Women in Public Finance

Thursday 07 November 2024, organised in partnership with Public Finance by Women

Despite significant progress in recent years, gender leadership gaps in the traditionally male-dominated field of finance persist and visible and invisible barriers continue to hold women back. Furthermore, there is a marked lack of data and support addressing the specific circumstances of women working in public finance.

The unique Women in Public Finance conference seeks to address this gap. The event brings together current and future leaders from across the sector to examine the role of women in public finance and the current and future challenges to leadership. Over the course of the day, senior leaders will offer guidance, coaching and inspiration on further developing your career, reaching empowerment and fulfilling your potential.

Why attend?

• Examine the barriers currently facing female leaders as well as the challenges to future leaders in public finance, and learn how to overcome them
• Understand when and how gender plays a role in both organisational and personal advancement
• Learn how successful women negotiate what they need to be effective leaders
• Gain a deeper understanding of the skills, qualities and attributes needed to be a successful leader
• Raise the visibility of women as senior leaders in public finance
• Create a lasting network of women leaders across the sector who are effecting change in public finance
• Receive video recordings of all sessions after the event

Who should attend?

The Women in Public Finance conference is aimed at all those who aspire to move into a leadership role or those already in a senior role looking to progress. Presentations and workshops offer practical advice and coaching relevant to all women across the public finance sector.

08:45

Registration 

09:30

Chair's Introduction & Opening Remarks:
Women across the public finance sector: Exploring the landscape

• Understanding why women are underrepresented in senior positions  
• Exploring the cultural and practical obstacles to career progression and leadership 

Gillian Fawcett, Public Policy and Strategy Consultant

10:00

Positioning yourself as a leader: a practical toolkit

• Developing and maintaining a growth mindset amidst challenges and adversity 
• Pitching your skills and putting yourself forward
• Identifying your unique skills and priorities to build a personal brand 
• Honing networking skills to identify potential mentors, allies, and support

10:45

Networking and Refreshment Break

11:15

Exploring the confidence conundrum: the power of knowing and demonstrating your worth  

• The confidence gap: reframing perceptions of capability
• Acknowledging strengths and achievements to maintain a positive internal dialogue
• Leveraging your strengths and tapping into the right resources
• Defining your career goals and visualising success
• Finding the courage to lead authentically

12:00

Preparing for Impact: Laying the groundwork for optimal communication

• Structuring your meetings and preparatory work for maximum effect  
• Managing adrenaline to think clearly under pressure  
• Holding attention in a hybrid environment

Speaker:
Cath Baxter, Professional Voice and Public Speaking Consultant & former Head of Voice, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

13:00

Networking Lunch

14:00

Keynote Address - A personal reflection on my leadership journey 

• Gain a deeper understanding of the skills, qualities, and attributes needed to be a successful leader from an inspirational senior leader 

14:30

Panel Discussion:
Resilience in Action: key lessons to take forward during challenging times 

• Develop a ‘what if’ mindset to better handle unexpected events
• Managing and maintaining resilience through the planning, acute response and post-crisis stages
• Asking for what you need, at home and at work  
• Maintaining confidence in your abilities and worth during difficult times 

15:15

Leading a Change in Culture: Where do we go from here?  

• Raising the visibility of women as senior leaders in public finance   
• Leadership for all: challenging traditional leadership paths and behaviours
• The importance lifting others as you climb  

Speaker:
Mel Dias, Management Consultant, KPMG

15:45

Chair's Closing Remarks

15:55

Event Close