The FFinc Awards recognise the fire-starters, fearless founders and future-shapers building a better world for women and, by extension, for all.
They were born from a conversation between our founder, Tamara Gillan, and ex-Chief of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who said simply: "You must celebrate the good in the world." The Awards are our answer to Phumzile’s rallying cry.
The FFinc Awards
THE FFINC 50
2026
Every year, we spotlight 50 individuals and organisations shaping the future of business, our shortlist of award candidates and a lens into what leadership looks like next. From fearless founders to rising stars, from inclusive workplaces to active allies, the FFinc 50 are the ones to watch.
“We need to celebrate the good in the world. Those that bring the light and lead with purpose.”
PHUMZILE MLAMBO-NGCUKA
Former Deputy President of South Africa under Mandela, Executive Director of UN Women, and our 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Access the FFinc 50
MEET THE 2026 WINNERS
Christine Nichols
Co-founder, Atlantic Pacific Logistics
Christine is the co-founder of one of the UK's most successful international shipping companies, built from nothing over 25 years.
In a sector still dominated by men, Chrissy became the first woman ever elected Chair of the London Freight Club in its 70-year history. In 2024 she received the King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade, and used her moment at Windsor Castle to speak directly to the King about women in transport and logistics. A true driving force in every sense, she is an active FFinc partner and Forward Faster Accelerator supporter, using her considerable platform to open doors for others.
Pamela Maynard, OBE
Chief AI Transformation Officer, Microsoft
The first-ever Chief AI Transformation Officer for Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions, Pamela previously led Avanade - a 60,000-person global technology juggernaut - as CEO, achieving 100% global gender pay equity and appointing the company's first-ever Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer. Named one of British Vogue's 25 Most Influential Women in the UK, BBBA Black British Business Person of the Year 2024 and recognised in the Powerlist Top 10. The first in her family to attend university, this formidable force has dedicated her career to closing the digital divide and ensuring women are seen and championed at the very top of technology.
Brenda Emmanus OBE
Broadcaster, the BBC
A broadcasting maven whose decades-long career at the BBC brought Black British culture into the mainstream of national arts coverage at a time when that required persistent advocacy against resistant structures. Her OBE recognises a body of work that changed what British audiences were shown - and whose stories were deemed worth telling. She has consistently used her national platform to champion women and open doors for the journalists and broadcasters who came behind her, demonstrating driving force through longevity, consistency and extraordinary impact.
Sasha Wiggins
CEO, Barclays Private Bank
CEO of Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management since 2024, and a member of the Group Executive Committee, Sasha is a 20-year Barclays stalwart who has risen through one of the world's most prominent financial institutions - from private banking to CEO of Barclays Ireland, Group Chief of Staff and Head of Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility.
Now Chair of the UK's new retail investment campaign, aimed at demystifying investing for 15 million British adults holding £610bn in cash savings - a role with direct and profound impact on women.
Christina Lawford
Founder & CEO, DiamondAir
Over 30 years ago, Christina pioneered a service category that didn't exist - luxury airport concierge - and built DiamondAir International into a juggernaut operating across 600+ destinations worldwide.
She mentors women entrepreneurs throughout her career, supports initiatives connecting women with jobs in travel, and was named Novi Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2026. She also drives AI-led innovation across her business, continuously pushing an industry she effectively created into its next chapter.
Julia Groves
Director, Sustainable Ventures
An absolute powerhouse of sustainable finance - and one of the best connected women in the UK.
Founding Chair of the UK Crowdfunding Association, co-founder of Trillion Fund, ESG Lead at Downing LLP (£1.7bn deployed) and MD of Sustainability at the British Business Bank. She also co-founded British Airways' digital presence. Across three decades, she has been the connective tissue between capital, policy and innovation - and has actively mentored and elevated the next generation of women in sustainable business along the way.
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