Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/516267
4 who's who women in business The organizers of SHEday 2015 t he organizers of SHEday 2015 knew there would be an appetite for a forum that shared ideas, advice and personal stories. But even they were surprised by the runaway success of the Jan. 15 event. Economic Development Winnipeg president and CEO Marina James, Leaders & Co. executive search partner Brenda LaRose and IBM Canada national aboriginal program executive Mary Jane Loustel put their heads together last November to plan a conference that would bring about 100 women from diverse business and socio-economic backgrounds to the table. They soon discovered they were going to need a bigger table. "Before we knew it, we were at 600 and sold out at the RBC Convention Centre," James says. "I was encouraged by how much the idea of an event like this affected people, and how much interest there is in continuing it." The idea came up following a leadership event that featured dynamic local speakers, but cost almost $1,000 to attend. The trio realized they could apply the same concept and draw from a pool of volunteer speakers to present a not-for-profit conference that would be affordable to pre-executive, executive and entrepreneurial women who aspire to leadership roles in business, non-profit organizations and the community. It had to be affordable, and the $39 ticket had to provide real value — everything from expert advice on best business practices to a makeup and headshot lounge where women could have professional photos shot for their LinkedIn pages and websites. "Each of us had different motivators for wanting to put it on," James says. "Mine was to bring a focus on best practices that would engage and inspire the audience to imagine and realize a better quality of life, be that work life or home life or otherwise." The day was a success on all counts. "The energy in the room was incredible," LaRose says. "You could feel excitement building each time a new speaker hit the stage." Discussions touched on networking and building relationships, developing leadership skills, personal branding through social media, health and wellness. And there were frank conversations Expanding the Circle { What a difference a day Makes } By Pat St. Germain