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.