One Conversation Changed Everything
In 2023, I had the opportunity to attend the Women’s Leadership conference and backstage pass in Green Bay for the first time. I will never regret deciding to attend this conference, coming on my own, without knowing anyone else there. What I learned from that…You will get more out of the experience if you go outside your comfort zone!
As I sat there waiting for the speaker to start (at the backstage pass), I started talking to the lady next to me. We had the regular small chat – who we were, what we did, etc. Then the speakers began and the excitement in the room filled! Afterwards, you could see the energy everyone had as we moved onto the networking part of the night. I sat with a handful of other ladies at the first table. There was one lady specifically that stood out to me during this portion. She was so welcoming! Since she knew I didn’t know anyone, after that event she started introducing me to multiple people, including Vicki and one of the other speakers we were going to have at the conference. That speaker, then asked if I wanted to go to dinner that night with her and a few others, I quickly replied yes!
One speaker at the dinner table turned into 3 (and me)! This dinner conversation was one of the best I have ever had. They were so REAL! They had so much energy but also shared some struggles they have had in the past. I remember asking them for advice and they were so willing to share their thoughts. I am forever grateful!
The morning, I walked into the room where the conference was being held. WOW! It was unlike any other conference I had been to. Lights, music, huge screens and so many people. I sat down next to one of the speakers I had dinner with the night before. Shortly after that, another lady sat down next to me. Naturally we started talking and then we discovered that we were both from Wausau and attended the same high school, graduating a year apart. What are the chances!
As I listened to Vicki, the main room speakers and the breakout speakers, I couldn’t help but feel uplifted! I found myself feeling empowered, engaged, and exhilarated all day long. I learned about ways to confidently communicate, remove weak works for my vocabulary, building relationships, ways to change out you think/how you want to feel, moving beyond imposter syndrome and much more!
Last year, one of my co-worker friends was able to join me for the conference. We attended both the backstage pass and the conference…she was just as amazed! For the conference, we sat at a table up front and center. It’s like the emcee and the speakers were talking right to us! When we came back to work, we decided that we wanted to share what we learned with the others we worked closely with. We put together an abbreviated power point presentation on all the “ah-ha” moments we had learned. It’s always great when you can learn something new, but it is even better when you share that knowledge with others.
As I drove home both years, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to attend this event. Grateful for the opportunity to meet so many amazing people who have now become part of my network. Grateful for the knowledge I continue to get as a result of those connections. Grateful for the lessons I learned that I could use to be a better employee, mom, wife and friend.
Meet the Author
Amber Gober | Bank Manager | WLC Ambassador
As a Women’s Leadership Conference Ambassador, she’s part of a passionate community of women who’ve felt the impact of this event—and are committed to helping others experience it too. Through their stories, connections, and leadership, ambassadors help grow a space where women feel empowered to rise, take up space, and lead with purpose.
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