CONTACT:
Jennifer Davis
Schafer Condon Carter
303-722-7063
WOMEN LEARN VALUE OF TAKING RISKS TO REACH THE TOP
AT WFF EXECUTIVE WOMEN’S SUMMIT
CHICAGO, IL (September 24, 2007) – More than 200 of the foodservice
industry’s most senior level women gathered in Chicago for the annual Women’s Foodservice Forum
(WFF) Executive Women’s Summit (EWS). Created as a unique opportunity for executive level women,
the Summit provides an exclusiv
e environment for members to gain ground-breaking, innovative executive level
programming.
“It’s a luxury to step away from the every day grind and really take
time to think about your personal development,” said Lisa Lemire, vice president of beverage
strategy, Aramark. “Having the opportunity to share experiences, learn and network with some
of the best and brightest in the industry is really stimulating, and the programming is outstanding. I really see the
Executive Women’s Summit as a valuable tool and hope to bring more Aramark women with me to this
event next year.”
This year’s Summit centered on Risk Taking, one of the WFF core
leadership competencies. The sessions explored concepts of personal risk, how to develop exit
strategies to allow for more courageous leadership and what key differentiators consistently lead
women to the top spots in companies and into board service.
“Taking risks is critical to career development,” said Mary Bentley,
president of the Women’s Foodservice Forum. “Effective risk taking is a competency women must
master to be successful in top level positions.”
The Summit featured a range of compelling speakers and workshops that
allowed attendees to evaluate their strengths and work on developing their skill sets. A
highlight was an engaging session entitled, “How to Become the Smartest Woman at the Table”,
presented by Suzanne Hopgood, president of The Hopgood Group and on the teaching faculty at the
National Association of Corporate Directors. During the past 11 years, Hopgood has assisted a
variety of companies in facing difficult business, financial and legal challenges and crises,
serving at various times as a turnaround CEO and as Chairman of the Board in several
companies. In this interactive session, Hopgood took a unique look into the board service
process in the areas of ethics, risk, strategy, acquisition, and oversight of operations and of the
CEO.
“Derailers to the C-Suite”, led by Linda Pharr, president and COO of
Batrus Hollweg International, revealed how women can empower themselves to reach the C-Suite by
avoiding common mistakes that can prevent upward movement. The WFF then unveiled its ground
breaking proprietary research and its Executive Leadership Competency Model, specifically designed
to help top level women determine their areas of strengths and competencies needed for further
development. Throughout the morning session, Chicago’s renowned Second City group performed several
comedy sketches on the barriers women face while trying to break into top jobs.
Seeking risk, reward and opportunity is all equally important for
executive women. Elaine Eisenman, dean of executive education at Babson College, talked about
this issue in her session, “Gender-Based Risk Taking”. Eisenman led attendees through an exercise
that challenged assumptions on the different ways men and women view risk and provided practical
guidance on honing this critical skill.
No stranger to taking risks herself is Paula Deen, American cook,
restauranteur, writer and TV personality. Deen, also a speaker this year, relating a moving and
motivating story of her life challenges, including losing her parents at the age of 23 and
experiencing a 20-year stint with agoraphobia. She shared how she found the inner strength to
turn her life around to become the success she is today. Sponsored by Smithfield Foods, Deen then
talked with attendees at a “Southern Elegance” luncheon in the Signature Room on the 95
th floor of the John Hancock building.
As part of this year’s Summit, WFF worked with Dress for Success, an
international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help disadvantaged women
have professional attire, a network of support and career development tools. WFF provided Summit
attendees an opportunity to donate an interview-ready suit to the organization. As a result, Dress
for Success received generous donations of suits, blouses, skirts and accessories, as well as
monetary donations to the organization.
The 2007 WFF Executive Women’s Summit was sponsored by: American
Express, Aramark, Coca-Cola Foodservice, Dunkin’ Brands, General Mills Bakery & Foodservice,
Haynes & Boone, Kraft Foodservice, McCain Foods, Sysco and U.S. Foodservice.
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The Women’s Foodservice Forum is the premier leadership development
community for collective insights and connections that empower women in the Foodservice industry to
envision and achieve their highest potential. With more than 3,000 members from all segments of the
foodservice industry, including restaurant operations, manufacturing, distribution, publishing and
consulting, Women’s Foodservice Forum is committed to helping elevate women leaders. Through highly
beneficial keynote addresses and workshops at the Annual Leadership Development Conference,
Regional Connect events, mentoring and more, WFF provides members with the tools needed to make a
positive difference in their careers. For more information about Women’s Foodservice Forum, please
visit the website
www.womensfoodserviceforum.com.