Kelli Thompson’s Post

🌟 Today, I had the privilege of attending the PANDA | The Women Leadership Network Summit, and while I don’t frequent these events often, when Isabelle calls, I’m all in! Your entrepreneurial spirit is a massive inspiration, Isabell—what you and the Panda team have built over the years is truly impressive. 🙌 As one of the few men at the summit, I found myself in many sessions as the only guy, which did not strike me as awkward. What was surprising, however, was to see how many women approached me, expressing a mix of curiosity and respect about my presence. This highlighted a crucial point: it’s not enough to empower and build networks within our peer groups; we need genuinely diverse events where discussions happen across different perspectives. Only then can we truly address the complexities of our challenges. 🤝 Another significant observation was the emphasis on empowerment and enablement throughout the summit. While these concepts are certainly vital, I noticed a concerning absence of discussions around personal agency—the "I." I heard plenty about the importance of empowering women and changing the conditions, but what I missed was a clear call for individual accountability: “I am taking action. I am driving change.” It’s also about showing how to harness that power effectively. 🔑 This brings me to my standout moment: Jeannette Gusko’s keynote. She highlighted that there is no single inevitable future; we create it together. Her insight that the status quo doesn’t need justification while alternatives must be argued was a revelation. From now on, I’ll incorporate this as an imperative in all leadership programs we run at SHIFTSCHOOL: If you don’t want to change, you need to explain why not! 💡 Jeannette's ideas on 21st-century leadership resonate deeply with me: collective decision-making, envisioning relatable futures, creative discourse, and an open mindset toward differing opinions. And, most important of all, transformative leadership also demands personal responsibility to drive change. I learned a lot today, even if these large events can be overwhelming. But hey, it’s the weekend now! 😄

Just 32.2% of senior leadership roles are filled by women, according to the World Economic Forum. Organizations with women leaders benefit from innovative thinking and problem-solving that is supported by diverse viewpoints and experiences. Companies led by women also report higher employee satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and better long-term performance.  Here are a few ways to create clear paths to leadership for women and ensure they have significant decision-making power once they reach the top: 1. Implement transparent promotion and hiring practices that clearly outline the road to leadership roles, making advancement opportunities accessible to all. 2. Offer leadership training and professional development opportunities that equip women with the skills and knowledge needed for management roles in your company. 3. Provide mentorship programs that connect women with experienced leaders to guide their development and boost confidence. Implementing these practices can help build a leadership culture that’s accessible to all.  Let’s keep the conversation going. I’d love to hear more ideas for supporting and empowering women within organizations.

My Heart is still so full from attending the Female Leaders Summit, an inspiring network event by Ten More In, in Berlin last Friday. ✨ As a female leader, I left feeling deeply connected to a network that empowers, supports, and challenges each of us to grow. There’s truly magic in being surrounded by people who believe in the power of women’s leadership.🤞🏻 The summit explored so many vital topics - about leadership, values, and personal growth. We discussed the importance of seizing opportunities, delegating effectively and embracing the concept that success depends on the people who believe in you. But most of all, we reflected on the idea that leadership is not just about performance, but about presence. Being authentic, showing up for yourself, and balancing empathy with boundaries are all key aspects of becoming a better leader. Some key takeaways that resonated with me: 🔵 “Hard on the facts, soft on the people”- A reminder that leadership requires clarity and compassion. 🔵 “Staying connected, but learning to set boundaries” - Love and care for your team, but don’t lose yourself in the process. 🔵 “The value of networks” - Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who help you grow is vital. 🔵 “Self-worth” is essential - We must protect our energy, make time for ourselves, and know when to say no to protect our resources. The event reminded me that as women in leadership, we are not only shaping our own futures but also paving the way for others. 💪🏻👯♀️ We have a responsibility to challenge the status quo and create spaces where talent can flourish. because talent is abundant, but opportunities are not. Thank you, Lia Grünhage, Lea-Sophie Cramer, Helena Meyer-Schönherr, Jeanice Busch, Nora Dahlström, Melanie Frowein, Matthias Schranner, Niddal Salah-Eldin, Tina Müller & Kristina Lunz, for creating such an empowering space, and to everyone who shared their stories and insights. This network m is so unique end powerful! Let's continue to push each other to be our best selves and “let ten more (future women leaders) in”! 🍀✨😍 #WomenInLeadership #Networking #LeadershipDevelopment #Empowerment #TenMoreIn #Leadership #GrowthMindset #FemaleLeaders

I'VE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT IF YOU WANT CHANGE, THEN YOU SHOULD BE THE CHANGE As a woman in the C-Suite I see 2 Main Problems: 1. There aren't enough of us 2. Once you get there, it can get really lonely. The issues our male counterparts were facing did not quite feel the same as our unique challenges. So Kelli Thompson and I decided to do something about it. We decided to be the change. CORPORATE WOMEN LEADERS IN OMAHA TUNE IN! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS. We have something exclusive for you! +If you have climbed the ranks to higher levels of leadership +If you often find yourself as one of the only women on their leadership team or in the senior most meeting rooms +If you are CRAVING to find other women they can connect with, learn from and grow with - those who uniquely understand the challenges and opportunities of the corporate environment. If this is you, then we are here to help! We not only want women to grow professionally but we also want to help organizations build their pipeline of talented women leaders. We invite you to the first networking and learning experience for Omaha corporate women leaders, who have Director to Chief level titles and who desire to exchange in a supportive community, advance to higher levels of leadership and build their leadership legacy. They desire to leave a lasting impact in their organizations by bringing their unique voice to the table. This is not just awkward, unstructured networking—it's a strategic movement to equip women with the confidence and tools they need to lead impactful change so they can shape the future of their communities and organizations. We strive for a reality where every woman can harness her own core strengths, trust her presence in any room, and advance to the highest levels of leadership. The 90 minute agenda will be structured with learning and connection activities that even introverts will love! Our first session will be: 📅 Date: November 5, 2024 📍 Time & Place: 8-9:30am at Linkedin HQ in Omaha ↗️ Theme: Building community & connection to advance as a leader 🎟️ Tickets: You must be registered to attend this event (link in comments!). We are on a mission to create a robust pipeline of women leaders who come together to build, challenge, and empower one another. JOIN US ON THIS MISSION! Trust me, you don't want to miss out.

Very well articulated essential facets of leadership that must be nurtured for women at work to thrive : Voice, Identity, and Purpose (VIP). The answer lies not just in giving them a seat at the table but in empowering them to use that seat to amplify their voice, shape their identity, and pursue their purpose. In a world that values diversity as a catalyst for innovation, equipping women at work with the skills and confidence to lead can unlock significant untapped potential. Women should actively seek opportunities for leadership development, build Strong Networks, seek mentorship and cultivate the confidence to showcase their innovation and strategic thinking capabilities.

As a female leader, I've always known how to count on myself. It's empowering to be confident in my abilities, having been tested, tried, and learned from both successes and failures. But there's a struggle many of us face: asking for help. I've seen women left to fend for themselves, growing suspicious of any help. Others, rescued too often, never realize their true capabilities. We get hurt on both ends. Early experiences shape us. I learned that asking for help was a burden, a sign of weakness, or that it wouldn't count as my achievement. Many times, I talked myself out of asking for help, leading to isolation and resentment. This pattern interferes with leadership. It's hard to admit and even harder to change. Yet, you deserve support. Asking for help can be empowering and connecting. Imagine never facing challenges alone again. Are you curious about setting up a supportive environment in your leadership? Experience a "synergetic safe and supportive environment" where you can "gain allies and opportunities to become an ally for women from other constituencies." Embrace support and collaboration. You don't have to do it alone. If you want to experience a “synergetic, safe, and supportive environment” consider signing up for our upcoming Transforming Women’s Leadership Program Info Session on Monday, August 19 to learn more about our 2025 program for female leaders: https://hubs.ly/Q02JGhmW0

🌟 Calling All Trailblazing Women Leaders, Pioneers, Visionaries & Thought Leaders! Are you ready to ignite your leadership potential and shape the future of leadership in challenging times? The Global Women Leadership Summit 2024 is tailor-made for women leaders like you who are paving the way for innovation, resilience, and success. 🗓️ Date: October 11th and 12th, 2024 🌍 Location: Liverpool Hope University 🎯 Target Audience: Designed for influential women leaders, visionaries, and pioneers across industries who are committed to driving positive change in their lives, organisations and communities. Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, professional, student, or thought leader, this event is your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside like-minded trailblazers. 💼 Theme: Women in Leadership - Leading and Thriving in Challenging Times This summit promises to be a game-changer for your personal and professional development. You'll gain invaluable insights, strategies, and inspiration to navigate obstacles with confidence, lead with resilience, and thrive in today's rapidly changing world. 🔍 Personal Transformation: Discover the power within you to overcome challenges, break barriers, and achieve your goals. Through engaging keynotes, interactive workshops, masterclasses, and insightful discussions, you'll gain the skills and mindset needed to unlock your full potential and lead with authenticity and impact. 📈Professional Transformation: Equip yourself with the tools and strategies to drive organisational growth, foster innovation, and navigate uncertainty with grace and resilience. Learn from seasoned leaders, industry experts/ authorities, and fellow attendees who have successfully tackled tough challenges and emerged stronger than ever. 🌟 Join the Movement: Be part of a global movement of women leaders who are shaping the future of leadership and making a positive impact in their spheres of influence and beyond. Connect with a diverse community of trailblazers, share your experiences, and collaborate on initiatives that drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive and equitable world for all. Register to attend,speak, run a workshop or masterclass & exhibit: https://lnkd.in/eWt79zqP

🌟 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹🌟 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻, 𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽? We understand the unique journey you’re on: ✅ Struggling to find role models or build a trusted network that genuinely supports your growth. ✅ Facing the frustration of systemic barriers and environments that don’t always feel inclusive. ✅ Feeling trapped in a cycle of overworking, constantly proving yourself in spaces that may overlook your contributions. ✅ Balancing a heavy workload, family and cultural expectations? ✨ You’re not alone - and you don’t have to figure it out alone. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘂𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻! The workshop has been delivered many times as both in-house and open programmes. We want to expand the reach of the programme. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂: ✅ Let go of power struggles by mastering self-awareness and authentic leadership. ✅ Build confidence, assertive communication and strengthen your personal brand. ✅ Leverage emotional intelligence in expanding your network and increase career agility. This launch is a testament to the incredible impact the programme has had on participants, many of whom have shared how it’s transformed their confidence, visibility and leadership journey. Visit our website https://lnkd.in/gzxZbbWA to learn more. 🔗 𝗪𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝟮 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 https://lnkd.in/ecYruS8G There will be 48 places in total with 3 workshops planned for delivery in 2025. When you complete the survey, you will be one of the first to be notified when registration opens in Jan 2025. 🌱Join a growing community of like-minded women ready to break barriers, create change and take their leadership journey to the next level. Not a Woman of Colour but want to be part of the movement? Why not sponsor someone in your team to attend the workshop? Together, we can reshape the narrative and so "no woman has to work twice as hard to get half as far"! Black Women In Clinical Research ® Black Pharma UK Black Business Week Black Professionals Network Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP) African Business Chamber (AfBC) Africa Women CEOs Network Women of Colour Global Network (WOCGN) Agatha Nortley-Meshe Francis Akwensivie Dr Caroline Kitcatt Ashleigh Bossman Dorinda Nartey Vince Pizzoni #WomenOfColour #WomenInLeadership #DiversityAndInclusion #AuthenticLeadership #Inclusiveleadership #Empowerment #MasteringAwareness

Ever been told “That’s just the way it is”? Spoiler: It shouldn’t be. That’s exactly what we’re doing in The Leadership Lab—a space where we strip back the fluff and dive into the raw truths of female leadership. The truth is, our experiences at work are still very, very different from men’s, and it’s about damn time we start talking about it. The Lab is a space where we challenge assumptions, test ideas, and shape The Lady’s Leadership Academy curriculum in real time—together. In our latest session, we had the privilege of diving straight into the messy, tough conversations with some brilliant colleagues. We explored everything from #gaslighting in the workplace to breaking the boundaries of #inclusiveleadership. These aren’t surface-level discussions—they’re the conversations that push us to rethink how women lead and how we can reshape the system. But this isn’t just our space—it’s yours too. We invite you—friends, allies, and ambassadors—to join the conversation and help us build the future of female leadership. Join The Lady's Leadership Academy to learn practical strategies, build a strong network, and gain the confidence to lead with impact. Sign up for our free Q&A session on October 1st at 15:30 to learn more and be part of the movement!

🌟 Transformative Leadership Workshop Alert! 🌟 Join us for an empowering session with Norma C. Cardona, MPA, at this year’s Women Techmakers IWD event. Our workshop, ‘Sí’ es Sí, ‘No’ es No: The Power of Saying 'No' to Cultivate 'Yes', dives deep into the transformative power of strategic decision-making in personal and professional realms. 🕙 When: April 20, 10 AM 📍 Where: SCOE 1100 H Street, Modesto Norma’s journey from overcoming personal challenges to empowering community leaders is nothing short of inspiring. With a rich background that spans bridging gaps in underestimated communities and cultivating resilience in workplaces, she embodies the spirit of transformative leadership. This workshop is designed for anyone looking to enhance self-awareness, boost self-compassion, and lead with authenticity. Discover Norma’s three-step framework to thriving, which has revolutionized her approach to challenges and opportunities: Saying “No” – Not as rejection, but as a prioritization of your values. Embracing “Yes” – Accepting opportunities that align truly with your aspirations. Seeking Clarity – Navigating through ambiguity to clear decision-making. 👉 Don’t miss this chance to elevate your leadership skills and network with like-minded professionals. Seats are limited to ensure a personalized and interactive experience. 🔗 Secure your spot here: https://lnkd.in/guhvXJRH Let’s empower each other to lead with intention and impact. Hope to see you there!