100 Women in Finance NextGen Cayman hosted its second annual NextGen Inspire, the popular annual career summit,on Thursday, October 19 at The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort.

Harvard Business Review author Maggie Craddock gave the keynote address at the event. Craddock is the author of two books: Power Genes: Understanding Your Power Persona and How to Wield it at Work and The Authentic Career: Following the Path of Self-Discovery to Professional Fulfilment.

POWER AND PRESENCE

The theme for this year’s Inspire event was ‘Power and Presence’. The dynamic half-day conference included a panel discussion entitled ‘The Science of Confidence’, a breakout workshop with CML/Nova Recruitment and a keynote address from Craddock, which got attendees thinking about “their own unique power styles”.

NextGen Cayman co-chairs Catherine Houts and Searlina Bodden collaborated with other NextGen Cayman members to design the summit’s programming and source community partners to present the content.

“In the last year, NextGen Cayman has hosted over 20 successful education and networking events,” stated Co-Chair Cathy Houts in her opening remarks. “One of the overriding themes in our discussions with members is confidence and how to convey a sense of power in business, especially when you are under pressure.”

Bodden said, “We looked at several scenarios facing the NextGen demographic — including salary negotiations, performance reviews and presentation planning — and then designed a day of immersive learning addressing the development of confidence in those situations.”

Attendees were greeted with a networking lunch at Anchor & Den to get them energised for the afternoon’s first session. ‘The Science of Confidence’ was moderated by Roxanne Lorimer of KPMG and featured lively dialogue between panellists Novia McDonald-Whyte of the Jamaica Observer, Simon Raftopoulous of Appleby, Audrey Rankin of Maples, and visiting guest Aileen Doherty of 100 Women in Finance New York. Following, CML/Nova wowed attendees with several fireside chats hosted by well-known senior leaders and a real-time leadership poll in their segment ‘Burn the Floor’. The day closed with rousing applause for Maggie Craddock’s informative and thought-provoking keynote address.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

The Cayman Islands Ministry of Education has endorsed NextGen Inspire, carrying forth a strategic partnership already in existence with NextGen Cayman on the mentoring programme ‘GirlForce 100’.

“The Ministry of Education is proud to support events such as these which empower our young professionals in the pursuit of higher learning and increased competency in the workplace,” stated Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, minister of education, youth, sports, agriculture and lands.