‘Inspirational Journey’ to the Yorkshire Post

An Inspirational Journey, founded by Heather Jackson, works to ensure better balanced and more diverse management and executive teams. The Leeds-based company delivers a series of programmes aimed at different levels within organisations including The Pearls Programme, The Two Percent Club and The Women’s Business Forum.

The forum has attracted speakers including Allan Leighton, the chairman of Pace, Carrie Hindmarsh, the chief executive of M&C Saatchi UK, and Andy Hornby, the former chief executive of Alliance Boots.

Ms Jakimciw won the opportunity to be Business Editor for the day after taking part in the Yorkshire Post’s Christmas Charity Auction.

The annual fundraising appeal raised more than £16,000 for the Give Young Carers a Break appeal. Sponsored by R&R Ice Cream, the appeal is helping the hidden army of young people who care for sick or disabled loved ones across the region.

Ms Jakimciw contributed to stories, attended the twice-daily news conferences, took part in the weekly Business Talk podcast and went to lunch with the real Business Editor at La Grillade in Wellington Street.

She said: “This is a great opportunity to work with the editorial team for the day and get a glimpse of how they capture the business news and convey this to audiences across the region.

“This environment also gives me a chance to shape the news a little and raise the profile of female talent such as the newly appointed chief financial officer of Travelodge, Jo Boydell, and the new national chairman of The Association of Women in Property, Julie Fawcett, who is based in Leeds.”

An Inspirational Journey works hand in hand with business leaders and employees across the Yorkshire region. The company has worked with the likes of Yorkshire Bank, DLA Piper and Endless. Royal Bank of Scotland supports the organisation.

Ms Jakimciw said An Inspirational Journey aims to help talent from middle management through to the executive “to grow, develop and overcome the obstacles which prevent women in particular from reaching their potential at senior management level”.

Heather Jackson, the daughter of artist Ashley, founded An Inspirational Journey in 2011.

Ms Jakimciw grew up in Carlisle and went to Leeds Metropolitan University, where she studied public relations.

She said: “An Inspirational Journey believes that corporate Britain would benefit from better gender balance in management.

“Women at boardroom level add 42 per cent on return of sales.”