The vibrant atmosphere of Cannes provided the perfect backdrop for an important gathering focused on the future of women’s sports. The Legends Dinner, organized by Autodesk and Boardroom alongside Always Alpha, paid tribute to the pioneers in women’s athletics, underscoring the transformative changes driven by storytelling, infrastructure, and sustainability.

The Legends Dinner: A Symphony of Change

Hosted on the sunlit shores of Maëma Beach, this intimate dinner brought together influential figures from sports, entertainment, media, and technology. The event featured notable attendees such as Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird, and Ashlyn Harris, all advocates for progress in women’s sports. The evening’s discussions aimed to foster engagement and investment in women athletes, highlighting the need for equity and comprehensive support.

Powerful Perspectives from Industry Leaders

A standout panel discussion involved Olympic champion Allyson Felix and Autodesk’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Treseder. Their conversation centered on the critical convergence of storytelling and sustainable infrastructure as pivotal elements to advance the women’s sports movement. Treseder articulated this connection, stating, “Women’s sports aren’t just having a moment — they’re a movement. And for brands, this is like buying Bitcoin early. Now is the time to get in.”

Felix echoed this sentiment, addressing her personal journey and emphasizing the importance of supporting athletes holistically. As she noted, “We can’t just support athletes on the field; we have to support them as whole people.”

Dara Treseder: Redefining Leadership at Autodesk

Dara Treseder’s leadership at Autodesk is marked by a blend of creativity and data-driven strategy. She has spearheaded initiatives that ensure Autodesk’s design tools—vital for shaping everything from infrastructure to entertainment—are accessible to a wider audience. In her words, “Our software is used to design and make anything.”

Under her leadership, Autodesk has made significant strides in education, providing access to professional-grade software for over 100 million students across more than 160,000 schools. Treseder has stated, “It’s about equipping the next generation with the tools to design and make anything, but also to design and make things better.”

This commitment to excellence is evident in Autodesk’s partnerships, such as the collaboration with the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the official Design and Make platform for the upcoming events, Autodesk is applying a sustainability-first approach, aligning with LA28’s innovative “no-new-permanent-venues” strategy.

Building Trust and Delivering Impact

Dara Treseder highlights that authentic leadership is about trust. She reflects on her experiences navigating challenges in her career, including pursuing her first CMO role while pregnant, emphasizing the necessity of staying true to one’s instincts. “Great leaders don’t just build teams — they build trust,” she asserts.

Treseder’s vision is clearly focused on creating an inclusive future by leveraging technology and education to empower individuals. Her motto encapsulates Autodesk’s mission: “Design and make a better world for all.” Through innovative strategies, she continues to drive significant societal changes.