‘Leading Through Crisis’: WIM Top 50 Conference 2020 to be held virtually

By Naveed Rozais

The third annual WIM Top 50 Conference will take place virtually this year on 1, 3, 4, and 5 December, with a diverse cohort of speakers coming together to share their insight and experiences under the theme “Leading Through Crisis”.

The WIM Top 50 Conference is organised by Women in Management (WIM) in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and the Australian Government. The conference will focus on navigating the challenges posed by crises like Covid-19 through the inspiring and innovative stories shared by the panel, which will include both Sri Lankan and international business and thought leaders

2020, against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka’s second wave, marks the first time the conference will be held virtually. WIM Chairperson Dr. Sulochana Segera explained that this year’s conference will see a higher representation of Sri Lankan women as thought leaders, adding that: “The conference aims to help people navigate the profound challenges posed by a global pandemic, a fragile economy, and social disruptions. We have noticed that most breakdowns in workplace interactions are caused not by bad intentions, but by a lack of awareness on the impact behavioural or attitudinal changes have on their staff. This is what we intend to address in this virtual conference, by bringing business leaders to share cross-sectoral perspectives on leading through a crisis.”

The WIM Top 50 Conference will take place over five days with each day focusing on different issues. The Women in Work Programme Manager shared that the WIM Top 50 Conference is designed to reveal insights on navigating a Covid-19 world and identifying growth opportunities within that context. “These sessions will be unique because of who is participating. Business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences have all handled a very challenging period. We can’t continue with business as usual. This is an opportunity to take stock and see what the new world will look like.”

The WIM Top 50 Conference will kick off with a guest speech on “The Paradox of Leadership after Covid-19” by Hemas Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson followed by a panel discussion on “Lessons from Lockdown: Navigating Leadership Techniques during Covid-19” moderated by Allianz Insurance Ltd. Head of Legal Summaiya Macan Markar featuring IFC Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives Amena Arif, McLarens Group Joint Managing Director Shehara Jayawardana, Dafedil Academy of Business Director and Co-Founder Yasas Hewage, Haycarb Director – Environmental Engineering Shermila Ragunathan, and scientist and academician Dr. Nehi Sinha.

The second day of the conference will feature Women in Work Programme Manager Sarah Twigg and IFC Corporate Governance Officer Lopa Rahman sharing insights on the “Private Sector Response to Covid-19” followed by a panel discussion on “Occupational Health and Safety Issues” featuring Sanath Palliyaguru, Chiranthi Cooray, Ajith Weerasinghe, and Bram Woltjer.

“Gender diversity at the Board: What Skills, Knowledge and Techniques Do Women Bring to the Board” will be discussed on 4 December, featuring Aroshi Nanayakkara, Aruni Rajakarier, Minette Perera, and Lopa Rahman, moderated by Ranjan De Silva. The day will end with a session on “Work from Home During Covid-19”, featuring Roshanie Jayasundera Moraes, Portia Jayamaha, Suresh Shah, and Suzanne Wooster-Prematilaka, moderated by Dr. Sulochana Segera.

The WIM Top 50 virtual conference will end with a panel focused on the development partners’ responses and priorities during Covid-19 on 5 December.

WIM Top 50 Conference Chair Dr. Shanika Ranaweera said: “The WIM Top 50 Conference is not just another virtual conference. It brings a wealth of knowledge that we hope will be meaningful beyond the present situation, so we are better prepared to face challenges of all sizes that come our way – may it be professionally or personally.”

 

The WIM Top 50 Conference will take place on 1, 3, 4, and 5 December. For more details or to register, please visit www.womeninmanagementawards.org or call 0772 307 356.