Voted as one of Britain’s Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs by Real Business Magazine in 2009, Deborah Leary, OBE is considered to be one of the most motivational and entrepreneurial women of the time.
Deborah is Founder and CEO of award winning Forensic Pathways. Going beyond conventional analytical techniques, FPL specialises in offering unique data analysis solutions in the area of Due Diligence/risk, business and criminal intelligence and is internationally recognised for taking a lead in the development of forensic products/services. FPL has a diverse and international client base, including the Police, Local Authorities, Banking, Financial Services, Retail and Telecommunications industries.
As a result of recognition for her achievements in business build and entrepreneurship, Deborah is also involved in a number of other organizations:
- National President of the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs www.bawe-uk.org reporting into the FCEM World Association of Women Entrepreneurs
- Chair of the Midlands World Trade Forum, a West Midlands regional network supporting businesses involved in international trade. www.mwtf.org.uk
- Director of the European Network of Women in Leadership www.wileurope.org The ultimate objective is to promote gender equality and the advancement of women in Europe. In that aim, WiL is also working on finding ways to support the advancement of women to top leadership roles through different channels.
- Deputy Director of the United Nations UK Global Compact Network supporting multi-nationals and SMES in Corporate Social Responsibility, reporting directly to UN Headquarters in New York www.ungc-uk.net
- Development Council Member of the Young Vic Theatre Company www.youngvic.org
- Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts
- Marie-Curie Fellow
In addition to her role as CEO of Forensic Pathways, Deborah runs her own consultancy practice supporting new and growing businesses in terms business strategy, developing their brand, CSR policies and international trade.
In 2011 Birmingham City University created the Deborah Leary Award for English in the Wider World, this has been followed by the award of an Honorary Doctorate. Deborah is an Alumni of the University and regularly lectures to English and Business Studies students.
In recognition for her commitment to entrepreneurship Deborah was awarded an O.B.E. in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2008. Other awards have included the Joyce Award 2009, for commitment to the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs, FCEM International Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2007/8, European Woman of Achievement 2006 and British Female Inventor of the Year 2005.