is designed to deliver practical, real-world value. You will leave with actionable advice and key takeaways if you find yourself navigating a career return, as well as supportive guidance for managers on how to compassionately lead and support team members through these major life transitions.

Meet the Panellists

• Caroline Woolley (Caroline Woolley Coaching): Sharing the candid truths, challenges, and emotional ups and downs of balancing active cancer treatment with work and when you can no longer work like you used to —offering real-world insight into handling imposter syndrome, financial stress and health crises when you can't just 'stay positive'
• Becky Ryan (Orion Heritage): Discussing her past experience navigating work after miscarriages, as well as her more recent promotion into a higher role—exploring how both personal recovery and professional advancement generated unique challenges with imposter syndrome.
• Chris Morvan (BTG Eddisons): Moving from the British Army and MOD to civilian life, alongside navigating gardening leave and job changes, sharing how to manage imposter syndrome when stepping into a new role.
• Sybil Taunton (RICS): Transitioning from the US Air Force to civilian corporate life while emigrating from the US to the UK—focusing on overcoming imposter syndrome when navigating a major international move and translating military experience into an unfamiliar sector.
• Pip Hunsworth (Buro Happold): Returning to work post-maternity leave, exploring how shifting career dynamics and extended time away can make returning feel like starting over.
• Stuart Ackroyd (Project Interiors): Bringing a Director’s insights on compassionate leadership - sharing the practicalities, best practices, and lessons learned when managing an employee’s return to work, alongside his personal experience balancing senior leadership while caring for a family member with dementia. Stuart will also explore how leaders can actively help staff rebuild confidence, while candidly reflecting on his own moments of imposter syndrome throughout his career.

What We’ll Cover

• Tackling Imposter Syndrome: Actionable takeaways to rebuild self-belief and recognise your professional value after time away.
• Peer-to-Peer Advice: Practical strategies for anyone preparing for, currently experiencing, or returning from a extended period away from work.
• A Manager’s Toolkit: Clear guidance for leaders and managers on how to navigate these sensitive situations, offer flexible support, and build empathetic reintegration plans for their teams.
• Prioritising Mental Health: Normalising open conversations around grief, health recovery, and major life changes across the property and construction sectors.

Supporting Our Community

In recognition of Baby Loss Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day, 100% of ticket sales proceeds will be split evenly between two vital charities:

1. The Lighthouse Charity: The construction industry charity providing emotional, physical, and financial well-being support to workers and their families.
2. The Offload Campaign for Aching Arms Charity: Delivering dedicated support to construction workers and families who have experienced pregnancy and baby loss

Join us for breakfast, connect with a supportive community, and leave equipped with practical tools to champion yourself and your colleagues.

Everyone - regardless of gender or career stage - is warmly welcome.

Registration Deadline: 13 October 2026

Event Contact: Events Team