Co.Next

9 speakers. 1 stage. A morning of ideas worth sharing. Impactful stories, Fresh Perspectives & Bold Voices 

Step into a morning of powerful storytelling and fresh perspectives, as Norfolk’s brightest innovators, changemakers and creative minds take the stage.

The morning will be packed with rapid-fire talks and real, raw stories from entrepreneurs, activists, and bright people who are shaping the future in their own inspiring ways.

Agenda

9.00 AM – Arrival & Refreshments
Ease into the morning with fresh coffee, pastries and conversation.

9.25 AM – Welcome from Co.next Chair, James Groves and our Co.next Sponsor, Mills & Reeve

9.40 AM – Part 1 Speakers

10.40 AM – Interval 20 min

11 AM –        Part 2 Speakers 

11.50 AM – Q&A, Networking and Reflections

12.30 PM  – Event Close 

☕️ Coffee and conversation included.

Expect honesty, energy and a healthy dose of inspiration.

Introducing our Speaker Line up 

We’re delighted to welcome Phil Wilding, Head of Learning & Development at Mills & Reeve, to lead our March Co.next session on Building Relationships and Authenticity.

Phil brings a wealth of experience across a mix of industries and is passionate about helping people grow — whether that’s boosting leadership skills, improving job performance, or driving cultural change. At Mills & Reeve, he heads up a talented L&D team and works closely with senior leaders, delivering coaching and development that really sticks.

In this interactive session, Phil will share practical insights on how authenticity strengthens relationships at work, why trust matters more than ever, and the small actions you can take to build deeper connections in your career. Expect to walk away with ideas you can apply straight away – and plenty of food for thought. 

We’re excited to invite you to a Co.next Workshop hosted in partnership with our headline sponsor, Mills & Reeve. This engaging session, “Managing Stress and Burnout,” will be led by Charlie Pendlebury, Senior Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing Advisor.

Charlie brings a wealth of expertise in creating inclusive and supportive work environments, with a focus on building resilience and empowering wellbeing in professional settings. This workshop is a chance to explore practical strategies for recognising and managing stress, preventing burnout, and developing habits that support your mental health.

Join us on Wednesday, November 19th, from 11:45 am – 2:00 pm at the Norfolk Chambers Business Hub, Hardwick House.
This session is perfect for young professionals, managers, and anyone looking to strengthen their approach to wellbeing at work.

Charlie has a wealth of diversity, inclusion and wellbeing experience, gathered over 10 years of working in the third, public, and now private sector. The skills and knowledge they developed through direct work with under-represented and marginalised communities, are utilised at Mills & Reeve as they work across the firm to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

This session aims to empower you to embrace leadership in all its forms, regardless of where you are in your career. 

Caroline will share tools, real life examples and practical techniques that are guaranteed to help you think differently about how to be an effective leader.

The truth is that leading teams, influencing others and, more importantly, leading yourself, are all skills that we learn. No one is born with a leadership gene or is a ‘natural’ leader!

We can all learn the skills of leadership. There is no doubt that having demonstrable leadership skills can give you the edge at work. So developing leadership capabilities from the outset of your career makes good sense and this workshop will get you off to a flying start.

Key Topics:
* The concept of leadership in all roles: it’s not about titles, it’s about action
* Building credibility and trust as a new leader
* Leading outside of authority through influence: motivating peers and team members
* The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership
* Your leadership blueprint plan 

About our Presenter

Caroline Rust is a Business mentor, facilitator, speaker and creator.

Following a corporate career, Archant, AstraZeneca and Euro RSCG Riley, Caroline founded Workshopswork Ltd. Delivering bespoke learning and development solutions, I have a track record delivering to both the public and private sectors. Caroline excels in the design and delivery of workshops, leadership coaching, and large-scale organizational development programs. She is currently engagI am actively pursuing new opportunities that benefit communities while further developing my personal, business and creative interests.

V 2

Build Authority. Attract Connections. Have Fun Doing It.

This is for: Young professionals, freelancers, and early-career entrepreneurs
The Vibe is: Energetic, practical, and a little bit legendary

Workshop Overview:

Ready to stop lurking and start leading on LinkedIn? Whether you’re job-hunting, client-chasing, or just trying to get noticed, this power-packed session will show you how to turn your LinkedIn profile into a magnet for opportunities.

We’ll ditch the boring buzzwords and dive into real strategies that help you stand out, show off your skills (without sounding like a robot), and build a personal brand that actually gets results.

What You’ll Learn:

• Profile Glow-Up: Craft a headline and summary that scream “hire me” or “work with me” (in a good way).
• Content That Clicks: Learn what to post, how often, and how to make people actually care.
• Engagement Magic: Comment like a pro, slide into DMs (professionally), and grow your network without being weird.
• Authority Hacks: Subtle ways to show you’re the real deal – even if you’re just getting started.

Bonus Fun:

• Live profile audits (volunteers welcome!)
• Free checklist: The 10-Minute-a-Day LinkedIn Routine

Why Join?

Because LinkedIn doesn’t have to be stiff or scary. It can be your secret weapon for building a career or business you love. And we’ll make it fun, fast, and full of “aha!” moments.

We’re thrilled to welcome Ian Hacon to Mentor Monday! Ian is the Founder of Energise Me and brings a unique blend of business leadership, lived experience, and coaching expertise to his work. A former CEO and NED, Ian now specialises in ADHD coaching, helping individuals harness their energy and thrive.

As an ILM Level 5 Coach and Certified ADHD Coach, Ian’s mission is all about unlocking potential through tailored, empowering support. His company, Energise Me, is built on a simple but powerful idea: when you bring the right energy, success and happiness follow.

And when he’s not mentoring, Ian is also an endurance athlete and BMXer! 

Meet our Mentor Monday guest –  Ian Hacon

We’re thrilled to welcome Ian Hacon to Mentor Monday! Ian is the Founder of Energise Me and brings a unique blend of business leadership, lived experience, and coaching expertise to his work. A former CEO and NED, Ian now specialises in ADHD coaching, helping individuals harness their energy and thrive.

As an ILM Level 5 Coach and Certified ADHD Coach, Ian’s mission is all about unlocking potential through tailored, empowering support. His company, Energise Me, is built on a simple but powerful idea: when you bring the right energy, success and happiness follow.

And when he’s not mentoring, Ian is also an endurance athlete and BMXer! 

Please complete this form once you have booked your session. 

Chilled Vibes & Meaningful Connections

Kick back after work at The Lion’s Den, the ultimate riverside hangout by the River Wensum. Whether you’re sipping a hot chocolate by the fire or grabbing a glass of wine with new connections, this is networking— without the awkward small talk. 

Join us for a laid-back, social evening on Thursday, May 1st, from 6 PM – 10 PM. 

Ticket price includes a welcome drink and Lion’s Den toasties, and marshamallow toasting. 

Relax riverside-style in comfy seating, under twinkling lights, around cosy fire pits.

No suits, no stress – just good vibes, great people, and easy conversations. 

While Co.next is designed with under 35s in mind, we’re all about shared values, not age limits — everyone is welcome.

About Zainab

About Zainab

Aimee Konieczny

Commercial Director | Co-Owner of Indigo Swan | Investors In People Leader of the Year 2023 | WUN Advocate

Aimee Konieczny is the Commercial Director and Co-Owner of Norwich based energy consultancy Indigo Swan. Starting as an Account Manager, Aimee was promoted through the business until taking up her latest role in July 2022. During her promotions, Aimee worked on her leadership skills and supporting people to grow within the business.

This personal development resulted in Aimee winning “Leader of the Year” at the 2023 Investors in People awards. Aimee was also fortunate to be part of a Management Buy-Out and now co-owns Indigo Swan with 3 fellow Directors. Her main passion is supporting customers with their energy procurement options, while helping them transition their businesses to Net Zero.

Aimee Konieczny

Commercial Director | Co-Owner of Indigo Swan | Investors In People Leader of the Year 2023 | WUN Advocate

Aimee Konieczny is the Commercial Director and Co-Owner of Norwich based energy consultancy Indigo Swan. Starting as an Account Manager, Aimee was promoted through the business until taking up her latest role in July 2022. During her promotions, Aimee worked on her leadership skills and supporting people to grow within the business.

This personal development resulted in Aimee winning “Leader of the Year” at the 2023 Investors in People awards. Aimee was also fortunate to be part of a Management Buy-Out and now co-owns Indigo Swan with 3 fellow Directors. Her main passion is supporting customers with their energy procurement options, while helping them transition their businesses to Net Zero.