Exploring the progression of female leaders
Four female senior executives visited Cass as part of our Global Women’s Leadership Programme event series
The Cass Global Women's Leadership Programme welcomed four extraordinary female leaders to Cass Business School on Monday 26th November for a wide-ranging conversation exploring the importance of networks, the power of confidence and the data behind some of the issues experienced by women in the workplace.
The event was organised and moderated by Kylie Poole, Cass Coca-Cola Executive MBA Global Women’s Leadership Scholar.
The panel included:
- Cass alumna Jane Lesslie (MSc 2011), VP and Senior Portfolio Manager, Global Fixed Income and Currencies, Emerging Markets at RBC;
- Suzanne Gaynor, VP and Senior Portfolio Manager, Global Fixed, Income and Currencies, RBC;
- Dagmara Fijalkowski, Head VP and Senior Portfolio Manager, Global Fixed, Income and Currencies, RBC;
- Wendy Smith, Managing Director, Head of Diversity and Inclusion Office, Scotiabank GBM.
Learning new skills and stepping out of your comfort zone
Kylie said moderating the panel was the perfect chance to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills whilst bringing attention to a topic that she is passionate about – tackling gender inequality in the workplace.
“It was an amazing opportunity to practise the type of public speaking I wanted to develop. I received excellent support from women on the programme as I was preparing for the event who gave me tips on how to chair a panel and prepare questions for discussion.”
She also thanked the women on the panel and said how inspiring it was to work with them on this event and hear more about their careers.
“The panel were extremely inspiring - calm, warm and articulate. They gave everyone there the sense that they were worthy, and should back themselves.”
Dr Canan Kocabasoglu Hillmer, Director, Cass Global Women’s Leadership Programme, said she hoped the event it would encourage other Cass women to get involved in the Programme.
“We were pleased to welcome these four women who are at the top of their game to Cass – it was an excellent opportunity for our students to learn from their experience. I am delighted that so many alumnae could join us as well, bringing past and present students together. I’d also like to thank Kylie for organising this event – she did a great job.”