On March 6, 2025, TiER1 Performance hosted its 7th annual International Women’s Day Leadership panel, bringing together a powerful lineup of leaders to discuss how to #AccelerateAction toward gender equity in the workplace. Moderated by TiER1 President and COO Katie Frey, the conversation featured powerful insights and experiences shared by Becky Blank, CEO of Ample; Dr. Consuela Wilson, or “Dr. C”, a Global Talent Enablement Manager at Delta Air Lines; and Danyele Harris-Thompson, a Change & Transformation Senior. Manager at Kao. These women leaders demonstrated great vulnerability through sharing personal experiences, as well as challenges and strategies for driving meaningful change in organizations, making space for women’s voices, and fostering more inclusive environments.
Creating Space for Women’s Voices
The discussion centered on the importance of representation and inclusion—not just in leadership roles, but in everyday conversations and decision-making spaces. “Men need to make room at the table for upcoming women leaders who need a voice,” Becky said, highlighting the responsibility of male allies in creating pathways for women’s leadership. Dr. C encouraged listeners to “invite women into circles and groups where there is scarcity,” adding that fostering a diversity of perspective and making sure women feel included is imperative.
Beyond leadership representation, the panelists illuminated the need for intentional policies and cultural shifts that empower women to contribute in ways that align with their lives. Flexible work arrangements, inclusive hiring practices, and leadership development programs all play a role in making workplaces more equitable. “Just because a woman’s working hours are different does not change the value they add to the company,” Becky said, reinforcing the importance of autonomy and flexibility in modern work structures.
Driving Meaningful Change in Organizations
Creating truly inclusive workplaces requires more than surface-level change—it demands education, awareness, and intentional leadership development. Dr. C spoke about the importance of training leaders to engage diverse teams thoughtfully, from understanding inclusive language to reframing mindsets around talent and potential. Organizations must raise the bar above table stakes policies like maternity leave and invest in larger initiatives such as employee resource groups, mentorship programs, and leadership training that actively support and accelerate women’s career growth.
At the core of this transformation is the need to empower individuals to take ownership of change. Danyele emphasized that inclusion isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach: “We have to understand what it means for different people to feel empowered and create workspaces that meet them where they are.”
Taking Action through Confidence, Advocacy, and Community
The International Women’s Day panel closed with a powerful call to action: Change doesn’t happen by waiting—it happens by speaking up. Becky encouraged attendees to demand the changes they want to see: “You have to speak up and speak out. The way it’s always been done hasn’t worked for a lot of us, so don’t wait—demand the change.”
Danyele reminded listeners that lasting progress comes from collective action and advocacy, stressing that accelerating change requires engaging allies and building communities that push forward together. Finally, Dr. C challenged listeners to courageously own their achievements unapologetically: “Confidence is a gift, not a flaw. Wear your confidence as a strength. If you’ve earned a place at the table, take it—you don’t have to prove why you belong there.”
The key theme from this incredible conversation is clear: change starts with action—in our workplaces, in our communities, and in the ways we advocate for ourselves and others. Let’s continue to #AccelerateAction and build workplaces where all voices are valued, heard, and empowered to lead.
