The Rise of Women in Business: Leading on Your Own Terms

This session is centered around how women are shaping their work, leadership, and growth in ways that feel aligned with who they are.

We’ll begin with a conversation led by Margaret A. Kashmir, whose background spans journalism, strategic communications, and executive leadership. Her perspective brings a grounded look at how women are navigating complexity, making decisions, and leading in real time.

From there, you’ll move into small group conversations with a handful of other women. These are guided discussions designed to give you space to talk, reflect, and hear how others are approaching their work. Each group is supported to keep the conversation focused and easy to move through.

We’ll close with a short guided meditation led by Gail of the Metaphysical Learning Center, followed by a moment to pause and reflect before stepping back into your day.

The session is designed to feel steady and considered. You’ll leave with a clearer head, a few meaningful connections, and a sense of where you want to take things next.

Guest Speaker: Margaret A. Kashmir

Margaret A. Kashmir is an innovative and senior strategic communications leader specializing in helping executive teams navigate high-risk situations such as deals, reputation challenges, and media crises. A Harvard Business School alumnus and one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 business leaders in 2010, she spent a decade as an award-winning national journalist in Canada.

Margaret was an investigative reporter, producer, and anchor for two of Canada’s national broadcasters, CBC and CTV. She parlayed this experience into a career in media, public relations, marketing, and corporate communications in the public and private sectors. She has held senior communications and leadership positions at a university, a gambling corporation, a technology start-up, a global management consulting firm, and a non-profit helping women advance in business.

Margaret is currently Managing Director at Kashmir Consulting, helping CEOs and companies use
communications to fuel transformations. She is also head of Investor Relations at her family’s venture
capital fund called Apotheosis Ventures. She studied French at Université Sainte-Anne, law and journalism at Carleton University, and in 2008 she completed the PLD program at Harvard Business School. Margaret lives in New Jersey with her husband and son. She is a member of the Longhouse Reserve Junior Council
in the Hamptons, an active mentor to young women in business, and an angel investor with a focus on
health & wellness start-ups.