This month marks the two year birthday of The Signature Program, first held in Washington D.C. in September 2013.
For years leading up to our first program, I had the honor of managing the premier Chief Human Resource Officer private network, which consisted of 80 global executives from some of the most respected companies. These executives strive to maintain a pipeline of women on the cusp of senior level roles. They lamented that the gap was not closing nearly enough. With that concern as their impetus, they asked me to create a distinctive program to help accelerate more of the talented leaders in their ranks.
What began as a program has become an expedition.
Today, The Signature Program delivers critical knowledge and perspectives high performing executives need to become successful senior officers, regardless of gender. And broadening women executives’ cross-company and cross-industry networks of peers and advisors is an important part of this journey. More than 200 women have been part of our expedition. Each one is a “wisdom warrior” who shares her experiences, wins, hurdles, spirit and support with others. They have been instrumental both in nurturing and expanding this program and in fueling the ongoing alumni connections and gatherings. Their dedication to passing the torch of wisdom to their own teams, organizations and families is making a significant difference. One of our alumna eloquently describes, “My executive MBA program is putting the blood in my veins…the intellectual knowledge and expertise so I can run this business. But Signature provided the muscle and the heart. The muscle to know HOW to approach problems and challenges, and the heart when I needed a trusted friend to get me over the rough spots.” The Signature Program has welcomed participants from around the globe with 200 graduates from more than 50 companies in two years.* A huge amount of gratitude goes to so many caring leaders who pour muscle and heart into The Signature Program. A very special thanks to Matt Schuyler and Hilton Worldwide to help launch us, and to all of the companies that have hosted this program, including Hyatt, eBay, TE Connectivity, WestRock and Coca-Cola Enterprises. A special thanks to our brilliant faculty, including Ronee Hagen, Kari Groh, Patti Milligan, Heidi Gardner, Kristi Hedges; and continuous support from my own fantastic advisors: Jane Leipold, Pam Kimmet, Leigh Anne Baker, Sandy Ogg, Beth Axelrod, Pete Paoli, Cynthia McCague, Genevieve Boz, Pamela Carlton, and Rob Seymour. 
As I think back to September of 2013, I recognize that I didn’t fully know what to expect. The opening evening brought together 30 women from four continents, representing roles from general management to legal. It is clear in my mind. The energy and connectedness in the room was a notch below a loud roar. I knew then that wonderful things would happen. And they have. I feel privileged to have been asked to lead this effort. I am passionate about fulfilling the mission I was asked to do. And I am grateful for the chance to get to know so many amazing, talented women who are just as passionate about our expedition, and the wonder of what lies ahead.
*Signature Program participating companies include:
- ADP
- Ahold
- Align Technology
- Allegion
- Ann Inc.
- A.P. Moller Maersk
- Arla Foods
- Astra Zeneca
- Avery Dennison
- Avon
- Cargill
- Catalent
- Catalina Marketing
- Charles Schwab
- Chevron
- Chrysler / Fiat
- Cigna
- CNH Global
- Coca-Cola Company
- Coca-Cola Enterprises
- Comcast
- ConAgra Foods
- Cummins
- Deutsche Bank
- Disney/ABC Networks
- Eastman Chemical
- eBay
- Edison International
- Hertz
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts
- Hyatt
- ING
- Ingersoll Rand
- ITT
- Juniper Networks
- Kimberly-Clark
- Lincoln Financial
- Manhattan Associates
- Manpower Group
- Mead Westvaco
- Monsanto
- Munich RE
- Navistar
- Newmont Mining
- NXP Semiconductors
- PGI
- Republic Services
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Service Master
- Southern Company
- State Farm
- TE Connectivity
- Timken
- US Steel
- Union Bank
- Xerox
- Zurich Insurance Group
