What does it mean to ‘choose to challenge’ in 2021?

More than 50 women from all corners of the globe showed up – from Europe, The US, Africa, and Asia-Pacific – to hear the lessons from three global leaders, Tessa Wernink, Social Entrepreneur & Podcast Host, Daphne Laan, Co-Founder of The Board Whisperers and Precious Clark, Chief Executive, Maurea Consulting, who shared their experiences building a life and career of purpose.

We were able to learn about what it means to “choose to challenge” from an indigenous perspective, at the boardroom when you’re the only woman – and person of colour – and from our diverse participants too, including a champion for disability rights.

If you missed this session, but would like to watch the replay, we’re sharing it here without restriction for everyone to benefit. Watch here.

A few insights from our speakers:

“I stopped asking: who am I to voice my opinion and shifted this to – what does it cost me when I don’t dare to speak up?

“Shifting this perspective helped me step through the fear. I want to be a role-model to my children, but also to others who might not have a seat at the table. There is still a lack of representation of diverse views at a lot of places where key decisions are being made – and we need to change that.” – Daphne Laan

“For me, choosing to challenge, stems from a place of connection with my greater purpose. You have to be prepared to defend this from your core; you might be ridiculed for it, have awkward moments with your family, or even lose friends because of it.

“From a Maori indigenous perspective, when choosing to challenge, your “life essence” becomes really important as a place of intention behind being a ‘challenger voice.” I have legacy obligations to my ancestors and to my descendants that aren’t born yet; so I ask myself – how can I draw on the energy of both to propel me.” – Precious Clark

“We have this idea of what it means to be a leader – someone that rises up and ‘challenges’ everyone else, but being a ‘good leader’ is about empathy.

“Leadership is about understanding what everyone needs in that space, and making decisions based on that. I now ask myself, how can I make ‘the space’ big enough for other people to fit in, and how can I use my ‘other skills’ such as empathy to get other people at the table.’” – Tessa Wernink