Reflections from the Women's International Networking Conference on Global Leadership.

"There is something big happening for women. It's accelerated, bigger than before. It's a request that is asking for our answer. The call is to each of us to take up more space, embrace our vulnerabilities, find more power. Look around. Find the needs and build a project around meeting those needs. We've got all we need - to do what is ours to do." Kristin Envig, opening talk, WIN conference founder and producer

I said that I would update you on what happened at the W.I.N.2010 Conference I attended in Paris last week. Picture this: nearly 800 women (and a handful of brave men) from around 70 countries worldwide, some in their national dress, in a vast auditorium, the energy just sizzling away, old friends greeting each other, new friendships being formed…it was quite literally awesome. A mixture of plenary and workshop sessions followed and all on the theme of leadership and how women can take their rightful place in the world as leaders.

All the speakers were in agreement on one thing – now is the time of the woman! The world needs a new way of leading and requires the feminine qualities of listening, encouraging, collaboration and, above all, integrity to take us forward? The old structures have proved inadequate to the world we live in today, people have become disillusioned and cynical and so women are the ones to bring us through to the next phase of our planetary existence. Also women now carry a lot of clout with companies because they are consumers - the current global buying power of women is $13 trillion!!

This doesn't mean that men are excluded but that the power of women will help them to bring forward their feminine qualities and what with ours, watch out world!

So what were the main themes from those three days of inspirational thinking and feeling?

As top woman began to describe their own careers and their own challenges, some common themes emerged (and these women don't mince their words!):

• You must be true to yourself and develop your own style of leadership, a style that you are comfortable with. If that doesn't fit with your company, then find another company!
• Don't define yourself by your job title but by the collection of skills that you bring to a role and be prepared to move jobs and sectors when this will advance your success
• You need to know where you can resource things – you won't know everything but you need to make sure you know where to go for support and help and in return be prepared to help others.
• You need to love life and feel passionate about your work. Otherwise you should find another job!

"There has never been a greater time for our leadership as women. The success of our companies is dependent on the well being of the earth. The world needs our leadership." Amanda Sourry, CEO, Unilever

10 top tips for women aiming at the top

1. Be kind to yourself if you make a mistake
2. Find people who can partner you and who believe in you to support you
3. Be clear about your core values as these ground you and help you through times of change
4. Be prepared to give back and support other women –pass some added value on to the next generation
5. Recognise the unique talents you have – skills can be learnt
6. Focus on delivering results
7. Don't just work hard and think you'll be noticed –make sure you get noticed
8. Make your career intentions clear and explicit to your bosses
9. Invest in yourself and take care of your health – it's tough leading a team or a company
10. Love what you do!

Don't you just find all this totally inspiring?

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