Highlights of being part of an historic day: The first ever Lady Mayor Show 2025
Our mother-daughter team Lenna and Justine Lou are proud to have been part of the 697 women walking in support of the new Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley DBE. Witnessing the City of London come together reminded us about the strength behind women supporting women. And what happens when diversity is celebrated. Here’s a glimpse of our experience behind the scenes.
What is the Lady Mayor Show?
The Lady Mayor Show, usually better known as the Lord Mayor Show is a procession from the City to Westminster. Dating back as early as the 13th Century. For the first time in its 800 year plus history. The Lord Mayor’s Show became the Lady Mayor’s Show as Dame Susan Langley DBE becomes the third female lord mayor, but the first to officially use the Lady Mayor title.
Historically according to the BBC, mayors have been making that journey for over 800 years. Eventually the show transformed over the centuries into a more elaborate parade. Today it is an opportunity for livery companies, charities, businesses and armed forces units in the City to parade though the streets of London.
Why this moment matters
This was more than a parade. It was a landmark moment for representation, tradition and change. Seeing 697 women walk together in unity felt symbolic of the progress the City has made, and a reminder of how much further we must continue pushing.
For The L Factor Ltd, a leadership consultancy centred on creating more inclusive, modern leadership spaces, participating in this moment aligned deeply with our mission. Representation at the highest civic level matters. It influences culture, shapes expectations, and opens pathways for future leaders who rarely see themselves reflected in these historic institutions.
Highights of our day
Being part of the procession provided an entirely different perspective from watching it on television. The atmosphere behind the scenes was a blend of excitement, pride and disbelief at the scale of the occasion.
Women from diverse industries and backgrounds gathered with a shared sense of purpose. Some were there representing livery companies. Others represented charities, small businesses or national organisations. All united by a common goal. To honour a day where history was being rewritten in real time.
As we lined up, conversations naturally drifted towards work, leadership, values, ambition and the quiet resilience required to navigate professional spaces that historically weren’t built for women. It was a reminder that progress rarely happens alone. It happens because of collective effort.
A moment of reflection for women in leadership
The Lady Mayor Show is steeped in ceremony, but this year felt like a turning point. Women have always been part of the City’s story. Yet visibility at this scale is rare.
This moment created three reminders we often share with leaders and mentees:
Visibility creates opportunity. When women see other women leading, it expands what feels possible.
Traditions evolve when people challenge the status quo. Institutions change slowly, but not without pressure, advocacy and representation at the table.
Leadership is most powerful when it is shared. Walking beside hundreds of women reinforced that leadership does not belong to one person. It is built through community.
Women supporting women. When leaders show by example, and practice what they preach it has the ability to influence generations to come. After all, you can’t be what you can’t see.
A special moment captured on national television
To our surprise, we also found ourselves on the BBC as we re-watched the Lady Mayor Show at home.
Credit: BBC
What happens next?
The Lady Mayor Show may be over, but its message resonates far beyond a single day. Dame Susan Langley’s appointment signals a shift towards a more modern City. One that recognises the value of inclusive leadership and the importance of reflecting the communities it serves.
For us at The L Factor Ltd, this moment strengthens our commitment to elevating women leaders, preparing future board-ready talent and continuing to advocate for spaces where diverse leadership is not the exception, but the expectation.