Agenda | Lead With Her 2025

The future belongs to those who lead with vision, adaptability, and the courage to drive meaningful change. In a world where rapid transformation is the new constant, leadership requires not just reacting to change but actively shaping it. This opening address will underscore the urgency of forward-thinking leadership, offering insights that inspire bold action and set the tone for a day of innovation, impact, and momentum.

Dr Sharmla Chetty

CEO, Duke Corporate Education

This roundtable will explore the balancing act that boards face today—between short-term pressures and long-term strategy, financial performance and stakeholder expectations, governance and agility, tradition and transformation. Our panelists will share their experiences in navigating governance, leadership, and decision-making at the highest levels.

Anne Minto

Chair, IWF UK

Kate Grussing

Managing Director, Sapphire Partners

James Beasley

AVP | Head of Board Advisory EMEA, Nasdaq

Swazi Tshabalala

Candidate for President of the African Development Bank

MODERATOR: Tryphosa Ramano

Strategic Advisor

Fran Katsoudas will delve into resilient leadership at the intersection of technology, communities, and innovation. She will explore the key levers in driving resilience at the leadership and community level.

Fran Katsoudas

EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Cisco

This dynamic panel will showcase how leaders in technology are driving innovation for a more sustainable, inclusive global economy. Our panelists will explore the transformative role of technology in addressing climate justice, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment. From AI-driven solutions to financial and digital accessibility, they will share insights on how technology can create a brighter future for all.

Liz Centoni

Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Experience Officer, CISCO

Margarete McGrath

Global Advisory Partner Lead, Dell Technologies

Vivien Boche

Head of Customer/Partner Advocacy and Product Co-Innovation, SAP

Dr. Christina Yan Zhang

CEO, Metaverse Institute

Jennifer Marriner

EVP Global Acceptance Solutions, Mastercard

MODERATOR: Matthew Butler-Adam

Regional Managing Director, Duke Corporate Education

Confidence in negotiation doesn’t begin with tactics or strategies—it begins with how you think about negotiation itself. By developing psychological power—the ability to adapt, pivot, and shape the conversation before it even begins—this workshop helps participants build the mindset and skills to negotiate boldly, clearly, and without hesitation.

Ashleigh Shelby Rosette

James L. Vincent Distinguished Professor of Leadership at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business

Great leaders don’t just react—they perceive and communicate with clarity and purpose. This interactive session explores how sharpening perception and upgrading our own leadership self-awareness can enhance decision-making, navigating complexity, and shifting of paradigm thinking.

Amy Herman

Duke CE Faculty

Prof Sudhanshu Palsule

Duke CE Faculty

Join us for an immersive, hands-on workshop where creativity meets impact. Through cutting-edge innovation strategies and human-centered design, you’ll explore how to create products and services that drive meaningful change for a better future. Walk away with actionable insights, fresh ideas, and the tools to turn visionary thinking into real-world solutions.

Victoria Crawley-Wise

Managing Director, Duke Corporate Education

Jenny Burns

CEO, Magnetic

Andy Gardener

Innovation Consultant, Magnetic

Sophie Little

Executive Director, Magnetic

This interactive workshop explores how organizations and individuals can empower, mentor, and develop the next generation of leaders. Featuring insights from branding, corporate leadership, and sustainable business, this session will focus on strategies for leadership development, sponsorship vs. mentorship, and fostering inclusive leadership pipelines.

Sithembile Ntombela Ndaba

General Manager of Marketing, Brand South Africa

Kerry Cooper

Group Communication Director, Mondi Group

Tshiamo Ramano

Senior Associate Product Research, Principles for Responsible Management

Caroline Vanovermeire

Global Head of Talent Management, ASML

MODERATOR: Janice Tan

Program Manager, Duke Corporate Education

Climate change is disrupting global supply chains, disproportionately impacting women. This interactive session explores how resilient, inclusive supply chains can drive climate action to uncover bold moves for a sustainable future.

Buhle Hanise

Head of Business Restructuring Services, BDO South Africa

Linda Reddy

Global Head of Supply Chain, Nandos

Lailany Sierra

Head of Business Delivery, Chanel

Piyali Sen

Head, Sustainability and ESG Business TCS UKI, TATA Consultancy Services

MODERATOR: Andrés Saint-Jean

Head of Sustainability Academy, Duke Corporate Education

Great ideas gain power when shared. This session brings workshop leads to the stage to highlight the most impactful insights, key themes, and actionable strategies from the day’s interactive sessions.

As leaders reach the height of their careers, many also face the complex reality of supporting an aging generation. This session explores the intersection of longevity, brain health, and financial security—factors that shape both personal and professional decisions.

Diane Ty

Managing Director, Milken Institute Future of Aging

As the workforce continues to evolve, organizations must take intentional steps to create pathways for growth and opportunity. This panel will explore actionable strategies to drive workforce resilience, from reskilling and internal talent mobility to policies that foster adaptability and long-term success. Leaders will gain insights into building sustainable career trajectories and shaping a future where all talent can thrive and lead with confidence.

Monique Carter

People & Organisation Director, Anglo American

Belén Presas

HR Director for Strategic Projects, Radisson Hotel Group

Sue Whalley

Chief People and Performance Officer, Associated British Foods

Nicole Haris

Global HR Director, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, AstraZeneca

MODERATOR: Vishal Patel

President of Global Markets, Duke Corporate Education

This conversation will explore how the International Women's Forum (IWF) is amplifying its global impact through wider geographical reach and enhanced fellowship initiatives. The mission of the IWF is to advance women's leadership by providing a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and thought leadership, empowering women to drive meaningful change in their industries and communities. Through its initiatives, IWF strengthens women's leadership worldwide, ensuring that future generations have the necessary tools for long-term success.

Julie Goldstein

Global Board Director, IWF

Julia Gillard is the only woman to have served as Prime Minister of Australia, a position she held from 2010 to 2013. Julia was central to the successful management of Australia’s economy, the 12th biggest in the world, during the global financial crisis, and delivered nation-changing policies including reforming Australian education at every level and establishing the nation’s first ever national scheme to care for people with disabilities. In October 2012, Julia received worldwide attention for her speech in parliament on the treatment of women in professional and public life. In April 2018, Julia was appointed Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London.