WIN Conference 2009 - Wisdom in Action

In October I attended the Women's International Networking conference in Prague. I have to say I was sceptical at first as the conference was an all women conference. In attendance were 450 women and 19 men from 62 different nations. However my scepticism soon disappeared. The energy and inspiration throughout the conference was electric. I cried and laughed and in the end was literally exhausted with the release of various emotions.

Wisdom in Action was the theme of the conference and music used throughout to demonstrate the simplicity of its use when interpreting communication and leadership. This was reinforced in an outstanding sonata by Miha Pogacnik and Diana Baker.

I meet some very inspiring women during the conference not least Maggie Barankitse who told her story of having sought refuge at the Bishop’s house in Barundi. There she was forced (yes forced) to watch the murder of 76 adults. She subsequently rescued the orphaned children and created a community where she is referred to as the mother. Her story was heart wrenching. You can learn more here: http://www.actionaid.org.uk/101117/voices_from_the_filed.html?article=599

In addition to plenary sessions I attended a number of workshops titled Brand Me, Shift your Thinking and Music and Leadership. I learned how to brand myself and the golden laws of being seen and heard, how to release the anger inside by using a balloon and using the metaphor of music in leadership.

I too delivered a workshop titled “Why Am I Like That?” I received no less than 4.69 out of 5 in the feedback and in a nutshell I had a ball. The attendees were excellent and I laughed so much that I cried! Comments included “I learned a lot about myself and hot to relate to others”, “Very positive – surprised about behaviour patterns” and “Fabulous – best session of the conference”. To learn more about TetraMap visit here: http://www.completepeoplemanagement.co.uk/tetramap

On the last day my musical talents were put to the test with a drumming session.....

…and I vowed to start playing my flute and saxophone again when I returned home.

So despite the initial scepticism, I had an excellent time, learned a lot and came away with many new contacts around the world with whom I now have regular contact.

Overall it was a fantastic learning experience for me and one which I will never forget.

Thank you WIN 2009 and all its attendees.