DCU's 'Let's Lead' Women in Leaderhip Programme: Scholarship Winner - Julianne McGuigan
In 2025, DCU offered the PWN Dublin membership to enter a prize draw to win a scholarship on their Let’s Lead, Leadership Development Programme for Women. Julianne McGuigan, Senior Vice President at Citi was the lucky winner, so we took a moment to interview her and ask about her experience of the Programme.
Meet Julianne
Julianne McGuigan, DCU Scholarship WinnerMy name is Julianne McGuigan. I am a mum of two young children, a nine-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy. I have a BA from the University of Limerick, and in 2014, I was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in Ireland. I am currently Senior Vice President at Citi where I serve as part of the Global Anti-Bribery and Corruption Compliance Programme team. I enjoy reading, yoga, and travelling.
In 2025, thanks to my PWN Dublin membership, I won a scholarship and completed DCU’s 2025 Let’s Lead Programme. This Programme was fantastic, and I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to PWN Dublin Co-President, Fiona Flynn, and the DCU course leaders Melrona Kirrane and Andrea Dermody, for making this opportunity possible. I would also like to thank Citi, and especially my manager, Umme Hena for the support shown in enabling me to complete the Programme.
PWN Dublin: What inspired you to join PWN Dublin?
Julianne: In 2023, I saw an advertisement for a Group Mentoring Programme with PWN Dublin, in my internal company newsletter at Citi. I applied, and my application was successful.
PWN Dublin: Congratulations on winning the PWN Dublin Scholarship with DCU's Let's Lead - what encouraged you to apply?
Julianne: I really enjoyed the PWN Group Mentoring Programme, so when I saw the announcement for the prize-draw for the Let’s Lead Programme on the PWN Newsletter, I applied. I am a Senior Compliance Officer at Citi, and before stepping into a leadership role, I wanted to hone my skills further and feel ready to take on the challenge. I saw the Let’s Lead Programme as a means to acquire the requisite tools and skills that would help me on my journey.
PWN Dublin: Could you tell us about your experience of the Let's Lead Programme? What were the key "learnings" for you?
Julianne: I had an absolutely fantastic experience of the Let’s Lead Programme, and I felt really privileged and grateful to be offered the opportunity to participate. From beginning to end, Andrea and Melrona, the Programme Leaders were amazing, they really created a safe space for reflection and open discussions. The participants were also fabulous, I really hope we stay in touch. I had a wonderful career coach, Annie, who I hope to continue with going forward.
Not only did the Programme provide me with practical tools in relation to building resilience, self-efficacy, strategic thinking etc. I also learnt so much about myself in terms of understanding my personal values and how I can align these values to my leadership style. The Programme gave me valuable insights and prompted meaningful reflections on the type of leader I aspire to be, my long-term career goals, and the strengths I have which can be further developed. It was a great holistic leadership learning programme that I found to be highly beneficial.
PWN Dublin: Have you been able to apply what you have learned from the programme into your role at Citi?
Julianne: Yes, in so many ways. Even though it is still only early days, my understanding of the importance of networking is one example. I signed up for some networking events outside of work and have joined the Citi Women’s Network. I realise that networking is key to being a successful leader, and I am looking forward to broadening my outlook at different events, and meeting new people.
PWN Dublin: What advice would you give to a potential applicant for DCU's Let's Lead Programme
Julianne: Go for it! the course is short and well organised (shout out to Karena Flynn for seamless course management), and you will have an opportunity to engage with aspiring leaders from a diverse range of backgrounds.
PWN Dublin: What sort of leader do you aspire to be?
Julianne: When the time is right, I would like to lead with courage, kindness, trust and authenticity.
PWN Global: Can you describe your ideal leadership role for us?
Julianne: I would like to be in a role where I can lead by example and help others feel seen and supported - that said, I'm excited to see what roles cross my path - watch this space!
PWN Global: Congratulations, Julianne, for having immersed yourself in such a great learning experience. We can't wait to see where you go from here.
To find out more about the DCU Let's Lead Programme, visit their site.
For your chance to be involved in any PWN Dublin membership prize-draws, offers, events, and/or programmes, make sure your PWN membership is up to date by visiting your membership workspace.
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Published: June 2025
Writer: Julianne McGuigan, Citi, and Fionnghuala O'Neill, VP Comms, PWN Dublin
Editor: Rebecca Fountain, Ops and Admin, PWN Dublin