Smart Works: In conversation with Carol Kirkwood

Clear Skies Ahead: Career, Confidence & Clothes

Join us for an inspiring evening with one of the BBC's most loved TV personalities as she talks women, work and weather.

Carol Kirkwood has spent decades thriving in the competitive world of broadcasting - from BBC Breakfast to Radio 2, Wimbledon coverage to waltzing into our hearts on Strictly Come Dancing. She's built a remarkable career, broken barriers, and become a household name trusted by millions.

In conversation with award-winning journalist Gwenan Edwards, Carol will share:

• Building a long and successful career in broadcasting
• Resilience, confidence and staying power in a competitive industry
• Breaking through barriers and becoming a constant presence on our screens
• Finding joy and authenticity in your work
• The power of staying true to yourself while navigating professional challenges

Drawing parallels with Smart Works Reading's mission of empowering women in their professional journeys, this conversation will resonate with anyone navigating career transitions, building confidence, or working to succeed in competitive environments.

Make an Evening of It:

• 6:30pm - Arrival
• Browse our sale rail featuring new-with-tags womenswear and preloved treasures
• Win with our magic tree and raffle
• 7:15pm - Carol Kirkwood in conversation with Gwenan Edwards
• 8:00pm - Audience Q&A
• 8:30pm - Close
• Bar available throughout the evening

Every ticket purchased supports Smart Works Reading's mission of empowering unemployed women across the Thames Valley to succeed at job interviews and secure employment.

Our thanks go to Queen Anne's School for hosting this special event.

About Smart Works Reading

Smart Works Reading is a charity that supports local women into employment via our free job interview dressing and coaching service. We provide a free two-stage consultation at our centre in central Reading. Clients are given an interview-ready outfit that is theirs to keep, followed by a one-to-one coaching session with an HR professional to help them excel at interview.

We help some of the most vulnerable women in society who are referred to us from job centres, prisons, refugees, mental health charities and other support services. The women we see want a job but lack the confidence to succeed at interview.

Last year, 67% of women who benefited from our service went on to get a job within a month.