2024 WLC VIRTUAL PROGRAM
MAIN STAGE PRESENTATIONS & EDUCATION SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
MAIN STAGE PRESENTATIONS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2024
Mastering Confidence That Elevates Success
Selena Rezvani
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
DESCRIPTION:
Much of career progress is based on how well we project our presence and self-confidence to others – our teams, our peers, our superiors. Confidence ‒ the ability to project trust in one’s self, authority, belief, and authenticity ‒ determines how we interact with others, how we promote ourselves, how we negotiate (if at all), and how much we impact our zone of influence. Lack of self-confidence can be a deal-breaker in moving ahead, even when we have the knowledge and skills to move up. We need competency and confidence to be successful!
Although most aspiring leaders know they need a confident presence, honing confidence requires more than fake it ‘til you make it platitudes. Confidence is a state of mind that can be learned and maintained by positive thinking and practice. This session, based on Selena’s guidebook, Quick Confidence: Be Authentic, Boost Connections, and Make Bold Bets on Yourself, helps ambitious professionals summon their personal power by addressing three key confidence filters—mindset shifts, body language habits, and interpersonal techniques. Whether you’re dealing with intimidating people, hoping to pitch a fresh idea or better connect with others, participants will walk away ready to show up and speak up—and help others do the same.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Explore the meaning of self-confidence and the confidence gap between men and women in the workplace.
Examine the three critical elements of building confidence – speaking like a leader in different contexts, boosting your message with body language, and taking decisive actions.
Examine effective techniques for recovery from mistakes, curveballs, and blunders.
Develop a personal action plan for implementing confidence-building strategies, including confidence-boosting goals.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Builds Relationships & Coalitions; Continuous Learning & Development; Develop Others to Build Talent; Excellence in Results Through Others
WBEs On the Rise: Women Entrepreneurs Roundtable
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
DESCRIPTION:
Women-owned business enterprises, or WBEs, have become a vital force for growth of the U.S. economy. As of the outset of 2024, they represent 39.1% ‒ that is, more than 14 million – of all American businesses; employ 12.2 million workers; and generate $2.7 trillion in revenue across the U.S.* WBEs, particularly WBEs owned by women of color, came out of the pandemic stronger than they went into it.** Even more impressive is the fact that WBEs are now in all monitored industries, transcending the traditional top four of 1) personal care services (e.g., nail care, pet care); 2) professional/technical/scientific services; 3) administrative, waste management and remediation services; and 4) healthcare and social assistance.*** This exciting roundtable discussion will feature several dynamic women entrepreneurs who will tell some of the inspirational stories behind the statistics, showcasing their achievements, resilience, and innovation.
*2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report
**2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report
***State of Women-Owned Businesses in 2024, Barbara Weltman, March 19, 2024
The Bold Move: Three Simple Science-Based Steps to Move Boldly Through Change
Dr. Luana Marques
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
DESCRIPTION:
Change is hard, and seemingly more prevalent than ever. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, companies throughout the world have shifted the way they work, and millions of individuals have changed jobs. On the home front, transitions in relationship status, friendships, and living situations happen multiple times throughout our lives. Each transition—even the best kind—creates stress and instability that threatens wellbeing. Moving forward requires identifying the habits that hold us back and employing skills to get where we want in life. This action-oriented presentation on The Bold Move™ empowers audience members to overcome the one common obstacle preventing them from reaching their goals so they can move boldly through change, discomfort, and stress.
This keynote address is ideal for individuals, leaders, and teams that are:
Struggling to be their best at work and at home.
Passionate about achieving their goals, but feel stuck, drained, and stressed.
Searching for proven skills to navigate change.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Learn how the biological system designed to keep us safe can increase discomfort and stress.
Identify the one common obstacle that prevents us from reaching our goals.
Understand how to turn anxiety into power by changing the way your brain processes information.
Discover your personal compass to help you navigate through the choppy waters of life.
Develop a personalized action plan to manage stress, combat avoidance, and enhance your performance.
Be inspired and empowered to make your next bold move.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Promotes Wellness; Adapts to Change & Drives Innovation; Excellence in Results Through Others
MAIN STAGE PRESENTATIONS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
Women Presidents & CEOs Roundtable
Thursday, September 5, 2024 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
DESCRIPTION:
By popular demand FWLE has convened a group of diverse women Presidents and CEOs from a variety of industries to discuss their values, visions, career preparation, and experiences. This is a unique opportunity to hear valuable insights and guidance from women at the top of their organizations who have achieved success goals very few have!
Fireside Chat with Susan Sly, A.I. CEO, Entrepreneur, Investor, & Board Member
Thursday, September 5, 2024 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
DESCRIPTION:
Progress has been exceedingly slow for women across the tech industry – in 2024 women comprise only 32% of the tech workforce, down from 35% in 1984, and as of 2023, the percentage of women in tech leadership roles had fallen to 28%.* The field of Artificial Intelligence – A.I. – reflects the same stark underrepresentation of women. Today, only one in five jobs in A.I. is held by a woman.** Even more bleak is the vexing lack of recognition of women’s contributions to this rapidly evolving sector.
Our guest Susan Sly is a graduate of MIT Sloan School of Management and a trailblazer in the A.I. industry, having navigated the complexities of this male-dominated field. Among other honors, she was named in 2024 as one of the top women to watch in real-time A.I., and in 2023 one of the top female A.I. entrepreneurs in North America. These milestones reflect not just her personal achievements but also the broader challenges and opportunities facing women in A.I. today. Along with her career path Susan will share with us why gender and other types of diversity can not only benefit A.I. development but is a strategic imperative to fostering innovation, mitigating bias, and building more equitable and inclusive A.I. systems.
*“Mia Shah-Dand’s Race to Bridge The AI Gender Gap For A Human-Centered World,” Hessie Jones, Forbes, March 12, 2024
**Jones, Forbes, March 12, 2024
Make the First Move: Building Trust & Igniting a Culture People Love
Justin Patton
Thursday, September 5, 2024 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
DESCRIPTION:
Trust creates the foundation for employees and their organizations to excel, adapt, and thrive at all times in their journey through continuous change. Trust is a critical leadership competency that differentiates exceptional leaders from average, low-trust ones, and great companies from those that struggle to create positive, people-based cultures and perform successfully. As leaders our ability to build trust is how we earn credibility and respect, create experiences that engage and empower our teams, and keep our people committed to our mission and continuous success, especially during crisis. This interactive program will challenge what every leader already knows about trust and make us think differently about how we intentionally build trust with others. A workplace of trust and belonging should not be the exception. It should be the standard. The best leaders make the first move. This address is the roadmap to how to make it happen.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understand why trust is a leader’s biggest competitive advantage.
Explore ways to build trust in yourself.
Learn the three fundamental factors to building high levels of trust with others.
Highlight the five attributes of toxic workplace cultures.
Explore actionable ways to build a culture of trust and belonging in your organization.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Integrity; Builds Relationships and Coalitions; Effective Communication with All Levels; Adapts to Change & Drives Innovation; Excellence in Results Through Others
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE TRACKS & EDUCATION SESSIONS
EMERGING LEADER TRACK
TRACK AUDIENCE:
This track is directed to Emerging Leaders who are focusing on foundational skills, who aspire to be a leader of others, or who are in a beginning leadership role. Over the course of this track’s education sessions, participants will be guided in understanding their “Career Go-Bag” – a collection of the nine (9) dimensions that are essential to leadership of all teams and units, regardless of the type of organization.
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An Emerging Leader has less than 10 years of career experience. She/He may be an individual contributor who aspires to be in a leadership position but hasn’t quite made it yet. Or she/he may already supervise individual projects and/or people as a Team Leader, or as an entry-level to mid-level Supervisor, Manager, or Administrator. The work of an Emerging Leader is likely centered within one functional area (such as sales, marketing, finance, human resources, etc.) and centers on execution of business plans and projects. At this career stage, an Emerging Leader is typically working to develop all aspects of her/his leadership skills.
TRACK LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Examine the fundamental, universal, and enduring traits of effective leadership, focusing on how leaders use their knowledge and expertise to engage the strengths of their team members in order to achieve and sustain successful business results or outcomes for their organizations.
Understand the meaning of strategic career navigation and its importance to participants’ long-term success goals.
Learn how to formulate and convey your individual business value and leadership brand.
Help upgrade your leadership skills and gain new skills.
Expand your network through peer colleagues, such as team leaders, supervisors, and managers.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: All courses in this track support one or more of FWLE’s identified core leadership competencies:
Adapts to Change & Drives Innovation
Builds Relationships & Coalitions
Business Acumen & Business Judgment
Continuous Learning & Development
Develops Others to Build Talent
Effective Communication with All Levels
Excellence in Results Through Others
Integrity
Promotes Wellness
Sets Vision & Direction
Social Responsibility
DAY 1 EDUCATION SESSION 1
Building Your “Career Go-Bag”
Veena Puri & Kelly Lockwood Primus
September 4, 2024 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
DESCRIPTION:
Participants will be introduced to the concept of Leading NOW’s 21st century definition of leadership: Using the greatness in you to engage the greatness in others in order to achieve and sustain extraordinary business outcomes. This hands-on workshop will explore Career Navigation – what it is and why it is important to manage strategically from the early stages of one’s career. Participants will complete the first of their career essentials – a Career Navigation Guide and Self-Assessment, and will be instructed on how to activate these successfully both at the WLC and beyond. In the modern professional world, career agility and adaptability are key to success. Participants need to be prepared for unexpected career twists and turns. A “Career Go-Bag” acts as a toolkit packed with skills, knowledge, and resources we can readily deploy when navigating the dynamic terrain of our careers.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understand Leading NOW’s definition of leadership.
Understand the core skills and competencies essential to effective leadership.
Understand the concept of career navigation – what it is and why it is important to manage strategically from the early stages of one’s career.
Assess where you are in your leadership development trajectory and determine your short-term and long-term focus.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Continuous Learning & Development
DAY 1 EDUCATION SESSION 2
Creating Your Leadership Brand and Power Statement
Alana Hill & Julia Lazzara
September 4, 2024 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
DESCRIPTION:
Having your professional Power Statement – an articulation of the value and impact of your organizational role – and your Leadership Brand Statement are essential to defining and projecting your leadership identity. They can make a huge difference in your ability to stay focused on track and realize your career vision. In this hands-on workshop participants will draft their own Power Statement and Leadership Brand Statement.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Learn what a professional Power Statement (of the purpose and value of your role) and Leadership Brand Statement are, and why they are necessary for your career.
Provide participants with a hands-on opportunity to develop their next two Career Go-Bag essentials: their own Leadership Brand Statement and their own Power Statement.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Effective Communication with All Levels; Builds Relationships & Coalitions; Continuous Learning & Development
EMERGING EXECUTIVE TRACK
TRACK AUDIENCE:
This track is directed to Emerging Executives who are currently managing others, who have some to considerable leadership experience, and who are focusing on growing their skills in order to be considered for senior leadership roles.
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An Emerging Executive is a middle or middle-level leader with more than 10 years of career experience. Titles may include Manager, Senior Manager, Regional Manager, or Director. The work of an Emerging Executive may be concentrated in one function but typically requires significant cross-functional navigation. This position has control of budgets, develops business plans, and is a decision-maker with a span of control reaching across sizeable revenue, geography, or project scope. She/He is responsible for effective execution of initiatives and may have influence on strategy development for her/his department or business unit(s). An Emerging Executive usually leads a team of direct reports who are managers of people. At this career stage, having mastered one or more areas of technical expertise and personal leadership skills, she/he seeks growth opportunities to stretch her/his work scope of responsibility and achieve high quality outcomes by mobilizing and engaging multiple teams or units.
TRACK LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Explore more deeply the many dimensions of business acumen and strategy development as well as execution, and the differences in business acumen expectations for mid-level vs. higher-level leaders.
Examine the critical skills required for mid-level leaders to demonstrate their ability to lead larger and/or more complex units or organizations to advance to higher-level roles.
Help you more effectively communicate as a confident, competent, and trustworthy leader and better project your leadership brand.
Understand how to expand your network by cultivating and using external relationships to achieve strategic business goals.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: All courses in this track support one or more of FWLE’s identified core leadership competencies:
Adapts to Change & Drives Innovation
Builds Relationships & Coalitions
Business Acumen & Business Judgment
Continuous Learning & Development
Develops Others to Build Talent
Effective Communication with All Levels
Excellence in Results Through Others
Integrity
Promotes Wellness
Sets Vision & Direction
Social Responsibility
DAY 2 EDUCATION SESSION 3
Pulling Back the Financial Curtain
Quendrida Whitmore
September 5, 2024 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
DESCRIPTION:
Finance is integral to all organizations, whether for-profit, non-profit, government, etc. All employees must be able to understand and contribute to a discussion about the organization’s performance. Financial acumen is therefore a critical aspect of business acumen for all team members, not just team leaders. This interactive session will cover basic financial terminology and teach participants how to read and interpret three (3) key financial statements: the Balance Sheet, the Income Statement, and the Cash Flow Statement. Whatever your role, you have an influence on your organization’s financial performance.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understand basic financial concepts and terminology.
Learn how to read and interpret three (3) key financial statements: the Balance Sheet, the Income Statement, and the Cash Flow Statement.
Examine how the individual participant’s role (and that of her/his team) contributes to key business outcomes and what aspects of the organization’s performance can be controlled or influenced.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Business Acumen & Business Judgment; Continuous Learning & Development
DAY 2 EDUCATION SESSION 4
Executive Communication Skills
Courtney Burton
September 5, 2024 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
DESCRIPTION:
While it is critical to understand the business of your business, it is even more critical to demonstrate your knowledge by utilizing the language of business in your communications. This requires thinking about communication differently, making a subtle shift from communicating about what you do to why the organization invests in your position and quickly connecting your work to the strategy of the organization. In this interactive session, participants will learn the key characteristics of speaking the language of organizational outcomes, providing the key skills necessary to communicate effectively with executives, senior leaders, and board members.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understand the importance of demonstrating your knowledge of your organization’s business through effective outcome-focused communication.
Learn how to shift communications into the language of business and the communication style preferred by senior executives.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Business Acumen & Business Judgment; Effective Communication with All Levels; Continuous Learning & Development