One of the most impactful moments for me was the Top Ten Business Women of ABWA Breakfast. Initially, I hadn’t been able to secure a ticket, but in an act of sisterhood, one of our amazing chapter members generously gifted me hers. It was a simple gesture, but it made me realize how deeply the ABWA community values lifting each other up. This sense of connection and mutual support is what makes ABWA so special.
The breakfast, held on the final day of the conference, is a signature event where the prestigious Business Woman of the Year award is presented. Each of the top ten honorees gave a short yet powerful speech, sharing the advice they would give to their younger selves. Their stories were filled with moments of perseverance, overcoming challenges, and embracing leadership. Hearing them reflect on their journeys and the lessons they’ve learned was incredibly inspiring.
One important take away for me was the value of resilience and perseverance. The honorees shared moments of personal and professional adversity, offering advice on how to persist despite setbacks and not let obstacles—whether personal or organizational—stand in your way. Several spoke directly about facing and breaking through glass ceilings in their industries, refusing to let those barriers limit their potential. Their advice was clear: the path to success is rarely without obstacles, but resilience—being able to rise again after every setback—is what will ultimately drive you forward. This reminded me that, as women, we often encounter unique challenges, but our ability to persevere and push through those challenges is what defines us.
Another important takeaway for me was the importance of investing in yourself. Several honorees emphasized the need to prioritize personal growth and self-development throughout their careers and committing to lifelong learning. They advised their younger selves to invest in education, skill-building, and wellness, noting that this investment pays off in the long run. This reminder felt especially important. Often, we put our work and others’ needs first, but it’s crucial to recognize that investing in ourselves—whether through learning, self-care, or professional development—is essential to our success. We can’t pour from an empty cup, and by making ourselves a priority, we become better leaders, colleagues, and individuals. The honorees reminded me how important it is to prioritize our own growth and well-being, and how we should never stop learning, no matter where we are in our careers. Whether it’s pursuing further education, attending more conferences like this, or even setting aside time to learn a new skill or trade, we need to recognize that we are our most valuable asset.
In closing, the conference and this breakfast was a powerful reminder that we are all capable of greatness, and the advice shared by the honorees offered timeless wisdom and truly resonated with everyone. We all saw a piece of ourselves in each candidate. Whether it’s embracing confidence, overcoming fear of failure, investing in ourselves, persevering through obstacles, or committing to lifelong learning, there are lessons we can all take away and apply to our own lives and careers.
