Fay Sharpe is the founder and managing director of Zibrant, one of the largest meeting firms in the U.K., and recognized by Britain's The Times in 2014 and 2015 as one of the best 50 places for women to work. Sharpe's commitment to raising women's role in the industry extends beyond her own boardroom: She launched Fast Forward 15, a mentoring initiative for women seeking careers in meetings. Endorsed by several industry organizations, the program selects 15 women (150 applied this first year) and pairs them with senior women in the industry for a year (mentors include Sharpe's fellow Top 25 list honoree Sallie Coventry).

Sharpe created Fast Forward 15 because "though 70 percent of our industry is made up of women, only 25 to 30 percent hold senior positions." She intends to open it up to international participants next year.

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