WIBF South West & South Wales launches in Cardiff

The team started by planning a small event of 70 people, but due to being fully booked within 3 days we changed venues and we were delighted that 140 women (and a few male allies) came along!

We knew there was a need for a WIBF presence in South Wales, but we were thrilled at the huge turnout and the ball of positive energy in the room. Huge thanks to Admiral who arranged a change in venue to accommodate the interest and helped organise such a fantastic event.

We had a panel of speakers moderated by Gemma Bowen, HR Director at Principality and included Abi Evans, Associate at TLT Solicitors, Gareth Thomas, CPO at Hodge Bank, Milena Mondini de Focatiis, CEO at Admiral, Mollie Brodie, Risk Assurance Manager at Development Bank of Wales and Sarah Williams-Gardener, CEO at Fintech Wales who all shared their experiences. Thank you to all of you!

We heard some insightful and shocking statistics from not only women’s pensions, but their overall financial footprint. As well as the meaningful discussion on the investment gap an important part of the event was networking and making new connections. That IS the beauty of WIBF…hearing from others, offering and receiving support and re-connecting with those you haven’t spoken to for a while…all for mutual benefit. The buzz in the room was palpable.

Our male ally on the panel was kind enough to share his feelings with our South West & South Wales chair, Anita Kimber…

‘I loved it, Anita. It was an incredible panel to listen to and I sometimes forgot I was there to contribute too!! The best learning for me though was about how it felt being in a very obvious minority. I took a lot of time to pay attention to what my body was doing (heart rate, body language etc) and it’s quite tiring!!! I’m even more fired up now to create workplaces where masks are actively discouraged in favour of just being yourself. A powerful lesson.’

We really feel as if we have tapped into something really significant across the South West and South Wales) region and now with a complete team of volunteers, we are excited to start planning more events and initiatives in the region.

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To find out more on how your company can support WIBF, contact Nicky King

To find out more abut the WIBF South West & South Wales branch, contact Anita Kimber.