At the prestigious Cornell Club in the heart of New York City, Women We Admire hosted its inaugural live event last week. Anticipation for this pivotal moment was palpable, and when the doors opened, we were pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic turnout. The atmosphere was filled with vibrant energy as attendees, speakers, and sponsors came together, offering a valuable mix of networking opportunities. Inspiration was in the air, making for a memorable and empowering day.

The inaugural event marked a significant milestone for Women We Admire, our community dedicated to celebrating the achievements of outstanding women. It was the result of extensive organizational efforts, and as the event unfolded, it was evident that it was all worth it. The atmosphere was electric, with attendees eager to connect and excited about learning. Together, we embarked on a journey with a clear mission: to commemorate remarkable women who've overcome challenges and achieved great things.

The panel discussion served as a highlight of the event: three remarkable women—Stephanie Redish Hofmann, Google's Managing Director of Global Partnerships; Kathy Carter, PhotoShelter's Chief Technology Officer; and Ginger Dhaliwal, Upflex's Founder & Chief Product Officer—took center stage. They shared their inspiring journeys to success; narrated the challenges they encountered –– and importantly––articulated how each overcame adversity with triumphant strategies. In doing so, these exceptional leaders not only captivated but also imparted wisdom upon the enthralled audience.

The panel discussion resonated with all present by reminding us that every one's career journey is unique.

Stephanie's story showcased the potency of perseverance and innovation within digital marketing: her experiences emphasized not only building bridges between online and offline strategies–a crucial aspect to propel business growth–but also underlined that powerful connection.

With an evident passion for technology leadership, Kathy demonstrated the crucial role of system transformation and adaptability to evolving demands in achieving success. Throughout her career trajectory, she underscored the indispensability of effective leadership.

A seasoned entrepreneur, Ginger offered a glimpse into her journey of pioneering disruptive technologies: her path illuminated the crucial role that product development plays; it highlighted the significance of innovation and emphasized determination to create positive impact.

The panel discussion also revealed a profound insight: that mentorship plays a pivotal role in each of their careers. Each speaker expressed gratitude to the mentors who navigated them through their journey, accentuating the invaluable nature of advice, support and encouragement received from these guiding figures. They emphasized that mentorship thrives as a dynamic relationship–not a one-way street, and fosters both personal and professional growth. Mentors not only share their wisdom, but also glean new insights from their mentees. This creates an exchange – reciprocal in nature – of knowledge and experience.

Here were some of the key takeaways and lessons to cherish from the panel discussion:

  • Adaptability and Resilience: The panelists emphasized the importance of being open to change in your career. The business landscape is dynamic, and the ability to adapt and embrace new circumstances is a valuable skill. Instead of viewing challenges as roadblocks, they should be seen as opportunities for growth. Resilience is about bouncing back from setbacks and using them as stepping stones to success.
  • Innovation and Collaboration: Innovation is a driving force behind success. It's essential to constantly seek new ways of doing things, staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving world. Collaboration is also a potent tool. The speakers highlighted that working together with diverse perspectives and skill sets can lead to creative solutions and impactful results.
  • Determination and Passion: Determination means having a clear goal and the willpower to pursue it relentlessly. The panelists shared that determination was a pivotal quality in their careers, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their objectives. Passion is the fuel that drives exceptional performance. Loving what you do and striving for excellence in your field will set you up for great success. Going the extra mile and consistently delivering your best will take you a long way in your career.
  • The Value of Failure: Failure is not something to be feared. Instead, it should be seen as a necessary part of the journey. The speakers discussed how their failures taught them valuable lessons and provided the experience needed to eventually succeed. Resilience is crucial when facing failure. It means learning from mistakes and using them as a springboard to future accomplishments.
  • Mentorship Matters: Mentorship is a key element for personal and professional development. The speakers emphasized the value of seeking guidance from those with more experience. Mentors can provide insights, advice, and a broader perspective. They also highlighted that mentorship is not a one-sided process. It's a dynamic relationship where both the mentor and mentee can learn from one another and push each other to be the best version of themselves.

As we draw this conclusion, we must extend our profound gratitude to our sponsors: Trion, a Marsh McLennan Agency, OM Strategic Forecasting, and HireBetter. We offer them a heartfelt appreciation and this event would not have been possible without their support.

We also extend our gratitude to Stephanie Redish Hofmann, Kathy Carter, and Ginger Dhaliwal - our esteemed speakers of profound wisdom and experience; their insights and experience resonated so powerfully with our community.

Lastly, we want to say a massive thank you to all attending members; your presence and enthusiasm significantly contributed towards transforming this inaugural event into a resounding success. 

We eagerly anticipate upcoming events and networking opportunities within the Women We Admire community. This event was just the beginning and there's much more to come.