Informative, engaging, and highly interactive—these were just a few of the ways attendees described this year’s conference. The third annual JLT Women’s Leadership Conference explored how to thrive during and through times of uncertainty. Practitioners from diverse fields shared strategies for strengthening resilience, reconnecting with embodied wisdom and leading ourselves and others with clarity and compassion, no matter what the future holds.

The day opened with an energizing keynote from Dr. Julie McCarthy, Professor of Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. Speaking on the true core of resilience—energy—Dr. McCarthy delivered a two-part session titled “Thriving During Turbulent Times.” She highlighted how in an era marked by constant change, competing demands, and the growing complexity of AI (artificial intelligence), mental fatigue has become one of the biggest obstacles to sustained leadership. Her interactive presentation explored two of the four pathways to replenishing and sustaining energy: emotional renewal and mental renewal.

In the first segment, Dr. McCarthy unpacked the science of emotions, emphasizing the unique pressures women often encounter—including managing multiple roles and navigating shifting social and economic landscapes. Through a hands-on group exercise, participants experienced the contagious nature of emotions, illustrating how a leader’s emotional presence can elevate the resilience, optimism and performance of their teams.

The second segment shifted to the science of renewal and mental resilience for women in leadership. Citing compelling research, Dr. McCarthy explained how mindfulness produces measurable physiological changes that support clarity and well-being. Attendees left with practical, evidence-based tools to restore mental focus, prevent burnout and sustain energy across the many roles they balance.

Over a catered lunch, the conference’s approximately 50 attendees—including Actives, Sustainers, prospective members and guests from our community partners,enjoyed time to connect and network. Many remarked that one of the day’s highlights was simply being surrounded by a supportive community of inspiring women.

The afternoon continued with a session on “Embodied Leadership” led by Jothi Saldanha, award-winning certified transformational wellness coach and founder of Jothi Creative Wellness Inc. Positioning her talk around a different kind of AI—Ancient Intelligence—Ms. Saldanha introduced attendees to somatics and the practice of tuning into the body’s innate wisdom. Participants engaged in an embodiment experience featuring movement, breath work and a guided sound-bath meditation designed to help them reset.

The conference concluded with Shannon Talbot, human connection expert and author of Breaking Free: Stop Holding Back and Start Being You, who led an inspiring session titled “Thriving Through Change: Leading Yourself with Clarity, Courage, and Connection.” Ms. Talbot noted that in a world where change is constant and certainty is rare, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Through her interactive session, participants were guided to reconnect with their purpose, release self-doubt, and rediscover their inner courage.

A key takeaway she emphasized was: “Thriving through change isn’t about waiting for stability—it’s about creating it. When women lead themselves with clarity and courage, they don’t just adapt to change, they rise because of it.”

JLT members are offered attendance at the leadership conference as a benefit of their membership. The conferences are engaging, thought-provoking and fun and provide an opportunity for shared learning with other members. Each year the JLT builds on the success of the previous leadership conference with new and dynamic speakers and activities. Learnings are always applicable and members often apply their learnings not only to their JLT placements but also to their personal and professional lives.