The Women Presidents Organization's Annual Retreat in South Africa brought together an eclectic mix of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators for three days of inspiration, education, and connection. Held at the picturesque Boschendal Estate in the Western Cape, this year's event was nothing short of transformative. Let's delve into the remarkable sessions and speakers that left a lasting impact on all who attended.
Photo by Tara Turkington
1. "Games We Shouldn't Play - Building Healthy & Productive Workplace Relationships" presented by Anne Hartslief
Anne Hartslief, a masterful business builder with extensive global leadership experience, set the tone for the retreat with her thought-provoking session. She delved deep into the intricate world of workplace relationships, highlighting the often-unnoticed dimensions of human behaviour's impact on professional success. Attendees discovered their unconscious behavioural patterns, their origins, and their profound implications on relationships. Anne's session empowered participants to foster more effective and productive connections in the workplace, emphasising the coexistence of performance and humanity.
2. "New Forms of Money Reimagined with Blockchain Technology" presented by Monica Singer
Monica Singer, former CEO of South Africa's Central Securities Depository and now South Africa Lead for ConsenSys, explored the exciting realm of blockchain technology. Her session showcased how blockchain is reshaping the financial landscape and emphasised the need to embrace innovative forms of currency. Monica's insights left attendees inspired and eager to navigate the ever-evolving world of digital finance.
3. "Think You Have Arrived? Think Again... How to Scale Beyond Your Imagination" presented by Sarah Dusek
Sarah Dusek, a managing partner and co-founder of Enygma Ventures, shared her remarkable journey of scaling businesses to unprecedented heights. Drawing from her experience of selling her upscale outdoor hospitality brand for over $100 million, Sarah provided real-life tools and inspiration for attendees to scale their own ventures. Her session resonated with aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike.
4. "The Joy of Neuro Colour and Why Colour Matters in Marketing" presented by Colleen Backstrom
Colleen Backstrom, Director of Kaleidoscope, a NeuroMarketing Agency, presented an enlightening session on the importance of colour in marketing. Attendees learned how colour influences consumer choices and gained fresh insights into leveraging colour for persuasive sales messaging. Colleen's session challenged conventional marketing wisdom and left participants eager to apply their newfound knowledge.
5. "Economic Insights Unveiled: Navigating Markets and Trends" presented by Annabel Bishop
Annabel Bishop, Chief Economist at Investec Bank Limited South Africa, led an illuminating economic discussion. With her 25 years of experience, Annabel provided unparalleled insights into macroeconomics, financial markets, and political risks. Her session offered a deeper understanding of the economic landscape, leaving attendees with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of the global economy.
6. "Scaling Your Cybersecurity Risk Strategy" presented by Nobukhosi Dlamini
Nobukhosi Dlamini, a well-known thought leader in technology and cybersecurity, tackled the pressing issue of cybersecurity risk. She emphasised the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures in today's digital age, providing attendees with tools to quantify and mitigate risk. Nobukhosi's session highlighted the critical role of cybersecurity in safeguarding businesses and their valuable data.
7. "The Extraordinary Story of the Longest-Held Al Qaeda Captive in the World" presented by Stephen McGown
Stephen McGown's extraordinary journey from being held captive by Al Qaeda militants for nearly six years to his eventual release captivated the audience. His unique perspective on one of the world's most feared terrorist groups left attendees with a profound sense of resilience and the indomitable human spirit. Stephen's story underscored the power of the human response to challenging circumstances.
Member Comments:
The retreat was held over three days at Boschendal in the Western Cape, and it drew participants from far and wide. Here are some of the comments from members who attended:
"Brilliant! I gained so much value and insight; Anne was precise and made the explanations simple."
"Very inspirational and empowering - from the value of cryptocurrency to personal care and great books shared. What an inspiration!"
"Wow!! My mind was blown with the insight into the future of money/data/business. Overwhelmed with information and definitely have to research."
"Excellent 101 class on a tricky topic."
"I've never been more interested in economics than I have in this environment - great topic and speaker."
"Very real discussion."
"Valuable, packed with knowledge, effective presentation and well presented - actionable takeouts from presentation."
"Absolutely fantastic. Unforgettable. Loved, loved, loved."
"Mind-blowing, quite humbling - makes one realize and appreciate everything for the exact moment today."
"Very enjoyable presentation and beautiful connection with members from the audience; the biggest takeout is to be more aware - of yourself and what is going on around you - in the moment but also what is going on globally."
"What a story with human response analytics!"
The 2023 Annual Retreat was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse range of speakers and topics that ignited inspiration, encouraged personal growth, and fostered connections among attendees. The comments from members underscored the profound impact of these sessions, leaving all participants with valuable insights to apply in their personal and professional lives. As the retreat concluded at Boschendal, it was evident that this gathering had indeed empowered minds and inspired change.