Last week, Safecall proudly celebrated a remarkable achievement as Joanna Lewis, Managing Director, was honoured with three major awards at the 2025 National Business Women’s Awards:
- Northern Business Woman of the Year
- Corporate Leader of the Year
- Overall Winner — a surprise accolade that capped off an unforgettable evening.
Joanna’s recognition is a powerful testament to her visionary leadership and the growing influence of women in business. The awards ceremony brought together inspiring women from across the UK, including representatives from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, American Express, John Lewis Partnership, NG Bailey, and Law Debenture, who joined Safecall at the table to celebrate the occasion.
Transforming leadership at Safecall
Since taking the helm in 2021, Joanna has led Safecall through a period of strategic transformation. Under her leadership, the company has evolved from a specialist hotline provider into a global compliance partner, supporting over 1,200 organisations across 130+ countries.
Her approach to leadership is rooted in clarity, empathy, and purpose. Joanna has fostered a values-driven culture that prioritises integrity, inclusion, and continuous improvement. The team has grown significantly, with exceptionally high staff retention and engagement, and the launch of a new incident and investigations management platform has further strengthened Safecall’s position in the market.
Championing women in business
Joanna’s success reflects a broader shift in how leadership is defined and delivered. Women like Joanna are demonstrating that ethical leadership and commercial excellence go hand in hand. Her journey shows that women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated sectors by staying true to their values and leading with authenticity.
She is a vocal advocate for flexible working, inclusive hiring, and structured development – not just opening doors, but building pathways for others to follow.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about showing up with integrity, listening well, and helping others feel heard. Whether I’m supporting a client, mentoring a colleague, or shaping strategy, I try to bring clarity and calm. Because ultimately, that’s where real change happens – in the moments where trust is built and values are lived. ~ Joanna Lewis
Looking ahead
As businesses continue to evolve, Joanna’s triple win serves as a timely reminder of the importance of creating environments where women can lead boldly and authentically. Whether through mentorship, policy change, or cultural transformation, organisations must continue to support and elevate women at every level.
Joanna Lewis’s achievements are more than personal milestones – they are a celebration of what’s possible when women lead with integrity, innovation, and impact.