In October, Diane Christman, President and CEO of Syndeo Institute, and I had the privilege of attending what many called the most inspiring WICT Leadership Conference to date—and we wholeheartedly agree.
At its heart, Diversity Week 2024 embodied the spirit of connection and collaboration that is central to WICT, and to Syndeo Institute. Diane and I approached Diversity Week with a commitment to engage, learn, and contribute. I participated in chapter leader roundtables, where strategic discussions focused on sharing best practices to enhance chapter performance for the year ahead. We delved into sessions that emphasized actionable strategies for enacting change. And we leaned in to gain a deeper understanding of industry challenges and opportunities, ensuring we stay aligned with the evolving needs of our ecosystem. Here are some of the standout moments and insights from this transformative week:
The opening session, featuring Siri Chulazi of Harvard Kennedy School and Carla Harris of Morgan Stanley, was definitely a standout moment. Their engaging “split screen” dialogue combined data-driven insights with practical leadership principles, providing an actionable framework for fostering inclusivity and empowerment in the workplace.
- Siri Chulazi shared an evidence-based blueprint for creating inclusive work environments, highlighting what works and why certain approaches fall short.
- Carla Harris emphasized leaning into power and leading with impact, offering personal principles that resonated deeply with attendees.
The interplay of research and lived experience offered a compelling roadmap for professional and organizational growth.
Another pivotal session was hosted by Paragon Performance Evolution, focusing on the intersection of mindset and stress management. It was a timely reminder that our thinking shapes our reactions, and by understanding our history and experiences, we can reframe challenges into opportunities for growth. This mindset shift aligns closely with what we teach at Intrapreneurship Academy, reinforcing the value of self-awareness and intentionality in personal and professional development.
The keynote by Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics, was nothing short of inspiring. Her journey from formulating products in her bathroom to becoming L’Oréal’s first female CEO was a testament to resilience and determination. Each “no” she encountered became a stepping-stone to her eventual “yes.” Her story reminded us that success is not linear and that every experience is a data point that we can leverage to pivot and grow.
Diversity Week also provided an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional talent and leadership within our industry, and our own Syndeo Institute network.
- CEO Panel: Chris Winfrey (Charter), Mark Greatrex (Liberty Global), and Kristin Dolan (AMC Networks) shared their optimism for the future, emphasizing responsibility, innovation, and trust-building as cornerstones of progress.
- Touchstones Luncheon: Amy Blair, SVP and Chief People Officer at Liberty Global, and Syndeo Institute Board Member, received the Woman of the Year – Operator award—a well-deserved honor that underscored her transformative leadership.
- Pearls of Wisdom: Patty Jo Boyers, CEO of Boycom, and Syndeo Institute Board Member, inspired the room with her comical delivery of a very heartfelt message: “Don’t be afraid to be all that you are.”
- The Inside Innovator: A breakout session moderated by CY Louis Gump featured Suzanne Foy, VP, Customer Experience Operations, Strategy & Process, Cox Communications, and Syndeo Institute Board Member, highlighted the importance of innovative thinking in customer experience (CX) and beyond.
Diversity Week 2024 offered more than just inspiration—it provided actionable tools, transferable strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose. From the keynotes to breakout sessions, the content was universally relevant, equipping attendees with tools and strategies for immediate application.
As we look to the future, we see an even brighter, more inclusive tomorrow!
