The WIBF Future Leaders Shadow Board reflect

Volunteering on the Future Leaders Shadow Board (FLSB) at WIBF offers emerging leaders the opportunity to drive positive change while developing their own skills and networks. From launching impactful programmes to championing thought leadership, our FLSB volunteers have made a tangible difference in advancing gender equity in financial services.

In their own words, they share the highlights of their journey: what they’ve achieved, what they’ve learned, and how volunteering has empowered them personally and professionally.

Here are their stories:

Imogen Gammidge

Since joining the FLSB as Mentoring Lead in Feb-25, my proudest achievement has been launching the Future Me Student Mentoring Programme, designed to connect current students with future leaders to offer guidance, support, and a real-world view of the financial services industry.

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is how a shadow board operates in practice. I hadn’t encountered this framework before, and it’s been fantastic to see how it mirrors and supports the management board to deliver their strategic priorities and empower emerging leaders.

Volunteering has given me a huge sense of personal purpose and fulfilment. It’s been incredibly motivating to see the interest in the student mentoring programme, from the number of applications to the positive engagement from participants. Professionally, it’s allowed me to develop leadership and stakeholder management skills, while personally, it’s reinforced how meaningful it is to do work that positively impacts others.

For me, volunteering is about dedicating time and energy into causes that align with your values beyond your day job. For instance, it’s important to me to work in a more equitable financial services industry, and so volunteering with WIBF has given me a meaningful way to contribute to that goal.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of the FLSB and I’m excited to see the growth and impact of the student mentoring programme. It’s been inspiring to work alongside such driven and like-minded individuals all striving to create positive change in the industry.

Lucy Ellis-Keeler

As Co-Chair of the Future Leaders Shadow Board (FLSB), my proudest achievement has been witnessing the personal and professional growth of our members. We’ve gone beyond strategic input to actively share our learnings with other organisations, helping them launch similar initiatives and build stronger talent pipelines. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work positively impact both individuals and the wider financial services industry.

Volunteering on the FLSB has been a transformational leadership experience. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of governance, stakeholder engagement, and the importance of inclusive leadership. I’ve also gained insight into how future talent can play a critical role in shaping strategic decisions and accelerating change within the sector.

Professionally, volunteering has strengthened my leadership, communication, and public speaking skills. Personally, it’s been empowering to collaborate with an inspiring network of peers and senior leaders who are passionate about driving meaningful change. Through this work, I’ve been honoured to be recognised by the WeAreTheCity Rising Star Awards and the Brummell Rising Stars of Finance list—affirming the impact that volunteering can have not only on career development but on the broader industry. These accolades reflect the collective efforts of the FLSB and the powerful change we are striving to create.

Volunteering with WIBF is deeply personal—it’s about driving progress in an industry I care about. I started volunteering to help break down barriers to gender equity and to ensure that women have real influence and access to decision-makers. For me, volunteering means using your voice and platform to create opportunities for others and leave a positive legacy.

The FLSB has proven that when you give emerging leaders a seat at the table, incredible things happen—not just for those individuals, but for the industry as a whole. It’s an honour to contribute to a future that is more inclusive, dynamic, and representative of the talent we have.

Chloe Canham

I started volunteering with WIBF as I wanted to be part of something that is trying to make a difference. Working for big corporates sometimes means you can’t bring your passions to life – WIBF allowed me to. During my time volunteering with WIBF I am most proud of own educational journey and the network I have created

The greatest benefit’s being a WIBF volunteer has given me  is that it’s given me new skill sets, a new confidence to talk to more people and network more which in turn has helped me be more confident at work. I feel more empowered than I did before.

Becky Breen

I started volunteering with WIBF as I am passionate about supporting women in the financial services and banking industry; seeing the benefits of external views as well as internal events made me want to help to make a difference.

Taking the Shadow Board Toolkit from an idea to a tangible piece of work that we are now at the stage we are looking to launch a pilot with corporate partners to test usability and further improve ahead of launch; I am really passionate about sharing the benefits of the initiative across the industry and influencing the experiences of future women in the finance and banking industry!

Working with like minded women across the industry has added a new breadth to my development; my “day job” is in a very different environment as so it was definitely a learning curve to navigate. Also even just the logistics of volunteering with an external organisation; I have done a lot internally but externally brush new challenges with different diaries, communication platforms and work patterns.

Volunteering with WIBF has given me the confidence to see myself as a future leader, I am that stereotypical female who always gets imposter syndrome and doesn’t classify myself as a “leader” but then when I reflect and through the experiences I have had with the FLSB it’s really made me sit back and appreciate just how capable I am and put myself forward for opportunities I wouldn’t have done 12 months ago.

Felicity Towler

Lauren Cassells

I’m most proud of the development of broad structure, and the impact and effectiveness of the roles and its overall operation.

It has been so motivating when you ‘find your tribe’! The FLSB is a group of passionate, committed women who are driven to do the right thing.

I have really tested my leadership skills, and hugely strengthened my self confidence. The FLSB is a totally new dynamic to manage than to that of a day to day workplace, but really stepping out of my comfort zone whilst giving our brilliant members the space to se their own strategic goals has shown amazing results.

Volunteering to me allows me to pursue my passions and learn about myself whilst doing so.

Victoria White

As secretary of the Future Leaders Shadow Board, I am responsible for coordinating and tracking activity across the board as well as driving strategic initiatives. I have loved collaborating across the board including collaborating with the Governance Lead & Volunteers to create resources demonstrating the benefits of shadow boards, share insights we have gained through the FLSB and support organisations in pursuing similar initiatives. Getting Volunteer of the Month in March was probably a highlight!

The FLSB is an amazing opportunity to connect and learn from others at a similar career stage. It is incredibly motivating to work alongside such inspiring individuals and get different perspectives across a more diverse network. Through joining the FLSB, I have been able to get involved with other initiatives at WIBF allowing me to learn, grow in confidence and lead across different environments.

To me, volunteering is all about giving up a little bit of time to give back and support initiatives that you are passionate about. I love connecting with others and making a difference, giving up a little bit of time can have a massive impact.