International Women's Day
- First female CEO of a major UK broadcaster
- Transformed Channel 4 into a digital-first entity
- Champion for workplace diversity and inclusion policies
Alex Mahon CBE is a media and business leader known for guiding complex creative organisations through rapid change, cultural scrutiny, and digital disruption, and for becoming the first woman to lead a major UK broadcaster. As CEO of Channel 4, Alex oversaw its transformation into a digital first public media organisation while protecting its remit for originality, diversity, and social impact. Over eight years she steered the broadcaster through regulatory pressure, political scrutiny, and technological upheaval, while expanding its regional footprint and strengthening its talent pipeline through initiatives such as 4Skills. She now leads Superstruct Entertainment, bringing her experience of large scale, audience focused organisations into the world of live events and festivals. Alex previously led Shine Group, producing programmes like MasterChef and Broadchurch, and Foundry, a visual effects software company. Alongside her executive roles, Alex has chaired the Royal Television Society Programme Awards, served on the board of the Edinburgh International Television Festival, advised the DCMS on broadcasting policy, and acted as an ambassador for London Tech Week. She is also a founding member of WITs END, supporting women in the technology sector. Alex helps organisations understand change management, crisis leadership, and building creative cultures. Her extensive research into Gen Z provides practical insights for businesses engaging this demographic as consumers and employees. She addresses the challenges of digital-first audiences navigating algorithm-driven content and demonstrates how to embed diversity, inclusion, and equity within organisations. Audiences learn practical approaches to modern leadership, strategies for fostering creativity whilst maintaining organisational culture, and evidence-based methods for building diverse, equitable workplaces. Alex provides frameworks for engaging younger demographics and adapting to rapidly evolving media consumption patterns. Book Alex to gain actionable insights from someone who has successfully led through disruption whilst championing social change.
Dr Alex's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
Alex Mahon CBE shares her leadership principles and their relevance to modern leadership. She will discuss leading through change and crisis while addressing what today’s workforce expects from authentic leaders. Drawing from her background and experiences, Alex will highlight the importance of maintaining one's identity in a leadership role. Attendees will learn valuable tips on personal storytelling and effective workplace leadership, with insights tailored to the challenges of female leadership.
In her engaging talk, Alex Mahon CBE explores the diverse roles she has embraced, from scientist to CEO, highlighting the common thread of self-discovery. She reflects on her journey from aspiring astronaut to leading a TV network, emphasizing that understanding one's innate skills is crucial for career success. Attendees will learn how self-knowledge shapes professional paths and how to leverage personal strengths to navigate their own careers effectively.
Are You A Ground Breaker Or A Ghost?
Alex Mahon CBE will explore the essential principles of embedding diversity, inclusion, and equity within organizations, highlighting their significance. Using Channel 4 as a case study, he will discuss its leadership in creating a diverse workforce and its societal impact as a broadcast network. Attendees will learn practical steps to implement these principles in their own organizations, strategies for overcoming challenges, and insights into fostering representation and advocacy for marginalized communities.
Gen Z: Young, Progressive, Illiberal, Conflicted
In this insightful talk, Alex Mahon CBE explores Generation Z in the UK, highlighting their unique characteristics and the challenges they present to those over 25. He delves into what Gen Z values, their online habits, and their emotional responses to the digital landscape. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively engage with this pivotal generation, making it essential for employers and brand creators aiming to connect with the future workforce.
Alex Mahon CBE has collaborated with some of the world's most creative and complex individuals, navigating both joy and challenges in cultural management. He emphasizes that culture embodies a company's collective thought and spirit, which cannot be controlled or concealed. The right creative culture can harness extraordinary potential, akin to capturing lightning in a bottle. Attendees will learn how to cultivate a dynamic culture that fosters innovation and creativity, ultimately enhancing their organizational success.
Why we recommend booking Dr Alex
Book Alex Mahon CBE to discover proven strategies for leading through disruption, fostering creativity, and building diverse, future-ready organisations. Secure your event’s success with actionable insights from a trailblazing media and business leader.
An inspiring female leader, with some really strong key takeaways around work with Gen Z, hard decisions for leaders, responsibilities of leaders. Very well received by our audience - witty and inspirational and highlight of the event for many.
Haymarket Media Group, Haymarket Media Group
I loved her delivery and the fact that she clearly was just being her. She was very authentic, and I love the conversations that she has triggered in our business.
