The Credibility Code: Personal Brand That Opens Doors

22 Apr 2026

The first 2026 event in the Thrive Women’s Leadership Series brought together senior women leaders for an energising and practical conversation on personal brand, visibility and influence. Moderated by Becki Butler, Founder and Principal Consultant at Switch, the panel featured Deborah Pead, Founder & Executive Chair of Pead; Hannah McQueen, CEO & Founder of Age Brightly; and Teresa Tepania-Ashton, Chief Executive of YWCA.

The discussion explored how women could build visibility and credibility without it feeling like self-promotion, while remaining authentic to their values and leadership style. Participants shared perspectives on navigating career transitions, increasing influence, building trust and ensuring their contribution was recognised in an environment where visibility, consistency and credibility increasingly shaped leadership impact.

The Venue
Dentons, 18 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, 1142, Auckland

Event Speakers

Deborah Pead
Founder & Executive Chair
Pead
Hannah McQueen
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Age Brightly
Teresa Tepania-Ashton
Becki Butler
Founder and Principal Consultant
Switch

Event Partners

Pead

Pead is a New Zealand communications and public relations agency that works with organisations across corporate, consumer, technology, property, healthcare and government sectors. The agency provides strategic communications, media relations, reputation management, stakeholder engagement, content and brand support, helping clients communicate clearly and build trusted relationships with their audiences. Based in Auckland, Pead works with both New Zealand and international organisations, combining local market knowledge with integrated communications expertise.

Dentons

Dentons is a leading full-service law firm in New Zealand and part of one of the world’s largest global law firms. With offices in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch, Dentons brings together more than 150 legal professionals and 50 support team members across New Zealand, supported by a global network spanning more than 80 countries and 160 locations. The firm advises businesses, government organisations and other institutions across a broad range of areas including corporate and commercial law, employment, technology, privacy and cybersecurity, regulatory matters, financial markets, infrastructure and public law. Its Wellington team includes specialists working closely with government and public sector organisations on complex regulatory, technology and organisational issues. Dentons combines international capability with local market knowledge, helping clients navigate legal, commercial and regulatory challenges while identifying practical solutions to support their strategic objectives