I feel extremely fortunate that thanks to CAWEE I was able to attend this well-planned event that gathered 2,500 participants. The room echoed a sensation of togetherness and a possibility to share struggles and stories of success that can be so valuable to many of us.
It was incredible for me to see professionals from multiple industries sponsored by their companies attending this event in such big groups. To me it means that their leadership and their contribution to their companies is viewed and valued.
Here is my takeaway of some of the speakers that resonated the most to me. I also invite you to read about the other speakers, Zahara Al-Harazi (she has a book called What It Takes) and Bill G.Williams (his book is Electric Life)
Denise Hamilton was the first speaker; she is the writer of Indivisible (How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future), a very engaging storyteller who urged us to think Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) as a societal value rather than a corporate program to follow. For that to happen an important mind shift should take place: the concept of Indivisibility Indivisible is the making space for uniqueness in the organizations, being compassionate for those who resists to change. So, the team as whole can be indestructible.
“We need to understand that our stories shape us, how we think, and some of them are not real. We need to let go of broken stories.”
Dr Mary Murphy shared research about Culture of Growth (How the New Science of Mindset Can Transform Individuals, Teams and Organizations). She spoke about the difference of a Fixed Mind Set Culture and Growth Mindset, and to think about the kind of mindset we apply to a situation or people around us.
| Growth Mindset | Fixed Mindset |
| I can learn anything I want to | I am either good or not |
| When I am frustrated, I persevere | When I am frustrated, I give up |
| I want to challenge myself | I don’t like to be challenged |
| When I fail, I learn | When I fail, I am not good |
| Tell me I try hard | Tell me I am smart |
| If you succeed, I am inspired | If you succeed, I feel threatened |
| My effort and attitude determine everything | My abilities determine everything |
Dr. Murphy highlighted how Culture of Genius is dangerous, and how this genius worship slows down innovation and creativity. This is a prevalent culture in our society, from hiring to resource distribution.
Developing a Culture of Growth transcends how we lead but also how our children are educated. (She recommended The Danish Way of Parenting, which centers on how to raise happy, confident and successful kids.)
Roberta Bondar, astronaut, neurologist, photographer and the first Canadian woman to reach the moon, talked about her lifework and how curiosity, creativity and play shaped her successes and learning experiences.
- Shift Perspectives about goals: People never have a straight line to the goal. “It is about ATTITUDE not about ALTITUDE”
- Develop RESILIENCE by taking risks to get where you are.
- Non-Sense Rule: question the rules that doesn’t make sense to your values.
- Support System in the workplace: there are people around you with similar goals and similar values. It is important to find them and share experiences.
Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau on Emotional Literacy, Mental Health and Leading with Courage.
We need to prioritize our mental health, nourish ourselves. Attachment and Authenticity (being able to express ourselves uniquely without feeling forced to please) are universal needs of human beings and formed during childhood.
We are interconnected, one trauma away from each other. A supportive system is needed.
STRESS is a dysfunctional relationship to the present moment. She believes that well-regulated nerve systems can support our mental health by applying the CPR technique to our lives.
CATCH: to recognize the signs of your emotions
PAUSE: Exhale and inhale, don’t resolve now
REPAIR: repair and restore, the body and mind need it.
If you would like further notes or comments, feel free to reach out at Leslie.orietta@gmail.com and I can share pictures of the unique and amazing graphic and recording of Carolyn Bellis with the agenda of this conference, Please reach out if you would like me to send it to you; you can also find them at https://carolynbellis.com/the-art-of-leadership-for-women-2024-my-top-10-takeaways/
Written by Leslie Pinto, International Food Trade Strategist