A former Wales lacrosse captain who served in Kosovo with the British Army is to give a talk about leadership at a flagship business event.

Gemma Morgan, who now runs her own leadership consultancy, will address guests about her journey from battlefield to boardroom at the annual CBI Business Dinner – North Wales.

Named the ‘most valuable player in Europe’ at the 1997 lacrosse championships, Gemma was deployed to Kosovo aged 25 in 1998, and became the first woman to be awarded the Carmen Sword for outstanding performance as a young officer.

Today, she helps improve the performance of clients including Arsenal FC, the Premier League, pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly, and business consultancy KPMG.

In addition, the leadership expert campaigns for mental health awareness in business, having suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of her military career.

And Gemma, who has also worked with Prince Harry and Warner Brothers on the promotion of blockbuster war film Dunkirk, says the essence of being a true leader will be the focus of her speech.

She said:

“I’m looking forward to sharing my story at the event, which I hope will inspire and challenge the audience to commit to make a difference and do something different in their own lives. “I believe that true leadership has a human heartbeat. Technical efficiency is not enough. It is the human connection that keeps us alive.”

David Jones, chair of CBI North Wales, added:

“The annual dinner traditionally brings some of the region’s most influential people together, and this year will be no exception. “I’m looking forward to seeing both new and old faces for an evening of quality networking, and what is sure to be a fascinating talk from Gemma. “Tickets are on sale now and with places already going quickly, I’d urge those interested to book on as soon as possible.”

The black tie event will be held at the St David’s Park Hotel in Ewloe on Thursday 27 June, and is sponsored by Cambria for Business, innogy, Jackson Fire and Security, and Keolis.

The evening will begin with a drinks reception and networking at 18:30, and close at 22:30.

Tickets are available at the following rates:

CBI members: £95 + VAT per ticket or £950 + VAT for a table of 10

CBI affiliate members: £100 + VAT per ticket or £1,000 + VAT and a fee for a table of 10

Non-members: £110 + VAT per ticket or £1,100 + VAT and a fee for a table of 10

Bookings can be made via the CBI’s Eventbrite page, or by contacting Lisa Peterson on 02920 977612 or at [email protected].