W.I.N. 2009 Global Leadership Conference - a few thoughts

Having just returned from the W.I.N. 2009 Global Leadership Conference, I am still impressed and inspired by those days in Prague. Kristin Engvig and her team have once again managed to attract 500 participants from 60 countries. What makes this conference so special is the unique mix of corporate representatives, small business owners and entrepreneurs, creative minds and passionate individuals. In times of crisis, a new leadership style is required focusing on diversity, sustainability and global cooperation.

Jeanne Heinzer and I facilitated a workshop on Thursday afternoon and we were touched by the very intense reaction we received. We have invited participants to join us for a follow-up teleclass in November (see separate blog entry) to share experiences, ask questions and learn from each other.

I encountered quite a few women who impressed me enormously with their dedication, intelligence and unique personality. The plenary sessions had many highlights: 
Lorella Zanardo touched the audience with her documentary "Il Corpo delle Donne". With a small budget but enormous conviction, she raises the issue of how women are presented in the Italian media. You can download the video on www.ilcorpodelledonne.com.  
Umran Beba, President of PepsiCo South East Europe, has been developing female talent in her region and 53% of executives in her team in Turkey are women. German-speaking countries have a long way to go here.
Angela Nelissen, Sales Director of Unilever, charmed the audience with her story of how she and her team at Dove changed the way beauty is seen. 
Slovenian violinist Miha Pogacnik inspired all of us by demonstrating through music and art the principles of effective leadership.  

The workshop sessions were extremely diverse and ranged from presentation and communication skills (outstanding: Amy Carroll from Carroll Communication Coaching in Vevey) to financial planning, abuse of power in the workplace, mentoring, working with executive search firms, creative writing and mental and physical health.

The location for the next W.I.N. conference in 2010 is not know yet but I will certainly be there!