100 Women in Finance (100WF), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening women’s presence in finance at all career stages, held a panel discussion and networking event for its members on June 19 in Dublin, hosting leaders in finance and sports personalities.
Professionals from the Irish financial services sector attended the event at Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH) office in Dublin, to hear insights from successful international sports stars who have transitioned from sports to careers in finance.
The event commenced with a welcome from BBH Principal Eoin Fitzgerald, in the beautiful outdoor garden of the BBH premises for a networking reception, where 100WF members and BBH professionals mingled over cocktails. Eoin emphasised BBH’s dedication to supporting the 100WF mission of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the finance industry.
Anne Keys, 100WF Dublin committee member and Managing Partner at The Panel, welcomed attendees with a keynote that underscored 100WF’s commitment to advancing women in finance. She emphasised the organisation’s dedication to providing valuable programming and networking opportunities that benefit women at all stages of their careers. Vanora Madigan, Co- Chair of 100WF’s Dublin committee and Global Head of Waystone, provided the closing remarks.
The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion between special guests Maria Kinsella, former inter-country GAA player, and Rachel Murphy, former England international rugby player, led by BBH Partner, Seán Páircéir. Maria and Rachel shared their journeys from the sports field to the finance sector, emphasising the transferable skills and leadership qualities they have harnessed in their new careers. Maria Kinsella is currently Senior Manager in the Asset and Wealth Management team at PwC Ireland, while Rachel Murphy serves as the Head of Operational Risk at Mediolanum Irish Operations.
The evening’s program highlighted the parallels the speakers found between their careers in sports and finance, particularly emphasising the importance of perseverance, goal-setting, and continuous learning. Attendees had the opportunity to explore these themes further during a networking reception and barbecue, fostering connections and sharing experiences with peers from the finance industry.
Several attendees expressed that it was incredibly inspiring to hear Maria and Rachel articulate how the tenacity and drive they developed in sports transferred to their roles in financial services. Their stories underscored the value of resilience and adaptability – qualities that are vital for success in any profession. The event served as a powerful reminder that professional development is a lifelong journey, enriched by diverse experiences and backgrounds.
100 Women in Finance is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the finance industry. Established in 2001, it focuses on advancing the careers of women at all stages through education, professional development, and networking opportunities. With a registered membership of over 30,000 professionals, men and women, and supported by industry firms as corporate sponsors and more than 600 volunteers, the organization’s mission is to strengthen the global finance sector by promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly by increasing the representation of women at all career levels. Vision 30/40, the organization’s guiding principle, aims for women to hold 30% of senior investment and executive committee roles by 2040. To learn more, visit 100women.org.