Event Recap: Women in CPG Summit 2023
A recap of a webinar held on July 18 + 19, 2023
On June 18 and 19, Naturally Network hosted our highly anticipated, annual Women in CPG Summit, a 2-day, national event filled with education, meaningful conversations, and networking. The summit was made up of six virtual panels and six in-person events, that brought together an impressive gathering of 26 speakers and 800+ registrants seeking to forge connections, gain valuable insights, and thrive within the natural products industry.
The 6 virtual sessions were thoughtfully curated to cover an array of topics, from leadership and DEI initiatives to pursuing one's passions. Each session featured an esteemed panel of expert women, generously sharing their perspectives, personal learnings, and invaluable advice. What made this event special was the openness each speaker extended to our audience, this summit was a safe space where openheartedness was encouraged with the goal of facilitating greater connection and learning. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all who participated in making this event unforgettable.
“Thank you, this was the best virtual event I’ve ever attended. From the content to the speakers to the vulnerability in the conversations, this event was incredibly high impact!”
In our commitment to ensure the widespread accessibility of the content shared, we have compiled key takeaways and recordings from each panel below.
July 18, Panel 1
The Rising C-Suite: Path to Advancement & New Definition for Success
Key Takeaways:
A good leader doesn’t give their employees tasks they wouldn’t do themselves.
Make a list of everything you do in a day - delegate as much off that list that you can - empower your team by delegating your tasks and do what you are uniquely qualified to do
The key to a healthy workplace is understanding your employees, use workplace surveys!
As a leader, you are going to make decisions that not everyone will like, let go. You will not be liked by everyone.
Watch the full panel below:
July 18, Panel 2
The Rising C-Suite: Path to Advancement & New Definition for Success
Key Takeaways:
Don’t be afraid to swim upstream. Follow your “sugar cookies” and trust yourself to go for it.
Take the time to figure out what motivates you. Experience different situations to find out what you love.
Following your women’s intuition. The universe will send you signals that you are in the right place.
Watch the full panel below:
July 18, Panel 3
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs:
Strategies for Raising Capital
Brought to you by VERITY
Key Takeaways:
Investors want to understand your thought process/decision-making as much as the numbers. Investors want to be confident in you as a founder and how you handle problems.
Make sure you as a founder are CHOOSING the investor. Make sure you are aligned. Talk to other founders in their portfolios. Make sure you are taking on the right type of capital.
Try not to take things personally. Separate your identity from a business’ identity. Think of the absolute worst scenario and work your way through that. Know that there is life after failure.
Watch the full panel below:
July 19, Panel 1
Women and Community
Key Takeaways:
Our industry is changing rapidly, but there is still a lot more we can do. Think outside the box when it comes to inclusion.
Always think about “what is it like to be a new person walking into this room,” and how can we make it easier for them. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it is important.
Be thoughtful about the atmosphere and entertainment if doing an in person event. Create safe spaces for women/POC to interact.
Virtual events take the pressure off and make it easier for people to attend, especially for those that may be intimidated to go to an in-person event when learning about something new.
Watch the full panel below:
July 19, Panel 2
Leadership and Legacy
Key Takeaways:
The best leaders have management capabilities OR recognize they don’t have those capabilities and bring in someone who can.
Truly owning self-evaluation and knowing your boundaries are great demarcation of leadership.
New definitions of health & wellness will help us define how to do better in the workplace and home life
Acknowledge that your value comes from the good work you do. Don’t put your value in outcomes or something outside of yourself. None of us know what we are doing!
Watch the full panel below:
July 19, Panel 3
The Evolution of Beauty
Key Takeaways:
Many consumers are asking for clinically proven / science backed products. These aren’t trends, they are here to stay.
Use creative ways (social media, TikTok) to see what customers want and get feedback in real time. If something doesn’t work, starting over is doable as a small business.
There is so much misinformation out there and there is no standard in the beauty industry for being clinically tested. It is important to educate your consumers on what you offer.
Certifications are amazing ways to empower your consumers and educate them simultaneously
Watch the full panel below:
Learn more about Naturally Network and get involved with our community here.