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 What a fantastic evening! We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who contributed towards the "Successful Career Networking for Women in Technology" event that we co-hosted with Merrill Lynch on Thursday 28th February 2008. The evening was a great success and I think all of the participants had a great night.
We started off with a welcome from Maggie Berry, womenintechnology's Director followed by a welcome from Merrill Lynch by Jane Phillips, Global Head of Service Assurance. Jane shared some of her personal experiences of networking as well as her own top do's and don't and welcomed the audience to Merrill Lynch.
Our first presenter was Preethi Nair, author and public speaker who told the fascinating story of how she gave up work as a management consultant to follow her dream to write her first book, Gypsy Masala. During an enthralling 30 minutes, Preethi explained how, having been rejected by a number of publishers, she set up her own publishing company and PR agency to publish and promote the book. She gained substantial coverage and subsequently signed a three-book deal with HarperCollins - her experiences showed clearly how networking was and is integral part of her success. She has won the Asian Woman of Achievement award and was also short listed as Publicist of the Year. Her latest book, The Colour of Love, has just been released with a reissue of Gypsy Masala and she has also set up a new business, Kiss the Frog. Preethi's website is www.preethinair.com
Our second presenter was Steven D'Souza, Vice President, Leadership and Talent Management at Merrill Lynch. He speaks at conferences and events throughout the world on subjects as wide as diversity, networking and organisational effectiveness and shared some practical networking tips with the audience. Steven then led an interactive 'speed networking session' which saw everyone talking to people they didn't know about different topics in two minute bursts - a few people complained that the two minutes weren't long enough!! Steven is the author of “Brilliant Networking” as well as the best-selling book “Made in Britain” which was sponsored for schools throughout the UK to inspire positive role models. If you would like to contact Steven directly or start to receive his free newsletter, please go to www.brilliantnetworking.net
So the evening ended amongst a buzz of networking which was super for an evening focussing on how networking can help you achieve career success!
Thank you's go to Jane Phillips, Preethi Nair and Steven D'Souza for presenting and a big thank you once again goes to Merrill Lynch for sponsoring this, our third networking event with them. Merrill Lynch are long term sponsors of womenintechnology.co.uk and if you would like to find out more about them you can contact Kelly Davidson - kelly_davidson@ml.com | 