Women’s Leadership Conference Examines Modern Leadership
Monday, March 9, 2026
The 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference gathered Minnesota Carlson alumni and business leaders for a day of sessions designed to inspire and motivate at every career level. Through two plenary sessions and 12 specialized breakouts, attendees explored the complexities of modern, inclusive leadership.
The morning kicked off with an "Inside the Boardroom" discussion, featuring three generations of the Carlson Nelson family: Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Diana Nelson, Wendy Nelson and Juliet Jackson. Moderated by Cathy Wurzer, host of Minnesota Public Radio’s Morning Edition, the conversation explored the importance of values in guiding leaders and organizations during times of uncertainty and change. Panelists shared reflections on the importance and responsibility of instilling a culture of shared leadership, empowering women, and how they have used their platform to impact their communities.
“The way you lead during turbulent times shows if you are really living your values; if you are willing to risk something for them,” said Jackson. Wendy Nelson built on this thought, saying, “You don’t enter a moment [of turbulence] and then prepare. You spend your life preparing for that moment.”
Between the major plenary sessions, attendees dove into multiple breakout sessions with topics ranging from adopting artificial intelligence as a leader to Minnesota Carlson faculty research on the power of dual-career households in the Twin Cities economy. Other sessions focused on wealth creation, authentic leadership, and the power of creating meaningful relationships.
The afternoon concluded with an inspiring keynote from Annie Young-Scrivner, ’03 MBA, former CEO of Wella Company and Godiva Chocolatier. Drawing on her experience leading legacy brands across 100 countries, Young-Scrivner shared her leadership journey and advice for building a career trajectory in a time of constant change.
After spending one’s early career “building scale” and investing in one’s network and personal development, Young-Scrivner recommends “accelerating” by being prepared but not rigid in the next stage. “It’s important to know where you want to go, but the path won’t be structured — it will be fluid,” she shared. “Prioritize preparedness over perfection… directional confidence over complete certainty,” as one enters the leadership and executive stage.
The Women's Leadership Conference was made possible by the Women’s Leadership Conference Steering Committee and the generous support of its presenting sponsor, Tennant Company, as well as RBC Wealth Management, SPS Commerce, Ecolab, Xcel Energy, Bank of America, Best Buy, Land O'Lakes, Women's Foundation of Minnesota, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, Mary Merrill and New Path Mental Health Services.
The Women's Leadership Conference will return on March 5, 2027.