As the VP of People Operations at Avenue Z, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the SHRM Women in Leadership (WIL) 2024 Conference in Orlando this week. Connecting with passionate peers, gaining actionable insights, and engaging with incredible women in leadership has left me invigorated and excited to bring these takeaways back to our own community. From thought-provoking strategies on mastering our inner critic to innovative approaches for networking and leadership authenticity, each session was a reminder of the importance of intentional growth and purposeful leadership.
Here are my 7 most powerful takeaways from WIL 2024:
1. Master Your Inner Critic and Embrace Self-Compassion
Shannon Bayer’s session, “Mastering Your Inner Critic,” provided invaluable tools for turning self-criticism into self-compassion. Often, high achievers grapple with an inner voice that judges rather than supports. Shannon introduced a framework that moves us from this ‘one-down’ position into a ‘compassionate center,’ where we can pause, reflect, and respond with empathy towards ourselves. By treating ourselves as we would a friend or colleague, we replace self-criticism with self-coaching—a transformative shift that fosters resilience and mental clarity.
2. Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage
Authenticity is the foundation of impactful leadership, as Carla Harris so powerfully shared. Her emphasis on moving beyond “proving your value” to inspiring others resonated deeply. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a leader’s most significant competitive edge, enabling them to connect meaningfully with their team and build trust. Leaders who are genuine in their communication and actions cultivate loyalty, encourage open dialogue, and foster a culture where team members feel valued for their true selves.
3. Redefine Leadership Through Resilience and Self-Confidence
In the “Be BOLD” workshop, we explored what it truly means to lead with resilience and confidence. Ally Love shared the importance of redefining leadership to include personal well-being and balance, helping us see that “having it all” is a matter of prioritizing what matters most at any given season of life. The session also emphasized the importance of overcoming inner criticism with positive affirmations and the value of energy management for sustained performance. These insights remind us that balance and resilience are not just personal aspirations—they are professional strengths.
4. The Power of Networking with Intention
“Be Connected” was more than a title; it was an actionable guide for embracing networking as a long-term strategy. Herminia Ibarra’s session reshaped how many of us view networking, shifting it from a transactional activity to a reciprocal relationship-building endeavor. Strategic networking, as emphasized, involves nurturing not only strong ties but also ‘weak ties’—those more casual connections that can bring fresh perspectives and unexpected opportunities. Building connections isn’t about reaching out randomly; it’s about intentional, meaningful engagements that support both our career goals and personal growth.
5. Craft a Compelling Identity Pitch
Dr. Stephanie Kirkland’s impactful session focused on creating an “identity pitch” that encapsulates our unique values and strengths. This exercise, led in the “Craft Your Compelling Identity Pitch” workshop, was an opportunity to reflect on what makes us distinct as leaders and professionals. By identifying our core strengths and values, we can better communicate who we are, what we bring to the table, and how we align with our team’s mission.
6. Inspire Others by Leading Through Storytelling
Gloria Witt’s “INSPIRE” workshop underscored the profound impact of storytelling in leadership. When leaders share personal anecdotes or team successes, they create an emotional connection that goes beyond tasks and responsibilities. Storytelling is more than just communicating—it’s about engaging, inspiring, and motivating. By sharing stories that embody our values and vision, we create a culture where team members feel seen, valued, and inspired to contribute at their highest level.
7. Intentional Influence for Lasting Impact
In the conference’s final session, Kat Cole brought everything full circle with her talk on strategic leadership. We discussed the importance of intentionality in leadership. Influence isn’t just about authority; it’s about leading by example, building alliances, and empowering “productive rebels” within our teams who challenge norms in constructive ways. A particularly useful takeaway was the “Hot Shot Rule,” which involves weekly self-reflection to see our role from a fresh perspective, inspiring ongoing growth and improvement. I plan to integrate the Hot Shot Rule to foster continuous self-reflection and inspire creative problem-solving among our leaders.
Final Thoughts
I’m heading back to Avenue Z with a full cup and a head (and heart) brimming with ideas. This week wasn’t just a chance to learn from others; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, intentional growth, and authentic connection.
I’m privileged to work alongside such amazing leaders in a culture that truly fosters growth, innovation, and collaboration. This week has only reaffirmed what an honor it is to be part of a company that values and empowers its people. I’m thrilled to bring back these insights to continue fostering our extraordinary team and culture, helping each member reach their full potential.
I encourage all leaders to explore these takeaways with their teams. Whether it’s through storytelling, compassionate self-reflection, or strategic networking, each of these insights offers a pathway to more impactful, authentic leadership.
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