Sunil K. Varu

About The Organiser: ‘The Why’The “why” probably starts with “Why is Sunil Varu, a man, organising a Women Leadership conference full of women speakers?!”Sunil’s interest in leadership for this conference dates to the Women Leadership Talks he organised in Dunfermline throughout 2024 which provided a host of learning outcomes. It just confirmed the remarkable women he had come across, worked with and respected throughout his career. Also, his experiences of women leaders that made life unnecessarily difficult was a driving force in exploring the nature of toxic leadership. He also has 2 daughters building their careers and hoping to work for organisations with leaders that recognise and nurture talent through a positive work culture.Sunil has a pedigree as an innovative thinker, international award winner, charity fund raiser, inspiring communities & businesses across Scotland to greater deeds. This conference aligns with his “outside of the box” thinking by injecting bold new ideas and making them work by creating positive relationships within a collaborative framework e.g.Kirkcaldy Comedy Festivals (2008-2010)– the first comedy festival outside Glasgow and Edinburgh, attracting celebrated stars such as Kevin Bridges, Adam Hills, Jojo Sutherland, Sean Hughes.Largs Live 2011– a 3-day music festival which is still part of the Scottish music calendar each June.West End Classic Vehicle Shows 2018 & 2019– injecting much needed footfall and revenue to businesses in the west of Edinburgh.Dunfermline City Conference 2023– setting the agenda bringing 200 local stakeholders to meaningfully discuss the way forward for Dunfermline as a new City under the theme “Ask not what your City can do for you but what can you do for your City”.Inspiring Women Leaders Talks 2024– with a monthly series of Talks from 12 women leaders (including a US based Athletics coach whose athletes represented the USA at the Paris Olympics) reflecting on and relating their journey to the top. This was shortlisted for a UK award by the Association of Town & City Management.“Tree in the Park” Well-being Festival 2024– an event drawing a crowd of around 3,000 people tackling the post-Covid mental health and wellbeing issues. This was shortlisted for a Scotland-wide award by the Scotland’s Towns Partnership.Sunil has also raised £000’s for a variety of charitable causes through his annual “Big Danda” Charity Golf Days during the past 5 years (2020 – 2025):COVID Appeal on behalf of PG Paper LtdKrabbe DiseaseScottish Action on Mental Health (SAMH)Prostate Cancer ResearchMy Name’5 Doddie Foundation.