The Ulsted portfolio’s employee event boldly set out to empower individuals and transform organizations
Set against Lisbon’s vibrant backdrop, the Ulsted portfolio’s Women in Leadership Summit explored one essential question: How can we build stronger leadership by supporting the well-being of our people? This shared inquiry shaped two days of deep reflection, honest dialogue, and meaningful connection.
Thirty-seven colleagues — women and men — came together to launch a movement rooted in awareness, understanding, and practical change. The goal: strengthen both the health of our teams and the performance of our businesses.
Personal Empowerment: Challenging Bias, Building Solidarity
Day 1 focused inward, encouraging participants to examine internalized biases and the subtle ways these show up in decision-making and workplace dynamics. Participants explored how gender bias and self-doubt can influence professional growth — and how awareness is the first step toward change.
Sessions addressed the dynamics of female rivalry and the tendency, often unconscious, for women to view one another as competitors. Through open discussion, participants reflected on these patterns and identified strategies to foster collaboration, encouragement, and collective growth.
The conversations also highlighted the importance of networks and mentorship as tools for professional advancement. Attendees explored ways to create supportive environments within their teams through peer connections and intentional sponsorship.
The day closed with a spirit of reflection and mutual respect. Participants left with a stronger sense of self-awareness and renewed commitment to uplifting others in their professional communities.
Driving Inclusive Change: Data, Dialogue, and Leadership
The second day shifted the focus outward—toward cultivating healthier organizational cultures through collective insight and intentional leadership. A standout aspect of the day was the engagement of male leaders, who listened closely to their women colleagues and contributed to a deeper, shared understanding of leadership challenges.
Implicit bias assessments opened discussions about unconscious patterns and systemic barriers still present in many workplaces. These conversations laid the groundwork for practical, data-informed strategies that can move organizations from awareness to action.
Key insights included:
- Business value of diversity:
- Diverse teams enhance innovation and strategic thinking.
- Diversity contributes to stronger, more resilient organizations.
- Integration—not assimilation—is key to inclusion.
- Data-driven insights:
- Data can reveal hidden gender gaps in leadership.
- Measurable tracking supports long-term progress.
- Inclusive practices:
- Transparent hiring practices are essential.
- A strong workplace culture requires ongoing effort.
- Lasting change demands clear, strategic actions.
Participants left with a clear sense of the changes they could champion in their own teams to build healthier, more inclusive leadership cultures.
From Conversations to Connection
Beyond formal sessions, participants enjoyed opportunities for informal connection. A team rally through Lisbon’s historic streets sparked collaboration and camaraderie, while evening gatherings in Lisbon and Cascais created space for reflection and relationship-building. These shared experiences reinforced a strong sense of purpose and community.
Leading the Change, Together
Attendees left Lisbon grounded in self-reflection and energized to lead. They acknowledged the role of personal accountability in shaping healthy workplace environments—and the importance of mutual empowerment and allyship in driving sustainable change.
The summit offered practical tools and ideas, but more importantly, it fostered a shared commitment to prioritize well-being across the organization. Participants pledged to support one another in stepping confidently into leadership roles.
Continuing the Journey
This summit highlighted the vital link between individual empowerment and organizational culture. The lessons, stories, and relationships built in Lisbon continue to resonate across the Ulsted portfolio.
Together, we’ve created a meaningful foundation for continued conversations—and actions—that center on well-being, shared leadership, and healthier ways of working across our global organization.
This article was contributed by Volaris Group’s Portfolio Event Planner, Hannah Rinkovski, and Corporate Knowledge Program Lead, Hanna Ha.
