Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Under the esteemed patronage of HRH Princess Noura Bint Saud Bin Nayef Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Creative Women Forum 2024 made history, gathering over 80 renowned international speakers—professors, doctors, entrepreneurs, Sheikhas, and members of the Saudi royal family—to discuss and promote women's empowerment in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The forum, held at The Garage, Riyadh's premier innovation hub, was a momentous occasion that highlighted the significant role of women in shaping Saudi Arabia's future across diverse sectors.
Organised by Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform, alongside Rebeca Riofrio, Executive Director of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia, the forum attracted global attention for its impactful discussions and unique panels. However, the conversation between British fashion icon Karen Millen OBE and Rebeca Riofrio on October 8, 2024, stood out as one of the most compelling and intimate segments of the entire event.
Karen Millen, renowned for building a global fashion empire with 400 stores across 65 countries, used this platform to share her personal and professional journey with the Saudi audience for the first time. In an honest and deeply reflective discussion, Millen opened up about the challenges she faced after selling her company in 2004 and the financial turmoil that followed. "I trusted too much in others when it came to managing my wealth, and that cost me everything," she confessed, referencing the financial decisions that ultimately led to her bankruptcy in 2017.
The emotional weight of her story resonated deeply with the audience. Millen spoke about how, despite the sale of her business for £40 million, she lost her fortune and family home due to poor financial advice and misplaced trust in business partners. However, this conversation was not merely about loss—it was about resilience. Millen shared her inspiring comeback through her latest venture, The Founder Collection, launched earlier in 2024 with the Karen Millen brand, reigniting her passion for fashion and creative leadership. "The journey back has been tough, but I’m proud to be doing what I love again," she remarked.
This exclusive session was moderated by Rebeca Riofrio, whose 24 years of leadership and expertise in the arts, fashion, and high-level global marketing, added depth and perspective to the conversation. Riofrio, also the Director of the Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion, and Sports UK, skillfully guided the dialogue, drawing out essential lessons on leadership, personal responsibility, and the power of self-reliance. The discussion left attendees inspired and reflective, as Millen’s story highlighted not just her public triumphs, but also her private struggles and ability to rise from adversity.
While the Creative Women Forum 2024 hosted a wide array of discussions on leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, and creativity, this segment between Karen Millen and Rebeca Riofrio was singular in its depth and emotional candour. It provided an extraordinary glimpse into the challenges women leaders face—both in business and in life—and underscored the vital role of resilience in overcoming setbacks.
This historic event, held at The Garage, reflected Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to its Vision 2030 agenda, fostering an inclusive environment where women play a pivotal role in driving the nation's transformation.
The forum’s gala dinner and awards ceremony, held at the stunning Bujairi Terrace Amphitheatre in Diriyah, added an elegant touch to the event, celebrating the achievements of women across multiple industries. Millen was also a recipient of the EXCELLENCE WOMEN AWARD in the Saudi capital, Diriyah an UNESCO site.
Looking ahead, the success of this year's forum paves the way for even greater collaboration and empowerment opportunities at the Creative Women Forum 2025, further strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in women’s leadership and innovation.
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