Women Amplified

History has proven that nothing gets accomplished unless someone speaks up. But being the person who speaks up can be hard. In this session, Swarthmore College president Valerie Smith will provide real-world examples from her own experience of speaking up, and offer an arsenal of strategies for effective communication on topics of high importance today.  She will then be joined by the founders of “Ladies OUT LOUD” who will share the tips and tools to help you speak up. You will leave the session with the skillset to start a career of “getting loud” so that nothing stands in your way.

The #MeToo movement is accomplishing what the laws created to prevent sexual harassment didn’t do. Sexual harassment is finally being taken seriously and numerous companies are working to put an end to it. While this massive movement is a welcome shift for women, it is also changing the landscape for many.  What are the consequences of this movement? How should it be discussed in the workplace? Are men less willing to mentor women out of fear? Do female entrepreneurs and potential job recruits have less opportunity because men are avoiding engaging with women? Come listen to this panel of experts discuss the ins and outs of a new workplace with a heightened awareness surrounding about harassment.

People tend to come up with their own perceptions about who you are, what you’re good at—and, quite likely, what you’re not good at. They “brand” you in their own minds. But why let others define your reputation? Join this session to explore how to brand or rebrand yourself. These branding experts will teach you how to re-assess your brand –in person and online—and adjust your communication to attract high-profile projects, solidifying your reputation as a leader.

We love our kids, but do we love our role as parents? Many parents crave a greater sense of happiness in their daily lives. KJ Dell’Antonia, the former lead editor of the New York Times Motherlode blog, decided to dig deep to find out if we could change our family life so that it is full of the joy we'd always hoped for. In this session, she will share the nine common problem spots that cause parents the most grief, and offer doable steps to make them better. Whether it's getting everyone out the door on time in the morning, or making sure chores and homework get done without another battle, this session will show that having a family isn't just about raising great kids and churning them out at destination: success. It's about experiencing joy--real joy, the kind you look back on, look forward to, and live for - along the way.

Some people’s careers take off, while others’ take longer — or even stall out.  Common wisdom says that the former attend elite MBA programs, land high-powered jobs right out of school at prestigious firms, and climb the ladder straight to the top, carefully avoiding risky moves. But the CEO Genome Project overturned these myths and shows a completely different picture.  This 10-year study, in which more than 17,000 C-suite executives were assessed to analyze who gets to the top and how, revealed more counterintuitive choices that set apart successful CEOs. This session will share the four key behaviors of these success stories and the three types of career catapults that anyone can undertake. Join Shoma Chatterjee, one of the principals of this study, and this panel of executives to learn how to:

Fast-track your career by deploying the career catapults used by those who get to the top quickly

Overcome the hidden handicaps to getting the job we want.

Avoid the 5 hazards that most commonly derail those promoted into a new role.

Personal finance may seem dreadful, but it doesn’t have to be. By having a better understanding of how your finances work, you'll "get" money and leave out the stress and intimidation. In this session, personal finance expert Kristin Wong will show you how to get more money in your pocket without letting it rule your life. She will share how to build a budget that actually works and how to:

Super-charging a debt payoff plan

Strategically hack your credit score

Side-hustle to speed up your money goals

Start a lazy investment portfolio

Why do some careers take off while others stall? Common wisdom says that successful people attended elite an MBA program, landed high-powered jobs right out of school, and climbed the ladder straight to the top. But the CEO Genome Project shattered these myths. This 10-year study of more than 17,000 C-suite revealed some surprising choices that set successful CEO apart. Join this session to learn the four key behaviors of successful CEOs—and three moves that can catapult your career. Emily Sheeren, one of the principals of this study, and a panel of executives will share how to:

Fast-track your career by deploying career catapults

Overcome hidden handicaps to getting the job you want.

Avoid common hazards that can derail people promoted into a new role.

Whether you are at a mid-career inflection point, wanting to advance professionally, or returning from a child-rearing hiatus, uncertainty about your path may cause you to feel stuck. Career planning isn’t easy, and this session can give you the nudge you need to approach a career transition with confidence. Join this panel of experts to identify opportunities, better market yourself, and develop the skill- expanding and relationship building steps to get where you want to go.  This session will inspire you to challenge your status quo, get unstuck and pivot into your next role.

Managing up is one of the most valuable soft skills you can develop in your career. It's about building a relationship that fosters more communication, collaboration, and understanding between people at different levels of power, perspectives, and skills. Mastering these skills will help you build your reputation for effectiveness and grow a successful career. Leadership consultant Mary Abbajay and a panel of experts will share actionable tips to:

Understand your manager’s work and behavioral style and adjust yours accordingly

Enhance your self-awareness and become more adaptable

Read body language better

Develop true, lasting connections

Women are the majority of today’s college graduates, but less than a quarter make it past middle management. And we are being paid 80% of what men make. Now is the time to change this staggering reality. Whether you're interviewing for a new job or want a raise in a current one, this panel of experts will discuss how to prepare, best ways to present yourself, and what to say when you're getting pushback during a negotiation. Leave this session with the courage to get paid what you deserve.