The Sandals Grande Palladium hosted a transformative gathering of female executives on November 29 as Influential BossLady’s ImpactUS 25 conference brought together CEOs, entrepreneurs, directors, and emerging leaders for a day of substantive dialogue and strategic learning.
Unlike conventional motivational events, ImpactUS 25 distinguished itself by focusing on actionable insights and authentic success stories. The conference specifically addressed the challenges women face in bridging the gap between their current positions and their leadership aspirations, tackling both systemic barriers and deeply personal obstacles that have historically undermined confidence.
Conference architect Shermalyn Sidonie-John, Brand Marketing Manager at GraceKennedy Ltd, inaugurated the proceedings with an expert masterclass on ‘influence capital.’ She articulated this concept as ‘how we are perceived in the minds of people who make the decisions,’ identifying three foundational pillars: Presence, Platform, and Power.
Behavioral specialist Sharlene Jn Baptiste delivered a compelling session examining ‘The Bravery Gap,’ revealing how fear frequently masquerades as rational thinking. Her presentation emphasized radical self-honesty and the conscious rejection of fear-based decision-making in leadership development.
The event’s keynote address featured GraceKennedy Ltd CEO Andrea Coy, who expounded on leadership as a multidimensional craft requiring both tactical execution and nuanced understanding of subtle dynamics. Coy emphasized that mastering core competencies significantly enhances a leader’s personal equity and professional presence.
A particularly inspiring testimony came from Lorraine Sidonie, CEO of Events Company of Saint Lucia, who revealed how her goal-setting commitment at ImpactUS 2023 resulted in the publication of her book ‘Soul Medication’ on Amazon. This achievement represented a full-circle moment demonstrating the conference’s lasting impact.
Two expert panels provided practical guidance on critical topics: financial literacy as an empowerment foundation and strategic self-care practices. The first panel, featuring Ava Beckles, Shermain George, Alisha Ally, and Ana-Kaye Green Marshall, explored ‘Money Moves for Leaders: Strategic Investment for Personal and Organisational Growth.’ A subsequent panel offered reflections from six distinguished women including Crisy Laurent, Dr. Natasha St Aimee, and other prominent figures.
The conference’s most poignant moments emerged during attendee testimonials, where participants shared tangible outcomes from previous events—including business launches, enhanced communication skills, and renewed confidence. First-time attendees spoke openly about overcoming trauma and dismantling limiting mental patterns.
One emerging entrepreneur captured the event’s value: ‘Hearing women discuss challenges I currently face and their solutions provided clear vision for what my future could look like after implementing these strategies.’