Wrapped
Event in english
Forge Connect
Amsterdam
Our first Forge Connect event in Amsterdam, in partnership with IbanFirst, was a fantastic gathering of finance professionals for a day filled with networking, learning, and collaboration. From inspiring keynote speakers to hands-on workshops and meaningful connections, the event brought together industry experts to share insights and shape the future of finance. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event a success! Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities to connect and grow together.
Event recap
IT’S A WRAP!
Forge Connect was more than just an event; it was a day of learning, connection, and inspiration. From expert panels to interactive sessions and casual networking, it became clear that finance professionals are hungry for real conversations — not just corporate presentations. Whether it was last-minute signups, the popularity of our branded umbrellas (a must to face the Amsterdam rain!), or the number of attendees who stayed late for cocktails, Parkhuis De Zwijger was buzzing with energy.
Agenda
Keynote
Profitability: how company culture can drive sustainable growth
Wouter Glaser shared his inspirational story of overcoming business and finance challenges.
Activity
Connecting with your peers
An interactive activity gets the conversation going before the morning break.
Keynote
The changing role of the CFO
Rita Piçarra discussed how financial leaders are adapting to the modern workplace, becoming strategic partners to drive business growth and innovation.
Panel
Sustainable Finance
Ana Sabbag, Florent Melis, and Aidana Zhakupbekova discussed sustainable practices for finance teams taken from their experiences at Marlin, Eurazeo and Rydoo.
Panel
Digital Transformation
Arian Musa, Niels de Kind, and Manuela Godeck shared their insights on how the digital world is changing finance operations.
Keynote
AI in Finance
Nicolas Boucher dug into the practical applications of AI for finance teams.
Read all about it
Discover all the insights from our previous Forge Connect panels
The keynote speakers
Wouter Glaser
Growth programs for SMEs | M&A strategy | Business coach | Founder Glasnost
Wouter is a Dutch-based business coach and serial entrepreneur who has founded seven companies, four of which he has exited. In just eight years, he grew his company, Glasnost, from €1 to €1 million. As a Chief Growth Officer, he has set up and implemented his growth program at 10 other companies. He is currently active at scale-up studio Go Delphi, which facilitates growth programmes for scale-ups, helps entrepreneurs with business growth, and assists with exit strategy.
Rita Piçarra
Former CFO @Microsoft PT | Public speaker | Financial advisor | Published author
Rita built her career for over 15 years at Microsoft before becoming the CFO at Microsoft Portugal. After 4 years, she retired from the corporate world at the age of 44. Today, Rita is a public speaker, financial advisor, author, mother, traveller and surfer, aiming to inspire others with her story.
Nicolas Boucher
Keynote speaker on Al for Finance | Founder of Al Finance Club
Nicolas Boucher has over 15 years of experience in finance and has trained over 5,000 professionals in using Al to its fullest potential. He also shares daily insights on Finance and Al with almost 1 million followers on Linkedin. After working in finance for over a decade, Nicolas founded the Al Finance Club in 2023. He provides training, consulting, and workshops targeted at Finance professionals and has worked with major corporations such as Carlsberg, Ferrero, Mercedes-Benz, and NTT Data.
The panelists
Niels De Kind
Business Analyst @BMW Group | Finance Consultant at Finsiders
Throughout his journey, he’s helped his clients select the best digital processes for companies, spoken at multiple events, and published opinion pieces on the topic in Belgian newspapers.
Aidana Zhakupbekova
Chief Financial Officer @ Rydoo
With 10+ years in finance, Aidana became Rydoo’s CFO in 2023, previously driving growth at European start-ups like Board of Innovation and HousingAnywhere.
Manuela Godeck
Lead Global Finance Innovation @Vodafone Group Finance
With over a decade at Vodafone, she specializes in digital innovation for Finance, winning awards for impactful solutions and leading cross-industry teams.
Florent Mélis
Operating Partner @Eurazeo | ESG & Business Transformation
Florent, Ops Principal at Eurazeo, supports portfolio companies in value creation. Previously at McKinsey, he now drives ESG efforts in small-mid buyouts, advancing carbon neutrality and inclusivity.
Ana Sabbag
Marlin Operating Director & Europe ESG Lead
Since 2021, Ana Sabbag has led value-creation at Marlin Equity Partners, driving ESG and people initiatives across Europe. She previously spent a decade at A&M in PE services, specializing in turnarounds and interim management.
Arian Musa
Senior Consultant @ Eraneos | Enterprise Automation
As senior digital strategy consultant at Eraneos, he advises C-level executives on transformation. With global experience in DAX and Fortune 500 firms, he values collaboration, co-creation, and a beginner’s mindset.
The Venue
PAKHUIS DE SWIJGER
Piet Heinkade 179, 1019 HC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Pakhuis de Zwijger is a cultural organisation for social innovation and creation. It served as a refrigerated warehouse for years, before opening its doors as an independent platform for and by the city of Amsterdam in 2006.
Insights from our attendees
Wouter Glaser
Founder of Glasnost
Watch full testimonial
Judith Naessens
CFO at BMT Group
Watch full testimonial
Rita Piçarra
Former CFO
Watch full testimonial
