Panels and Breakout Sessions

Fireside Chat with Loida Nicolas-Lewis

Growing up, Loida Nicolas-Lewis’ father had a vision for her—he saw her as a lawyer and politician, while secretly she wanted to become a nun. Expectations were set, but as it turns out, both were both wrong. Nicolas-Lewis did end up becoming a lawyer, however. But also a wife, mother, activist, general attorney for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, and CEO of TLC Beatrice. 

Hers is a story of having to constantly pivot and adapt. “Was I ready to leave my comfortable life in the Philippines to start over in New York? Not really. What did I know about cooking my husband’s favorite dishes? Honestly, nothing. Was I completely prepared to take charge of a billion-dollar company? I had to find out. In coming face to face with these challenges and opportunities, there was one thing I stood by—live authentically.” 

Join us for this special conversation with Loida Nicolas-Lewis.

Panel Discussions

Panel 1: Rising Beyond Boundaries
This powerful conversation dives into the lived experiences of women in family enterprises navigating the road to leadership. Together we will explore how women rise above barriers such as gender bias, imposter syndrome, and limiting expectations, not by suppressing who we are but by embracing each facet of our identities. Panelists will share candid stories and strategies for building confidence, seizing opportunities, and creating new pathways for leadership. 

Panel 2: Voices at the Table
From family councils to corporate boards, women’s perspectives are vital; however, earning and holding those seats comes with unique challenges. This panel highlights practical ways to step into governance and stewardship roles, navigate family and non-family board dynamics, and use your voice to influence decisions that matter.

Panel 3: Juggling Identities
Women in family businesses often wear multiple hats at once—leader, owner, parent, partner, advisor, and more. This discussion dives into how women balance overlapping identities, manage expectations (that are often paradoxical), and stay grounded while driving both family and business forward.

Breakout Sessions

Breakout 1: Marrying Into a Family Business
When you marry into a family enterprise, you join more than just a family—you step into a legacy. This session unpacks the opportunities and challenges of integrating into the business, building trust, and finding your voice within an established system.

Breakout 2: Multi-Generational Dynamics - Five Generations at the Table
With as many as five generations engaged in today’s family enterprises, managing expectations, values, communication preferences, leadership styles and so much more is increasingly complex. This session explores tools for bridging generational divides, fostering collaboration, and honoring each generation’s contributions and perspectives.

Breakout 3: Giving Up the Reins
Transition is never easy—especially when it means letting go of leadership and ownership control after decades of pouring time, resources, and passion into the business. This session examines why senior-generation leaders struggle with stepping back, and how successors can navigate this delicate process with empathy, respect, and clarity.