Behind The Brand - Keynote - The After Work Club x Human Spaces (Leeds)

The After Work Club Keynote Event - What does it really take to build a brand?

Behind the launches, the growth, the press and the packed-out rooms — there are risks, setbacks, pivots and resilience.

For this special After Work Club keynote event, we’re bringing together three leaders from sport, fitness and marketing to share the honest stories behind the brands they’ve built and led.

This isn’t surface-level success talk.
This is the real journey.

Abbie Bartlett
Founder of Why Leeds and the marketing force behind brands including Green Room and the relaunch of XOYO London. Abbie will share how she built a platform championing the city, how she creates cultural relevance for brands, and what it really takes to generate momentum.

Warwick Andrews
Managing Director of Leeds Tykes, leading the rebuild of the historic rugby club (formerly Yorkshire Carnegie) with ambitions of returning to Championship rugby. Warwick will speak about leadership, legacy and navigating change under pressure.

Kyle Harris
Founder of Ryde Studios — the high-energy spin brand that launched in Leeds, expanded into Manchester and is now opening in Liverpool. Kyle will share the realities of scaling a community-led fitness brand across cities.

• Their personal journey and how it all began
• What people don’t see behind building a brand
• The challenges and defining moments
• Lessons learned from setbacks
• Advice for founders, leaders and ambitious professionals

Whether you're building a business, growing your career, launching a side project or simply looking for inspiration — this event is designed to leave you thinking bigger and moving smarter.

✨ Three 15-minute keynote talks
✨ Honest, behind-the-scenes insight
✨ Actionable advice
✨ Networking with ambitious professionals
✨ Pizza provided by Cuckoo Bar
✨ Refreshments supported by Cano
✨ Hosted at the brand new Human Spaces Leeds

Human Spaces is one of Leeds’ newest workspaces — designed around creativity, collaboration and modern working. We’re excited to bring the After Work Club community into a fresh new environment built for ambitious people.

We’re a growing community for curious, ambitious people who want more from their evenings. From networking mixers to wellness sessions and development workshops, our in-person events bring people together (professionally and socially) in a way that feels genuine, fun, and totally pressure-free.

Membership isn’t required to attend, but if you fancy joining, you can try it free for 30 days. Members get:
💸 Discounted event tickets
💬 Access to our private community platform
🎉 Exclusive partner perks
👀 A look at who’s attending upcoming events

👉 [JOIN HERE]

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Host or Publisher Young Professionals Organisation