Women in European Business

Deutsche Bank hosted over 2,000 delegates representing a wide range of City firms at its eighth annual Women in European Business (WEB) London conference at the Barbican Centre on 12 May 2009.

The theme of the conference, "The Art of Possibility" was borrowed from the book by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic. As closing speaker at the conference, Benjamin Zander used the theme as a springboard to discuss the imperative of leadership to overcome negativity, what he termed the "downward spiral", and embrace a positive outlook, as he described it, "the world of radiating possibility." He spoke about how, in his role as conductor and teacher, he tries to awaken in his musicians and students a sense of possibility and self-belief.

Josef Ackermann, Deutsche Bank's Chairman of the Management Board and Group Executive Committee, opened the conference with a welcome address in which he talked about the need for senior management to invest in creating more diverse teams that are, in turn, smarter teams and essential for delivering exceptional value for clients in an environment that is more competitive than ever.

Delegates then heard from keynote speaker Caroline Hamilton, polar explorer and founder of Icebreaker Management. Caroline talked about the importance of self-belief in being an explorer, and how her adventures revealed previously unknown levels of stamina, determination and mental strength. She also discussed how as a business leader, encouraging a culture where employees feel valued leads to satisfied employees and enhances a company's reputation.

Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark returned to moderate a panel of speakers, including Liam Kane, Chief Executive, East London Business Alliance; Preethi Nair, entrepreneurial author, speaker and corporate storyteller; Marilyn Spearing, Global Head of Trade Finance and Cash Management Corporates, Deutsche Bank; and David Tyler, Chairman, Logica plc.

Eileen Taylor, Global Head of Diversity at Deutsche Bank and member of the WEB London committee, said: "The overwhelming response of attendees to this year's WEB London conference demonstrates the importance of such events, particularly at a time of economic downturn and market uncertainty. We believe this inflection in the market creates an unprecedented window of opportunity to invest in and advance female talent, pushing the boundaries of what women are able to achieve in their careers."