Insights from the Women’s Global Impact Forum 2025
The inaugural Women’s Global Impact Forum, held on August 5, 2025, at Newsweek’s headquarters in New York City, gathered 300 executives and aspiring leaders to discuss women’s influence in various sectors. The forum emphasized the vital roles women play in shaping the workforce and provided a platform for sharing experiences and solutions to ongoing challenges.
Celebrating Women’s Achievements
Indra K. Nooyi, former chairwoman and CEO of PepsiCo, encapsulated the day’s theme, stating, “There’s a lot of women who serve as the backbone of the country.” With participants from industries such as sports, fashion, and technology, panelists shared personal narratives about their career paths and the discrimination they have faced.
Key Themes from the Forum
Wellness as a Leadership Priority
The “Prioritizing Wellness” panel highlighted how effective leadership integrates personal health. Danielle DuBoise, co-founder of Sakara, advised attendees to listen to their bodies to avoid burnout. “So I’d say the first thing is to really get to this place where you can tell when your body is listening,” she stated.
Evelyn Webster, CEO of SoulCycle, emphasized the impact of a leader’s wellness on organizational culture, saying, “I can tell when I’m not investing in my own wellness because of the way that I start to set the temperature in the organization.”
The Importance of Mentorship
Mentorship emerged as a critical factor for success among women leaders. Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, remarked, “Girls achieve what they can see.” The discussions underscored how both male and female mentors can inspire future leaders.
Nissan U.S. CMO Allyson Witherspoon noted that her experience with a female CEO helped her understand the nuances of leadership from a woman’s perspective, stating, “This was the first time that I saw somebody, I kind of thought, maybe I can be in a leadership position too.”
Leveraging Diverse Experiences
Several speakers shared how varied career paths enhanced their leadership skills. Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner, transitioned from consulting to sports, finding that her strategic planning skills were transferable. “I’ve been a CPA… but I don’t know anything about running sports,” she admitted. However, she quickly learned how to apply her industry experience effectively.
Listening to Stakeholders
Effective leadership requires strong listening skills and an awareness of stakeholder needs. Alex Schinasi, CEO of Hulken, illustrated the importance of understanding user experiences, stating, “Shlepping is universal.” Her company focused on creating relatable products by leveraging authentic customer interaction.
Dismantling Myths Around ‘Having It All’
Acknowledging the unrealistic expectation of “having it all,” Nooyi addressed the guilt many women face in balancing professional and personal lives. “We are lying to women that you can have it all,” she said, emphasizing the challenges that come with such pressures.
Melody Lee, CMO at Mercedes-Benz USA, expressed a desire for previous generations to have shared their struggles more openly, highlighting the importance of authenticity in leadership roles.
Concluding Thoughts
The Women’s Global Impact Forum not only celebrated the achievements of women but also advocated for continued progress in creating equitable workplaces. The collective energy and resolve seen throughout the event signal a desire for meaningful change.
As Barczykowski stated, “If the energy in the room is any indication of mobilizing change – we’re on our way!”
