IoD Surrey and Berkshire Quarterly Directors Business Briefing Lunch

We hold four lunch events a year, designed by directors for directors, and each one is centred around a specific theme to help you get the most from the discussion.

Our lunch theme is “Ambassador Expertise in the Spotlight”, showcasing the insight, experience and sector knowledge of our IoD Ambassador network.

With over 30 Ambassadors across Surrey and Berkshire, our regional team brings together deep industry knowledge and subject matter expertise to support our local business community. Each quarterly lunch features a short, practical talk from one of our Ambassadors to spark meaningful conversation among peers. It’s a chance to connect, exchange ideas, and leave with both insight and inspiration.

There are no formal presentations. The value comes from those in the room. The Ambassador’s talk is designed to open up the theme and encourage rich, real discussion over lunch.

You’ll also have time to network with fellow members and meet the IoD Surrey and Berkshire team, all within the elegant setting of the Royal Berkshire Hotel.

Ambassador in the Spotlight: Kate Davis

Kate Davis is the founder of Meraki People, where she helps scaling businesses fix the people and culture challenges that block growth.

She is Vice Chair of the IoD Surrey & Berkshire and the Ambassador for Talent & Leadership Development. Named National Coach of the Year 2024 and a double finalist in the IoD Director of the Year Awards 2025 (People and Turnaround), Kate is known for her clarity, candour and ability to unlock high performance in even the most pressured environments.

Event Theme:

The Most Underrated Leadership Skill Right Now – Letting Go

Most leaders think success means adding more – more knowledge, more strategies, more hours. But real growth comes from knowing what to let go of.

In this energising 10-minute talk, Kate shares why letting go isn’t about loss but about clarity – and how dropping what no longer serves you can unlock faster decisions, stronger teams, and sustainable growth.

Expect sharp insights, practical challenge, and a perspective that will change the way you think about leadership.

Menu:

• Two Course Lunch
• Elderflower Fizz a lunchtime soft drink
• Tea / Coffee

The difference between a good director and a great director is the company they keep. Meet and learn from directors across the UK and beyond. Connect with your local branch to broaden your network, build your career and strengthen your organisation.

This event is open to IoD members, and those interested in becoming a member.

Places are limited so be sure to register your attendance as soon as possible.

We look forward to seeing you there!

P.S. Kindly note that the event will be making a donation to the IoD Surrey Branch Charity, the Kent, Surrey, Sussex Air Ambulance Service.

Sponsor

To sponsor this event or the whole 2025 series of IoD Surrey Quarterly Directors Business Briefing Lunch to support both the work of the IoD and the Surrey business community giving your business a valuable profile awareness boost please contact: the Surrey Chair, Jarmila Yu via email: chair.surrey@iod.com