The awards ceremony, graced by luminaries such as Chinese diving legend Guo Jingjing and hosted by gender equality champion Sandi Toksvig, showcased a diverse array of talents and visions. Guo spoke meaningfully about how innovation and perseverance drove her during her competitive years. Her words resonated with the Fellows, as she and the one-thousand-strong audience celebrated the hard work, passion and constant need for flexibility and adaptability among entrepreneurs.

Cyrille Vigneron, chief executive officer and president of Cartier, expressed his pride in the vibrant community of changemakers supported by the initiative. “When women thrive, humanity thrives,” Vigneron noted, emphasising the integral role women play in societal advancement. The ceremony also featured insights from American model Karlie Kloss, who discussed the significant impact of gender equality on societal empowerment and her own social impact business that provides digital skills to young women.

Among the winners was Singapore’s Dr Lynne Lim, who clinched first place in the prestigious Science & Technology Pioneer Award. Dr Lim’s groundbreaking work with her company, NousQ, was highlighted as an exemplar of how technology and visionary leadership can converge to address critical healthcare needs. 

Through NousQ and the CLiKX device it has designed, Lim has found a solution to treat children and adults afflicted with Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). The condition, commonly known as glue ear, occurs when fluid accumulates in the middle ear, and is globally the top reason for children’s hospital visits, antibiotic usage, and hearing loss. Annually, only 15 per cent of the 120 million people worldwide who need ear tube surgery are to get it. CLiKX is poised to reduce the need for surgery and provide relief for millions.

Speaking to Tatler on her achievements, Dr Lim reflected on her journey: “The belief that we can significantly impact people’s lives provides the perseverance needed to navigate the complexities of medical innovation and entrepreneurship.” Her vision for NousQ transcends mere business success; it embodies a deep-seated commitment to enhancing surgical practices and patient outcomes globally.

Lim further emphasised the importance of persistence and vision in the face of challenges: “My motivation comes from a deep desire to make a tangible difference. This project started from seeing a direct need in the field, and it has evolved into a mission to improve surgical practices globally.”

We asked Dr Lim how the Cartier Women’s Initiative has helped her so far—while the award was just bestowed yesterday, she was recognised as a Fellow in mid-April. “The visibility and credibility that come with such a fellowship are invaluable,” she opined. “More importantly, it’s about the network—the Cartier community is incredibly supportive. Whether it’s a need for contacts in a new market or advice on a challenge, a simple message can lead to meaningful connections and assistance. This support network spans globally and can significantly impact our ability to expand and innovate.”

The Cartier Women’s Initiative stands as a testament to Cartier’s enduring commitment to promoting women in leadership roles and its belief in the critical role that women play in driving global change. As the event closed, the air was charged with a renewed sense of purpose, with leaders, innovators, and guests united in their resolve to support and expand the network of women changemakers.

As we look forward to the 2025 edition, set to honour past fellows at the World Expo in Osaka, the ongoing success of the Cartier Women’s Initiative continues to inspire and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Through these efforts, Cartier not only enriches the tapestry of global entrepreneurship but also ensures that the luxury brand’s legacy is as much about profound societal impact as it is about timeless elegance and craftsmanship.

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