Take 6: The Top Takeaways from PINK’s 9th Annual Empowerment Event

With over 300 women in attendance, it’s safe to say this year’s 9th Annual Empowerment Event was a success.

A testament to just how far women have come in business, our expert panel featured executives from Fortune 500 companies, such as AIG and NCR – candidly sharing the ups, downs, ins and outs of making it in corporate America.

In fact, there was so much great conversation we had to share it with our readers! Here are the top takeaways from this year’s event:

“You need someone at home to tell you you can walk on water, that you can do more than you think you can,” says NCR Vice President, Global Marketing, Susan Johnson.

Also, emphasizing the importance of a supportive spouse and family, InterContinental Hotels Group Senior Vice President, Americas, Human Resources, Lori Gaytan, discussed her husband’s willingness to take on a lesser role in his career to make a move overseas that would later catapult hers.

Gaytan insists, “A man doesn’t take himself out of contention because he has a family. You can have both.”

She further encourages woman to “take a seat at the table,” to which NCR’s Johnson added, “Be visible.” If you’ve done something well, for you, for your company, be vocal, says Johnson. Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn.

As event moderator and veteran CNN anchor Carol Costello states, women often don’t realize how good or capable we really are.

“Did you ever take on a role when you only knew half of the job?” Johnson asks. “Men do.” She continues, “You can make people believe just about anything if you say it with authority.”

And, while the panel encourages women to remain confident and focused, they also insist we “remember the human side.” And, most importantly, keep other women in mind.

“Ask yourself, did I help another woman today,” suggests AIG Southeast Regional President, Property and Casualty, Carolina Klint.

Because, as IHG’s Lori Gaytan says, “It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing more of the right things.”

BONUS PINK Link: Didn’t make it this year? Check out photos from the event.

By L. Nicole Williams

“I’ve never met the man who said I’m going to work part time when I have kids.” Carol Costello