Scotland Reviews

The intriguingly titled "Take it or Leave it" role model event was an inspirational glimpse into both Nikki Culpin's career and Nikki as an individual. She explained that, over time, she came to realise what her key principles were and has approached her career with these at the front of her mind: to be respected and show respect for others; look at every opportunity - and consciously decide to "take it or leave it"; make a difference, to people and to the business, leaving a legacy; and finally, but just as importantly - no regrets!

In April, we held a speakers event on ‘Effective Communication and Presentation skills ‘in conjunction with Edinburgh Speakers Bureau, a branch of Toastmaster International. The event was run by 3 of the experienced speakers from the Edinburgh Speakers Bureau. The general atmosphere was very relaxed, which was helped by the enthusiasm and encouragement form the experienced Toastmasters speakers.

The following is a review submitted by one of the attendees at the WIBF wine
tasting and networking event held at the voodoo rooms in Edinburgh :

Having never been to a bona-fide networking event before I have to say I was a little nervous about turning up on my own, knowing only one other attendee. However, my concerns were soon dissipated by the really warm welcome I received on arrival and from the other attendees.

On Thursday 22 October 2009, Ernst & Young hosted a ‘Development Through Volunteering’ event run by Young Enterprise Scotland for WIBF’s Glasgow Branch.

The focus of the night was the benefits of volunteering to both the volunteer and their employers in giving them the opportunity to develop skills not available to them in their present roles.

The following is a review by one of the attendees at the personal development event held by Eden Scott :

In these interesting times all of us are affected in some way by the current economic conditions in the working environment. And although we are not always in charge of change and how it affects us, it is now perhaps more important than ever to try to remain proactive managers of our own careers.

The following is a review submitted by one of the attendees at the role model event held at Royal Bank of Scotland Gemini Building, Edinburgh:

When I received an invite to attend an event run by Women in Banking & Finance (Scotland), I was very interested. Even more so, as the speaker was Fiona Thorburn, a Programme Director in the area of the Bank in which I work. So I decided to go along and see what it was all about.

The following is a review of a Personal Development event held by the Glasgow WIBF team :

On Tuesday 29th September, 20 women gathered to brush up on their CV writing and interview techniques in an event hosted by Lindsey Boxall of Eden Scott.

With an audience at various stages of their career, from fresh graduate to seasoned professional, Lindsay talked us through an engaging presentation that sparked much discussion with the group sharing their own experiences – good and bad!

On 20th May, a group of WIBF members and colleagues spent a fantastic evening at Dolly Leo. For those of you who don't know of it, Dolly Leo is based in Raeburn Place, Edinburgh and is an apothecary, which stocks niche beauty and skincare brands.

On the evening of 26th April Women in Banking and Finance hosted a unique evening reception at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. One hundred leaders and people of influence from the
financial services sector enjoyed a bespoke exhibition created from the John Murray Archive.

I was recently invited to attend this intriguingly titled event - my first WIBF event.
The session was presented by Naomi Ludlam from Interact, a company which uses theatre skills to deliver creative business
development solutions. Naomi introduced us to a technique called 'Stream of Consciousness' which involves writing – without
restraint - about whatever thoughts enter your head. After years working on structured reports, this concept of expressive