Brewin Dolphin generously hosted Women in Banking & Finance, in conjunction with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI), for an evening with Tess Allen. Tess firstly outlined the importance of emotional intelligence, using the three circles of energy and presence theory to explain the impact that an individual’s energy can have on communicating and connecting with others. Then, ably-assisted by actors ‘Jo’ and ‘Alex’, Tess drew on her background in coaching, education and the theatre, to illustrate the impact of emotional intelligence on a challenging work situation, using a unique blend of role-play, audience participation and improvisation. The need to be present in the moment, the ability to tolerate uncertainty, and the strength to simply ‘press pause’ on a situation, giving time for more considered thought, were key takeaways from an engaging and educational session