​We’re moving forward but are we heading in the right direction?

​Tuesday 20 October 2026 | Mayfair, London

​The programme is progressing, but does the direction of travel still make sense?

​Technology has moved on before you finish the rollout. Automation is reducing work, but also changing how junior colleagues learn and where experienced judgement is used. And once budgets, targets and reputations are attached to a plan, questioning it becomes harder.

​For leaders in financial services, these pressures create difficult calls:

• ​Are we delivering a plan that no longer fits the problem?

• ​What capabilities might we lose while improving efficiency?

• ​How do we challenge the direction when the organisation is committed to it?

​Join 8-10 senior financial services leaders for a private breakfast to explore how to recognise when a change of direction is needed, and how to act on it.

​Who this is for

​Leaders currently working within banks, insurers, investment firms, fintechs and payments businesses, with responsibility for strategy, transformation, technology, operations, risk, product or business performance.

​This will be particularly relevant if you are:

• ​Leading a programme while technology, customer expectations or business priorities keep changing.

• ​Making automation decisions that affect skills, judgement and the development of future leaders.

• ​Seeing concerns that are difficult to raise through formal reporting.

• ​Deciding whether to stay the course, adapt the plan or challenge the next investment.

​What we’ll discuss

​When the world moves faster than the plan
How do you recognise when the original assumptions no longer hold, and respond without constantly restarting?

​What efficiency might cost us
How do you assess the effect of automation on experience, judgement and the pipeline of future leaders?

​When changing course is politically difficult
How do you raise concerns when targets, sponsorship and internal commitments favour carrying on?

​The discussion will draw on participants’ experience. Bring one live decision or challenge to mind.

​What you’ll get out of it

• ​A fresh view of a live challenge, informed by peers outside your organisation.

• ​Sharper questions to test whether your current direction still makes sense.

• ​Practical perspectives on challenging a plan while maintaining support for action.

• ​One next step to take back to your team, whether that means testing an assumption, seeking a missing perspective or revisiting a commitment.

​Who you’ll be joining

​Previous breakfasts have included leaders from organisations including JPMorgan Chase, Barclays, HSBC, Citi, NatWest, Société Générale, Hiscox, Beazley and Aspen Insurance.

​Feedback from earlier sessions has emphasised the value of a small group format, lots of first-hand examples and enough space for everyone to contribute.

​We curate each table around current responsibilities and relevant experience, with places prioritised for leaders making these decisions within financial services organisations.

​The format

​A small, candid conversation over breakfast.

​Hosted by Polar Insight under the Chatham House Rule, the session is independent, unsponsored and facilitated to give everyone space to contribute.

​Speak from experience, ask questions and be present in the room. No presentation or preparation is required, and you do not need to share confidential information.

​Returning or joining for the first time?
Previous sessions have explored stalled progress, decisions under scrutiny and leadership blind spots. October asks what those signals mean for the direction ahead. Each breakfast stands on its own, however, so you do not need to have attended before.

​Request to join

​Attendance is complimentary and subject to approval.

​Please tell us your current role, organisation and one challenge you would value discussing with peers. This helps us bring together a relevant mix of people around the table.