Women in Banking & Finance will be hosting WIBF LIVE at Riddel Hall, Queens University on Tuesday 10th November. The event will gather up to 300 leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs and future talent for a day exploring careers, leadership and innovation across financial and professional services.
As artificial intelligence and digital transformation reshape the industry, the conference will examine the skills people need, the new routes opening into technology and how employers can widen access to the opportunities being created.
The programme is built around three themes:
LIFT Supporting future talent, widening access and creating opportunity.
LEAD Exploring leadership, influence and how women can navigate today’s workplace with confidence and authenticity.
LEVEL UP Helping professionals develop their careers, embrace innovation, grow businesses and prepare for what comes next.
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One of the day’s featured discussions, Breaking into Tech & Driving Digital Transformation: Pathways, Skills & Career Acceleration, will demystify routes into technology and explore how people can prepare for increasingly AI-driven financial services.
Carla McGlynn, Managing Director and Global Head of Markets Business Controls Technology at Citi, will join technology leaders from Synechron and Progressive Building Society to discuss:
· Non-traditional routes into technology, including apprenticeships, NVQs and reskilling
· Opportunities for early-career talent and career switchers
· The skills required within AI-enabled financial services
· Bridging the STEM skills gap
· Building technical confidence
· Accelerating a career in technology and FinTech
· How employers can expand access to digital careers
Across the wider programme, speakers will also examine the future of AI, women in technology, mentoring and reverse mentoring, career progression, inclusive leadership, entrepreneurship, scaling businesses and C-suite development.
Headline speaker Aimee Connolly is the Founder and CEO of Sculpted by Aimee, one of Ireland’s most successful beauty brands. Having launched the business at the age of 23, Aimee will share insights from her journey from makeup artist to award-winning entrepreneur, including the confidence, resilience and leadership required to build an international business.
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Broadcaster and confidence coach Claire McCollum will also be attending this years event and will be speaking on a panel about the power of mentorship. With more than 25 years of experience across the BBC, UTV and radio, Claire brings warmth, insight and considerable live-event experience to the stage.
WIBF LIVE Northern Ireland is designed for:
· Technology and transformation professionals
· Senior leaders and executives
· Early and mid-career professionals
· Career switchers
· Entrepreneurs and founders
· Students and graduates
· Male allies
· Industry partners
The main conference will run from 9.00am–5.00pm, followed by a networking reception with drinks and light refreshments until 7.00pm. Lunch and refreshments are included in the ticket price.
To explore how technology is changing careers and organisations, meet people shaping the industry and build connections across Northern Ireland’s financial, professional and technology communities.
Click here to find out more and book tickets

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