From potential to leadership: how the Leading Women program supports women in business and beyond

Agnieszka: The idea came from observation. I have been working with female managers and business owners for years, and I see how many women have enormous potential, but sometimes lack the tools, courage, or space to develop. Leading Women was created in response to these needs—a place where you can stop for a moment, take a look at yourself and your skills, and then consciously plan the next steps in your career.

Anna: And I’d add – this is a program created by practitioners for practitioners. We wanted to combine knowledge, experience, and real-life stories. This is not just another theory about leadership – it’s practical workshops, discussions, and exercises that help translate knowledge into everyday professional life.

Anna: Oh, it’s a long story! We had a lot in common even before we met 🙂 First of all, we are both laureates of the Sukces Pisany Szminką competition. In the 2013 edition, we made it to the grand finale. I remember shortening my vacation in Thailand just to return for the gala, only to find out that Agnieszka had won! As a consolation, I was left with the title of finalist 🙂
We are also both recipients of the International Visitor Leadership Program funded by the U.S. government. As part of the program, we spent a lot of time in the United States on study visits and attending international meetings.
We met some time later while working on a project for Polish alumni of Polish-American exchange programs. We immediately found a common language and an incredible flow. We’ve been friends ever since and continue to work together.

Agnieszka: Mainly for women who want to develop as leaders – both those who already hold managerial positions and those aspiring to them. So far, participants have included experts from various industries, mid-level and junior managers, as well as business owners. This diversity is incredibly valuable – participants often highlight that the exchange of experiences within the group is one of the most unique aspects of the program.

Anna: Yes, it’s also a space where you can meet people with similar challenges and aspirations, so Leading Women is not only about knowledge, but also community and support. The girls form relationships and can exchange experiences not only in person, but also in a closed LinkedIn group.

Agnieszka: The program lasts 40 hours and consists of nine modules. We meet both online and on-site – in Warsaw and Kraków. This hybrid format allows for flexible participation while still preserving what’s most valuable: direct, in-person interaction.

Anna: Each module has a different focus. We start with the power of women’s leadership and self-assessment – Extended DISC. Then we cover topics such as stereotypes, inclusive language, conflict management, and mental resilience. There are also more strategic subjects, like building a personal brand and managing your career. We’ve created a comprehensive program that connects these topics but often goes beyond them, enriched through group discussions and conversations.

Anna: Very positive! There were also comments that the program “broadens horizons and pushes you out of your comfort zone.” For many participants, a valuable experience was meeting in a group of supportive women – a kind of networking built on authenticity and trust. Of course, we also take feedback on the format and content into account, which is why we are slightly modifying the program for the next edition to better meet the expressed needs. We will also place an even greater emphasis on practical elements – exercises and case studies – as participants mentioned that these sessions were the most effective and inspiring for them, so we want to offer even more of them.

Agnieszka: We always ask participants to evaluate our work – the previous edition was truly appreciated. The women emphasized that “the program gives faith, inspiration, self-confidence, and motivates change.” That is the greatest reward for us.

Agnieszka: Participants particularly highlighted the value of the sessions on building a personal brand and visibility within the organization. Comments included that these workshops “were groundbreaking and immediately applicable in practice.” The sessions on inclusive language and micro-inequities were also rated very highly – all participants gave them the top marks! The sessions are led by Michalina Konkel – trainer and expert at Diversity Hub, author of numerous international projects supporting leadership competence development, and a certified facilitator of the Leadership Development Intensive program.

Anna: From what I remember, the module on the power of women’s leadership also received excellent reviews. Meanwhile, the sessions on stereotypes and unconscious biases helped open participants’ eyes to mechanisms that often limit us without our awareness. One comment that stuck with me was that the workshops on unconscious bias and micro-inequities “can be applied immediately, both at work and beyond,” which was very gratifying and rewarding.

Agnieszka: I think the uniqueness lies in the combination — on one hand, there’s a very well-thought-out development path, and on the other, the people who bring it to life. Each module is led by an expert who brings her own experience, practical knowledge, and immense passion. Among the facilitators is Izabela Holmes, a manager specializing in talent management and people development at the Federal Reserve Bank in Washington, who, as a coach, supports leadership development, emotional intelligence, and communication, helping participants discover and strengthen their unique talents.

The sessions on managing one’s career strategy are led by Sandra Blich – an international expert in talent strategy and leadership development, who supports authentic leadership, the design of strategic HR functions, and the alignment of people, goals, and business outcomes, sharing her expertise as a speaker and lecturer in G/E/MBA programs.

Anna: Yes, and the atmosphere we create is also important. These are not “external” instructors who only deliver theory – they are practitioners who, on a daily basis, support participants with the challenges they face. For example, in building mental strength and resilience, Małgorzata Wypych – president of the Mental Health Center, a psychologist specializing in crisis intervention and stress management in critical situations – provides guidance. She trains businesses, teaches at the academic level, and is the author of publications and TEDx talks. The selection of facilitators and their expertise is truly top-tier in our market.

Agnieszka: Bo to inwestycja w siebie. To czas, w którym można zatrzymać się i z pełną uwagą spojrzeć na swoją ścieżkę zawodową. Uczestniczki przyznawały, że dzięki programowi „zyskały większą świadomość, pewność siebie i wiarę w to, że mogą być liderkami”.

Anna: This program is not just a training – it’s a developmental journey that provides tools, inspiration, and a network of contacts. If someone wants to strengthen their leadership and act more boldly in business, this is the right place.

Agnieszka: Because it’s an investment that pays off quickly – not only on an individual level but for the entire organization. Women leaders who complete the program become more self-aware, confident, and equipped with concrete tools. They are better at managing teams, communicating, and making decisions. This has a real impact on company culture, employee engagement, and business results.

Anna: Exactly – developing female leaders means developing the company. Women who strengthen their leadership skills bring greater diversity of perspectives to the organization, cope better in crisis situations, and inspire others. That is why the participation of girls with potential in Leading Women is not only a benefit, but also a strategic action in the area of HR or DEI. I would also like to add that we offer special discounts for companies that register more than one person – so this is a great time to invite several female leaders to the program at once.