What does it take to lead when the path ahead is unclear—and to do it with energy, speed, and intention? In this session, Karen Lynch and Jonny Combe bring their rich leadership experience from purpose-led, commercial, and innovation-driven worlds to explore how CEOs can lead confidently through ambiguity, change, and complexity.

Karen will reflect on her time as CEO of Belu, one of the UK’s most ethical and awarded water brands, and how she’s translated those lessons into her current, very different, public-facing role. Jonny will share how he has navigated transformation at scale—both in the automotive sector and now as Global CEO of PayByPhone.

Expect practical insights, honest reflections, and ideas you can take away for your own leadership journey.

About the Speakers

Karen Lynch – Former CEO, Belu

Karen is the former CEO of Belu, the UK’s most ethical water brand and a pioneering social enterprise. Under her leadership, Belu received two Queen’s Awards for Innovation and Sustainable Development. She has featured on the Timewise Top 50 Part-Timers list and was recognised as a Lloyds Bank Environmental Champion. Karen’s earlier career includes leadership roles at Emap, Audi, and Barclays. Today, she brings her leadership skills to a very different arena—serving as the High Sheriff of Warwickshire.

Jonny Combe – Global President and CEO, PayByPhone

Jonny is a seasoned transformation leader with a strong track record in business strategy and innovation. He began his career at BMW Group, spending over a decade in senior roles and spearheading the UK’s Digital and Innovation Programmes, including the award-winning BMW Innovation Lab. In 2018, he joined PayByPhone as UK CEO and now leads the global business across North America and Europe. As Global President and CEO, Jonny is focused on driving operational excellence and fostering innovation.

What the Session Will Cover:

· How to lead with clarity when the path ahead is unclear.
· The role of purpose and values in fast-paced, uncertain environments.
· Real-world leadership lessons from very different sectors and settings.
· Reflections on leading through transformation and disruption.
· What pace really means—and how to sustain it without burning out.

What Attendees Will Get Out Of the Session:

· Insight into the mindset and approach needed to lead through uncertainty.
· Practical leadership tools for navigating change at speed.
· Lessons from two CEOs who’ve led in radically different contexts.
· Honest reflections on what it really takes to keep going when times are tough.
· A fresh perspective on pace, purpose, and personal resilience.

Cost
There is no fee for joining this forum or the sessions. It is included as part of your DIN subscription