In partnership with Bruntwood SciTech and local law firm O'Connors, the Centre for Sports Business hosted a special panel event on 3 March as part of the Management School's Business Breakfast series.
The expert panel included Wigan Athletic's managing director and the youngest chief executive in English football Sarah Guilfoyle, Women in Football's deputy CEO Lisa Hoten-Pool, O'Connors legal director Phil Bowers, and Everton's director of women's football operations Catherine Wright.
The event was held at The Old Hall in Liverpool's Cotton Exchange, as part of the lead-up to International Women's Day on 8 March, and the panel was chaired by Professor Geoff Walters, whose recent research has focused on gender balance at board level.
His questions prompted thought-provoking responses from the panellists, with much of the discourse centred on the role of education in the fight for equality in football leadership and the need for more role models and male allies to drive change.
During the discussion, Lisa remarked on the diversity of the audience, which included students, academics, and professionals from the sports and legal industries, as well as events and digital marketing.
Laura Gates, a freelance sports and documentary photographer who attended the event, praised the panellists afterwards:
"As someone that's been in and around the women's game for a long time, it's brilliant to hear some truly inspiring women who are breaking down barriers," she said.
"Society as a whole has a long way to go before we can see more gender equality, but women being present and visible in sport provides younger people with positive role models. We need more male allies to help push us forward."
Business Breakfasts are held by the Management School throughout the year, and details of future events will appear on the Business Events webpage.