Family Focus Media’s 2024 Women of Influence event series delivered a potent mix of networking and inspiration. We celebrated the 2024 Women of Influence Award Winners, who were selected through a comprehensive community nomination and evaluation process last summer. This process was designed to align with our goals of recognizing outstanding women, celebrating diversity and inclusion, empowering women, and inspiring future leaders, while fostering connections and collaborations.

In addition to Terrain Devon and DelVal’s seasonally-inspired farm-to-table dishes and aesthetic surroundings, we heard from a lineup of dynamic speakers at our Luncheons – local leaders who shared powerful stories and wisdom to impart the Habits of Successful Women of Influence, detailed in the following talks. And the glowing feedback led us to hosting our first Women of Influence Speed Networking Night in Rittenhouse Square, where we hosted facilitated roundtable discussions, recapped in the 8th Habit.

With every connection we make and every deliberate action we take, we’re not just reaching a destination; we’re creating ripples that touch countless lives and transform communities. This journey of influence begins with small, intentional steps that, over time, lead to profound personal growth and far-reaching impact.

Feature photo by AMC Photography Studios.

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Habit #1: Building and Nurturing Your Personal and Professional Network

• Nurture authentic relationships through active listening and seeking ways to add value to others’ lives.
• Consistently tend to connections through regular communication, creating collaborative opportunities, and simply being present.
• Prioritize deep, meaningful friendships alongside professional growth.
• Diversify your network across ages, industries, and backgrounds. 

Watch Sarah Bond’s talk on Building and Nurturing Your Personal and Professional Network:

*Note, Sarah mentions the 7 Habits of Successful Women of Influence in this introduction because we decided to add the 8th Habit based on the enthusiastic survey feedback from our Luncheon at Terrain Devon!

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Habit #2: Developing Self-Awareness and Practicing Self-Love

• Check your battery daily: Start each day by taking a moment to assess your energy levels—ask yourself, “Where am I today?” Recognize when you’re running low and give yourself permission to step back or recharge before you’re drained. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
• Use the “Hell Yes” filter: If something doesn’t light you up or serve your bigger purpose, it’s a “no.” Be intentional about adding only “Hell Yes” commitments and cutting out anything that drags your energy down. This is your life—you get to choose where your energy goes.
• Ask for help and let go: You don’t have to do it all. Ask for support when you need it, and let go of things (or people) that no longer serve your well-being. Releasing what doesn’t align with your growth frees up space for what truly matters.

Watch Dr. Brandie Keates’ talk on Developing Self-Awareness and Practicing Self-Love:

Dr. Brandie is a member of our class of 2023 Women of Influence Award Winners alumni. Read her profile here.

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Habit #3: Mentoring and Empowering Others

• To be your best self as a mentor, identify your own personal “Board of Directors” – these are the people we lean on, reflect with and keep us in check!
• With your team: work on brainstorming, setting goals, objectives and deadlines, firm up the plan of action and – this is the important part – get out of their way.  Micromanaging isn’t mentoring!
• Provide tools for your team which can include education, seminars, equipment, budget, and networking at events like Women of Influence that can expand their perspectives and creativity.  We aren’t the experts on everything so expand their resources.
• Celebrate their successes and recognize accomplishments!! 
• Recognizing mistakes as a learning tool is an incredible model for resiliency and pivoting – we all know the journey usually twists and turns!

Watch Stacey Ballard’s talk on Mentoring and Empowering Others:

Stacey is a member of our class of 2023 Women of Influence Award Winners alumni. Read her profile here.

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Habit #4: Cultivate Joy and Embrace Generosity

• Choose JOY every day and share it liberally in your family, with your team, in your community and in your business.
• Generously share your expertise and products with your community through thoughtful and meaningful collaborations.  When we give we always receive.
• We all have something special that we have as individuals or that our business can provide.  Identify it and share it with reckless abandon! Create a “giving goal” and work to meet or exceed on a regular schedule.  

Watch Kim Wright’s talk on Cultivating Joy and Embracing Generosity:

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Habit #5: Setting Long-Term Goals and Creating Actionable Plans

• Envision your desired future impact and articulate it in specific, measurable terms.
• Break down long-term goals into shorter-term objectives and milestones, with detailed action plans and timelines.
• Regularly review and adjust your goals and plans, communicating changes effectively to maintain alignment and motivation.

Watch Luba Patlakh’s talk on Setting Long-Term Goals and Creating Actionable Plans:

Luba is a member of our class of 2023 Women of Influence Award Winners alumni. Read her profile here.

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Habit #6: Taking Calculated Risks and Embracing Challenges

• Analyze potential risks and rewards thoroughly before making decisions.
• View failures as learning opportunities rather than setbacks.
• Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone regularly.
• Understand your Why and Support System.

Watch Lara Aman Mattey’s talk on Taking Calculated Risks and Embracing Challenges:

Lara is a member of our class of 2023 Women of Influence Award Winners alumni. Read her profile here.

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Habit #7: Demonstrating Resilience and Adaptability 

• Develop a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and personal development.
• Practice emotional intelligence to manage your own emotions and respond effectively to those of others during difficult times.
• Build a strong support network of mentors, peers, and team members while prioritizing personal well-being to enhance your ability to cope with stress and change.

Watch Sarah Bond’s talk on Demonstrating Resilience and Adaptability:

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Habit #8 – Creating and Sustaining Collaborations

• Build trust through authentic relationships first – focus on knowing the person before doing business, understanding shared values and morals align before collaborating.
• Use accessible tools to strengthen collaborations – leverage free platforms like Google Workspace, Instagram, and Canva to make working together seamless and professional.
• Plant seeds and nurture relationships over time – great collaborations may take months or years to develop; maintain connections through simple check-ins and genuine interest.
• Show consistent appreciation and build trust – small gestures like handwritten notes or social media engagement keep relationships strong; trust helps weather challenges and conflicts.
• Measure success through shared purpose – ensure each partner has a clear role that leverages their strengths, focuses on mutual growth, and aligns with collective goals.

Watch this recap of our Speed Networking Night on Creating and Sustaining Collabotations:

Meet our Collaboration Facilitators:

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