On Friday, October 10, close to 400 women congregated in Downtown Chicago at the University of Chicago Gleacher Center for the
4th Annual Booth Women Connect Conference (BWCC) - a spectacular day of learning, networking, discovery, and a celebration of the strong and supportive network of women within Booth, along with their stories and experiences. *
*
The day-long conference, planned by a committee of Booth women
including current Fort
é Fellows and co-chairs of the
Chicago Women in Business (CWiB) group, gave prospective students the opportunity to connect with alumnae and current students, experience Booth faculty in the classroom, and hear the stories of successful alumnae passionate about fostering Booth’s “pay it forward” culture. Attendees walked away from the day having challenged existing notions, uncovered new perspectives, and formed lasting connections within the Booth community. You can see more photos of the day
here.
*
Sessions examined topics like managing for the first time, integration of a healthy work and life balance, and seeking opportunities to make an impact beyond your immediate line of work. Speakers discussed stereotypes and challenges that exist for women in the workplace and how we can continue to influence the change that we wish to realize.
*
I personally took advantage of the opportunity to sit in on a session with one of the most respected faculty members at Booth,
Waverly Deutsch, clinical professor of entrepreneurship. In “Women and Entrepreneurship,” a look at the motivations, choices, and realities of women who choose the entrepreneurial path, Deutsch cleverly provoked guests by challenging an article that attested that women are
now getting their spotlight in entrepreneurship. She provided formidable evidence to contend that women have been successful entrepreneurs for a while now and emphasized practical considerations to further success. Deutsch urged guests to
“Think BIG. We’ve got to think differently. We’ve got to dream differently.”
*
Waverly also served as one of three “sharks” in a later session that simulated a
popular television program where budding entrepreneurs compete for venture capital funds. The “sharks” also made a point to share what happens in real life. During “Inside the Chicago Booth Shark Tank,” presented by the
Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, two current student entrepreneurs,
Katlin Smith, Founder and CEO of
Simple Mills, and
Aparna Misra, co-founder and CEO of
Highstride, reenacted what they likely encountered during their experience in the 2014
New Venture Challenge. Both student entrepreneurs demonstrated the experience to be in front of venture capitalists, presenting their business plans confidently and thoughtfully, while remaining poised when grilled by the "sharks."
*
The keynote speaker this year was
Jan Doty, retired Co-CEO of
Goldman Sachs. In her session, titled “A Woman's Perspective on a Wall Street Career: Leadership and Networking in a Male-Dominated Industry,” Doty focused on the importance of leadership and how she found success over the past quarter-century, during a time of fast-evolving global equity markets. A career she says she owes to her experience at Booth.
Reflecting on her role in the company and her professional achievements, Doty noted that the key was assembling the right team and being an example for the members of that team. You can read more about her session in the next Booth Women Connect eNewsletter. You can
sign up here to receive it, if you haven’t already.
*
If you’re interested in learning more about the community at Booth, connect with our students via
Chicago Women in Business (CWiB) or the
Chicago Booth Women’s Network.
*
Talk to me if you have any questions about the amazing community at Booth.
*
All the best,
Amy
More...
