Mission I'Mpossible: Thrive!

Despite showing significant prowess and talent in the technical preparation process, education, and skill acquisition in sectors such as engineering, STEM, manufacturing, construction and medicine, statistics indicate that at a certain point in their careers, women in these industries exit. As such, there is a downward trend in representation of women in the workforce and leadership in these industries. This attrition also results in very low engagement of women at leadership levels making these industries exclusionary for women and difficult for the few or exceptional women who remain in the workforce.​

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This session seeks to query the unique challenges that women face navigating work in these spaces, question whether these industries are suited for the different challenges faced by women in the workplace and what leadership response should be to ensure that women are fairly represented, engaged in the core work and are highly rewarded and enabled to be resilient until they attain leadership roles and drive change in these sectors.​

Prepare to embark on an inspiring journey into the heart of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity. The plenary session, titled “GRITT: Stories of Triumph,” encapsulates the essence of navigating challenges with unwavering determination.​

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In a world shaped by constant change and unexpected turns, the importance of resilience and mental strength cannot be overstated. Join us as we delve into the narratives of those who have braved the storms and emerged stronger, carving their paths to success despite the odds.​

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With the backdrop of a pandemic-ridden world and its profound impact on our global landscape, this session becomes a compass guiding us through uncharted waters. The questions at the core of this discourse are thought-provoking: How do individuals and families find the fortitude to persevere through tough times? What are the strategies that pave the way for personal and professional excellence amid adversity?​

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This isn’t just about the trials; it’s about the strategies that transform challenges into steppingstones. Through the lens of the speakers’ personal stories, we intend to unravel the practical insights, the pivotal lessons, and the actionable steps that lead to triumph.​

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Our mission is clear: to equip you with not just the knowledge of how to face challenges head-on, but the tools to thrive amidst them. As you depart this session, you won’t just carry ideas; you’ll harbor a renewed mindset, one grounded in the belief that challenges are not insurmountable obstacles, but gateways to growth and accomplishment.​

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Prepare to immerse yourself in a transformative experience, one that empowers you with the spirit of GRITT – an indispensable asset in today’s evolving world​.

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In today’s interconnected world, the power of collaboration has become increasingly relevant. Collaborative efforts among organizations, businesses, and individuals can lead to long-lasting impact and create positive change on a global scale.​

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Collaborations play a crucial role in addressing complex social, economic, and environmental challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. By bringing together diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives, alliances can leverage collective strengths and achieve lasting impact. ​

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Some of the benefits of collaborations and strong alliances include the ability to leverage complementary strengths, shared responsibility and commitment, expanded reach and influence, enhanced innovation, resource optimization amongst others. ​

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While collaborations offer these numerous benefits, they also face challenges that need to be addressed for long-term success however embracing innovative models of partnership, harnessing the power of technology, and nurturing a culture of collaboration will pave the way for a sustainable future.​

In a world characterized by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA), maintaining personal equilibrium through self-care has become essential. This session aims to shed light on the critical importance of prioritizing self-care and offer practical strategies for integrating self-care practices into daily life. The concept of personal equilibrium refers to the delicate balance individuals strive to achieve in their lives despite the challenges posed by the rapidly changing and unpredictable nature of the modern world. ​

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By bringing together experts in the fields of psychology, wellness, and personal development, this practical discussion aims to equip attendees with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to make self-care an integral part of their lives, enabling them to thrive in today’s busy world while nurturing their well-being. Ultimately, personal equilibrium is an ongoing journey that requires consistent effort and self-reflection.​

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By prioritizing self-care and integrating these strategies, delegates can navigate the complexities of the VUCA world while fostering well-being and resilience.​

Experts have generally rated the enabling environment for women entrepreneurs very poorly in most countries. This explains why women have a slightly lower perception of entrepreneurship as a career choice. ​

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Womenpreneurs face barriers, gender stereotypes and discriminations that limit their potential to start, scale and succeed in their ventures. A few have scaled these hurdles, they have shattered the glass ceiling and broken the concrete walls to become a force to reckon with in the business world. ​

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What were their challenges? How did they overcome? How can we replicate what they have done or adapt their approach to our unique experiences to enable us to evolve from a few to many successful womenpreneurs?​

The concept of raising families has become increasingly relevant due to factors such as social media, sexual orientation, cultural norms, globalization, economic opportunities, and educational pursuits. As individuals and families explore opportunities abroad, they encounter a range of modern-day challenges associated with parenting and maintaining familial relationships across international boundaries. The pertinent questions every delegate needs to brood over are: What are the psychological and emotional effects on parents and children when they are separated across borders? How do differing parenting styles, influenced by cultural norms, impact family dynamics and the upbringing of children?​

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Parenting and raising families in the 21st century present a unique set of challenges that require careful consideration and proactive strategies. By understanding and addressing these challenges, families can navigate the complexities of raising a family in various challenging circumstances, while fostering strong relationships and nurturing the well-being of all family members. It is therefore important for the delegates to reflect on potential strategies and solutions for addressing the challenges of fostering healthy family relationships. ​

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In understanding the challenges of parenting & raising families, the deep dive will focus on practical tips, anecdotes, analogies, highlights, insights, and diverse experiences on how women can gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and complexities of modern-day cross-border parenting, leading to informed strategies for enhancing the well-being and success of families living across borders. Delegates should leave with a mindset that there are practical solutions to the challenges confronting parenting and raising families in this current age.​

Transgenerational succession for sustainability and impact refers to the practice of passing down leadership, values, and knowledge from one generation to the next within an organization or community. This session aims to emphasize the importance of continuity, long-term planning, and maintaining a positive influence on society and the environment over multiple generations. In the context of business and organizations, transgenerational succession involves grooming and preparing younger individuals to take on leadership roles once held by older generations. This process goes beyond merely transferring positions; it also involves imparting the core values, ethical standards, and lessons learned from past experiences. By ensuring a smooth transition of power, organizations can maintain their stability, adapt to changing circumstances, and continue pursuing their mission with a lasting positive impact.​

Furthermore, transgenerational succession goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. Sustainable practices aim to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. By incorporating sustainability into the succession planning process, organizations ensure that their operations and strategies align with environmental, social, and economic considerations for the long term. This involves making responsible decisions that minimize negative impacts, conserve resources, and contribute to the well-being of future generations. Impact, in this context, relates to the broader influence an organization has on society and the world. Through effective transgenerational succession, organizations can perpetuate positive impacts by passing down a commitment to corporate social responsibility, ethical practices, and innovation. By ensuring that each new generation of leaders understands and upholds these values, an organization can create a lasting legacy of positive change.​

We are often encouraged to take the risk required to make a difference in our unique industries. Each individual stride towards innovation, exploration and creativity had at its foundation a need, a gap to be filled, and someone took the risk to meet that need, even in the face of opposition. ​

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We all have untapped resources within us, knowledge and skills that if harnessed could birth solutions to address the challenges of our present times. Knowing how to put one foot in front of the other or when to make the move can sometimes be a herculean task.​

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There are many women who have gone before us and taken giant strides in their industries. They have not only survived or thrived, but they have also excelled. This conference is an opportunity to learn from them as they share their stories.​

In an age where technology has become an integral part of our lives, the debate surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gained unprecedented significance. This thought-provoking debate titled “Artificial Intelligence – Friend or Foe” seeks to delve into the heart of this complex issue, examining the potential benefits and risks associated with AI.​

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As the debate unfolds, both sides will present compelling evidence, real-world examples, and expert opinions to support their respective positions. The discussion will explore AI’s impact on economic growth, social interactions, and individual privacy. The goal is not to reach a definitive conclusion, but rather to foster a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of AI and inform the audience about the potential opportunities and risks that lie ahead.​

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In the end, the “Artificial Intelligence – Friend or Foe” debate aims to explore the intricacies of AI’s role in our society. By providing a platform for informed discussions and promoting critical thinking, this debate will empower delegates to form their own opinions on this rapidly evolving technological phenomenon.​