The Power To Negotiate: WIN Summit's Blueprint for Women's Success
Written By Katie Johnson, WIN Head of Operations
This past May, WIN brought together over 200 women leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers for our annual Summit. It was our first in-person summit since 2019, and over the course of the day, attendees were immersed in an environment filled with in-depth workshops, proactive panel discussions, networking opportunities, and self-care activations. The day aimed to empower women to recognize and wield their influence, leadership, and vision to make a lasting impact.
The theme “The Power To” became the summit’s guiding beacon, encouraging attendees to finish the phrase in ways that felt most impactful to them. Some chose “The Power To Lead,” “The Power To Include,” or “The Power To Connect.” This simple yet ambiguous theme allowed each participant to approach their own career, leadership style, and aspirations with renewed clarity. The openness of this theme resonated with women at all career stages—whether they were in the early days of their profession, mid-career, or in executive roles, everyone found space to reflect on what power meant to them and how they could wield it for both personal and collective advancement.
Here are a few of my favorite highlights from WIN Summit 2024:
1. Julia Haart and Taly El-Zmetr: Leaders Showcasing the Power of Authenticity and Resilience
Our opening Keynote Speaker, Taly El-Zmetr shared her take on leadership and the fact it is not one-dimensional. It is a mixture of actively listening, speaking up, connecting, and showing up. She shared her framework for what it means to “show up” and become a great leader - setting the stage for how women and allies can cultivate a workplace culture: leading with your authentic self. Then, closing our day was Julia Haart, a resilient woman known for her escape from an extremist religious sect and an extraordinary rise from housewife to shoe designer. She shared her resistance to the phrase “this is how it’s done” and what it means to step boldly into the unknown. Each keynote highlighted the role of authenticity and resilience in successful leadership, one for leading teams at Walmart Connect, a company with thousands of employees, and the other in establishing your own brand and building a trustworthy team from zero. They inspired attendees to break free from traditional leadership molds, recognize their strengths, and harness their uniqueness as essential assets.
2. Building Negotiation and Self-Advocacy Skills With Interactive Workshops
Each year WIN Summit incorporates interactive workshops into the agenda. They are an empowering training ground for women and allies to refine the skills that are pivotal in our professional lives. In 2024, topics ranged from essential negotiation techniques such as effectively managing conflicts, enhancing communication skills, preparing a robust negotiation plan or strategy, and honing these skills through a mock negotiation session. They included the more nuanced skill-building such as harnessing imposter syndrome as a catalyst for growth, reframing the purpose of power, and examining ways women can be more assertive.
The emphasis on negotiation stemmed from a common theme among participants: the desire to advocate for oneself while fostering collaboration and positive relationships. The workshops struck a balance, focusing not just on financial negotiation but also on negotiating for career advancement, work-life balance, and other key aspects of professional development.
3. Shifting Paradigms in Corporate Culture through Panel Discussions
Throughout the day, you could find various panel discussions featuring influential leaders across an array of industries. They delved into some of today’s most pressing workplace issues such as inclusion and accessibility, dismantling unconscious bias, shifting corporate cultures, and cultivating more meaningful connections as a leader. These panels and panelists challenged the stereotypical norms around working moms and presented opportunities on how organizations can foster environments where women and minorities could thrive. Learning from these real-world examples and strategies that have worked for others, we left with a broader understanding of how we can drive deeper change within ourselves and push for change within our organizations.
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4. Meaningful Connections, Impactful Coaching, and Holistic Self-Care
While WIN Summit delves into skills-building and professional development, it is not your ordinary leadership summit. We believe it’s important for the people who attend WIN Summit to feel like they have been transported to a space that feels refreshing and empowering. One attendee described it as “like receiving a big, warm hug from a friend”. Our partnership with Convene at One Liberty helped us achieve this goal in 2024. Attendees could gather in the curated lounge by Walmart Connect, collaborate at one of the many tables in the open-concept exhibit hall, or complete some work more privately in a booth. There was one-on-one coaching throughout the day, and best of all, attendees were able to craft their own bouquet to take home with them. We recognize the importance of being able to care for yourself, and WIN Summit offers this opportunity beyond education.
What truly set WIN Summit 2024 apart was “The WIN Difference,” a concept that emphasizes combining empowerment with tangible, actionable outcomes. The sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities were designed not only to inspire but also to equip attendees with tools and strategies they could immediately implement in their careers. Attendees walked away feeling not only inspired but also empowered with knowledge, tools, and connections to create real change.
What’s Next: WIN Summit 2025
With WIN Summit 2024 setting the bar high, the theme for 2025—“Chart a New Course”—promises to take attendees on a transformative journey to explore new horizons, set fresh goals, and redefine what leadership means for a new era. Take a look at what you can expect at WIN Summit 2025 and why you won’t want to miss it.
1. Embracing Change and Growth
The 2025 theme “Chart a New Course” speaks to the spirit of adaptability and innovation. As industries evolve and challenges become more complex, the Summit will focus on empowering women to navigate uncharted territories in their careers and personal lives. Attendees can expect sessions that explore how to embrace change, overcome fear, and cultivate resilience to thrive in ever-changing times.
2. Advanced Leadership and Negotiation Training
Building on the skills introduced in 2024, WIN Summit 2025 will offer advanced workshops on leadership and negotiation tailored to women at every career stage. From first-time managers to experienced executives, attendees will have the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the intricacies of negotiation, develop advanced leadership techniques, and learn how to lead their teams into the future.
3. A Hub for Inspiration and Connection
One of the standout features of WIN Summit is its dedicated exhibit hall, a vibrant space where you can connect with brands across an array of industries or pamper yourself. Meet with other passionate leaders, connect directly with key decision-makers, engage in meaningful conversations, and get to know brands that can help elevate your career or self-improvement. Make the most of this dynamic environment tailored to inspire and support.
4. VIP Evening Event: A Unique Networking Opportunity
Returning in 2025, the VIP evening event will set the stage for an exclusive networking experience. With only a limited number of VIP tickets available, this intimate gathering allows participants to cultivate relationships, exchange ideas, and celebrate shared accomplishments. For those looking to foster long-term connections with like-minded professionals, this event is invaluable.
Mark Your Calendars
At WIN Summit 2025, attendees will walk away with practical skills, a supportive community, and a renewed vision for their professional and personal futures. It’s a place to reflect, recharge, and reimagine one’s path forward with confidence and purpose.
WIN Summit 2024 was an incredible experience that left attendees empowered, connected, and ready to make an impact. As we look ahead to WIN Summit 2025, we invite you to join us Spring 2025 in New York City for what promises to be an unforgettable event. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, connect with influential leaders, or simply recharge your leadership energy, WIN Summit 2025 will provide the tools and community to help you do so.
Mark your calendars, set your sights on new possibilities, and get ready to chart your own course toward success. We can’t wait to see you there!
Join Us For WIN Summit 2025
Register before December 31, 2024 to get your Early Bird Ticket!
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