Kathleen Scully, Publisher03.20.24
The 2024 Women of Flexo Conference was held in Miami, FL, USA, from March 13-14. The event embraced the theme “YOUnique Impressions,” bringing together over 50 industry professionals at Comexi’s facility.
The 2nd Annual WoF Conference was a resounding success, bringing together a remarkable group of motivated women. Attendees from disparate companies across the country came together to focus on growth, support, and camaraderie in the flexographic printing industry.
“Our 2nd Annual Women of Flexo Conference was a huge success,” states Jennye Scott, VP of Global Creative Services, Berry Global and chair of the Recruitment and Engagement Committee. “It was very refreshing to host women from all areas of the flexo business and allow them to network together, share informational experiences about the speaker topics, and to gain allies in the business. We look forward to next year’s conference, so stay tuned for details in the near future.”
In addition to education and networking, the WoF Conference featured a palpable sense of collaboration and shared purpose, highlighting the strength and resilience of women in the industry. As the conference concluded, the women working together wished all in attendance continued success, embodying the spirit of unity and empowerment that defined the gathering.
Kiersten Borden of XSYS North America Corp served as co-chair and she will shift into the role of chair of Recruitment in June. “I am thrilled with the outcome of this year’s conference,” says Borden. “The positive feedback we are receiving reaffirms that we’re hitting our goals for the event. We want women to leave feeling empowered with new skills to enhance professional development while fostering valuable industry connections they wouldn't encounter elsewhere. I'm excited for the conference to continue growing and to see where we can take it in future years.”
The event kicked off with an engaging icebreaker among attendees. The first seminar, led by Rachel Acevedo, owner of ACE Media & Marketing, was titled “The 8th Grade Dance of Business.” It provided practical steps and tips on building a personal network.
Acevedo emphasized the importance of defining what you want your network to do for you and how to present your LinkedIn profile in a polished manner, aligning it with your professional brand. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on themselves, including their personality, demeanor, hobbies, skills, and cultural background.
Continuing with the 8th-grade dance metaphor, Acevedo guided participants through the networking "dance moves," including personal introductions, elevator pitches, icebreaker questions, discussions on news and trends, sharing personal fun facts, local knowledge, and event information. The key takeaway: successful networking is about shared interests and intelligence.
Acevedo highlighted the importance of non-verbal cues such as eye contact, smiling, and approachability, likening them to dance steps that help navigate social interactions. She advised against behaviors such as being overly aggressive, giving too much information too quickly, or being too sales oriented. Instead, she recommended a balanced approach, staying connected through platforms like LinkedIn and following up with meaningful interactions after the event.
Alyssa Denney, sales manager for Graphic Packaging International, delved into the struggles female professionals face in balancing work, family, and self-care in her seminar, titled, “How to be OKAY with Yourself & Not Feel Guilty.” She began with a powerful acknowledgment of a common sentiment among female executives, stating, "Sometimes I am too much for myself and this world is too much for me,” a sentiment that resonated with many in the audience.
Denney 's presentation focused on strategies for finding peace with oneself, emphasizing the importance of having a vision that is true to oneself, regardless of others' opinions. She discussed the concept of purpose and the impact of unconscious bias, guiding participants through an Ikigai Workshop. This workshop aimed to help attendees gain clarity on their purpose, not only in their professional lives but also in their personal lives, with the goal of enhancing overall well-being and life satisfaction.
The Ikigai exercise involved evaluating different aspects of one's life to determine how closely they align with their ideal state of Ikigai. Participants were encouraged to analyze what they love (passion), what they are good at (vocation), what they can get paid for (profession), and what the world needs (mission). This exercise was designed to clarify the present and help individuals determine steps toward a more fulfilling future, both in their relationships with themselves and others.
Denney 's seminar sparked a lively discussion among attendees about their struggles with work-life balance, mental well-being, and personal happiness. It was a transformative journey of self-exploration, helping participants uncover what truly motivates them and how they can align their lives with their deepest values and aspirations.
Emily Kalshoven, sales account manager, MacDermid, led an informative session, titled "Rising Together: Building Strong Professionals Through Sponsorship, Mentorship, and Coaching," at the conference.
Kalshoven began by explaining the concept of the Trifecta, which comprises sponsorship, mentorship, and coaching. Sponsorship involves a senior leader advocating for your advancement by providing high-visibility assignments and promoting your work to other leaders. Mentorship, on the other hand, is a long-term relationship where a more experienced individual helps you navigate your career, balancing both personal and professional aspects. Coaching is a structured process focused on specific skill development or performance improvement, with regular meetings to track progress.
Kalshoven emphasized the importance of understanding yourself and aligning your professional goals with your personal values. She encouraged attendees to leverage their strengths and create a strategic plan for their career development. Attendees left the session with a deeper understanding of how to build strong professional relationships and develop their skills to advance their careers.
Kara Wojnowski, marketing manager, BiOrigin Specialty Products, shed light on the "sorry syndrome," a phenomenon where many women tend to over-apologize in professional settings, often for situations that do not warrant an apology. While traits like politeness and empathy are valuable, excessive apologizing can inadvertently undermine a woman's confidence and credibility in the workplace. This behavior can lead others to perceive her as insecure or lacking in self-assurance, potentially affecting her professional image and advancement opportunities.
Recognizing the impact of the "sorry syndrome" is crucial for women striving to break this habit. Instead of apologizing unnecessarily, women can reframe their language to assert themselves confidently while still maintaining respect and empathy. By avoiding unnecessary apologies, women can present themselves as strong, confident professionals capable of handling challenges and leading effectively in the workplace.
Overcoming the "sorry syndrome" empowers women to communicate more confidently and assertively. Here are some tips to help break this habit: Be mindful of your language and use assertive phrases. Focus on gratitude and practice self-compassion. Meanwhile, it’s critical to seek feedback from colleagues or mentors. Of course, setting boundaries is also vital.
By implementing these strategies, women can gradually reduce the "sorry syndrome" and communicate with confidence and clarity in the workplace. This shift not only enhances their professional image but also solidifies their right to be at the head of the table, showcasing their capabilities and leadership qualities.
Cathy Nestrick, VP of Women's Leadership and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the American Bankers Association, delivered a keynote speech on "Developing a Strategic Perspective," emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and its implementation. While studies have shown that women perform as well as or even outperform men in areas such as academic achievement, emotional intelligence, and leadership effectiveness, they may face challenges in strategic thinking. Research indicates that men tend to excel in strategic thinking due to societal influences that shape how boys and girls are raised differently.
To enhance strategic thinking skills, women can integrate the following tips into their daily routines: Set clear goals; Think critically; seek feedback; develop a strategic mindset; and embrace uncertainty. Incorporating these tips can enhance women's strategic thinking skills, positioning them for success in their careers. When developing a strategic perspective, start by identifying leaders you admire and why. Take note of their leadership skills. Remember, “Strategy Shapes Tomorrow.”
The 2nd Annual WoF Conference was a resounding success, bringing together a remarkable group of motivated women. Attendees from disparate companies across the country came together to focus on growth, support, and camaraderie in the flexographic printing industry.
“Our 2nd Annual Women of Flexo Conference was a huge success,” states Jennye Scott, VP of Global Creative Services, Berry Global and chair of the Recruitment and Engagement Committee. “It was very refreshing to host women from all areas of the flexo business and allow them to network together, share informational experiences about the speaker topics, and to gain allies in the business. We look forward to next year’s conference, so stay tuned for details in the near future.”
In addition to education and networking, the WoF Conference featured a palpable sense of collaboration and shared purpose, highlighting the strength and resilience of women in the industry. As the conference concluded, the women working together wished all in attendance continued success, embodying the spirit of unity and empowerment that defined the gathering.
Kiersten Borden of XSYS North America Corp served as co-chair and she will shift into the role of chair of Recruitment in June. “I am thrilled with the outcome of this year’s conference,” says Borden. “The positive feedback we are receiving reaffirms that we’re hitting our goals for the event. We want women to leave feeling empowered with new skills to enhance professional development while fostering valuable industry connections they wouldn't encounter elsewhere. I'm excited for the conference to continue growing and to see where we can take it in future years.”
The event kicked off with an engaging icebreaker among attendees. The first seminar, led by Rachel Acevedo, owner of ACE Media & Marketing, was titled “The 8th Grade Dance of Business.” It provided practical steps and tips on building a personal network.
Acevedo emphasized the importance of defining what you want your network to do for you and how to present your LinkedIn profile in a polished manner, aligning it with your professional brand. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on themselves, including their personality, demeanor, hobbies, skills, and cultural background.
Continuing with the 8th-grade dance metaphor, Acevedo guided participants through the networking "dance moves," including personal introductions, elevator pitches, icebreaker questions, discussions on news and trends, sharing personal fun facts, local knowledge, and event information. The key takeaway: successful networking is about shared interests and intelligence.
Acevedo highlighted the importance of non-verbal cues such as eye contact, smiling, and approachability, likening them to dance steps that help navigate social interactions. She advised against behaviors such as being overly aggressive, giving too much information too quickly, or being too sales oriented. Instead, she recommended a balanced approach, staying connected through platforms like LinkedIn and following up with meaningful interactions after the event.
Alyssa Denney, sales manager for Graphic Packaging International, delved into the struggles female professionals face in balancing work, family, and self-care in her seminar, titled, “How to be OKAY with Yourself & Not Feel Guilty.” She began with a powerful acknowledgment of a common sentiment among female executives, stating, "Sometimes I am too much for myself and this world is too much for me,” a sentiment that resonated with many in the audience.
Denney 's presentation focused on strategies for finding peace with oneself, emphasizing the importance of having a vision that is true to oneself, regardless of others' opinions. She discussed the concept of purpose and the impact of unconscious bias, guiding participants through an Ikigai Workshop. This workshop aimed to help attendees gain clarity on their purpose, not only in their professional lives but also in their personal lives, with the goal of enhancing overall well-being and life satisfaction.
The Ikigai exercise involved evaluating different aspects of one's life to determine how closely they align with their ideal state of Ikigai. Participants were encouraged to analyze what they love (passion), what they are good at (vocation), what they can get paid for (profession), and what the world needs (mission). This exercise was designed to clarify the present and help individuals determine steps toward a more fulfilling future, both in their relationships with themselves and others.
Denney 's seminar sparked a lively discussion among attendees about their struggles with work-life balance, mental well-being, and personal happiness. It was a transformative journey of self-exploration, helping participants uncover what truly motivates them and how they can align their lives with their deepest values and aspirations.
Emily Kalshoven, sales account manager, MacDermid, led an informative session, titled "Rising Together: Building Strong Professionals Through Sponsorship, Mentorship, and Coaching," at the conference.
Kalshoven began by explaining the concept of the Trifecta, which comprises sponsorship, mentorship, and coaching. Sponsorship involves a senior leader advocating for your advancement by providing high-visibility assignments and promoting your work to other leaders. Mentorship, on the other hand, is a long-term relationship where a more experienced individual helps you navigate your career, balancing both personal and professional aspects. Coaching is a structured process focused on specific skill development or performance improvement, with regular meetings to track progress.
Kalshoven emphasized the importance of understanding yourself and aligning your professional goals with your personal values. She encouraged attendees to leverage their strengths and create a strategic plan for their career development. Attendees left the session with a deeper understanding of how to build strong professional relationships and develop their skills to advance their careers.
Kara Wojnowski, marketing manager, BiOrigin Specialty Products, shed light on the "sorry syndrome," a phenomenon where many women tend to over-apologize in professional settings, often for situations that do not warrant an apology. While traits like politeness and empathy are valuable, excessive apologizing can inadvertently undermine a woman's confidence and credibility in the workplace. This behavior can lead others to perceive her as insecure or lacking in self-assurance, potentially affecting her professional image and advancement opportunities.
Recognizing the impact of the "sorry syndrome" is crucial for women striving to break this habit. Instead of apologizing unnecessarily, women can reframe their language to assert themselves confidently while still maintaining respect and empathy. By avoiding unnecessary apologies, women can present themselves as strong, confident professionals capable of handling challenges and leading effectively in the workplace.
Overcoming the "sorry syndrome" empowers women to communicate more confidently and assertively. Here are some tips to help break this habit: Be mindful of your language and use assertive phrases. Focus on gratitude and practice self-compassion. Meanwhile, it’s critical to seek feedback from colleagues or mentors. Of course, setting boundaries is also vital.
By implementing these strategies, women can gradually reduce the "sorry syndrome" and communicate with confidence and clarity in the workplace. This shift not only enhances their professional image but also solidifies their right to be at the head of the table, showcasing their capabilities and leadership qualities.
Cathy Nestrick, VP of Women's Leadership and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the American Bankers Association, delivered a keynote speech on "Developing a Strategic Perspective," emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and its implementation. While studies have shown that women perform as well as or even outperform men in areas such as academic achievement, emotional intelligence, and leadership effectiveness, they may face challenges in strategic thinking. Research indicates that men tend to excel in strategic thinking due to societal influences that shape how boys and girls are raised differently.
To enhance strategic thinking skills, women can integrate the following tips into their daily routines: Set clear goals; Think critically; seek feedback; develop a strategic mindset; and embrace uncertainty. Incorporating these tips can enhance women's strategic thinking skills, positioning them for success in their careers. When developing a strategic perspective, start by identifying leaders you admire and why. Take note of their leadership skills. Remember, “Strategy Shapes Tomorrow.”