PWN Global Presidents' Offsite
The global Pandemic changed a lot of things - some for the better, some for the worse. One thing we lost during the Pandemic was our ability to travel - and that was hard for a network such as ours that thrives on in-person connection.
So, imagine how thrilled we were to finally re-start our annual Presidents' Offsite again in 2023.  The Annual Offsite is the moment in the year when our City Network Presidents and PWN Global Board volunteers from around the world come together to discuss their experiences and define and refine the strategic direction of the PWN Federation of Networks.
Traditionally, we all make the journey to one of our city network cities. Last time we met was in 2019, in Dublin for our inaugural PWN Global Gender Balanced Leadership Awards. And, in May 2023, we were hosted by the wonderful PWI Brussels, led by President Anaida Dibra and her dynamic team.
Korn Ferry was the Corporate Partner that gave us access to their stunning office premises in central Brussels, so that our hard-working volunteers were able to undertake meetings, presentations, and working sessions in comfort.
Given the four year lapse since our last in-person meeting, the energy in the room to meet, share, learn and develop our network further was palpable. Seeing so many new faces and enthusiasm for the mission was truly remarkable and uplifting.
On Friday 12th May, we were inspired by guest speakers from Korn Ferry on topics such as Global Women CEO’s and the European Equity Pay Directive.
Later in the day we welcomed Lesia Radelicki, from the European Commission who spoke so eloquently about ‘Women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship’.
On Saturday 13th May, we got down to business in our working sessions - crystalising and re-affirming the shared mission of PWN - to advance gender-balanced leadership in the workplace and in society in general. We also had three breakout groups allowing us to get into the detail of how PWN Global and its city networks can create maximum impact with their working practises.
City Networks were then invited to share their perspective - in an effort to help other city networks with their own ideation.
 On Saturday afternoon we were treated to a on-foot site-seeing tour of the stunning city that is Brussels. We got to see the varied architecture of Brussels - old and new - as the city geared up for Pride week, the light displays were a sight to behold. We visited the Queen's choclatier, the breath-taking Grand Place and we even saw Mannaken Pis (who for some reason had been dressed for the ocassion!!).
This was not only an opportunity to benefit from our location but also a moment of informality where we were able to get to know our colleagues on a more personal level. We know that these interactions reap manifold rewards when we return back to the office. Next time we reach out to one another, we are no-longer a face-less, personality-less name at the end of an email.
That's why these meeting are so preciously important to the survival of our network.
 On Sunday morning, our PWN Global Presidents, Nadine Castellani (France) and Virgina Otel (Romania) took the opportunity to work together in person. It was delightful to see them able to interact, side by side, confirming that they make a super partnership. During this time, they reflected on all the feedback they had gathered during the intense two days, to consider how to keep this wonderful momentum going.
We have no doubt that we are in safe hands and can't wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to all our volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to demonstrate their committment to advance our mission. We salute you all!
Date: July 2023
Author: Rebecca Fountain |
