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Women and Power: An executive programme for Women Leaders

Women and Power: An executive programme for Women Leaders

During the interactive sessions, we will discuss a number of factors that limit female representation in leadership positions, but more importantly, we will also provide hands on solutions to move this topic forward in your own organisation.

What awaits you in Amsterdam?

  • Expert guidance from three renowned thought leaders with backgrounds in politics, business, and academia.
  • Dynamic, interactive workshops and collaborative exercises designed to refine your leadership skills.
  • A powerful network of diverse women leaders, fostering a supportive community for ongoing growth and collaboration.
  • And finally, the opportunity to translate cutting-edge research and practical insights into actionable strategies for your career.

Leave Amsterdam empowered to:

  • Navigate complex power dynamics with confidence and clarity.
  • Develop a leadership brand that reflects your unique strengths and values.
  • Break down barriers and create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
  • Lead with purpose, authenticity, and vision, driving impactful change.

Day 1 (February 13): Deconstructing Power – full day and evening networking dinner

The programme commences by challenging participants to re-evaluate their existing relationship with power, moving beyond traditional, authority-driven models towards a more nuanced understanding of influence, connection, and impact. Participants will delve into the power dynamics prevalent within their respective organizations and industries, gaining critical insights into how these systems operate and developing strategies for effective navigation and influence. The day concludes with a preparatory session for Day 2, encouraging participants to engage with provided case studies and reflect on their personal experiences.

Evening Networking Dinner: A valuable opportunity for participants to connect with fellow senior women leaders in an informal setting. This fosters the exchange of experiences, the formation of lasting connections, and facilitates further discussion around the Day 2 case studies.

Day 2 (February 14): Reconstructing Your Vision of Power – full day

Building upon the previous day's deconstruction of traditional power structures, Day 2 focuses on reconstructing a more empowering and impactful vision of leadership. Through an interactive workshop format, participants will utilize the provided case studies and their own experiences to identify areas for personal and professional growth. The day concludes with a wrap-up session emphasizing key takeaways and guiding participants in developing personalized action plans for implementing their learnings in real-world scenarios.

Day 3 (February 15): Integration and Action - half day

The final day centers on consolidating the programme's key learnings and translating them into practical applications. Participants will identify one or two key takeaways that resonate most strongly with their individual leadership journeys. A two-part assessment, comprising reflective essays and a case study analysis, will encourage participants to articulate their evolved understanding of power and demonstrate their ability to apply these insights to real-world leadership challenges. The programme culminates in a closing ceremony and networking reception, providing a final opportunity for participants to celebrate their growth, solidify connections, and embark on their continued leadership journeys equipped with a redefined understanding of power and its potential for positive impact.

Prof. dr. Svetlana Khapova

Prof. dr. Svetlana Khapova

Prof. dr. Svetlana Khapova is Associate Dean of Business and Public Engagement and Full Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Leadership at the School of Business and Economics (SBE) of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She is a Programme Director of the (Executive) PhD programme in management and business studies at the School of Business and Economics (SBE) of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Between 2009-2017, she served as Director of Doctoral Education and a founding Director of Amsterdam Business Research Institute (ABRI) of the School of Business and Economics (SBE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

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Svetlana Khapova

Elizabeth Carey Nugent

Elizabeth Carey Nugent

Elizabeth is a seasoned executive and scholar with over 25 years of experience in operational and commercial leadership internationally. Currently serving as Chief Commercial Officer for the private equity firm Eviosys, she also holds a position on the Board of Directors at Munters Inc. 

A recognized expert in driving growth and building strategic customer alliances, she brings a wealth of experience from her senior leadership roles at companies such as Amcor, Sealed Air, Schoeller Allibert, Nelipak Healthcare Packaging and Boston Scientific. Her career spans operations management, commercial sales management, strategy and M&A, and P&L management.

Next to this, Elizabeth is a PhD candidate at VU Amsterdam, conducting research on complexities of gender leadership. Her dissertation focuses on the impact of labels and gossip on women's career trajectories.

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Judith Merkies

Judith Merkies

Judith Merkies is a leader in politics, policy, and international collaboration. As a former Member of the European Parliament, she brings a unique perspective on policy-making and power dynamics, informed by her lived experiences of successes and failures from a gender perspective. Currently completing her PhD at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, she explores the transformative impact of beauty in organizations and the workplace. She also contributes to a European project developing policy against loneliness and social isolation. With extensive experience in various countries and cultural settings, Judith is passionate about challenging societal norms, fostering innovative thinking, and promoting inclusive leadership practices. 

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