By 2069, every person on earth will have internet access. By 2050, the world is expected to fully eradicate Malaria. By 2040, the global auto industry will produce only electric cars. Why should it take 132 years to close the gender gap? And even longer to earn equal pay.
We can no longer ‘mind the gap.’ Together, let's close it. RSVP to see the transformative and thoughtful conversations we have in store. Equality can't wait, nor can we.
Women’s purchasing power and economic influence is rapidly increasing, which means they continue to play a critical role in expanding our economy. As women tend to invest with an impact lens, they are at the center of structuring our economic foundation and mobilizing capital through this mindset. Join us as we discuss how we can use women’s expertise and financial power to reshape our impact economy through inclusivity and a growth mindset.
The tide in Iran has changed since the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish student, who was detained for not wearing her hijab properly. In response we have seen a global uprising; women protesting, marching, cutting their hair, and refusing to wear—even burning— headscarves. Recent unrest signals that the authoritarian clergy may be losing its long-held power on the people of Iran. Join us as we unpack why this powerful movement is calling attention from around the world and what we can do to amplify it.
Mandy Sanghera, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Global Human Rights Activist
Dr. Shirin Hund, Medical Doctor, Harvard Medical School
Camilla Douraghy Fischbacher, Fine Art Photographer and Creative Director, Christian Fischbacher co. AG.
Katia Murmann Amirhosseini, Co-Founder, WolfPak and EqualVoice and Board Member
Yasmin Green, CEO, Jigsaw
The data has spoken: women are still systematically falling behind. New research by UN Women reveals we are not on track to reach gender equality by 2030. Women are vastly underrepresented in both leadership, government, and in the private sector. According to a recently released study by UN Women, they hold only 26.4% of parliamentary seats, less than 1 in every 3 managerial positions (28.3%), and only one in four leadership positions globally in technology. It is imperative we take action now. Join us as we create a concrete action plan towards progress and discuss what it will take to get women back on a path forward.
Amid an ongoing employee well-being crisis, how are today's chief people officers approaching planning for 2023? What priorities are set and what trends do we expect to see in the wellness space? In this conversation, an inspiring team of people leaders will share their insights and strategies for building a sustainable future of work, one that puts employee health front and center.
The reasons women leaders are stepping away from their companies are telling. Women leaders are just as ambitious as men, but at many companies, they face headwinds that signal it will be harder to advance. They’re more likely to experience belittling microaggressions, such as having their judgment questioned or being mistaken for someone more junior. They’re doing more to support employee well-being and foster inclusion, but this critical work is spreading them thin and going mostly unrewarded. And finally, it’s increasingly important to women leaders that they work for companies that prioritize flexibility, employee well-being, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
We’re all too familiar with the proverbial glass ceiling. But some of today’s most recognizable, high-powered women had to first overcome another invisible barrier: a generational ceiling. Join us for a panel conversation as we explore the role of generational cycles in shaping our trajectories and how women are overcoming them to reach new levels of success and fulfillment, not only for themselves, but for other generations as well.
The Time for Powerful Partnerships is Now: How Investing in Partnerships in a Rapidly-Changing World Leads to Greater Value and Resilience
For organizations with diverse, well-nurtured and purpose-based partnerships, the next few years look bright even as uncertainty around everything from inflation to the future of work builds. That is because powerful strategic partnerships can both accelerate change - which we have seen over the past few years as efforts to address COVID-19, climate change and social justice were turbo charged - and create resilience.
Eliminating gender disparities that hold women back is the right thing to do. Ensuring equality in opportunities and potential to participate in the company’s revenue generating engine can be catalytic for a faster recovery from setbacks, and a strong engine of growth for more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive growth going forward. Gender equality goes hand-in-hand with financial stability, can stimulate revenue growth, boost performance, and reduce income inequality.
Karmesh Vaswani, EVP & Global Head Consumer, Retail & Logistics, Infosys
Cynthia Hansen, Managing Director, Innovation Foundation, Powered by the Adecco Group
Jeni Mundy, Senior Vice President, Global Merchant Sales & Acquiring, Visa
Anouk Heilen, Global Head, Sustainability, Social Equity and Inclusion, Unilever
Shelley Zalis, CEO, The Female Quotient
From a historic women led revolution in Iran to humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, and in every country in between, women leaders are on the frontlines of change— taking on and chipping away at the world’s greatest challenges. They are our greatest hope for achieving the UN Global Goals and creating a more peaceful world, yet receive less than 2% of philanthropic support. Join designer, philanthropist and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg in dialogue with women leaders from around the world on the heels of the announcement of the new Vital Voices Impact Fund to make direct investments in women-led change.
Despite the better performance yielded by companies with more diverse teams, the lack of female representation on boards persists. In the United States women account for 14% of board positions and 2 in 5 companies, 40%, do not have a single female director. The primary objections towards building more diverse boards suggest there is a pipeline issue, where finding candidates who come from diverse pools is challenging. The panelists will be addressing solutions to systemic issues driving this imbalance that is the "pipeline problem" and discuss their pathways to getting on boards.
As sources predict an impending recession, companies are responding to financial stress with a wave of employee layoffs, which can leave remaining employees with a feeling of “survivor's guilt”. In these uncertain times, leaders have a responsibility to support colleagues and lead by example. In this conversation, we’ll explore strategies for how leaders can uplift their teams in times of crisis.
Kevin Delaney, Co-Founder, CEO, Editor in Chief, Charter
Valérie Beaulieu-James, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, The Adecco Group
Alicia Rose, Deputy CEO, Strategic Initiatives, Deloitte US
Yai Vargas, Vice President, Strategic Engagement & Initiatives, HACR
Miljana Bauduin, Marketing Director, Pernord Ricard Swiss
Nora LaTorre, CEO and Co-Founder, Eat Real
The conversation around ESG models and principles has never been more critical for companies and our world to embrace. As we continue to define and redefine what we mean by ESG, how does a newfound focus on Purpose in the private sector align with ESG principles and what impact can that have for employees and society as a whole?
As many consumers increasingly expect brands to be socially conscious, today's business leaders face an unprecedented amount of responsibility and scrutiny. Now, more than ever, CSR plays a critical role in a company’s brand perception, impacts talent retention, and influences overall business success. Join us as we explore how leaders across organizations are driving change that not only impacts their company, but their communities, the environment, the economy and society at large.
Suzanne Lynch, Chief Brussels Correspondent, POLITICO
Kim Dabbs, Global VP, ESG + Social Innovation, Steelcase
María del Mar Martínez, Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, McKinsey & Company
Laura Modi, CEO and Co-Founder, Bobbie
Scott Herren, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Cisco
D. Steve Boland, Chief Administrative Officer, Bank of America
With new technology, cultural, political and pandemic-related shifts fueling desire for new solutions to drive efficient growth, businesses face an emerging creativity gap. Businesses who choose to fill this gap have an opportunity to distinguish their brands, to generate massive growth, and to transform. Join us to discuss how speed, agility, and a creative mindset can power transformation and growth.
Resilience, defined as the ability to prepare for and adapt to changing conditions and to withstand and recover from disruptions, is essential for living a sustainable, fulfilling life. What does resilience look like in the modern leader? How is it powering the way leaders interact with others, with technology, and with themselves? And, how does a resilient leader inspire resilience in their team? In this conversation, we’ll reveal the findings of a new research report on the power of resilience from Cisco and The Female Quotient. Plus, we’ll share actionable takeaways for how you and your company can become more resilient.
Women founders receive just 2% of all VC funding and cite a lack of access to capital, mentorship and networking to help launch and grow their businesses. We’re changing this narrative by creating a directory of curated recommendations for the people and resources they need to advance their businesses. In this discussion, we discuss what it takes to scale a business and how female founders can utilize this directory to build the ultimate power team.
As the climate crisis persists, economic needs are intersecting with our global and environmental well-being more than ever. It’s critical that we understand the role sustainability plays in crafting the future of our society and economy at-large. Join us as we hear from women who are at the center of designing the new sustainable blueprint.
When done right, inclusion delivers enormous business value and benefits employees of all identities. That’s why we’re launching BCG’s BLISS Index, a tool anchored in new global research that identifies the factors driving feelings of workplace inclusion and impact attrition risk. Join us as we take an extensive look at how leaders can build a workplace inclusive for all and ultimately influence employee happiness and retention.
The journey to meet the commitments in the Paris Agreement globally is a daunting and complex path, but it also provides an opportunity to actively reshape how equity is built in. Collective action and commitment are needed not only within institutions, but across markets and geographies. Join us to hear from leaders who are navigating that path and shaping the way we come together to reach these goals equitably.
With reports of burnout at an all time high, it's clear that the way we approach work isn't working for most people. What does the future look like when it comes to people sustainability? What role do organizations play in helping their people thrive — but also in recruiting the right people for the job? In this conversation, leaders will have an honest and action-oriented conversation about the future of sustainable workplaces.
Melissa Jun Rowley, Founder & CEO, Warrior Love Productions
Daphne Kis, CEO, WorldQuant University
Marissa Andrada, Culture Master, marissaandrada.com
Clarisse Magnin-Mallez, Senior Partner and Managing Partner, McKinsey in France, McKinsey & Company
Diana Luu, Canada Country Manager & Sr. Director Strategic Accounts, LinkedIn
Amid disruption, geopolitical instability, an uncertain economy, and increasing polarization — building a culture of trust is more important than ever. As people look to make sense of a complex world, they’re turning to their business leaders to be sources of credible information, presenting businesses with the unique responsibility and opportunity to lead in the area of trust. In this fireside chat with Deloitte Global CEO Joe Ucuzoglu and Deloitte US Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Kavitha Prabhakar, we will discuss the leadership attributes essential to building trust, and the role that DEI plays in creating a culture of trust within an organization.
Web3 has become an integral part of the ever-changing technological landscape. As companies are looking to integrate Web3 into their business portfolios, it’s imperative that underrepresented and marginalized voices are not left behind. Join us as we highlight a project that has set the standard for future initiatives as the metaversal blueprint for diversity, equity and inclusion in Web3.
Vera Futorjanski, CEO, Veritas Ventures
Jessica Apotheker, Managing Director & Partner and Global Chief Marketing Officer, Boston Consulting Group
Simone Berry, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, People of Crypto Lab
Akbar Hamid, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, People of Crypto Lab
Elisabeth Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer, Circle Internet Financial
We've entered a new climate reality: new research found that we have cut expected warming almost in half in just five years. How do we maintain this significant momentum? The answer, as it often always has been, is in women and young people. In this conversation, we'll talk about the climate action necessary to ensure a safe and sustainable world, and hear from the women and leaders who have made it their mission to get us there.
Anders Rodenberg, CEO, Denominator
Karin Lanz, Founder and CEO, LANUR
Sven Hackmann, Chief Strategy Officer, Citizens Companies
Emma Wheeler, Executive Director, Head, Women’s Wealth, UBS Global Wealth Management
Claudia Edelman, Founder & Chairwoman, We Are All Human
Wendy Woods, Vice Chair Social Impact, Climate & Sustainability, Boston Consulting Group
On the career ladder, middle management is where most women tend to get "stuck," and according to new research from Harvard Business Review, middle managers also struggle to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. In this conversation, we'll explore how senior leadership can support middle managers by keeping their needs top of mind in policy development.
Kweilin Ellingrud, Global Institute Director and Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
Cid Wilson, President & CEO, HACR
Michelle Milford Morse, Vice President, Girls and Women Strategy, United Nations Foundation
Darra Gordon, Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer, GLAAD
Ronda Carnegie, Chief Innovation Officer, The Female Quotient
Over the last year, we’ve seen increased talk about how organizations can dismantle biases that disadvantage mothers and caregivers. But there are nuances to this demographic and to the ways that organizations can and should support them. In this conversation, we’ll uncover the blindspots that employers may have when it comes to providing for caregivers, and offer solutions for how they can truly innovate and create thriving teams.
“Transparency” is a term often used in discussions around leadership, but what does transparent behavior actually look like? And how can leaders strike a balance between overly cautious and oversharing? In this conversation, some of the most skilled leaders across industries will share their take on the term, and offer guidance on how much is too much (or too little) when it comes to transparency.
Cristina Gonzalez, Executive Producer, Audio, Europe, POLITICO
Maria Martinez, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, Cisco
Deborah Golden, US Cyber Strategic Growth Offering Leader and US Cyber & Strategic Risk Leader, Deloitte & Touche LLP
Jayee Koffey, Head, Executive Office and Chief of Staff, BNY Mellon
Julia White, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Marketing & Solutions Officer, SAP
Sally Susman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Executive Vice President, Pfizer
In this digital era, we've all become accustomed to high quality experiences and instant gratification when it comes to our devices. However, there are major environmental implications with how quickly we develop and engage with technology. Join us to discuss how today’s innovations impact our carbon footprint and how we can create eco-friendly practices that support climate action.
Women account for 50% of the global population, but less than 20% of Board Directors. Yet countless studies prove that having women in senior leadership and as boards of directors is a consistent asset to companies and their investors. In this conversation, powerful women in boardrooms throughout Switzerland will discuss how their unique perspectives, experiences, and skill sets benefit business — and the world — today.
Two women leaders in space discuss how current and future space exploration could be the key to saving planet Earth and solving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. They’ll share insights on the ways that space is already intertwined in our daily lives and how bringing the space curious (mainstream world) and the space serious together we could accelerate progress that benefits everyone.
The pandemic showed business leaders worldwide how vulnerable we are, triggering a domino effect of unforeseen crises. Economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, climate challenges, and pace of technological progress all contribute to the unease leaders face today. This panel will discuss how to prepare for the future through company wide initiatives such as strengthening your purpose and culture, accelerating decision-making, frequent reskilling, and creating more agile leadership.
Joy Robins, Chief Revenue Officer, The Washington Post
Anna Tunkel, Executive Director and Head, Strategic Partnerships & Global Engagement, APCO Worldwide
Nicola Mendelsohn, VP Global Business Group, Meta
Chris Perry, Chairman, Futures, Weber Shandwick
Gina Mastantuono, CFO, ServiceNow
Dr. Ulrike Schwarz-Runer, Managing Director and Senior Partner, Global General Counsel, Boston Consulting Group
The fight against Alzheimers and similar diseases has been a race to cure the “incurable.” However, the FDA recently granted accelerated approval for an Alzheimer's treatment. Modern technology is making it possible for medicine to address some of society’s most debilitating health challenges – and women are finding the solutions. In this session, we’ll explore how women are revolutionizing biotech and building the latest advancements in medicine to transform the healthcare industry.
Inderpreet Sawhney, Group General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Infosys
Shamina Singh, Founder & President, Executive Vice President, Sustainability, Mastercard
Bea Perez, Chief Communications, Sustainability and Strategic Partnerships Officer, The Coca-Cola Company
Shelley Zalis, CEO, The Female Quotient
It's no secret that the corporate environment is quickly shifting as the pandemic has reshaped our lives and how we show up for work. As organizations are recognizing that mental health is essential for well-rounded businesses, it can still be difficult for employees to have conversations about mental wellness with their colleagues and leaders. Join us for a discussion on why focusing on emotional wellness in the workplace is a public health imperative, and learn how companies have evolved benefits offerings to meet the needs of today’s employees.
With turnover rates continuing to rise at companies, employers need to continue to find ways to redefine their retention strategies and keep employees happy and ahead of the curve. Upskilling is a key way for companies to build a value proposition — by offering workers the chance to level up their technical skills, learn and grow, they can then advance in their current roles and careers within their organizations, creating cultures of opportunity that benefit everyone. Join us as we discuss how today’s top leaders can use online education programs to effectively upskill and reach new heights within their businesses.