The countdown is on for the seventh annual Soirée Women’s Leadership Symposium on May 8, and more information about the day’s lineup has now been released to the public.
Held at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock, the half-day event will feature main stage speakers and panels (including keynote speakers Candace Doby and Michelle Anne Johnson), breakout sessions following three tracks (executive, entrepreneur and leading ladies) and the inaugural post-symposium workshops as an optional add-on.
SWLS organizers made the decision to trim the number of sessions in each track from three to two, adding more time to each session. Read more about that decision here.
Here’s a full rundown of topics taking the stage in May.
Main Stage
“The Secret to Powerful Presence is Personal Power”
» Michelle Anne Johnson – Hollywood actress, corporate VP, consultant
No matter what role you are playing at home, in your community or within an organization, your most valuable skill is influence, whether it be to engage, connect, sell or solve. The problem is that we are only taught to “present.” The path to influence isn’t in your presentation. It is in your presence.
“Courage at Work: How to Take More Risks & Own Your Brilliance”
» Candace Doby – leadership development strategist, author, founder of The Can-Do Company
An organization’s ability to reach its highest level of excellence comes down to one thing: its people courageously owning their brilliance, in both typical and transitional times. In this leadership development presentation, participants learn a process for how to manage fear, activate personal courage and take worthwhile risks so they can unleash their potential and make a greater impact on their organization.
Women’s Wellness Panel
» Holly Agud, M.D. – Baptist Health
» Diane Wilder, M.D. – CARTI
» Heather R. Williams, M.D. – UAMS
» Moderated by Julie Nix – corporate VP of surgery, rehabilitation and women and children’s services for Baptist Health
Prioritizing your well-being is essential to thriving in both business and life. Local health care professionals will share expert insights on women’s health, stress management, how to navigate your health journey and maintaining overall wellness. Learn practical tips for boosting physical and mental health, empowering you to be at your best in all areas of life.
Entrepreneur Track
“Resources to Grow You and Your Business”
» Dr. LaTeasha Gaither-Davis – CEO and founder of Therapeutic Focus
Not until Dr. LaTeasha Gaither-Davis began to really invest in herself was she able to truly grow her business, taking her therapy services company from a one-person operation to a team of 28. In this session she will share the various professional development and financial resources she has discovered over the past 10+ years. If you’re ready to grow yourself and your business, this session is the perfect place to be.
“Scaling Your Business: A Panel Discussion”
» Brandy Thomason McNair – founder of Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry
» Rebecca Yan – general manager of Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co.
» Moderated by Millie Ward – president of Stone Ward
From navigating growth challenges to building strong teams, expanding into new markets and recognizing when scaling shouldn’t be the path forward, this session will provide practical strategies and real-world advice from three successful small business owners. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, leverage resources and position your business for sustainable success. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your venture to the next level, this discussion will offer valuable takeaways to fuel your growth.
Executive Track
“The Hard Truths About Succession Planning”
» Barbara Sugg – president and CEO of Southwest Power Pool
Succession planning requires proactive and deliberate action. Having just retired from her position at Southwest Power Pool, Barbara Sugg will be ready to delve into the often-overlooked “hard truths” of succession planning. Sugg will explore the emotional realities, business imperatives, how to identify and develop high-potential leaders and the challenges that come with that. Creating a sustainable succession plan is imperative to ensuring a successful transition and future of the company.
“Charting Your Course to and Through Leadership”
» Jean Block – CEO of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority
Jean Block spent almost eight years as the in-house attorney at the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority before being selected as their CEO. With more than 18 months in the CEO role, she has insights to share, including the principles that guide her leadership approach. This session will benefit anyone looking to prepare for internal advancement opportunities, individuals looking to successfully transition into a new internal leadership role and current executives interested in crafting or revisiting their own leadership principles.
Leading Ladies Track
“Navigating Productive Conflict”
» Deb Degner – president of The Leadership Bridge
In this session, attendees will learn to transform disagreements into opportunities for growth and innovation. Explore various conflict resolution styles, the reasons leaders often avoid conflicts and walk away with a better understanding of the root causes of conflict. Degner will encourage participants to understand the importance of social and self-awareness in conflict resolution.
“Finding Your Career Niche: Thriving in Your Professional Ecosystem”
» Tammie Davis – SVP of community strategy and performance for Simmons Bank
» JoBeth McElhanon – founder and chief celebrations officer of Lilias and Olive
Are you thriving in your career, or just surviving? Many professionals find themselves in roles that don’t fully utilize their talents or ignite their passions. Hear from two professional women who took very different career paths, but have both discovered the power, freedom, success and energy that comes from finding your professional niche. Learn practical techniques for analyzing your skill sets, recognizing opportunities for growth and strategically positioning yourself for growth.
Workshops
“Courage-Ready Culture: How to Get and Keep Teams Engaged for Good”
» Candace Doby – leadership development strategist, author, founder of The Can-Do Company
Learn and apply the real-world skills that create an empowered workplace culture where everyone is equipped and supported to speak up, show up and step up with courage.
“Mastering Productive Conflict”
» Deb Degner – president of The Leadership Bridge
Dive deep into the various conflict styles, behaviors and triggers. Learn your personal conflict style and how to engage opposite conflict styles effectively and with minimal anxiety.
Registration for SWLS and the VIP networking event are open now. Click here to reserve your spot.
Learn more about the Soirée Women’s Leadership Symposium at the event website, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
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