The main events of the 2016 Symposium on Thursday, April 28, will include AWESOME signature panel discussions involving senior women supply chain leaders, senior men leaders, and C-suite leaders from other fields. A new panel added this year will feature ground-breaking women sports figures in a session developed by 2016 Host Partner NIKE, Inc.
Other highlights include two Up-Close Conversations with highly-accomplished women; multiple networking opportunities; and “Buzz” sessions when participants exchange ideas and insights around the table on topics related to Symposium discussions. The day also will offer a special session for emerging leaders participating in the Symposium on the recommendation of an AWESOME network member.
More information about the AWESOME panels:
Panel #1: Supply Chain Innovation: Leading Change for Future Success
This panel of senior women leaders will share their experience driving supply chain innovation and leadership lessons learned. Why is supply chain innovation critical to business success? What role do leaders play in challenging the organization and driving innovation and change? What are the biggest barriers to innovation and what are the critical leadership skills required to overcome those barriers? What role does diversity play in innovation? How can we as leaders be catalysts for innovation and position our organizations for future success?
Panelists include: Linda Bryant, VP, Global Strategy & Business Excellence, Janssen Supply Group, LLC; Francesca DeBiase, Chief Supply Chain and Sustainability Officer, McDonalds; and Alexandra Lopez, CPO & VP Operations, Cisco Systems. The moderator is Stacey Taylor, SVP & Chief Procurement Officer, MGM Resorts International.
Panel #2: Paradigm for Parity
At current rates of progress, we can expect to see gender parity in the C-suite and at the Board level in about 100 years, but steps are being taken to accelerate the progress. This panel of male leaders from multiple industries will reflect on “Paradigm for Parity,” a call to action and plan put forth by a coalition of 50 senior women leaders (CEOs, senior executive, founders, board members, and business academics). With the goal of achieving parity by 2030, “Paradigm for Parity” outlines five action steps to be taken and highlights the imperative that both men and women champion women’s advancement or it won’t ever happen. Panelists will discuss why this initiative is important for businesses today, what it will take to get there, what challenges must be overcome, and what actions must be taken to achieve success.
Sandra Beach Lin, Member, Board of Directors at American Electric Power, WESCO International, PolyOne Corporation & Interface Biologics; Former President & Chief Executive Officer, Calisolar Inc.; and one of the women leaders who launched this initiative, will moderate the discussion with panelists Astad Dhunjisha, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, Monsanto Company; Rick Frazier, Chief Product Supply and Service Officer, Coca-Cola Refreshments; Steve Inacker, former President, Hospital Sales and Services, Cardinal Health, Medical Segment; and Eric Sprunk, COO, NIKE, Inc.
Panel #3: Women in Sport
Charlie Brooks, VP, NA Communications, NIKE, Inc., will moderate a discussion with a panel of outstanding women who have tackled challenges, exemplified leadership and achieved greatness, either on the field, on the track or in the workplace.
Panel #4: Beyond Supply Chain: Taking it to the Next Level
This panel of accomplished C-suite leaders and Board Directors will share insights about what it takes to move beyond supply chain to the next level of leadership. What is required to get there and be successful in those roles? How do you move beyond your functional role to have a seat at the table? What did you do to prepare? What unique contributions can you make as a C-level leader or a Board Director? What difficulties or challenges did you face that were unique to those roles? What advice do you have for others as they navigate their journey to future C-suite and/or Board roles?
The moderator of this session is Joanne Bauer, Board of Directors, Omnicell Inc. and Aurora Healthcare, and former President, Health Care, Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Panelists include Tanya Fratto, Non-Executive Director at Smiths Group plc and Former President and CEO, Diamond Innovations; Joyce Russell, President, Adecco Staffing U.S.; and Lynn Utter, Board of Directors, WESCO International and Former President / COO, Knoll.
Up-Close Conversation with…
Christiana Shi
President, Global Direct to Consumer President, NIKE, Inc.
Christiana Shi joined Nike in August 2010 as Chief Operating Officer for Global DTC, responsible for overseeing Direct to Consumer’s Global Store Operations, Real Estate, Finance, Supply Chain Operations and Information Technology. In April 2012, Christiana was named VP of E-Commerce, responsible for driving the integrated global e-commerce strategy for NIKE, Inc., and in June 2013 she became President of Nike’s Direct to Consumer business, leading Nike’s retail and e-commerce business globally.
Interviewer: Heather Sheehan, Director, Member Engagement & Sponsorships, and Advisor, AWESOME; former VP, Indirect Sourcing and Logistics, Danaher Corporatiobn; 2014 ALL Award Honoree
Up-Close Conversation with…
Christie Smith
Regional Managing Principal, Consulting, Deloitte; Managing Partner Deloitte University Leadership Center for Inclusion
Christie is the Managing Principal for Consulting, in the west region of the United States. Her responsibilities include markets, clients, talent and community for more than 2,400 consulting practitioners and more than 250 Principals and Directors. She is also a Lead Consulting Partner and Advisory Partner on several of Deloitte’s largest life sciences/biotech clients.
Interviewer: Joanna Drake Earl, General Partneer, Core Ventures Group
Emerging Leaders
A special lunch and session for Emerging Leaders – Creating Your Own AWESOME Future through Networking – will be facilitated by Patty Ross, VP, Global Workplace Design & Connectivity, NIKE, Inc. Patty will share the positive impact that building a network has on her career at Nike and provide insight into the tools, techniques and mindset women can adopt to help them achieve success.