On 15th September, Treasury Today Group’s EMEA community came together at the iconic St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London for the annual Women in Treasury & Finance Forum.
Ahead of the main event, Treasury Today Group hosted an interactive Leadership Workshop on the topic ‘Own your power – take up space’, including a fireside chat with two expert speakers from Standard Chartered.
The importance of equity
During the fireside chat, Sophie Jackson, CEO at Treasury Today Group, spoke to two illustrious speakers from Standard Chartered: Marion Reuter, Head of Transaction Banking UK & Europe and Head of Transaction Banking Corporate Sales UK & Europe, and Alison Higgins, Head of Markets, UK & Europe and Head of Prime Services.
Marion and Alison each spoke about their backgrounds and shared their views on a range of pertinent topics. Marion discussed the importance of equity and shared some words of advice for the female leaders in attendance. Alison delved into the concept of silent resistance, and how this can hold women back from achieving equity, as well as discussing the lessons she’s learned on career advancement.
During the conversation, Sophie also spoke about Treasury Today’s Global Equity Study 2025, proudly sponsored by Standard Chartered. This year’s findings had just been published, with attendees in the room amongst the first to receive a physical copy. Building upon years of previous research, the study explores a range of pressing topics, including flexibility in the workplace, mentoring and sponsorship, and age and the menopause. Marion and Alison shared their views on this year’s standout findings.
Owning your power
Hot on the heels of the fireside chat was an insightful workshop with Madeline McQueen – Executive Coach, Speaker and Founder of Magnificently You Ltd. Madeline spoke passionately about the importance of owning power and taking up space, citing the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
She encouraged attendees to consider what power meant to them and which situations made them feel most powerful. She also outlined some of the key “power moves” that women should consider adopting to progress their careers, such as building powerful networks, negotiating without apology, and setting and holding boundaries.
Turning to the topic of self-permission, Madeline explained that this is essential for personal and professional growth and encompasses “living life on your own terms”. She explained how participants can work to banish limiting beliefs, and give themselves permission to stretch, innovate, speak up and be courageous – as well as permission to fail.
Personal value
Madeline also discussed the concept of personal value, challenging attendees to ask what they consider to be their value, and their basis for measuring this. “What are your beliefs and principles that define who you are?” she asked. “And what do you believe you are worthy of?”
She argued that articulating value is crucial for personal success: it can play a key role in helping women promote their personal brands, steer their careers and determine what their remuneration should be.
To help attendees articulate their own value more effectively, she encouraged them to map their achievements and gain confidence based on evidence. According to Madeline, this exercise should include detailing the individual’s strengths, attributes and skills, as well as awards, certificates and qualifications. Likewise, women should be confident speaking about their experience, accomplishments and natural talents, she argued.
In closing, Madeline encouraged participants to write down one insight or action that they were committed to adopting as a result of the session.
To learn more about Madeline’s work supporting leaders on their growth journeys, for coaching and speaking assignments and for the self-directed Magnificently You programme, please head to www.myplace.madelinemcqueen.com
If you would like to get involved in our next Leadership Workshop or one of our other events near you, take a look at our 2025-2026 event calendar.
