IWD Webinar Women Leading and Learning in the Modern World

Why It Matters

Executive education equips women with validated frameworks, confidence, and sponsor networks, accelerating gender‑balanced leadership and driving measurable business impact.

Key Takeaways

• Executive education accelerates women’s leadership through structured frameworks.
• Mentorship evolves into sponsorship, opening tangible career opportunities.
• Diverse panel highlights “give to gain” as collaborative leadership.
• Participants cite confidence boost and validated thinking after Oxford program.
• Networking across cultures fosters continuous learning and impact investing focus.

Summary

The Oxford Saïd Business School hosted an International Women’s Day webinar titled “Women Leading and Learning in the Modern World,” showcasing how executive education can transform women’s leadership trajectories. Host Patricia Alvarez introduced a panel of senior women from finance, entrepreneurship, and tech, each illustrating the “give to gain” philosophy that underpins collaborative leadership.

Panelists highlighted three core insights: the shift from mentorship to sponsorship as a career accelerator, the value of structured, rigorous curricula for building confidence and a shared leadership language, and the power of cross‑cultural networks to surface new opportunities. Maggie emphasized that sponsors actively open doors, while Oliver described leadership as a non‑zero‑sum game where sharing time, advice, and capital multiplies impact.

Quotes underscored the personal stakes. Barbara Bonelli said, “Leadership grows with mentorship, collaboration, and supporting other women.” Maggie added, “Seek sponsors who introduce you to decision‑makers, not just give advice.” Oliver noted, “Give to gain shows leadership is more powerful when shared.” Participants repeatedly mentioned the confidence boost and legitimacy gained from Oxford’s case‑study driven, peer‑learning environment.

The webinar signals that organizations investing in executive education for women can expect stronger, more networked leaders who bring validated frameworks and a global perspective to their roles. For women professionals, the program offers a tangible pathway to transition from informal learning to recognized expertise, enhancing both personal career growth and organizational performance.

Original Description

To celebrate International Women's Day 2026, Leasil Burrow explores the challenges facing women leaders in today's world. She is joined by an alumni panel comprised of participants of different Executive Education programmes.

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