THE POWER OF INTERDISCIPLINARY VOICES: WHERE CREATIVITY, STRATEGY, AND CULTURAL INFLUENCE CONVERGE

Creative Women Platform – Gateway to a Sustainable Future Forum, London, 9 May 2025

Moderated by renowned British academic and entrepreneur Rebeca Riofrio, the panel titled “The Power of Interdisciplinary Voices: Creativity, Strategy, and Social-Cultural Influence” brought together four exceptional women whose work boldly intersects art, science, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Held as part of the Creative Women Platform’s Gateway to a Sustainable Future Forum, the session served as a timely reminder that in today’s interconnected world, the most transformative influence is forged at the intersection of disciplines.

Riofrio, who has spent over two decades shaping global conversations across culture, fashion, and education, opened the discussion with a compelling reflection: “Visibility today is not simply about being seen — it is about being strategic, being heard, and shifting the lens through which entire industries are viewed.”

What followed was a deeply engaging, candid, and often profoundly personal exchange among four trailblazers who are redefining leadership and influence in the digital age.

Reclaiming Space and Redefining Standards

Dr Rhona Eskander, award-winning dentist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the sustainable oral care brand PÄRLA, spoke of her unconventional rise within a traditionally rigid medical sector. “In the beginning,” she shared, “I felt like I didn’t fit in. I approached dentistry differently — I wrote letters when others followed templates. But when I created an Instagram account — back when dental professionals weren’t even considering it — it gave me a platform.”

What began as a modest outlet soon evolved into a business revolution. Through strategic use of social media, Rhona transformed her practice into a recognisable brand. Her clinics expanded, her team grew to 27 staff across five locations, and her message — that professionalism and passion can coexist — resonated with thousands.

“As women, we’ve been conditioned to shrink ourselves — to apologise for our ambition, our presence,” she said. “But we were never meant to play small. We deserve to lead. Boldly. Gracefully. Loudly. That’s how change happens.”

Breaking Taboos in Women’s Health

Dr Sima Al Asad, a leading obstetrician, gynaecologist, and specialist in cosmetic gynaecology, brought a fearless voice to subjects still too often shrouded in cultural silence. “As a woman of Syrian heritage, I know what it means to grow up in a space where even the word ‘vagina’ is unspeakable,” she said. “But that silence leads to suffering.”

Through her online platform, Dr Sima has become a trusted figure for women seeking to reclaim ownership of their health and wellbeing. She uses her voice to educate, challenge stigma, and empower — from addressing postpartum concerns to correcting misinformation around women’s anatomy. “Cosmetic gynaecology isn’t about vanity. It’s about restoring function, dignity, and confidence,” she explained. “When I speak openly, I speak for every woman who has been taught to whisper her pain.”

She also addressed the backlash — often from men — that she encounters online. “The louder the trolls, the louder I will speak. I refuse to let shame win.”

Visual Identity as Empowerment

For Charlotte “Lottie” Kane, a senior graphic designer and multidisciplinary artist, social media has become far more than a marketing tool. It is a curated portfolio of identity, expression, and creative conviction. Known for her collaborations with her husband, the celebrated designer Joshua Kane, Lottie spoke about how visual storytelling can convey powerful emotional and cultural narratives.

On the day of the panel, she wore a bespoke suit made by Joshua, adorned with original artwork she had designed herself — a visual metaphor for the synergy between personal and professional creativity. “Design is the intricacy of everything around us,” she said. “I built my career because I wanted to make art that had meaning — and I wanted full control over how I shared it.”

Lottie also addressed the emotional toll of online visibility, urging creatives not to be stifled by fear. “For every negative comment, there are twenty voices cheering you on. Fear cannot be the editor of your voice.”

Digital Influence as Cultural Revolution

Holly Scarfone, a digital influencer with over 1.5 million followers, brought to the panel a voice that was as strategic as it was socially conscious. With a background in psychology, she leverages behavioural insights to cultivate meaningful audience engagement. “Social media isn’t shallow,” she declared. “It’s strategy, community, and real impact.”

For Holly, the platform is a modern megaphone — particularly for women. “In a world that profits from women staying quiet, social media gave us volume. With one post, one story, one voice — we can challenge systems, uplift silenced narratives, and shift culture. For women, it’s a revolution in real time.”

Having worked with leading global brands, including Vogue, Holly emphasised the importance of balancing aesthetic aspiration with emotional authenticity. “You don’t build influence through perfection. You build it through presence. Brick by brick. Story by story.”

Building Impact, Brick by Brick

Throughout the session, Rebeca Riofrio skilfully guided the conversation into meaningful terrain — probing issues such as online harassment, the mental cost of visibility, and the ongoing challenge of monetising digital influence while preserving authenticity. Each speaker shared tangible examples of how their platforms had generated business opportunities — from clinical expansions and educational outreach to brand partnerships and international recognition.

The panel concluded with practical advice on strategy, consistency, and the power of intentional digital presence. For those still hesitant to engage with the digital world, the message was unanimous: social media is not a distraction — it is a cultural tool, a professional asset, and for women, a platform of liberation.

Their collective message was clear: women today are not merely participating in culture — they are rewriting it.

For more information on Creatve Women Platform visit www.creativewomen.co