Invest In You News

After enjoying a reception of wine and canapés, guests were invited into the Wellesley Room at The Merrion where MC Ciara Doherty introduced the panel for the evening: Michelle O’Keefe, Head of Wealth Advisory at Goodbody, Catriona Coady, Head of Tax at Goodbody, and Marguerite Larkin, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at Kerry Group.

Michelle introduced the concept behind “Make Every Decade Count” which encourages ten-year thinking for every financial chapter. Decade thinking is a simple but powerful mindset shift: looking ahead in ten-year chapters creates space for growth, change and meaningful progress. For women, whose lives often evolve through shifting priorities – career acceleration, caregiving, relationship changes, renewed ambitions – this mindset can be transformative. It builds confidence, security and freedom at every age.

Speaking to guests, Michelle said decade thinking gives you time to plan and advised that, “at some point in every decade, take a step back and take stock.” Thinking in ten-year time frames means that you can have years that don’t work out, but still achieve your goal. “It takes you from intimidated to empowered.”

Catriona discussed how life events can impact tax and inheritance decisions, and why planning in decades can help to anticipate how some of these chapters can be planned for. “There are natural trigger points in life where you look for advice on tax affairs and there are natural opportunities at those moments to make a plan for that decade. With tax, the earlier you plan the better.”

She explained how many women will be faced with unexpected situations at certain points in their lives – whether that’s illness, unexpected death or separation – which can force conversations around life cover and guardianship. “It might be about tax at that time, but it might also be about resilience.”

Marguerite Larkin discussed her own personal journey with financial planning and advised the audience on the importance of being agile. Marguerite was appointed a partner at 30, and maintains that mentorship was key to her career and development. “I had an early piece of advice from a mentor who said that ‘you have to take control of your own career’. Sometimes, it’s easier to do that based on the decade you’re in.”

She continued; “Life isn’t linear, you have to know what’s important and flex the pace. I’ve learned that there’s no one avenue or path. At different times, you have different priorities.” It’s about knowing how to react and how to move forward.

After questions for the panel from the highly engaged audience, Ciara introduced guest speaker, fashion stylist Aoife Dunican (@thestylebob), who shared insights and fashion tips on dressing for the decades. Her least favourite request from clients? Building a capsule wardrobe! Aoife prefers to think in uniforms – and never underestimate the power of accessories. Find what works for you, your body shape and lifestyle, then tweak as necessary as you progress in your life and career. Fashion differs greatly in every decade as our mindset, bodies and finances are very different. Her final words of advice were: “Ask yourself, who are you now? And stop dressing for the old you because the next you is fabulous too.”

Click into the gallery to see some of those in attendance:

Photographer: Conor Healy

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