4 Advancing Women Conference Deanna Ciaccia The Advancing Women in Ag Conference in Calgary in March 2024 brought together women from across the agricultural, food, and business sectors for an inspiring weekend of learning, networking, and empowerment. Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D shared an important lesson about confidence. Carol is a body language expert. A central focus of her session, “The Power of Presence for Women Who Lead,” was the importance of confidence and presence—key components of effective leadership. Carol explored how body language influences leadership effectiveness and how women can harness it to enhance their presence in the workplace. She emphasized that body language communicates authority and trust, drawing attention to the often-overlooked power of nonverbal communication and how it shapes the way a leader is perceived. Carol insights were both practical and humorous. Carol pointed out, “No one ever says something bad about someone and then says ‘She has good posture,’ but body language communicates authority and trust,” underscoring that leadership isn’t just about what leaders say—it’s about how they carry themselves. Carol explained that posture, gestures, and facial expressions play a critical role in how others perceive leadership. For women, projecting confidence through body language can help break down the barriers that sometimes arise in industries traditionally dominated by men, such as agriculture. The way women hold themselves, their posture, and their facial expressions can all convey authority, warmth, or disinterest—whether they intend it or not, says Carol. She explained that leaders should be mindful of subtle cues, such as pulling away or avoiding eye contact, which can unintentionally signal exclusion or disinterest. On the flip side, positive body language—like open gestures, confident posture, and engaged eye contact—helps to create an inclusive and empowering environment for teams. Perhaps the most crucial lesson from Carol was the need to balance power and warmth. Leaders who project only power can come across as intimidating and unempathetic, while those who show only warmth might lack the authority to guide their teams effectively. Carol urged attendees to find the sweet spot between the two, adjusting their body language to fit the context of the situation. Knowing when to project power, when to embrace warmth, and when to combine both is key to becoming an effective and respected leader. For women in agriculture—an industry where men have traditionally held dominant roles—these lessons are especially valuable. The confidence to lead authentically is not just a bonus but a necessity for thriving in challenging environments. One conference attendee shared how the conference gave her a sense of direction and self-assurance: “Attending the conference was an incredible honour. It showed me that I am on the right path to achieving my dreams and connected me with others who share similar fears and aspirations.” Beyond body language, the conference also provided important insights into career development. Early-career women expressed a need for support in creating a clear Leaders who project only power can come across as intimidating and unempathetic, while those who show only warmth might lack the authority to guide their teams effectively. EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH LEADERSHIP AND PRESENCE LESSONS FROM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AND PEERS IGNITE GROWTH IN AGRICULTURE
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