Member Article

Mindset guru who coaches international sports teams will speak at launch of inspiring alumnae business networking group

Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) has worked alongside former pupils to launch a business networking group for alumnae.

Speaking at the first event, to be held at the school on March 11, 5.30pm to 8pm, will be Dr Maurice Duffy, a global elite mindset coach, who works with the Australian Cricket team, politicians, Olympians and CEOs.

The Inspiring Alumnae Business Networking Group, which will hold an event every four months, is also open to current sixth formers at the school and alumnae of The Girls’ Day School Trust, the UK’s leading family of independent schools, of which NHSG is a member.

NHSG was formed in 2014 when Central Newcastle High School (CNHS) and Newcastle Church High School (NCHS) merged.

Chairing the group is former CNHS pupil, Jane O’Mahoney of Bradley O’Mahoney Public Relations, who will work alongside committee members and former alumnae of both CNHS and NCHS, Gillian Hall, Gillian Hall Consulting, Charlie Sander, Metnor group marketing manager, Hazel Smith, accounting services partner at UNW LLP and Polly De Giorgi, development manager at Newcastle High School for Girls.

Jane O’Mahoney, said: “Newcastle High School for Girls has a reputation that precedes it. Thousands of women have gained a first-class education at the school, many of whom are in business in the region. In addition, there is a unique and special camaraderie among the alumnae that I believe comes from the all-girl environment in which we were educated. I wanted to draw on both of these points and therefore approached the school about the opportunity to establish a business group that would continue to offer support and elevation in the work place.

“With the assistance of NHSG, I have helped bring together a committee of well-respected business women. I will work alongside them to establish a group that will benefit all its members for many years to come. The group is aimed at alumnae who are looking to develop contacts and build new and supportive friendships within the business community.

“We have already had very high levels of interest and expect to attract those at the start of their careers and those at the peak.

“Attendees at the first event can look forward to an inspiring talk by Dr Maurice Duffy who will be speaking about women in leadership and the importance of networking within business. Dr Duffy is a world-renowned coach and was recently appointed as visiting professor of innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Sunderland.

“Networking is one of the most valuable tools in business development and it is just another example of the dedication that NHSG has to pupils, both former and present, that it is working so closely alongside the committee. Current sixth formers will be invited to attend as all involved want to give them the opportunity to hone their networking skills and connect with potential mentors.”

NHSG was awarded The Sunday Times 2020 North East Independent Secondary School of the Year.

Michael Tippett, Head at NHSG, said: “Our alumnae are incredibly important to the school. We are in touch with many former pupils and proudly watch as their careers unfold. Our alumnae network is made up of thousands of women who have attended Central High, Church High and Newcastle High, who are also part of the wider GDST alumnae network of over 70,000 women located here in the UK and across the world. Our aim is to be able to continue to support pupils long after they have left school and the NHSG Inspiring Alumnae Business Networking Group will be an important part of our alumnae programme.

“In addition to the networking opportunities for our alumnae, I am delighted that this exciting new group also aims to inspire and support the girls currently in school, providing support and guidance as they begin to make their plans for careers and life after school; this is hugely valuable.”

For more information and to book on to the event https://www.trybooking.co.uk/PQO

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Bradley O'Mahoney .