Ann S. Moore, Time, Inc.

"Lessons in Leading Change" In an era of information overload and Blackberry addiction, Ann S. Moore, Chairman and CEO of Time, Inc., told the annual Women in the Forefront Luncheon gathering that "time is our most cherished resource." The 21st Annual Women in the Forefront Luncheon was held April 16, 2010, at the Hilton Chicago. Moore told the sold-out audience of more than 1,000 that it is vital to slow down, listen and clear the mind. "We need to reclaim our personal lives," she said. "I worry about the decline of serendipity and accidental discovery."

Moore, who is one of only six women to appear on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in American Business since 1998, recounted her rise to the top ranks of American media, where she oversees more than 100 magazines, in her speech, "Lessons in Leading Change." One of those lessons: make sure to take time out for Sunday night dinners, a longtime tradition with her husband and son. "The biggest thrill is still Sunday night dinners at my house."

In her remarks, a central theme of Moore’s was that the quality of news and analysis is getting overwhelmed by a "fire hose of too much information" — free, instant and unfiltered. "We have failed to teach the millennials that trustworthy information is essential for a democracy to survive," she said. Careful reporting and editing, which costs money, is vital, she added.

Moore also spoke of a "crisis" in trust and leadership — another lesson — and urged leaders to embrace diversity in the broadest sense: gender, race, class and thinking. "You cannot lead change alone," she said. "The problems are too big." She added that "diversity matters in terms of how people think about problems." Successful organizations are those that have "meaningful conflicts and are able to resolve them."

In closing comments, Moore talked of the correlation between a weak economy and surging Internet searches for cheap and cheerful tuna casserole recipes. Smiling and raising her glass, she said, "I’d like to toast to an economic recovery, more women leaders, less tuna casserole, and more sunshine and serendipity."

The luncheon was marked by a tribute to the leadership of Amy Osler, who is retiring as executive director of The Network after 29 years. "She has been the heart and soul of the organization, and has done an outstanding job on every front," said Therese Fauerbach, who co-chaired the Women in the Forefront Luncheon with Patti Bobb. "Amy is a consummate organizer, schmoozer, commiserator and, most of all, a dear friend to all of us."

For pictures from this year's event, visit the Women in the Forefront 2010 Photo Album.

The Chicago Network is grateful to all our generous sponsors who made this important event possible.

Lead Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Abbott, Alberto-Culver Co., AT&T, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Deloitte LLP, Discover Card, Energy BBDO, Ernst & Young, Goldman Sachs Group, Harris Bank, Hewitt Associates, Illinois Tool Works, Inc., The Northridge Group, Perkins+Will / Eva Maddox Branded Environments, and Sara Lee Corp.

Silver

Advocate Health Care, Aon Corp., Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Corn Products International, Inc., Fleishman Hillard Inc., Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Korn/Ferry International, Land O'Frost, Leo Burnett, McDonald's Corp., Mesirow Financial, Navigant Consulting, Inc., The Northern Trust Co., Sam Reed, Siebert Brandford Shank & Co. LLC, United Airlines, United Scrap Metal, Inc., and W.M. Wrigley Jr. Co.

Copper

CDW, U.S. Equities Realty, ABC 7 Chicago, Accenture LLP, Access Community Health Network, Bain & Co., The PrivateBank, Patricia C. Bobb & Associates, Cabot Microelectronics Corp., CH2M Hill, Crain's Chicago Business, Darwill, DePaul University, Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP, DSC Logistics, Duchossois Industries, Inc., Edelman Worldwide, Feeding America, Jones Lang LaSalle, LaSalle Investment Management, Machrie Enterprises, Marsh, McKinsey & Co., Morgan Stanley, Navistar Financial Corp., Nixon Peabody LLP, Northridge, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Rush University Medical Center, Schneider Electric North, Shields Meneley Partners, Sidley Austin LLP, Tellabs, University of Chicago, William Blair & Co., Winston & Strawn LLP, Hon. Corinne Wood, and Zorch International, Inc.