NHS Innovation Accelerator Co-Director, Mindy Simon, delivering her call to #AcceleratAction on gender equality in the healthcare sector at the International Women’s Day Reception.
A Powerful Alliance for Change
At the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration hosted by Chamber UK and 50:50 Parliament, a diverse range of voices came together to reflect on progress – and reignite the call for gender equality across every sector. Among them was Mindy Simon, Co-Director of NHS Innovation Accelerator who leads a programme supporting NHS innovation.
Standing at the podium just moments after Lady Cherie Blair CBE KC, Simon opened her remarks with honesty and humour:
“Wow. I can’t believe I’m following Cherie Blair… I feel like I’ve got that imposter syndrome – the kind I imagine anyone trying to get into Parliament now must feel.”
What followed was a heartfelt reflection on representation, innovation, and the power of planting early inspiration.
Spotlight on Innovation and Representation
Simon’s background is in healthcare innovation – supporting the NHS to tackle its most complex challenges. And for her, one of the most urgent issues is not just funding or infrastructure – it is who is in the room designing solutions.
“It’s not just about focusing on women’s health – though that’s vital – it’s about making sure the people in the room who develop and drive forward those innovations are women.”
Mindy Simon, Co-Director, NHS Innovation Accelerator
In both Parliament and the health tech industry, women remain underrepresented – especially in leadership roles. Even when they are present, Simon pointed out, they are often not in the right places or at the right levels to shape change effectively.
Seeding Possibility from the Ground Up
Rather than simply calling for more women to enter existing pipelines, Simon argued for a much bigger cultural shift: growing the pipeline itself.
“If you’re fishing in a small pool, you’ll only ever get so many fish. We need to grow the pool”, she said.
She highlighted the importance of starting early, going into schools, and showing girls what is possible. Real examples. Relatable stories. Quiet innovations that change lives – not just the headline-grabbing breakthroughs.
“Let them look at someone in that space and think, I can do that. Maybe not now – but one day.”
Mindy Simon, Co-Director, NHS Innovation Accelerator
Supporting Girls by Telling Our Stories
As a parent of two, Simon is constantly thinking about how the world shapes the ambitions of the next generation. Her challenge to the room was simple but powerful:
“What are you doing right now to open the eyes of every girl you meet?”
She urged women to tell their stories – even if they are not the kind that get picked up by the press. Because it is those everyday experiences, she argued, that create the strongest and most lasting inspiration.
Leaving the room inspired, Simon said, “Sometimes it’s the small, quiet innovations that truly change lives.”
Watch, Share, Inspire
Feeling inspired by Mindy Simon’s call to open eyes and grow the pool?
Watch her full speech and be reminded that creating change does not always mean grand gestures – sometimes, it starts with a quiet story shared at the right moment.
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Bayer has provided sponsorship funding, which supported logistics and materials for this event. Chamber maintained complete editorial control for the event and outputs.
Bicycle Therapeutics also provided sponsorship support, ensuring the success of the evening while allowing the organisers full independence over content and discussions.