In a world brimming with innovation and unbridled ambition, WILD events are like beacons of empowerment, radiating positivity and fostering a sense of limitless possibility. The recent WILD in Riyadh event, going under the banner of ‘Influential and Inspiring Leadership for a Sustainable Future’, and co-hosted by one the region’s most popular and influential industry magazines, Saudi Projects, was not just about business though: it was about the magnetic charisma of women who dare to dream big, who dare to break boundaries, and who dare to succeed in spectacular fashion.
The atmosphere was electrifying, akin to a star-studded performance where each attendee is the leading lady of her unique success story.
In a world where countless women, including Mary Barra (Chairman and CEO of General Motors), Sheryl Sandberg (former COO of Meta Platforms and founder of LeanIn.org), and Ginni Rometty (a trailblazing tech icon and the former CEO of IBM), are showing that gender is not a barrier to success in the business world, it is now an accepted fact that female vision and commitment have the power to change industries and drive progress. As Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc., said: “Empowering women in business is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic one. Their insights and decision-making abilities are essential for any company’s success.”
“We inspire women to rise, to conquer, and to leave an indelible mark on the business world”
Emma Burdett, CEO of WILD, talking about the Riyadh event, explained: “WILD Riyadh continues to support and pioneer female leadership and gender equality in the Kingdom. This uniquely curated event delved into how collectively, we can come together as diverse female leaders, share knowledge and best practice for women to pave the way as role models for future generations of talent, thus creating a sustainable future in line with SDG5 and Vision 2030. Our recent MoU with the United Nations Global Compact Network in KSA further enhances our position in KSA as we work together to champion SDG5 gender equality.”
“Once again, Women in Leadership Deliver (WILD) in partnership with Saudi Projects hosted another great event in Riyadh”
Innovate, Inspire, Lead: Pioneering Women in Leadership
This inspirational event was about equipping women with the tools they need to conquer the business and entrepreneurial worlds. A dazzling array of speakers and facilitators, each a trailblazer in her own right, provided invaluable insights, practical skills, and tools to help delegates thrive as leaders, whether they are in the boardroom, on an entrepreneurial journey, or looking to enhance their leadership potential. Topics such as effective communication, negotiation, work-life balance, and self-confidence were explored, leaving delegates with a newly honed skillset that will serve them well in their future endeavors.
Women represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential
One of the key aspects of WILD Riyadh was the opportunity for women to build valuable relationships, with Laura Wojciechowski, Partner and Media Director at Saudi Projects, commenting: “Once again, Women in Leadership Deliver (WILD) in partnership with Saudi Projects hosted another great event in Riyadh. The evening was nothing short of extraordinary, as it brought together a diverse group of inspiring women from across the Kingdom.
“Our discussions featured inspirational insights from female leaders in the Kingdom who have charted their path to success and harnessed their influence to inspire change. As we gear up to embrace SDG5 and the Saudi Vision 2030 for a sustainable future, their stories left us all inspired, motivated, and ready to conquer our own dreams. Thank you to everyone who joined us, engaging in thought-provoking conversations and sharing their own valuable experiences, challenges, and insights. You were all incredible. Let’s continue to champion women in leadership, uplift one another, and drive positive change in our organizations and communities.”
Leading with Heart, Mind, and Courage: Women at the Helm
Women represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. But gender inequality still persists and stagnates progress. So while progress has been made, especially in Saudi Arabia, where there has been a major focus on women in leadership roles in both government and the private sector, the road to female leadership is not without its challenges, not least because women simply do not yet have all of the resources open to men. Thanks to WILD, that is now changing!
WILD is making history by reshaping the business landscape and empowering women to thrive in industries previously dominated by men
Samar AlAmro, Director of Corporate Services & Sustainability, Middle East – GM of Accenture Regional Headquarters, commented: “One of the highlights of the evening was hearing the stories of each panellist. They shared their personal triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned throughout their leadership journeys. It was a reminder that every path to leadership is unique, and it’s the diversity of our experiences that makes us stronger as a collective.
Amal Al Somali, EMBA, Country CIO at ABB, agreed, saying: “It was my pleasure to be a keynote speaker sharing my personal leadership journey and participating in the panel discussion which was breathtaking in every way possible with my amazing inspirational women, Samar AlAmro, Aisling Collins, Marta Pessanha, and Marie-Joelle Ghaoui sharing their experiences, challenges and great wisdom learned from their leadership journeys.”
WILD and Saudi Projects are making history by reshaping the business landscape and empowering women to thrive in industries previously dominated by men. Join us in this journey of empowerment. Be the change you want to see in the world and take the first step towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all by visiting WILD TODAY!
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