First Look at the Leadership Conference Agenda!

Join us October 19–21 at New York Marriott Marquis

We’re excited to unveil the full agenda for the 2025 Leadership Conference, featuring can’t-miss sessions, powerhouse speakers and transformative learning experiences. With even more dynamic speakers still to be announced, now is the perfect time to register and take advantage of early bird pricing before rates go up. Register now and claim your spot!

Happening October 19 to 21 in New York City, this year’s theme, The Power of Us, highlights the strength of collaboration and purpose-driven leadership in today’s fast-changing workplace.

With more than 60 subject matter experts, dozens of career coaches and a dynamic mix of mainstage conversations, breakout tracks and high-impact micro sessions, the conference offers bold ideas, fresh connections and real-world strategies you can put into action immediately.

Explore the full agenda below and register now to lock in the best rate.

Opening Super Session  

(Monday | 8:30 – 9:45 am) 



Join us as we kick off Leadership Development Week 2025 with The WICT Network Leadership Conference opening keynote & fireside chat. From surprise entertainment to rousing headliners, don’t miss a minute of this industry staple. The opener sets the tone for what’s to come and speaks volumes about the strong reputation of our top-rated Leadership Conference. 

BREAKOUT SESSION: The High Cost of High Performance: What we Miss When we Never Slow Down

(Monday | 10:00 – 11:00 am)

Speaker: Israa Nasir, Psychotherapist and Author

In today’s high-achieving, always-on culture, many professionals find themselves caught in a cycle of doing more yet feeling less fulfilled. Beneath the surface of high performance often lies a quiet desperation: a need to prove worth, avoid inadequacy or stay ahead of expectations. In this session, psychotherapist and author Israa Nasir unpacks the emotional roots of toxic productivity and how these socially rewarded patterns often lead to burnout. Drawing from her book Toxic Productivity, she offers real-world strategies to help participants cultivate a more intentional relationship with ambition—one grounded in emotional well-being and long-term fulfillment. This is a chance to slow down, reflect and ask the deeper question: What are you really chasing?

BREAKOUT SESSION: The Optimism Advantage: Reignite Purpose, Drive and Performance

(Monday | 10:00 – 11:00 am)

Speaker: Shira Miller, CPCC, Chief Communications Officer, National DCP

In today’s fast-paced, divisive and uncertain world, many people have slipped into a mindset of hopeless passivity—where simply getting by feels like enough. This outlook stifles innovation, purpose and decision-making, leading to disengagement and disconnection from one’s potential. Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace Report found that 62% of employees are not engaged, and well-being is declining globally. The antidote? Optimism. Research shows that leading with optimism boosts employee connection by 20%, reduces workplace stress by 30% and drives achievement and profit. In this session, Shira Miller shares her powerful framework for shifting from passivity to possibility—helping leaders instill optimism, hope, connection and purpose to fuel stronger engagement and business results.

BREAKOUT SESSION: We Need to Talk: Unlocking the Power of Real Conversation

(Monday | 10:00 – 11:00 am)

Speaker: Celeste Headlee, Communication & Human Nature Expert; Award-Winning Journalist; Bestselling Author 

In a world flooded with texts, social media and constant notifications, authentic human conversation is a lost art. It’s time to reclaim it. Join acclaimed author and speaker Celeste Headlee for an engaging breakout session based on her book, We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter. Discover why genuine dialogue is critical for building trust, connection and understanding, both at work and in your personal life. Drawing on her experience as an award-winning journalist and radio host, Celeste will share practical strategies to transform the way you connect with others.

Touchstones Luncheon

(Monday | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm)

Held in conjunction with The WICT Network Leadership Conference, the Touchstones Luncheon is a cornerstone event celebrating progress and leadership in the workplace. Each year, this premier gathering features influential voices in media, entertainment and technology to highlight the critical role that workforce demographics play in building stronger teams that drive meaningful success.

This year’s Touchstones Luncheon will feature the PAR Top Companies for Women to Work. The 2025 PAR Top Companies in technology, distribution and content are (in alpha order by company):

Technology:

CSG Systems International

Distribution: 

Cable One

Charter Communications

Comcast

Cox Communications

Midco

Content:  

AMC Networks, Inc.

NBCUniversal

REVOLT Media & TV

TV One, LLC

Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

BREAKOUT SESSION: Network with Intention: Building Your Personal Board of Directors

(Monday | 1:30 – 2:30 pm)

Speakers: Amanda Lieberman, VP, Research and Operations, NBCUniversal and Alison Mathers, VP, Executive Search, NBCUniversal

True growth doesn’t happen alone—it happens through the right relationships. In this interactive session, participants will learn how to build a Personal Board of Directors (PBOD): a purposeful network of trusted advisors who support their development and decision-making. Through guided reflection, small-group collaboration and practical exercises, attendees will begin crafting their own PBOD—identifying key relationships they can activate now and others they may need to seek out. Participants will leave with clear next steps, useful tools and the confidence to build a network that truly supports their leadership journey.

BREAKOUT SESSION: Unhidden: A Journey Back to You

(Monday | 1:30 – 2:30 pm)

Speakers: Rocio Aquino, Advertising Sales Executive, Author, Speaker & Advocate, For The Highest Good LLC and Angel Orengo, Media Executive, Author, Speaker & Advocate, For The Highest Good LLC

This session invites participants to pause, reflect and reconnect with their inner wisdom, often buried beneath the demands of modern life. Through guided reflection and meaningful dialogue, participants will explore universal themes of self-worth, forgiveness and the quiet strength that comes from embracing our full, authentic selves. Whether you’re navigating transition, seeking clarity or simply craving a deeper connection with yourself, this is an opportunity to realign with your truth and step more fully into your power. 

BREAKOUT SESSION: Beyond the Hashtag #StrongerTogether  

(Monday | 1:30 – 2:30 pm)

Sponsored by Cox Communications

Change isn’t a solo effort — it’s built through collective action, shared responsibility and bold leadership at every level. In this evidence-based conversation, leading voices and industry experts will explore how inclusive leadership transforms organizations and what it takes to keep progress moving forward. This session will move beyond the numbers to explore how leaders at every level can shape culture, strengthen community and sustain meaningful change — together. Walk away with practical strategies to harness the power of collective leadership and create environments where everyone can thrive.

Speakers to be Announced

GENERAL SESSION: Humans, Data & Decisions - Leading in a World Shaped by Technology  

(Monday | 2:50 – 3:50 pm) 

From personalized content to predictive pricing, technology increasingly influences what we see, choose and value. But as AI and algorithms become embedded in everyday life, the real question for leaders isn’t how the tech works, it’s what we do with it. This session explores the intersection of human agency and machine intelligence, asking how we lead with purpose in an automated world, how data-driven tools can serve both business outcomes and human needs, and what role ethics, creativity and empathy should play in shaping these systems. Whether you’re designing the algorithm or working within its outcomes, you have a role to play in shaping a future that works for business and for people.

Speakers to be Announced

GENERAL SESSION: Profiles of Champions - Becoming a Corporate Athlete

(Monday | 4:00 – 5:00 pm) 

Moderator: Linda Cohn, Hall of Fame Broadcaster and SportsCenter Host, ESPN 

High-performing athletes and top sports executives know how to thrive under pressure! Join us for an inside look at how endurance, adaptability and focus fuel success at the highest levels of competition and leadership. Through candid stories and actionable insights, you’ll gain practical strategies to strengthen your resilience, sharpen your performance and thrive as a corporate athlete.

GENERAL SESSION: Day 2 Opening Fireside Chat

(Tuesday | 8:30 – 9:00 am)  

Kick off the day with an inspiring keynote conversation that brings "The Power of Us" to life. Our featured speaker will share transformative lessons from their journey, offering insights on resilience, innovation and leading with authenticity. Learn how collective strength and connection can fuel extraordinary success, and leave empowered to lead with greater purpose, impact and heart.

BREAKOUT SESSION: Lead Like a Human: Authentic Leadership and the Power of Your Spark 

(Tuesday | 9:10 – 10:10 am)

Speaker: Dalia Feldheim, Founder of Flow Leadership Consultancy

What sets truly inspiring leaders apart isn't necessarily title or a strategy, it’s the ability to lead with purpose, presence and authenticity. In this uplifting session, Dalia Feldheim helps participants rediscover their personal “spark”—the inner drive that fuels meaning and impact. Through compelling stories and research-backed insights, she challenges conventional leadership norms and encourages a more human-centered approach grounded in empathy, self-awareness and values. Participants will gain practical tools to lead with greater clarity and conviction while staying connected to what matters most. 

BREAKOUT SESSION: The Secret Ingredient in Thriving Cultures and High-Performing Teams

(Tuesday | 9:10 – 10:10 am)

Speaker: Rebecca Johnson, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Vidl

What’s the difference between higher performing and lower performing teams? And what makes for a thriving culture versus a mediocre or even toxic one? While the answer is complex, research increasingly points to one key factor: psychological safety. It enables inclusion, learning, full contribution and the courage to challenge the status quo—yet it’s often missing from most teams. In this session, participants will gain a clear understanding of what psychological safety is, how it drives performance and culture, assess their own behaviors across six key drivers and leave with a personal action plan to strengthen psychological safety on their team.

GENERAL SESSION: Industry, Data, Economy

(Tuesday | 10:30 – 11:25 am) 



Join us for a fast-paced, insight-driven conversation exploring the economic forces, industry trends and innovations shaping the future of media and technology. Featuring a dynamic mix of leading journalists and experts, this session will offer a real-time look at the macro and market factors influencing decision-making across the sector. Gain valuable perspectives on where the industry is headed — and how today’s trends are redefining opportunities for tomorrow.

Speakers to be Announced

GENERAL SESSION: Pearls of Wisdom — The Power of Us

(Tuesday | 12:00 – 12:45 pm) 

Speakers: Marcia Dawkins, Researcher, Storyteller & Communicator; Cathy Applefeld Olson, Veteran Entertainment Industry Journalist & Founder, Hollywood Mind; and Lindsay Shookus, Founder, Speaker, Business Coach and 7-time Emmy-winning Television Producer, SNL 

Sponsored by Charter Communications



Styled after the famed TED Talks, this inspirational session convenes dynamic and innovative thought leaders to impart their wisdom in a series of high-impact keynotes. Speakers will share the journeys and transformational moments that have shaped their lives and careers, which will motivate you to take their teachings and turn them into YOUR action plan! 

The WICT Network has reserved a block of rooms at the New York Marriott Marquis. Rates start at $379/night (plus tax, while supplies last). To reserve your room, click the link below or call 212-398-1900 and ask for the Leadership Conference room block. Make your reservation by Friday, September 26, to receive preferred rates (based on availability).

Reserve your room today >>

Guest rooms and rates are subject to availability.

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The WICT Network Member App

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