Our recent event, Damsels NOT in Distress: Lessons From The Front Lines, hosted by Jen Waltz and Andrea Henry, featured an inspiring panel of women leaders—Heidi Bamburg, GraceAnn De Cesaris, and Priya Sam. They shared their personal experiences navigating leadership and overcoming challenges in male-dominated industries.
Our Key Takeaways
1. Overcoming Challenges
The panelists emphasized the importance of mindset in overcoming obstacles. Priya shared how small changes in language can lead to big shifts, while GraceAnn encouraged reframing “I have to” into “I get to” for a healthier approach to work. Heidi reminded us that while jobs come and go, family moments are irreplaceable.
2. Leadership Development
Leaning into authenticity was a common theme. Priya urged women to build their personal brand and lead by example, while GraceAnn highlighted the importance of male advocates and research into companies leading innovation. Heidi introduced the acronym “TATA” (Trust, Authenticity, Transparency, Accountability) as core leadership principles.
3. Building Resilience
Balancing personal capacity with goals was a highlight, with Priya advising women to align commitments with their personal objectives. GraceAnn suggested using emotional intelligence and journaling to manage stress, and Heidi emphasized the importance of self-care.
4. Fostering Diversity
The panelists underscored that diversity goes beyond ethnicity to include unique life experiences. Priya emphasized the power of storytelling, while Heidi stressed the need for top leadership to champion diversity. GraceAnn reminded us to listen actively without always needing to “fix” problems.
The event concluded with actionable steps for attendees, from fostering supportive communities to aligning their work with personal goals. It was a powerful reminder that, as women, we can lead with courage and authenticity while building resilience through meaningful connections.
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