Celebrating excellence at the Norfolk Women's Network Awards
Hannah presenting the Newcomer Award (Sponsored by Pivotal) to rising star Emma Cooling
On September 21st, 2024, we were honoured to take part in one of the most empowering events of the year—the Norfolk Women's Network Awards. The night wasn’t just one of glamour and applause; it was a celebration of grit, resilience, and the inspiring women reshaping our community. And let’s be honest—there’s not nearly enough recognition of that. But this event? It delivered. It aligned perfectly with our Pivotal ethos: supporting talent, championing progress, and putting the spotlight on the next generation of leaders.
We were especially thrilled to sponsor the ‘Newcomer’ award, an important milestone for recognising emerging talent. Pivotal’s very own Operations Director, Hannah Payne, took on the challenging role of judge this year. No stranger to the winner’s circle herself—she bagged the 'Leader' award last year—Hannah was the perfect fit to pass the torch on to today’s newcomers. With her as a judge, it’s safe to say the bar was set high.
The Norfolk Women's Network Awards have become a much-needed stage for recognising the remarkable contributions women across various industries are making—not just here in Norfolk, but globally. And it’s about bloody time. This year, the nominees and winners showcased exactly what we need more of in today’s workplaces: diversity of thought, relentless determination, and a commitment to innovation. Whether it was newcomers shaking things up or seasoned veterans raising the bar, the evening reaffirmed that when talented women dedicate their energy to a cause, change happens. And it happens fast.
Congratulations to Emma Cooling, winner of the Newcomer Award
The 'Newcomer' category was a personal favourite for us at Pivotal. After all, it was all about future potential—celebrating those stepping into the spotlight and already showing promise. Recognising—and nurturing—young talent isn’t just a one-off occasion; it’s an essential part of business longevity. So, sponsoring this category wasn’t just an honour; it was an investment in the future of our industry. Major kudos to Emma Cooling, this year’s award-winner, whose hard work, passion, and dedication are already beginning to turn heads. Something tells us she’s only just getting started.
But let’s not forget—it wasn’t only about the newcomers. The night’s winners spanned a variety of categories, each representing an important piece of the leadership puzzle. From inspiring role models to steadfast allies, every single award amplified a key pillar of what it means to be a leader in today’s world—and, let’s face it, qualities we should have been focusing on for decades.
With that, join us in celebrating the powerhouse movers and shakers:
- Shulla Elgood – The Role Model
- Emma Cooling – The Newcomer (Sponsored By Pivotal)
- @conextnorfolk – The Ally
- Brogan O’Grady – The Changemaker
- Lucill Curtis – The Leader
- Laura Triana Africano – The Marketer
- Charlotte Travers – The Star
Let’s take a moment to dive deeper: Shulla Elgood, winner of the 'Role Model' award, exemplifies the kind of leadership that cuts through excuses and gets things done. Role models matter—not just in the “rah-rah, you can do it” sense but because they make the hard stuff look possible. Then there’s Brogan O’Grady, who walked away with the 'Changemaker' award for her relentless push for meaningful progress. Changemakers like her remind us that the status quo is there to be questioned—and then dismantled.
A special shout-out goes to Lucill Curtis, who claimed the 'Leader' award this year. Leadership sometimes gets confused with titles and big desks, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Leadership—real leadership—involves making tough decisions, mentoring the next generation, and painting a vision of the future. Lucill has done this in heaps, earning her spot amidst a highly talented crowd. If you’re paying attention, you’ll surely hear this name echoing through the industry in the years to come.
And let’s not forget the energy of the room that night—it was electric. You could feel the camaraderie and mutual respect pulsing throughout the venue. There was no cutthroat competition here, just an overwhelming sense of what can happen when communities unite and lift each other up. This is why the Norfolk Women's Network Awards are so vital. It’s these connections, these moments of celebration and recognition, that push us forward—to be better, do better, and aim higher.
Over here at Pivotal, we stand by fostering environments where new ideas, fresh leadership, and innovation aren’t just welcome—they’re essential. Sponsoring the 'Newcomer' award and supporting this incredible event is directly in line with our mission: empowering tomorrow’s leaders and backing initiatives that ensure sustained progress in our fields. We know full well that the future of any industry depends on feeding and challenging fresh talent. That’s why we’re so committed to encouraging growth in every mind that steps up to the plate.
Pivotal Directors Tait Pollack and Hannah Payne, proud to sponsor the Norfolk Women's Marketing Awards for a second year.
The Norfolk Women's Network has done a stellar job of carving out a space for celebrating women, their contributions, and their unique leadership styles. Beyond the trophies and titles, these awards emphasise a bigger picture—the importance of mentorship, inclusivity, and smashing down those proverbial glass ceilings. It’s at events like this that the bar is raised, new stories emerge, and future leaders get the visibility they deserve.
To all the winners: you embody what our industry, and the world, needs more of. Your drive, your creativity, and your ability to turn vision into reality aren’t just inspirational—they’re game-changing. Thank you for raising the standard and blazing a path for others to follow. The bar has been set, and with a community like this, we have no doubt it will continue to soar.
Here’s to another year of lifting each other higher, making an impact, and creating space for the voices of tomorrow. The future is bright. And we’re all in it together.
