There are moments in your career when you feel the power of global connection — the shared energy of people who care deeply about progress. The International Women’s Forum (IWF) Global Conference in Seattle was one of those moments.
Thanks to Edelman’s ongoing sponsorship of the IWF, a few of us from across the network had the privilege of attending this year’s event, themed “Start Here, Go Anywhere.” It was a fitting title for a gathering that brought together nearly 700 extraordinary women leaders from 35 countries — each of them charting a course toward positive change in their industries, communities and the world.
A Global Gathering, Rooted in Women's Leadership
Seattle proved the perfect host city. A birthplace of global giants like Amazon, Starbucks, and Boeing, it was a powerful backdrop for discussions about leadership, transformation, innovation and possibility. And from the very start, it was clear this conference was not about surface-level networking — it was about real, thoughtful dialogue.
The agenda tackled global issues with both ambition and depth. From the housing crisis and climate sustainability to the promises and pitfalls of AI, the sessions reflected the complexity of leading today — and the courage required to do it well.
AI, Risk, and the Future of Leadership
AI featured prominently throughout the event, not just as a tech trend but as a strategic imperative. We heard from leaders transforming major organizations through AI — and others raising important questions about its environmental impact.
One message that stayed with us: AI must be about more than efficiency. It should be about reimagining how we operate — and how to ensure technology serves people and the planet. And when it comes to transformation, the advice was clear: play to win, don’t play not to lose.
Another standout session focused on global risk. The framing was powerful: every risk is also an opportunity. As leaders, our role isn’t just to protect against threats, but to uncover what might lie beyond them and take advantage of that.
Trust, Polarization, and the Power of Warm Leadership
Day two turned to a topic we’re all navigating: polarization. Our own Liz Foster, Edelman’s Global Client Lead, delivered a brilliant presentation on the Trust Barometer, highlighting how men and women experience trust differently and how grievances manifest in modern societies. It was a proud moment to see Edelman insight driving real conversation on the global stage. \
She was followed by social scientist and Harvard Professor Arthur C. Brooks, who shared insights on the behavioural science of division. One of his most memorable takeaways? Contempt, not anger, is the emotion driving polarization. To lead effectively in divided times, we must bring warm-heartedness into every interaction — especially when faced with opposing views. To complement this perspective in the next session, Dr. Bernice King, CEO of The King Centre, drew on her expertise in nonviolent social change to highlight how women leaders can lean on EQ & love to restore respectful dialogue and unity across divided spaces.
What About the Men?
The final plenary offered an unexpected but necessary provocation: if boys and men are struggling, women and girls are impacted too. Researcher and author Richard Reeves, President of the American Institute for Boys and Men, presented compelling data on educational attainment, mental health, and shifting gender roles. It was a reminder that progress for women can’t come at the expense of boys and men — we need to bring everyone along. That includes encouraging men into traditionally female-dominated fields and recognizing the value of male role models who champion equity.
What We Are Bringing Back with Us
The IWF conference was full of compelling ideas, but here are the reflections we are carrying with us:
- Every risk contains a potential reward. Leaders must be curious enough to look for it.
- Transformation needs boldness. Especially in AI, we must lean in with intention — and with sustainability in mind.
- The emotion eroding trust isn’t anger — it’s contempt. Our job is to lead with warmth, even when it’s difficult.
- The future must be inclusive. Leaders today must champion a future where everyone has the opportunity and encouragement to lead and succeed. Leaving anyone behind fails progress for everyone.
Looking Ahead
Leaving Seattle, we felt energized — not just by the conversations, but by the conviction that leadership is evolving. It’s more human, more holistic, and more urgent than ever. We are grateful to Edelman and to IWF for the opportunity to be part of this global dialogue — and are looking forward to putting these insights into action. The Edelman delegates who attended the conference included Adelaide Feuer, Amanda Deseure, Carolina Palacious, Eleanor Reed and Karishma Gupte.
