Reinvention was the theme at the 2013 Women’s Success Forum. Earlier this year, the Women’s Vision Foundation, the previous name of the organizer and host of the conference, put in the work to reinvent itself. The outcome was a new identity as The Leadership Investment to better reflect the organization’s mission and vision. The theme was then well carried out in this year’s conference as award-winning journalist and author Jane Pauley took the stage to talk about her journey in reimagining her own life as well as highlighting others who have successfully done so. The topic is the focus of her new series on NBC’s Today Show aptly titled “Your Life Calling”.
Bravely she shared about her own path of success and failure and what time has taught her: “We all have the power to reinvent; to take our threads of experience and weave them into something that changes and leads others.”
She candidly shared about her own television show, which was not renewed. When she was at a low point, she received an email from her son, who wrote, “I think the most important thing you can do is follow through. Love, Tommy” to which she advised the audience if you aren’t failing somewhat you may not be trying hard enough. She also openly talked about how women are catalysts for change. “Women over 50 are leaning in. We are inspiring others to see themselves in powerful and positive ways.”
In her book Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue, which is scheduled to release in January, Jane Pauley emphasizes that inspiration is everywhere but, you have to be looking to find it. She also addresses the subject of “gifts” when she states, “Everyone has gifts, although, more often than not, we don’t know what they are.” She followed up by explaining that our gifts are the “intersection of our talents and personal interests. Since we have many of both, there isn’t just one big gift.”
A crowd favorite, Jane Pauley received extra long applause from the 1,200 conference attendees. Participants moved on to an array of breakout sessions covering topics designed to help them be more profitable, productive and successful. Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis gave the afternoon keynote address. She is vice president of Government and External Relations for Kaiser Permanente Colorado. Her focus was “Living the Vida Vuca” by helping listeners discover more about who they are in the midst of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Through her words she helped audience members cultivate the stillness and presence required to live their best lives in what seems like a wild-ride world.
When summarizing the reinvention of the Women’s Vision Foundation to The Leadership Investment, President Joanna Murray states, “It takes women and men working together to change culture. Our collective energy can create better products and more successful companies.” She smiled as she shared about the day: “This is an organization where you are constantly learning. Today we’ll learn from the speakers and the participants. It’s a different kind of conference that builds community.”
The mission of The Leadership Investment is to support and advance women in their careers by developing leaders, connecting people and inspiring action and actively engages men in achieving this mission.
It’s not too early to mark your calendar for next year’s Women’s Success Forum: Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014.
Stephanie Allen and Rich Grenhart look forward to a great conference
Anne Saad, left, Nicole Maynard and Lonnie Sutton are all smiles
Susan Phillpy and Jay Reinig look forward to the day of inspiration
Delvaki Parma, left, is coming back for her second year. She smiles with AJ Joplin
Betsy Keys, left, with Dara Marvel
An easy area for lots of networking
Shelia Woolfolk, left, Tracie Newton and Kim Abbott look forward to the day of learning
Annie Rucker, left, with Rene Gonzales before the first session
Adelina Herrera, left, with Katie Bair
So many good books to buy!
Bryan Kelly, left, Tanja Beshear, Peter Valentyik and Todd Hansell take time for a photo
Cathy Maragigan, left, takes her seat with Laura Kelley and AJ Martin
Sarah Fazekas, left, with Jarrod Gibbons and Catrin Dancewicz eagerly await the keynote address
Sondra Smith, left, Jan Shegda, Liz Campbell, Julie Daly, Kerry Storm and Lucia Teegarden are happy they came
Marsha Dunn, left, Melissa Lipscomb, Christine Daspro, Robyn D’Onofrio and Susan Wickes get ready for some inspiring words by the presenters
Serenading the crowd — a melodic start to the day
Cathy Lawless, left, and Karen Ellis before the keynote address
Helen Jacobsen, left, and Joanna Murray, proud mother of the organization’s president of the same name
Jandell Allen-Davis, left, gets ready for the conference with Carol Ratcliffe Alm
Big smiles from Concetta Palmieri, left, and Linda Kennedy
Concetta Palmer, left, and Sandra Ford Walston take time for a picture
Sandra Ford Walston, left, and friend Karen McGee
Nancy Sullivan, left, Sandra Ford Walston and Martha Caban enjoy time together
Conference co-chairs Michelle Jones, left, and Tina Hudson welcome attendees
Jill Marce, left, and Carolyn Paul get ready for a great day of inspiration
Jill Marce, left, Tracy Kellner and Carolyn Paul catch up before the conference starts
Katie Meurer, left, and Stephanie Allen take a moment for a phot
Team ULA: Megan Quinn, left, Lindsey Wagner, Brooke Mosley, Tinesha Ross, Grace Hantelman and Sarah Turner
Bonita Donsereaux, left, networks with teachers Collen Pate and Dianne Fulwider
Jody Block, left, smiles with Karen McGee
A powerful team: Joanna Murray, Michelle Jones, Jane Pauley, Tina Hudson and Nancy Sullivan
Joanna Murray, left, Cheryl Preheim, Jane Pauley and Nancy Sullivan smile on stage
Cheryl Preheim and her mentor Jane Pauley
Jane Pauley, center, with friends Jan Erikson and Jon Thomas
Big smiles from Lucy Strupp, left, and Joanna Maurelli
Joanna Murray, left, Joan Mobley, Lucy Strupp and Joanna Maurelli smile together
Fearless leaders: Joanna Murray, left, and Nancy Sullivan
Mary Turek, left, and Jane Pauley smile backstage
Mary Turek, left, a staff member, Jane Pauley, Joanna Murray, Christine Daspro and Barbara Hunter after the morning address
After the address: a smiling Jane Pauley
Job well done: conference organizers Michelle Jones, left, and Tina Hudson
Susan Williams, left, and Laurel Gilbert take in the day
Connie Blakeman, left, and Jaime Yelvington smile for a photo
Joanne Chapman-Reps, left, and Sue Childs catch up at the conference
Jane Pauley shares candidly about her work
Jane Pauley gets real about reimagining life possibilities
Molly Meinhart proudly introduces Jane Pauley
Foundation President Joanna Murray shares the meaning of the day
Foundation President Joanna Murray laughs at the podium
Foundation President Joanna Murray applauds the many sponsors
Foundation President Joanna Murray welcomes participants
Barbara Schane from Johns Manville explains why they proudly sponsor the conference