“Play to Win” at The Chicago Network’s Launchpad Women’s Senior Leadership Summit.
On Wednesday, September 17, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Drake Hotel, step into a day designed to ignite possibility and accelerate the rise of women leaders. This summit isn’t just about professional development—it’s about unlocking the next level of leadership for directors and vice presidents ready to claim their path to the C-suite. Through powerful stories, actionable strategies, and hard-won insights from women who have broken through barriers, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to lead with impact and vision.
But this experience goes beyond skill-building—it’s about community, recognition, and inspiration. You’ll connect with a powerful network of women who are walking the same path, as well as accomplished leaders who have paved the way ahead. Together, you’ll celebrate ambition, forge lasting relationships, and expand your circle of influence. For organizations, this summit is a moment to honor and empower high-potential talent. For participants, it’s a chance to rise higher, dream bigger, and accelerate the journey to leadership at the very top.
Agenda
The Summit will run from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, including a continental breakfast, networking luncheon and reception to follow the interactive presentations.
Session One: Play to Win – Harnessing Your Personal Power with Julie Johnson
Personal Power is the unique influence you carry with you based on who you are and how you show up, regardless of your title or position. It stems from qualities like confidence, authenticity, and emotional intelligence. This session enables emerging and established leaders to identify, cultivate, and strategically apply their personal power to enhance their impact. During the session, you will:
- Learn about the different types of power.
- Assess how comfortable and confident you are in flexing your power.
- Gain awareness of the ways you might inadvertently undermine your personal power.
- Learn strategies to help you embrace and strengthen your personal power.
- Identify actions you will take to apply your personal power intentionally.
Julie Johnson, Managing Director in the Bravanti/ZRG Leadership Acceleration and Business Acceleration Practices
LinkedInSession Two: AI and Opportunities with Nerissa Brown
This session will explore the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and leadership, focusing on how leaders can leverage AI technology to drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and unlock new opportunities in their professional journeys. We will discuss tools and strategies for integrating AI into day-to-day leadership practices, and the unique opportunities available for leaders in the age of AI. Join us for an engaging discussion that will inspire you to navigate disruptive technologies and lead in confidence.
Nerissa Brown, Executive Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Professor of Accountancy at Gies College of Business
LinkedIn
Session Three: Leading with Confidence with Suzanne Burns, Cheryl A. Francis, and Alison Ranney
The session will feature a C-suite executive sharing her personal journey to the top. In conversation with two distinguished executive recruiters, the session will draw out key themes on proactive career management – how to take charge of your own path, how to seek out opportunities instead of waiting for them, and common strategies that can help leaders rise to the C-Suite executive level. Attendees can expect an insightful conversation offering both personal anecdotes and professional advice on building a confident, intentional career trajectory towards the C-Suite.
Session Four: Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Ready: Personal Brand + Executive Presence with Diane Primo
In today’s divided, high-stakes world, how you show up is your power play. This session shares how to build a clear, compelling personal brand—and what it really takes to develop executive presence that earns trust, commands the room, and drives decisions. Led by Diane Primo, a former Fortune 100 executive and strategic communications expert, this session breaks down the core components of executive presence and gives you the tools to activate it. If your name doesn’t carry weight yet—this is where you change that. During the session you will learn how to:
- Build a brand that opens doors and accelerates growth
- Define personal brand and executive presence in actionable terms
- Leverage that understanding to lead with influence and credibility
What People are Saying About Launchpad:
Great mix of soft skills that are vital for strong leadership and genuine discussions and connections fostering networking.
Speakers were outstanding. The topics were related to my career and the people I work with. I was able to take something away from each session.
It is great to have dedicated time focusing on leadership and discussion with other leaders. It’s brainstorming and reflection that helps center you in the kind of professional you want to be, among the chaos of day- to-day work.
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