Kickstart your CSW 2024 experience with the New Member Orientation, where the CSW Board and Events Team will provide invaluable guidance on maximizing your involvement in the program. Learn how to navigate the opportunities available and get the most value.

Then Leading NOW President, Julia Lazzara, will present a unique definition of leadership and global research that has identified the nine (9) critical differentiators for moving from middle-level into senior and executive positions. Learn what the research indicates that traditional career advice for women neglects – key messaging about what LW calls The Missing 33%® of the career success equation – business, strategic and financial acumen that was presented at CSW 2023 as a basis of the Leading NOW content. 

Additionally, hear from a panel of experienced members who will share their insights, best practices, and personal journeys to help you understand the focus and goals for your first year. This session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in your new community. Don't miss this chance to start your CSW journey on the right foot!

The time-honored hard and soft skills that traditional C-suite executives must possess are now being joined with a new set of skills that any future executive must have to succeed in an unpredictable and uncertain world. In this session, participants will learn which key skills are necessary to prepare for executive leadership roles and develop greater clarity about what it now takes to succeed.

Finance is integral to all organizations, whether for-profit, non-profit, government, etc. All employees must be able to understand and contribute to a discussion about the organization’s performance. Financial acumen is therefore a critical aspect of business acumen for all team members, not just team leaders. This session will cover basic financial terminology and teach participants how to read and interpret three (3) key financial statements: the Balance Sheet, the Income Statement, and the Cash Flow Statement. Whatever your role, you have an influence on your company’s financial performance.

Enjoy an engaging lunch with your peers, where you can connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and build valuable relationships through a facilitated question storming session. Unlike traditional brainstorming, where the focus is on generating solutions, question storming encourages participants to ask as many questions as possible about a specific challenge or topic. This approach helps to uncover new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and inspire innovative thinking.

Senior leaders today must cope with extreme uncertainty and constant changes ‒ in consumer markets, finances, technology, political landscapes, etc. ‒ that require high-stakes decisions that could define their leadership. They realize that even under stressful or turbulent conditions, nothing relieves them of the fundamental obligation to make tough calls with conviction, exercise their authority judiciously, and take responsibility with confidence for the outcomes. Indecision can paralyze progress. Although there are no magic solutions, the best leaders adopt holistic, reason-based strategies for effective decision-making. This session will guide participants through an 8-step model for making better decisions from the leadership position.

Donna Hood Crecca and Abbey Lewis will showcase a unique blend of wisdom and promise by interviewing power pairings leading the c-store industry. Each pairing, comprising both an accomplished leader and an up-and-coming star from the same company, will take the stage for a brief but impactful 10-minute discussion.  In total, we will host four enlightening interviews during this session.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of networking and adventure in the heart of Charleston! Our Power Team scavenger hunt combines the thrill of exploration with the joy of discovering the city’s unique locations. During the scavenger hunt, you'll enjoy the sights of Rainbow Row, glide through Charleston's City Market, and experience a one-of-a-kind tour inside a historic Charleston home. Note: Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended to ensure you can fully enjoy the scavenger hunt and the evening’s activities.

Leadership is a journey filled with both triumphs and trials. In this candid and insightful panel, seasoned executives from the c-store industry will share the real-world challenges they’ve faced throughout their careers and the strategies they used to overcome them. The discussion will delve into the struggles that come with leadership—whether it's making tough decisions, managing teams through change, or maintaining a work-life balance.

But leadership is also about continuous growth. Our panelists will open up about the areas they are currently focused on improving and what they are learning at this stage of their careers. From developing new skills to adapting to industry changes, attendees will gain a deep understanding of what it takes to not only survive but thrive as a leader in the c-store industry.

Unlock your true leadership potential by moving beyond basic communication. This session focuses on equipping leaders with the dialogue skills necessary to build trust, inspire others, and drive accountability in everyday work. We’ll dive into the most crucial, high-impact facilitation skills that you can use to create highly autonomous teams that collaborate to innovate. Through interactive learning, you'll master these dialogues, enhance your leadership toolkit, and feel empowered to lead with confidence and clarity. Join us to strengthen your dialogue muscles and lead without hesitation or fear.