WINNER :
2023
Sponsored by AtkinsRéalis ,
LIFELONG INSPIRATION
WINNER :
CAROLINE THEOBALD CBE
( BRIDGE CLUB NORTH )
Popular Caroline Theobald CBE admits she was “ blown away ” by being named winner of the Lifelong Inspiration award .
Caroline is , among other things , both managing director of Bridge Club North and board member of Power of Women ( PoW ), the event ’ s chosen charity .
And as someone born and raised outside of Teesside , she speaks in glowing terms of the area , expressing her gratitude for how it has embraced her .
She said : “ The Tees Valley has accepted me and to actually be recognised here is just marvellous .”
Caroline ’ s work in the area aims to provide those who may not have the same opportunities or privilege as others with tools they need to succeed .
She explained : “ I spent all of my adult working life in the North-East , trying to help people who didn ’ t have access to opportunity to get where they want to go .
“ My belief is that if you think you can , you will , and if you think you can ’ t , you won ’ t .”
And she said that whereas the first industrial revolution was all about buildings and infrastructure , this one is “ all about people , and people power ”.
She said : “ Transformational change is brought about by people thinking they can , rather than they can ’ t , and that ’ s what PoW is about .”
This can-do attitude is something that Caroline – and PoW – aims to instil in young people across the Tees Valley , in order to “ shift and lift ” their aspirations and ambitions .
And while the focus is on young women , PoW ’ s mission statement is to nurture young leaders and ensure equal opportunity for all – challenging gender stereotypes and promoting inclusivity by involving all young people .
Caroline said : “ We ’ ve achieved an enormous amount , and people are far more caring and really want young people to achieve their full potential , so I am encouraged .”
Blown away – Lifelong Inspiration award-winner Caroline Theobald , left , was presented with her trophy by Kathryn Gardner , regional director of category sponsor AtkinsRéalis ,
FINALIST : FINALIST :
JOANNE POTTER
( SEMBCORP ENERGY UK )
Compassionate , empathetic and supportive of others , Sembcorp Energy UK ’ s head of human resources Jo is an inspiration in that she moved up the ranks due to her performance and drive .
People who achieve senior leadership positions are often promoted because they challenge the status quo and don ’ t just accept things as they are . They challenge beyond what others think is possible – and colleagues say Jo makes people believe anything is possible .
In addition to her own development , she has spearheaded the development of others across the business – recognising their talents and encouraging them to see their own potential , follow their ambitions and achieve their aspirations .
SPONSOR ’ S MESSAGE
JOANNE ROUT
( ITS )
Joanne has dedicated her working career to research , science and technology , and educating and mentoring others . A dedicated and accomplished professional , STEM mentor and ambassador , Joanne has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning multiple organisations .
Starting in 1986 at ICI , she excelled as a senior research scientist and progressed to become a research team leader . Later , at Johnson Matthey , she held roles such as marketing manager for the VERTEC Catalyst Business , before eventually joining ITS ( Industrial Technology Systems ) as key account manager .
Joanne ’ s career highlights include delivering a research facility , leading STEM education initiatives and mentoring young individuals . She has inspired both women and men through her inclusive approach and dedication to diversity .
Kathryn Gardner , director of category sponsor AtkinsRéalis , said : “ AtkinsRéalis were proud once again to sponsor this award – and the judging doesn ’ t get any easier ! Each year we receive more and more stories of the amazing women in Teesside , and every one of them really is inspirational . Caroline was a surprised but very deserving winner of this award .”