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Earlier this month, more than 250 women leaders from Builders FirstSource gathered at the company’s first national Women’s Leadership Conference in Grapevine, Texas. According to the company, feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. “I came away with new perspectives, a lot of new ideas, and I was very inspired,” said Samantha Dunham, Multi Family Design Manager, Builders FirstSource.
Builders FirstSource team members from across the country enjoyed an evening of networking and team building on day one of the conference. Day two opemed with remarks by Mike Hiller, Chief Talent Officer, Builders FirstSource. “I’m proud to stand alongside such an inspiring group of leaders,” Hiller said. “Your passion, resilience and vision are driving meaningful change – not only within our company, but across the industry.”
Presenters throughout the event encouraged attendees to release any fear of failure and instead embrace mistakes as opportunities. “Failure is amazing when you learn from it,” said Peter Jackson, President & CEO, Builders FirstSource. “Don’t miss the chance for personal growth. Lean in.”
In an interactive discussion on breaking the “glass ceiling,” panelists Heather Kos, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, Builders FirstSource; Wendy Minichiello, Vice President, EWP Sales, Weyerhaeuser; and Lea Allah, Vice President, Human Resources, Builders FirstSource, addressed questions on mentorship, work/life balance and making your voice heard. Speakers also addressed the challenge of imposter syndrome. “You don’t have to feel ready to take the next step,” said Denise Kenton, Director, National Strategic Accounts, Builders FirstSource, “just be willing.”
Another key theme was women supporting women in the workplace. “Ask yourself, ‘how can I be a better ally or sponsor,’ ” encouraged Gayatri Narayan, President, Technology and Digital Solutions, Builders FirstSource. Similarly, Bertha Villalobos, EWP National Accounts Manager, Boise Cascade, said, “Build floors others can stand on.”
Prior to a networking lunch, attendees enjoyed a session on “Leading Well by Living Well” presented by Sarah Bowe and Britje Montgomery of Spring Health.
The afternoon session featured an agile leadership workshop facilitated by Sara Francois, Vice President, Talent Development and Learning, Builders FirstSource. She emphasized the six foundational mindsets of agile leadership: Adaptability, Emotional Intelligence, Continuous Learning and Improvement, Strategic Decision-making, Empowering Others and Growth.
The conference concluded with a keynote address by Dr. Tony Bridwell, Chief Talent Officer at The Encompass Group and author of eight books, including his most recent publication, “Beyond the Leader: A Fable about the 7 Disciplines that Define Extraordinary Teams.”
“In life’s journey, often you have what you need,” Bridwell said, “you just need someone to come along and say, ‘You’re doing it!’ To be the person to give that gift – how powerful is that?”
The conference was hosted by Builders FirstSource Human Resources Vice Presidents Lea Allah and Monica Siverio and Senior Director Nydia Tanco. Boise Cascade and Weyerhaeuser sponsored the event.
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