The session gathered more than 300 professionals from across the financial services and technology sectors. The event was sponsored by NatWest and featured senior leaders from some of the UK’s top financial institutions.

EmpowHer is Synechron’s global initiative, led by its Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG), designed to empower and elevate women in technology and financial services while encouraging allyship across all genders. The programme has been held in multiple regions worldwide and has now made its Scottish debut.

Themed ‘If Not You, Who?’, the Edinburgh session encouraged attendees to reflect on self-belief, leadership, and the courage to take action.

The panel featured:

• Karen Dewar, NatWest
• Deborah Walker, Barclays
• Lindsey Bateman, M&G

The discussion was chaired by Christine Olmsted, Managing Director at Synechron. Panelists shared personal experiences of overcoming self-doubt, navigating male-dominated environments, and championing gender equity within their organisations.

The conversation was shaped around thought-provoking questions, including:

• How has self-doubt impacted your career, and how did you overcome it?
• Have you ever had an unexpected sponsor champion your career behind the scenes?
• How does the question ‘If not you, who?’ influence the way you lead and inspire others?
• What role can leaders, regardless of gender, play in advocating for women in the workplace?
• How do you see self-belief evolving for women in leadership in the years ahead?

Attendees represented organisations such as SFE GEN network, Women in Banking and Finance, Future Asset, Fintech Scotland, and Scottish Women in Technology. Networking before and after the panel allowed participants to share experiences and build new connections.