12:10 - 1:00 pm

The People Side of Leadership: How Connections Create Impact

Speaker: Laura Guzman, Tax Partner at RSM US

Leadership doesn’t always look the same – and it doesn’t have to be loud to be impactful. In this reflective and inspiring session, Laura Guzman shares how leaning into the “people side” of business has shaped her career, helped her grow as a leader, and allowed her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through personal stories and lessons learned, she explores the power of connection, mentoring, and showing up authentically. Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on their own strengths, recognize the influence they already have, and consider how small, intentional actions can create lasting impact in their careers and communities.

1:00 - 1:50 pm

Transformational Leadership in Practice: How Effective Leaders Drive Change, Build Trust, and Improve Results

Speaker: Zoë Benfield, Director of Medical Economics at Carle Health

Transformational leaders know that real change requires more than managing tasks—it requires engaging people, improving processes, and building trust along the way. In this session, you’ll explore how project management, change management, and continuous improvement work together to create meaningful and lasting impact in any organization. Zoë Benfield will share practical strategies for gaining buy-in, navigating resistance, and using data to guide better decisions. Whether you’re leading a team, collaborating across departments, or preparing for future leadership roles, you’ll leave with tools you can apply immediately and insights that will help you stand out in a competitive and rapidly evolving workplace.

2:00 - 2:50 pm

What Do I Bring to the Table?

Speaker: Sparkle Sanders, Trainer, Speaker, and Executive & Life Coach at AddSpark Consulting

As strong, gifted, and powerful women in the marketplace, many of us desire a seat at the table. But do you know what you bring to the table? More importantly, do you know how to lean in and lead with your true strengths...unafraid and unapologetic about who you are as a person and the unique value-add you contribute as a leader? In this session, you will learn 3 clues to help you identify this and become confident in what you bring to any table and environment. You'll gain a better understanding of yourself, your make-up, and what drives you to bring success and significance to those around you. The session will be 2-fold. You'll learn about the keys and then practice applying them to your life and work.

3:00 - 3:50 pm

In Retrospect: Lessons, Resilience, and Finding Your Purpose in Career and Life

Speaker: Ellen Robbins, Equity Partner at Akerman LLP

Careers don’t always follow a straight path, and some of the most meaningful growth comes from unexpected change. In this reflective session, Ellen Robbins will share lessons learned about career planning, having the courage to pivot, and the power of networking and maintaining strong professional connections. Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on their own priorities and consider how purpose, resilience, and personal fulfillment play a vital role in building a rewarding career and life.

4:00 - 5:00 pm

From Experience to Impact: Telling Your Career Story with Purpose

Speakers: Lauren Irving, Chelsea Doman, Sai Gowthami, and Valeria Fournet

Join Women Who Rule as we explore the bold journeys women take to redefine their careers through storytelling. Our diverse panelists will share how they’ve shaped and told their career stories while transitioning across industries, navigating career breaks, and meeting moments of change head-on.

This session offers practical insight into how storytelling can support career growth, whether you’re pivoting, expanding your role, or clarifying what’s next. You’ll gain strategies for owning your narrative, connecting with others more authentically, and speaking about your experience with confidence and purpose. Come ready to reflect, connect, and be inspired as we celebrate resilience, embrace change, and empower one another through the power of shared stories.