Published
October 29, 2024
“Know your value proposition.” That was a key takeaway at an event the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Russell Reynolds Associates recently hosted for women leaders in Washington across the association, business, and nonprofit sectors.
The evening – which featured Cathy Burns, CEO of International Fresh Produce Association; Cari Gallman, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Bristol Myers Squibb; Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association; and Katherine Lugar, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Hilton – explored lessons in leadership and opportunities for leadership growth, among others. Hosted by Elizabeth Baker Keffer, Executive Vice President and Chief Relationship Officer at the Chamber, and Stephanie Tomasso, Managing Director at Russell Reynolds Associates, the event convened nearly 100 women leaders from across the Washington, D.C., region.
The panelists encouraged women to think big and then execute those big ideas while sharing real-world examples of times they took risks that led to new chapters in their careers. There was also an emphasis on the importance of learning to be comfortable in the uncomfortable and how leaders should focus on providing clarity, coaching, and development to their teams.
Additionally, the conversation focused on how to balance personal and professional life as a senior leader at an organization. “A good leader is the sum of everything they are and brings those experiences to the table in their professional life,” remarked one of the panelists during the closed-door conversation. “A good leader must also relentlessly prioritize and then trust their team.”
The Chamber appreciates the support of Russell Reynolds Associates in partnership for this event. To learn more about their work, reach out to Stephanie Tomasso (Stephanie.Tomasso@russellreynolds.com) and access their new "The Future of Leadership" report here.
This event was part of the Chamber’s Women Taking the Lead series, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber convening and connecting high-level women leaders in government and business. Please reach out to Guly Maimaiti (gmaimaiti@uschamber.com) with questions about the series.
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About the authors
Rachel Ledbetter
Rachel Ledbetter is a director of policy and political communications at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
