Living Bravely: Growth and Inspiration at the Women's Leadership Conference
Finding Wonder and Growth at the Women's Leadership Conference
Leadership has always been a foundational element in my life. From my high school days at leadership camps like Wisconsin Leadership Seminars (WILS) and Wisconsin Association of Student Councils (WASC), I’ve been drawn to growth, self-discovery, and empowering others. When I first attended the Women's Leadership Conference (WLC), it was like coming home to a place where driven, authentic women gather—not just to grow professionally, but to lift one another higher. Now, as an ambassador for the conference, I’m delighted to reflect on the powerful sessions and insights that have shaped me over the years.
A Wonder-Filled Moment That Changed My Perspective
One of the most influential experiences I’ve had at the Women's Leadership Conference was at the Backstage Event featuring Kate Burgess as the main speaker. Her talk, which centered around being a “Wonder Woman,” deeply resonated with me. At the time, I was exploring The Working Genius framework, a methodology designed to help individuals identify their strengths, or “geniuses,” across six key areas. I discovered that my genius lies in Discernment—I analyze and evaluate ideas to determine the best path forward. But until that moment, I had thought Wonder might be my strength because of my endless curiosity and constant questioning.
Kate’s words completely shifted my perspective. She spoke about Wonder Woman not as a mythical superhero but as a real-life embodiment of potential and capability. Her insights encouraged me to fully own my genius of Discernment while also appreciating how vital Wonder is to my creativity. Asking “what if” and dreaming big fuels my ideas and inspires my vision for the future. That moment didn’t just inspire me; it redefined how I view my strengths and reminded me that we all have unique abilities waiting to be harnessed.
Charting a Career Path with Clarity
Another pivotal session for me occurred during a year when I felt particularly uncertain about my career. I wasn’t lost exactly—I still had ambition—but I wasn’t sure what my next steps should be. Growth has always been a non-negotiable for me, and feeling stuck without a clear trajectory left me restless and unfocused.
It was during this WLC that I attended a session with Taura Prosek of Stewart Leadership who led a session on the Lead Your Career framework. Taura introduced us to this comprehensive approach for intentional and strategic career management. The framework focuses on four stages:
Plan – Determining your next step by understanding your unique motivations, skills, values, and career aspirations.
Market – Building your professional brand and articulating what you bring to the table through tools like your resume, LinkedIn profile, and a clear career value statement.
Network – Cultivating relationships and forming a personal career advisory board to support and guide you.
Prepare – Navigating organizational application procedures, preparing for interviews, and identifying the best-fit opportunities.
While the session offered a detailed overview of the framework, the opportunity to practice it wasn’t part of the session itself. Instead, I left the workshop intrigued and inspired by what I’d learned. Wanting to take the next step, I purchased the Lead Your Career Workbook after the conference and committed to working through it on my own.
Over the following months, I approached the workbook as a personal project. Step by step, it guided me through exercises that helped clarify my career aspirations. I evaluated my strengths, identified what energized versus depleted me, and articulated my personal value proposition. Each chapter challenged me to think intentionally about where I wanted to go and gave me the tools to align my ambitions with practical actions.
By the time I completed the workbook, I had constructed a personalized career navigation guide tailored to my goals, strengths, and values. This guide became a touchstone for me, providing clarity and direction at a time when I needed it most. More than just a self-assessment tool, it empowered me to see my path clearly and take control of my career with renewed confidence.
Leadership Junkie for Life
At its essence, the Women’s Leadership Conference has always given me what I’ve craved since my early years with WILS and WASC. Those formative experiences planted the seeds for my love of leadership, and this conference continues to nurture that passion with its focus on connection and growth.
I like to think of myself as a “leadership junkie.” There’s something profoundly motivating about being surrounded by women who are just as committed to personal and professional growth as I am. It’s not just about inspiration; it’s about the shared energy and collective learning. These women show up ready to be authentic, driven, and vulnerable. They remind me that leadership isn’t about perfection but about resilience. The lessons I’ve learned from them, paired with the tools I’ve refined over the years, keep me coming back for more.
Every year when I return home from the conference, I carry with me an invigorated belief in the power of continuous growth and the invaluable strength of authenticity.
Why I Keep Coming Back
Being an ambassador for this year’s Women's Leadership Conference is deeply meaningful to me because this event has consistently shaped my professional and personal trajectory. Each conference brings something new to the table that speaks to me in perfect timing.
Beyond the workshops and tools, it’s the collective energy of the women who attend that keeps pulling me back. This isn’t a place where competition overrules collaboration. Instead, it’s a space for growth-minded women to connect, share, and elevate one another.
If you’re someone who finds joy in leading and growing, the Women’s Leadership Conference is a must. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, clarity, or an incredible network of like-minded individuals, there’s something here for everyone. I’m proud to be part of this community, and I can’t wait to discover what lessons and insights this year will bring.
Meet the Author
Carmen Van Schyndel | Director of Sustainability Solutions | WLC Ambassador
She’s part of a passionate group of women who know the transformative power of the Women’s Leadership Conference—because they’ve lived it. As a WLC Ambassador, she helps extend that experience to others, creating space for more women to feel heard, encouraged, and equipped to lead with purpose. These ambassadors are at the heart of our mission to build a stronger, more connected community of women in leadership.
Ready to be part of it! Join us at the 2025 Women’s Leadership Conference and see what it’s all about. Register now!