Unleash your strengths at conference

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This article was published 08/03/2021 (1957 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Leaning into the “superwoman” theme of Thursday’s conference, keynote speaker Jane Helbrecht plans to dig into the concept of building superpowers.

These superpowers, the Winnipeg-based Acuity HR Solutions partner said, are derived from “really focusing on how to find and identify your strengths and building up what you believe are you strengths.”

Helbrecht is speaking at the 2021 Superwoman Conference — a now-annual event hosted by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

Unlike last year’s in-person inaugural event, Thursday’s effort will be hosted virtually from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

“We were hoping we could do an in-person event, but it became apparent it couldn’t happen,” Brandon Chamber of Commerce general manager Carolynn Cancade said, referencing ongoing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although in-person is always preferred, she said they’re trying out a new interactive livestream platform to retain as much of last year’s vibe as possible.

While there’s something of a gender focus to the conference, which falls a few days after today’s International Women’s Day, Cancade said the day is “really about empowerment.”

“This is really just to feature some leaders who happen to be women,” she said. “It’s really an uplifting event, an empowering event and getting people to be inspired.”

Along with Helbrecht’s keynote address, the event will feature a four-woman panel discussion with Century 21 Westman partner Laurie Brugger, Mosaic Engagement founder Megan Foster, Alternative Landscaping general manager Lois MacDonald and Westoba Credit Union director of member experience Shahani Perera.

Chamber past-president and Siere co-founder Cathy Snelgrove will moderate the discussion.

Although the discussion is expected to remain fluid, MacDonald said her key piece of advice is to always surround yourself with mentors and give back by mentoring others whenever you have a chance.

“So many people have been instrumental in helping me and supporting me, and I think that’s the case for anyone’s career path,” she said.

As for gender-specific insights, she said she has often found herself as the only woman at the table, but rather than see things like this as barriers, she views them as obstacles to get around.

“I’ve never focused a lot of on that, or on gender,” she said. “I’ve always been focused on getting things done and what we can do together.”

Helbrecht said although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought no lack of hardships in its wake, it has also given people the push they might have needed to re-evaluate what they do, how they spend their time and whether it adequately taps into their strengths.

“I sort of challenge the idea of focusing too much on our weaknesses,” she said. “I think we’re all better off focusing and building on our strengths, and the only weaknesses I’m interested in addressing are the ones that would hold me back from my strengths.”

Registration for Thursday’s event is $50, and more information is available online at brandonchamber.ca or through phoning the chamber at 204-571-5340.

» tclarke@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB