Written By: Heather Odendaal, Founder & CEO, WNORTH
Leadership in today’s world is being redefined by those who prioritize purpose, equity, and empathy. As I prepare for the WNORTH Conference each year, I reflect on the evolving priorities of leaders in the corporate world beyond in order to come up with the Conference Theme itself.
In 2018, Halla Tomasdottir joined us as our Closing Keynote speaker for the WNORTH Conference and shortly after went on to launch the New Leadership Playbook while she was the CEO of The B Team. At the 2022 WNORTH Conference, the conference theme was “The New Leadership Playbook for An Inclusive Economy”.
Halla’s journey came to mind again for me as I recently listened to Adam Grant’s ‘Worklife‘ podcast, where she shared her reflections on impostor syndrome and her belief in leading with love, empathy, and joy. Her words are a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of values-driven leadership.
Halla, now the President of Iceland, embodies the type of leadership we champion at WNORTH—bold, empathetic, and forward-thinking. Her decision to leave her dream job to answer a higher calling reminds us that impactful leadership often requires courage and purpose.
As Halla says in the podcast, “You cannot meet fear, hate, and violence with more of the same.” Her words challenge us to reimagine how we approach leadership in turbulent times.”
In a world grappling with economic challenges, questionable leadership, and systemic inequities, it’s clear that the old paradigms of leadership are no longer enough. To meet the complexities of our time, we need leaders who can dismantle outdated systems and build new, inclusive pathways forward.
That’s why when I first heard Jean Oelwang open the 2024 Virgin Unite Disrupting for Good Retreat sharing how “partnering” and “building strong working relationships” to solve some of the world’s biggest issues, these guiding principles have shaped her work with Virgin Unite, The Elders, The B Team and Planetary Guardians, I knew she would be the perfect person to open the 10th Anniversary WNORTH Conference in Whistler.
Jean Oelwang’s work exemplifies how collaboration and strong partnerships can dismantle barriers and drive systemic change. Her opening keynote will set the tone for the 2025 WNORTH Conference, inspiring attendees to embrace the power of connection in accelerating growth and inspiring change.
I am pleased to share that the 10th Anniversary WNORTH Conference will be themed “Beyond Barriers: Accelerate Growth, Inspire Change,” where women leaders will converge to transcend obstacles, drive personal and professional development, and champion transformative change.
We are overworked and underappreciated. We fight similar battles every day. I was so wrong in thinking that I didn’t belong there. I did.
A movement to break barriers begins with lifting others along the way. At the WNORTH Conference, you’ll find a community ready to inspire, challenge, and support your growth as a leader. The program is an immersive 3-day agenda that will take place April 30 – May 2, 2025 at the stunning Fairmont Chateau in the mountains of Whistler, British Columbia.
Join us in Whistler—or virtually—for an experience that will empower you to lead with purpose, foster connection, and drive change. Register here: http://www.wnorthconnect.com/2025Conference
Written By: Kriti Gupta, WNORTH Member & CEO, Carbon Floor I was initially reluctant to attend the WNORTH conference in Whistler in May 2024. As I went through the list of
For our February feature, we had the honour of connecting with Jessie Kaur Lehail, a WNORTH Member and the visionary behind the Kaur Collective. Our paths crossed at a community
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