There’s something wonderfully inspiring about spending a day with almost 2,000 women leaders from all different kinds of professions listening to the wisdom and insight of some powerhouse women. That’s what I had the chance to do at The Art of Leadership for Women at the Metro Convention Centre. It was an honour to graphically capture the key insights and experience from a diverse and talented line-up of keynote speakers who shared their experience, research and insights on women and leadership.

One of the strongest themes of the day was about honouring your authentic whole life, and taking charge of finding the workplaces, systems and supports so women leaders can better integrate work and life. Diana Nyad was a particular inspiration, who at age 64, finally realized her lifelong dream of swimming across the shark and jellyfish-infested waters between Cuba and Key West.

In a world of complexity and fast-paced change, women have a holistic perspective that can serve us well to navigate and lead change. But we need to find the courage to speak up for ourselves, and to challenge where cultural expectations or unconscious bias keep us playing small.

Michelle Moore, Vice President of Lee Hecht Harris Knightsbridge

Susan David, PhD – Author of Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change and Thrive in Work and Life

Brigid Schulte – Author of Overwhelmed: How to Work, Love and Play When No One Has Time

Executive Panel Discussion

Diana Nyad – Author of Find a Way: The Inspiring Story of One Woman’s Pursuit of a Lifelong Dream

Valerie Jarrett – Advisor to President Barack Obama

Here are the top 10 leadership tips I took away from my experience at The Art of Leadership for Women:

1. Innovation is no longer an option – Michelle Moore.
2. Women haven’t had a history of leisure time (unless you were a nun). – Brigid Schulte
3. What does it take for us to thrive? – Susan David
4. If you just don’t quit, you WILL get to the other shore. – Diana Nyad
5. Focus on change in our children to get the job done on gender equity. – Executive Panel
6. Let’s bring on talent to help us think differently. – Michelle Moore
7. Courage is fear walking. – Susan David
8. Own your choices and your consequences. – Valerie Jarrett
9. Flexible work makes work better for everyone, not just for the mommy track. – Brigid Schulte
10. Don’t be shy. Ask for what you deserve. – Valerie Jarrett