Event Reviews

Events 2011:

• 30th November 2011 - Our Christmas networking event, kindly hosted by PwC, was with Ruth Murphy of Positive Image, a very enjoyable event, giving us tips on body shapes, bringing your outfit from work to an evening event, and working your wardrobe to include high street and designer fashion.
• 26th October 2011 - Presentation on 'Pension Plans - A Future?' given by Brian Buggy and Deirdre Cummins of the Employment Pensions and Benefits Group at Matheson Ormsby Prentice. Brian Buggy, a Partner, and Deirdre Cummins, a Senior Associate, specialises in pensions law and related matters and act for a wide range of national and multinational employer companies, Government Departments, state bodies and trustees of pension schemes. They have advised on numerous large commercial transactions involving transfer of employees and have extensive experience of complex documentation and benefits issues that arise in such transactions.
• 5th October 2011 - Get a Life Online - an evening course on Social Media at The Digital Hub, in conjunction with I-CANDO giving WIBF members an opportunity to join the Digital world.
• 21st September 2011 - Breakfast seminar, kindly hosted by PWC, with an Inspirational Talk by Margaret Sweeney, former Chief Executive of Postbank Ireland Ltd and, previously, Non Executive Director at Flughafen Dusseldorf GMBH and at Hamburg Airport.
• 7th September 2011 - Guided Tour of the Art Books of Henri Matisse at the Chester Beatty Library in the grounds of Dublin Castle, with the Curator of the exhibition, Jill Unkel.
• 20th August 2011 - Annual Hill Walking Event - beginning at Ballinastoe Wood car park, the route this year took us along the boardwalk up to White Hill and from there to the top of Djouce to enjoy the spectacular views, returning down by the scenic walk along the Wicklow Way track leading us back to the boardwalk. A tremendous day, we enjoyed views of the Wicklow Mountains, Sugar Loaf and Dublin Bay.
• 21st July 2011 - Summer Social Networking Event at Royal Irish Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire - Hosted by member Grace Perrott, this is one of the highlights of the year, with drinks on the terrace, yachts on the harbour and networking dinner in the club dining room.
• 22nd June 2011 - 'Review of Assets for your Estate Plan', presented by Hilary Coveney & Nicola Lynch, Private Client Department at MOP. Kindly hosted by Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors. Hilary and Nicola gave us a comprehensive overview on family law as it relates to inheritance planning, including matters relevant to civil partnership and co-habiting couples.
• 11th May 2011 - Charity Shopping Event, kindly sponsored by L.K. Bennett at Dundrum Shopping Centre, a fantastic event for any fashion conscious shopper and a great way to raise money for Focus Ireland. The evening gave us a private viewing of L.K. Bennett spring / summer collection of clothing, shoes and accessories, whilst indulging in a glass of fizz.
• 6th April 2011 - Open Forum Discussion on the topic 'Quotas for Women on Corporate Boards - a Good Idea?'. This was an evening of informative discussion and lively debate , chaired by Bryan Dobson, with panel members including Deirdre Somers - CEO of the Irish Stock Exchange, Margaret Sweeney - former CEO of Postbank, Michelle O'Donnell Keating - Women for Election. Hosted by Citi at its offices at 1 North Wall Quay, Dublin 1.

  
  Pictured are Anne Fitzgerald (WIBFI Vice-President), Deirdre Somers (CEO, Irish Stock Exchange), and Dorothy Gray (WIBFI President)

• 22nd March 2011 - Our March 'Business over Breakfast' event was an Introduction to NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) hosted by Brian Colbert from the Irish Institute of NLP. NLP is a philosophy and educational tool, designed to teach people how to become happier and more effective. It teaches people how to think and communicate in more useful ways. Review (pdf).

  
  Pictured are Dorothy Gray (WIBFI Past President), Brian Colbert (Irish Institute of NLP), Sandra Mooney (WIBFI Events Committee), and Anne Fitzgerald (WIBFI President).

• 23rd February 2011 - 'Business over Breakfast' event with Brian O'Kelly, Adjunct Professor of Finance at DCU Business School, on the topic of Raison d'etre of Banks - have they become "socially useless"? - An interesting discussion on the lessons we can learn from the fact that banking models have so badly underestimated the risks attaching to credit products.
• 27th January 2011 - 'Laughter Workshop' hosted by Anne McDonald from Laughter Solutions - what a great way to start the day!!!! Naturally increasing oxygen levels in the body and releasing endorphins from the brain cells, regular laughter promotes a sense of well being and raises existing energy levels and IT'S GREAT FUN!

Events 2010:

• 25th November 2010 - Saying goodbye to negative wardrobe equity!!! Annmarie O'Connor, fashion writer, stylist, blogger and professional talker, showed us how to future proof our style with a capsule wardrobe! With hard-earned cash so hard to come by, more women are looking for advice on how to capitalise on their personal style portfolio. What pieces should I invest in? How can I wear one dress three different ways? What shapes and cuts will see me from season to season? Just a few key staples can increase your cost-per-wear ratio, thus maximising your wardrobe and minimising those dreaded "what will I wear" days.
• 10th November 2010 - Business over Breakfast with Patricia Barker, author of 'The Minority Interest'. Ms Barker is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, having qualified in 1973 - the twentieth woman to qualify since the inception of the Institute in 1888. In 1918, there were no women Chartered Accountants. Pat shared the story of women's early struggle to get acceptance and what is required today to reach the highest echelons of the profession. Kindly hosted by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
• 21st October 2010 - Table Quiz in aid of ABC - a great fun evening to raise funds for Action Breast Cancer.
• 14th September 2010 - Breakfast Seminar with speakers Michelle O'Donnell Keating and Niamh Gallagher of Women for Europe and Ruth Deasy, Press Officer with the EU Commission in Ireland on 'The EU and You - How can Irish Women influence EU Decision-Making.' Given continuing turmoil in the banking and financial world, the EU is likely to have an even bigger influence on our professional lives - an interesting discussion and debate on how we might contribute to and influence the decision making.
• 15th July 2010 - Summer Social Event was our annual networking dinner at the Royal Irish Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire, hosted by Committee member Grace Perrott. As always, the evening was very enjoyable with informal drinks followed by dinner in the club dining room.
• 29th June 2010 - Breakfast Seminar on the topic 'Update on Family Law Issues and the Civil Partnership Bill 2009', presented by Hilary Coveney of the Private Client Department at Matheson Ormsby Prentice. Hilary gave an overview on the Civil Partnership Bill and some relevant family law matters, together with a general overview on asset protection and planning.
• 19th May 2010 - Ann Horan, Chief Executive, DCU Ryan Academy, spoke with us on the topic of 'Reflections on a Career in Banking - Lessons Learned'. Ann Horan moved on from banking in 2005, after almost 30 years in the industry. At time of her departure, as Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance, Ann was one the most senior females in Irish banking.
• 15th April 2010 - Hosted by T.M.Lewin at their Sth Anne St store, an evening fashion show to inspire some additional Spring glamour to our professional wardrobe, with a creative twist, along with an opportunity for networking.
• 25th March 2010 - An enjoyable evening of social and structured networking was held in the convivial surroundings of The Cellar Bar, The Merrion Hotel.
• 3rd March 2010 - Cathy Grieve, former BBC online editor, advised us on how to live in a constantly changing digital age and make it work for you. Cathy previously worked in front line journalism with BBC for almost two decades, based in Northern Ireland, Washington DC and London. As a senior editor with the BBC news website, she was heavily involved in the development and commissioning of content for emerging digital media platforms over the past decade.
• 26th January 2010 - for our first event of 2010, Gay White, Zero One Consulting, shared some tips with us on using emotional intelligence to learn how to be more resilient in these tough times. Gay is a registered Psychologist and a Business and Executive Coach, specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching and Emotional Intelligence. Presentation (ppt).

Events 2009:

• 16th November 2009 - for our last event of 2009, a wonderful Recessionista evening with Ruth Murphy of Positive Image, with tips on how to bring your wardrobe together and looking at key trends for the coming season - without breaking the bank! Positive Image provides Image Consultancy services along with clothes and accessories, special discount available to WIBF members.
• 20th October 2009 - Business over Breakfast meeting with Danny McCoy, Director General, IBEC. The past year has seen unprecedented turbulence throughout the world. Where to next for the Irish economy? Danny gave an overview on the Irish economy and where we should be focusing our energies to be part of the world economic recovery.
• 23rd September 2009 - an Evening Networking occasion with Caroline Casey, founding CEO of Kanchi and the O2 Ability Awards, also an international speaker and adventurer. Kanchi is committed to enhancing the relationship between people with disabilities and society.
• 22nd August 2009 - Our Annual Hill Walk in the Wicklow mountains was very enjoyable. Starting out at Laragh, we followed the track along the river which brought us out by Glendalough Hotel, then took the Wicklow Way back to Laragh.
• 15th July 2009: Our very enjoyable summer social event - networking dinner at the Royal Irish Yacht Club, overlooking Dun Laoghaire harbour.
• 30th June 2009: Business over Breakfast event with Josephine Feehily, Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, who shared with us some of her experiences on her way to becoming one of the State's most senior public servants.
• 7th May 2009: Business over Breakfast event with Susan Taylor Martin, Managing Director & Senior Company Officer of Thomson Reuters. Reaching out to women in the room, Susan shared her insights into the challenge of merging two large global organisations in a downturn, whilst also raising a family, and in her roles of Mother, Wife and Managing Director.
  
  Deirdre Somers, CEO, Irish Stock Exchange; Susan Taylor Martin, Managing Director, Thomson Reuters and Phil Rafferty, Chairperson, WIBFI
  
  
  Dorothy Gray, Bank of Ireland, Deirdre Somers, CEO, Irish Stock Exchange, Susan Taylor Martin, Managing Director, Thomson Reuters and Dawn Shine, Thomson Reuters
  
  
  Susan Taylor Martin, Managing Director, Thomson Reuters.
• 29th April 2009: 'R.I.S.E to the Challenge' - a challenging and inspiring half-day seminar with Valerie Pierce, creator of the 'Clear and Critical Thinking' Programme, focused on developing four essential thinking skills that will help you deliver success in today's business climate.
• 25th February 2009: Business over Breakfast event with Tempy Cummins of v2r (Vision 2 Reality Ltd), exploring the Nine Personality Types, with an emphasis on how each type naturally presents with strengths and challenges which have a direct impact on how we relate with others, personally and professionally. More details (pdf).
• 21st January 2009: Hosted by Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors, this presentation by Hilary Coveney and Jennifer Tuite, of the Private Client Department of MOPS, gave us a general overview on "Legal Issues in Wills and Estate Planning", together with some relevant family law matters, such as asset protection and inheritance planning.

Events 2008:

• 24th November 2008: Presented by Veronica Canning, creator of 'Shoeisms', with a theme of 'How to get to the top in your career', this motivational evening challenged the vision, audacious aims, strategies and skills of all those present to achieve outstanding self belief and success.
• 22nd October 2008: Business over Breakfast event,'Think Smart for Peak Performance' presented by Valerie Pierce, creator of the 'Clear and Critical Thinking' training programme. In a stimulating and entertaining session, Valerie outlined some simple techniques to enhance peak performance skills, challenging you to step outside your normal way of thinking to become more Positive, more Productive and more Proactive. Kindly sponsored by Thomson Reuters the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. Thomson Reuters News reaches 1 billion people every day
• 14th October 2008: A glamorous evening of 'Diamonds & Champagne' - kindly hosted by Paul Sheeran Jewellers, 7-8 Johnsons Court, Dublin 2. We had an opportunity to view the extensive collection of exquisite jewellery, in relaxed and comfortable surroundings, and even make some precious purchases in advance of Christmas!!
• 20th September 2008: Hill Walking Adventure - starting in Glendalough, our route took us past the monastic site, upper lake and along the Pollanass Waterfall and then onto the "Spinc" boardwalk. From here, we headed for Mullacor and onto Derrybawn, affording us fantastic views of Camaderry, Glendalough and Glenmalure Valleys, then descending from Derrybawn onto the marked track and back to Glendalough.
• 16th July 2008: As always, a very relaxed and sociable occasion was enjoyed by all at our Summer Social Event. Hosted by Grace Perrott, committee member, in the elegant surroundings of the Royal Irish Yacht Club, overlooking Dun Laoghaire harbour, the evening started with informal drinks, followed by an excellent dinner in the Club's dining room.
• 18th June 2008: Hosted by Matheson Ormsby Prentice, an evening event with Ian McKeever, well known lecturer and broadcaster. Ian holds the world record for climbing the seven summits of the seven continents in a new record of time of 155 days. All this from a man who had never been to altitude prior to the challenge! Further details of this and Ian's other challenges and records can be found on TakeMeHigher.ie. Photos: [1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6].
• 21st May 2008: At a very enjoyable breakfast, hosted by AIB Bankcentre, Terry Prone, founder director of The Communications Clinic, shared her insights and experiences on ways to improve our communication skills. Article. Photos: [Committee 1] [Committee 2] [Committee 3] [Delegates Networking] [Terry Prone & Mgt Kavanagh]
• 23rd April 2008: Ann Fitzgerald, Chief Executive, National Consumer Agency, spoke with us on the interesting topic of how the NCA aims to defend consumer interests and to embed a robust consumer culture in Ireland. Article (pdf).
• 3rd April 2008: A very enjoyable New Members' Evening was held in the Cellar Bar, Merrion Hotel - a social event, with drinks and nibbles, for new members to come along and meet each informally in a relaxed environment.
• 13th February 2008: 'The Accidental Entrepreneur' - How did we get here? This breakfast session, presented by Sinead Fitzgerald & Orla Gallagher, of Claritas Consulting Ltd, was an insight into the journey from employee to employer, the factors motivating the decision, 'making the jump', managing and growing the start-up and the team, the challenges and rewards experienced, and an overview of the journey from both a professional and personal perspective. See photos ([1],[2],[3]) and report (pdf) on this event.
• 23rd January 2008: At our first event of 2008, Carmel Wynne (bio - pdf), Life and Business Coach, helped us to discover how a simple reframe of language can motivate outstanding performance. By creatively tapping into our reserves of unused talent, we can unlock potential and promote positive rather than negative self-talk, greatly enhancing our self-confidence and performance.

Events 2007:

• 21th November 2007: ‘Wealth Management & Family Law Issues’ - a Business over Breakfast workshop hosted by Mason Hayes & Curran, Solicitors. At this session, Donagh McGowan, Partner & Head of Family Law Unit, Mason Hayes & Curran, discussed issues that arise in relation to family law, including pre-nuptial agreements, treatment of assets in family law and how to protect your assets in case of divorce or judicial separation. Cian O'Sullivan, Senior Associate, then spoke with us about the importance of estate planning and wealth management, with very helpful information on how to plan for succession and wealth transfer.
• 16th October 2007: Breakfast session on the 'Challenge of Change - Coping with Life's Little Surprises!'. Facilitated by Gay White of Zero One Consulting, this session gave an understanding of why we find change challenging and some insights into how we can drive changes in our own lives and manage changes that are imposed on us. Click here for Gay White's biographical information (pdf)
• 20th September 2007: 'Business over Breakfast' Talk with well known and acclaimed Irish author Sheila O'Flanagan, who shared with us her experiences about transitioning from the world of high finance to being a successful writer and novelist.
• 25th July 2007: Networking dinner at Royal Irish Yacht Club - we enjoyed a wonderful evening in a splendid location, overlooking Dun Laoghaire harbour. This summertime event is becoming one of the most popular in our annual calendar.
• 19th June 2007: 'Wealth Management' workshop covering an introduction to long term financial planning and providing members with the key components of Wealth Management. Facilitated by Orla Holohan, Bank of Ireland Private Banking. Hosted by PwC.
• 30th May 2007: Emotional Intelligence - an interactive session facilitated by Eimear Barry of LDC (Leadership Development & Coaching). This was a Business over Breakfast event, hosted by Citibank. Powerpoint slides from this presentation can be viewed here (ppt).
• 26th April 2007: Wine tasting at Enowine was an excellent oppportunity for members and their guest to network and to explore and taste some interesting wines. An Enowine representative was on hand and was very informative about the various wines and gave tips on matching wines with different foods.
• 28th March 2007: 'Taking Control of your Life' with Bernadette Murray of Vision2Results. Evening seminar on strategies to re-gain control over what we let 'just happen', concluding with some de-stressing and relaxation techniques. A very rewarding evening was had by all.
• 28th February 2007: 'Supper Club' - social networking over dinner at 'Il Posto', a very enjoyable evening.
• 24th January 2007: Business over Breakfast talk by Tricia Murphy of TiG Alliance on the topic 'Setting a Networking Plan for 2007'. We met Tricia in September 2005 and, in response to requests for a follow-up session, this event again focused on the power of networking.

Events 2006:

• 28th November 2006: John Bourke talked on the topic of 'Neuro Linguistic Programming: A Technique for Personal Development'. This interactive session was very well attended and generated considerable interest in NLP. Attendees learned about exploring and creating the neuro linguistic programming style that works for them. Refreshments were hosted by JP Morgan at the Mont Clare Hotel.
• 11th October 2006: Hosted by Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors, this "Business over Breakfast" Event was with Angie Peacock, MD of the People Development Team. Angie's talk explored how using VIVE! will enhance your presence and ability to influence. It was an energetic and enthusiastic presentation, getting everyone involved in appraising how your image makes an impact on those you interact with.
• 27th September 2006: "Choosing the right Corporate look, Branding yourself and Marketing your Image" by Kathryn Byrne, Corporate/Personal Image Development Consultant. This session was to learn more about exploring and creating your best image for impact and the business dress style that works for you. Kathryn demonstrated what styles work best for different people. Click here (pdf) for more information about Kathryn Byrne's presentation (pdf).
• 19th July 2006: Summer Supper Club in Royal Irish Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire. Where better to dine on a summer's evening than in this beautiful venue overlooking the harbour. A lovely meal was enjoyed by all who attended.
• 21st June 2006: Midsummer evening at the Races - Leopardstown Racecourse. A highly enjoyable evening at the races in convivial company. Great fun had by all!
• 31st May 2006: Business over Breakfast topic in May was 'Think Smart for Peak Performance' - presented by Valerie Pierce, Creator of the Clear and Critical Thinking training programme - Ulster Bank, George's Quay - click here for more details (pdf). This talk focused on successful thinking and turning negative thinking into positive action. A great start to the day!
• 26th April 2006: Business over Breakfast event on 'Trust me, I'm a Banker' - presented by Gerard O'Neill, Amarach Consulting - hosted by AIB Capital Markets in the IFSC, Dublin - click here for more details (pdf).
• 29th March 2006: An informative 'Business over Breakfast event' on Advanced Communication, presented by Pat McCormack, Head of Training, Citigroup Dublin.
• 22nd February 2006: Supper Club @ D2 Restaurant - An opportunity to meet colleagues from your own and other financial services companies over an informal meal. This was a very enjoyable evening for all who attended and we are planning more Supper Club events during 2006.
• 25th January 2006 - hosted by Citigroup, a great start to the New Year with an interactive workshop on 'Making Change Happen - Taking Charge of your Career and your Life through Change'. Facilitated by Leadership Development & Coaching, this was about taking time out to reflect on your position and planning for your future. More... (pdf)

Events 2005:

• 4th October 2005- hosted by GE Money, explore how you manage your Performance, Image & Exposure. Be aware of the impact that your PIE has on your personal brand and on your career success. More... (ppt)
• 8th September 2005 - hosted by Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors, an interactive talk with Tricia Murphy on the art of Effective Networking - how to discover and utilise connections between people, to network effectively in your business and for your career development. Click here (pdf) to find out more about Tricia Murphy and 'Effective Networking' (pdf).
• 18th August 2005 in Town Bar & Grill Kildare Street, an opportunity to get to know other members at an informal evening - look out for more 'Supper Club' events later this year.
• 14th July 2005 in The Market Bar - a social evening for New Members to come along and meet each other informally at this fun event in Dublin's first gastro bar.
• 31st May 2005 in AIB Bankcentre - Speaker Emily O'Reilly, Ombudsman & Information Commissioner speaking on the topic "Changing Perspectives - From Journalist to Jurist". More...
• 12th April 2005 in Ulster Bank George's Quay - Speaker Mary Davis, Director Special Olympics Ireland, sharing her experience on the topic "Grasp the Challenge - Share the Feeling". More...
• 27th January 2005 in Bank of Ireland Arts Centre: "Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace" - A talk with celebrated psychologist Dr. Maureen Gaffney. More...

Inaugural Event:

• Our Inaugural Event was held in Dublin on 5th October 2004. Key speakers, to formally launch WIBF in Ireland, were An Tánaiste Mary Harney and Dr Dan McLaughlin, Chief Economist with Bank of Ireland. More...