The Journey to IMpower Incorporating FundForum

Just over a month ago, I represented Simplify Consulting as a speaker at the IMpower Incorporating FundForum conference in Monaco. This flagship event in the Wealth and Asset Management industry brings together more than 1400 industry experts to explore current insights across topics such as sustainability, private markets, digital wealth, and global trends.

I was invited to attend FundForum following my earlier success as a speaker at an event hosted by Women in Asset Servicing (WiAS). This annual event, aptly named ‘Finding Your Voice,’ is designed to champion women. It provides public speaking coaching and the opportunity to present to an expert community rallied by WiAS.

The key themes of my experience at the conference as a Junior Consultant are distilled below.

Building a Strong Network

The support of a strong network is crucial. The members of WiAS were instrumental in helping me prepare for the conference, specifically the ‘Finding Your Voice’ session. Following the coaching, we could refine our public speaking skills with immediate feedback from expert presenters. It is evident how important it is to attend these events, as they serve as a catalyst for networking and opportunities for future events.

Embracing the Learning Curve

FundForum is sought out by industry experts and understandably attracts significant media attention. Every discussion and panel presentation provided an opportunity to learn about current and future trends in the financial services industry. As a Junior Consultant, seeking opportunities to meet role models is essential. Most importantly, the conference demonstrated the importance of being an active participant rather than a passive attendee. The follow-up discussions that arose from my appearance as a panel speaker serve as an excellent example. Following their example, I approached other speakers and demonstrated similar curiosity to establish connections.

To summarise, attending the IMpower Incorporating FundForum conference not only allowed me to engage with the complexities of our field but also served as a springboard for my professional development. When presented with an opportunity, be it large or small, approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn, as the opportunity for growth is exponential.

Thank you to the WiAS community, my fellow panellists, and the incredible team at Simplify Consulting.