The Largest #LinkageWIL Ever Kicked-Off In Phoenix Today!

Today, we kicked-off Linkage’s Women in Leadership Institute^™ (WIL) in Phoenix, AZ before a crowd of 900+ passionate and inspiring women leaders.  

As Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Linkage, shared with us last week, this sold out event is the largest gathering that we’ve ever hosted in this event’s 20-year history–and from the level of excitement in the Grand Saguaro Ballroom, you can absolutely tell.  

This week at #LinkageWIL, we’re celebrating Veterans Day and recognizing the strength and accomplishments of veterans across our nation. During my opening remarks this morning, I was honored to acknowledge a cohort of veterans joining us this year through our partnership with the Homefront Foundation.

This week, attendees will experience a multi-faceted program carefully designed to accelerate personal and professional growth. They will go on a journey of self-discovery and transformation–and we are thrilled to give you an insider’s look at this experience.  

Every day, we will bring you highlights, including our favorite sound bites and some of the most memorable leadership ideas, concepts, and quotes shared by our expert faculty. (And, you can follow the conversation on Twitter or Instagram using #LinkageWIL!) 

Let’s jump into Day 1: 

Keynote: Susan MacKenty Brady on Being Aware  

What we think and feel drives what we say and do. There are a lot of voices in our head competing for our attention—they often trigger us to feel grandiosity (one up) or shame (one down). These feelings can negatively impact our relationships, causing us and those around us pain. Susan MacKenty Brady, WIL co-chair, introduced us to her Inner Critic and gave us practical thinking to help us lead from a place of Compassionate Center. 

What we learned: 

• Leadership begins with us. We have to understand ourselves in order to lead effectively—and to navigate the seven hurdles that impact us. 
• Practice returning to Compassionate Center—start by pausing and noticing how you’re feeling before you react. Do not advocate, make a request, seek to repair or speak until you re-frame and are back to center. 
• Your next destination is not where you’ll find happiness. Source how you feel about yourself from inside. 

Assessment Review: Unlocking Your Best Insights with Jillian Maver Ihsanullah, PhD

From getting selected during the hiring and promotional process, to fitting in with an organizational culture imbued with masculine values, women leaders face many organizational challenges when it comes to advancement. On top of this, explained Jillian Maver Ihsanullah, PhD, Senior Vice President of Consulting at Linkage, women leaders also face the “Double Bind”.  That is, we expect women leaders to represent everything we expect of women (compassionate, affectionate, and warm)–while also expecting them to emulate what we expect of male leaders (assertive, competitive, dominant).  

It’s a lot to juggle, and that’s where Linkage’s Women in Leadership Assessment^™ comes in. All attendees complete this 360-degree assessment, which identifies strengths and key areas for growth opportunities.

Since 1999, Linkage’s Women in Leadership Institute^™ (WIL), a four-day immersive learning experience, has equipped more than 10,000 women with actionable strategies to overcome the seven hurdles women often face in the workplace.