Former Wales international rugby player Richard Parks was guest speaker at the event, held on 2 November 2017 at Cardiff Castle
Richard, who now spends his life taking on expeditions and challenges that push the boundaries of human performance, shared his experiences of performing through a transition, managing change and overcoming adversity, and how he dealt with retirement and negative events. The focus throughout was on emotionally intelligent leadership and performance.
Over 60 guests at the event contributed £435, excluding gift aid, in aid of Alzheimer's Society Cymru, the UK's leading dementia charity, which is working tirelessly to find new treatments and, ultimately, a cure for dementia.
CISI Wales branch president Meirion Davies, Chartered FCSI said: "It was once again a great night that was enjoyed by all, in the fantastic setting of the Cardiff Castle’s Banqueting Room. We were fortunate to have the Lord Mayor of the City of Cardiff, Cllr Bob Derbyshire, and Lady Mayoress, Caroline Derbyshire, in attendance. Our speaker Richard Parks was captivating in recounting his challenge of conquering seven summits and three poles in seven months."
Some of the other top table guests were: Paul Wiggins, president, Insurance Institute of Cardiff; Colin Warner, CISI global director of finance; Stephen Hicks, Wales agent, Bank of England; the Honourable Adam Bruce, chair, Wales branch, STEP; Chris Morris ACSI, CISI deputy head of financial planning; James Slatter, deputy chair, South Wales ACCA; Chris Stokes, community fundraiser for South West Wales, Alzheimer's Society Cymru.
The lead sponsor of the event was First Trust Global Portfolios, with the secondary sponsors being AXA Investment Managers, Brooks Macdonald, and GAM & Henderson, without whom it would not have been possible. If you would like to support future dinners, please contact nikki.macmillan@cisi.org.