Our Speakers.

Claire Nelson, the esteemed host of The Scottish Growth Summit and Managing Director of Netball Super League, is celebrated for her transformative impact in UK women’s sport. As the inaugural Managing Director of Netball Super League and former CEO of Netball Scotland, she's significantly influenced the sport's growth and professionalisation. With a track record of business transformation, Claire has held high-level positions across various industries, collaborating with major brands like Coca-Cola and Unilever. A mother of four and a compelling public speaker, she's driven to create a fairer future, offering honest insights and practical advice to inspire and empower women and girls to achieve their full potential in all aspects of life.

Ashley Scotland, CEO and Founder of Thriving Survivors Ltd., is a dynamic innovator and entrepreneur in Scotland’s third sector. As a survivor herself, Ashley established Thriving Survivors in 2016 to create safe, trauma-informed spaces that support individuals on their journey to resilience and recovery, regardless of their background.

Her work prioritises inclusivity and amplifies survivors' voices, with her Survivors’ Voices channel becoming a cornerstone for advocacy. Ashley led a national consultation, positioning Thriving Survivors as a key player in Restorative Justice services in Scotland, particularly in cases of sexual harm. Her efforts are transforming the options available to survivors, offering new pathways for communication, closure, and healing. Ashley continues to lead groundbreaking initiatives, including hosting a landmark conference in 2024.

Alice, the co-founder of Scotland's renowned Social Bite, is a trailblazer in the social enterprise sector. Her leadership has propelled Social Bite to global recognition, attracting celebrities like Clooney and DiCaprio and securing housing for over 600 homeless individuals. After years of expansion, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery in 2020, exploring the intersection of well-being, integrity, and purpose in professional life. Utilising cognitive behavioural coaching, neurochemistry, and other disciplines, Alice developed a holistic approach to professional liberation. With 3 Honorary Degrees and numerous certifications, she continues to inspire as a transformative leader, dedicating her expertise to supporting social enterprises pro bono.

Ola Olaleye is the Authenticity Coach, dedicated to helping individuals discover and embrace their unique identity. As the founder and president of The Esther's Company (TEC), a 2021 nominee for the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, Ola has made significant strides in empowering the Black community in Scotland through workshops focused on empowerment and employability.

Ola also leads MaxiMind Consults Limited, offering coaching and project management services. Recognised for her contributions, she attended the Queen's Garden Party in 2022 and was honoured with the 2130th Point of Light Award. A published author of five books, Ola is a respected leader in Scotland’s Black community and serves on the boards of multiple initiatives, living with her family in Glasgow.

Eve Hanks, Founder and CEO of MI

Diagnostics, is a trailblazer in biotechnology and veterinary diagnostics. A veterinary surgeon with a Ph.D. in immunology, Eve established MIDiagnostics in 2019 as a spin-out from Scotland's Rural College (SRUC). The company is renowned for its innovative use of biomarker technology and artificial intelligence to advance early disease diagnosis in animals.

Eve leads a diverse, gender-balanced team of experts dedicated to improving animal health and welfare. Their groundbreaking work in diagnosing chronic diseases in pets has expanded to other species, including cattle. Eve's passion for science, fundraising, and education drives MI’s vision of transforming veterinary diagnostics and promoting a healthier, more sustainable world for animals.