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Emerging technologies, geopolitical tensions, inflationary and supply chain pressures, shifts in the workforce, and heightened focus on environmental and social challenges all create the need to re-evaluate strategies, business practices, and sustainable paths forward for businesses. The Women Corporate Directors (WCD) hosted its annual Global Institute and Visionary Awards in New York City. The event gathered over 200 attendees for a two-day conference, convening board and executive leaders from around the globe.
A unique global network, the Women Corporate Directors Foundation (WCD), has served as the place where the world’s most powerful and influential women have convened for over 20 years. We work to increase women’s representation and influence in corporate boardrooms worldwide and inspire diverse and visionary boards.
WCD represents the preeminent women leaders in business today. With 70 chapters worldwide, WCD members serve thousands of boards across six continents. With 2500 members serving on 8500 boards, our community includes CEOs, board chairs, lead directors, C-Suite executives, board members, and heads of global divisions in the major indices, such as S&P 500, FTSE 250, DAX, Nikkei, and beyond.
Headlining the Global Institute were keynote speakers Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CEO of MCC Productions and contributor to CNBC; Yelena Maleyev, Senior Economist at KPMG US; and Edie Weiner, CEO and President of the Future Hunters. During the panel discussions, keynote sessions, and fireside chats, attendees had the opportunity to hear and engage with worldwide business leaders.
Speakers shared insight on what steps boards should take while facing inflation, attempting to retain talent, recent innovations in AI, and more. Attendees were able to take away insight into what boards should do soon, including:
Most Boards are Facing Similar Issues: Problems such as supply chain constraints, the post-pandemic era, and inflation continue to impact boards.
Technology is Here to Stay: Boards need to adapt to the changes in technology, including AI, Chat GPT, and more. AI tools are becoming more critical daily; businesses are hiring for AI-specific roles.
Boards Need a Vision During Transformative Times: Boards should reconsider traditional strategies and focus on practices that focus on the board’s vision.
Know Expectations of Today’s Workforce: Building trusted relationships with stakeholders, adapting to remote work preferences, and keeping consistent communication.
Optimizing New Tech: Most of the workforce is working with technology in at least some capacity and spans multiple industries, including healthcare. Boards should think critically about the use cases for technology, how it can be applied to their business, and how it can generate value.
Engaging the Workforce: Offering flexible working helps attract and retain talent; directors must know that one size does not fit all.
In addition to the Global Institute, the event hosted the Visionary Awards, which honored companies and individuals committed to strong corporate governance and performance, diversity, and inclusion. The honorees included LIXIL, Aquafil Group, Midmark Corporation, Henrietta Fore, and Luiza Helena Trajano. Elizabeth King, President, Sustainable Finance & Chief Regulatory Officer of Intercontinental Exchange, delivered the keynote for the award ceremony.
Jennifer Reynolds, WCD’s CEO, indicated that gathering corporate board directors to discuss the transformative issues facing businesses and the broader economy is needed now more than ever.
KPMG was a key sponsor. In addition, Karen Mitchell Curran, Office Managing Partner, KPMG LLP, and Lead Director, Women Corporate Directors Foundation indicated that members who participated in the two-day event found great value in being together with their peers from around the world and sharing leading practices to strengthen corporate governance,” said.
KPMG LLP is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 Global Institute. Globant, Aquafil, LIXIL, and Midmark are also 2023 Global Institute and Visionary Award sponsors. WCD’s annual sponsors are KPMG, Spencer Stuart, Pearl Meyer, Edelman Smithfield, Vinson and Elkins, S&P Global, Equilar, Davis Polk, and IFC.
