Conversations on confidence inspire women executives at Zurich Classic

More than 200 New Orleans business, nonprofit and government leaders, as well as Zurich customers and guests, gathered yesterday for Zurich’s 10^th Annual Executive Women’s Day, which featured a keynote speech from Lydia Fenet, an auctioneer and Christie’s ambassador, author of Claim Your Confidence and The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You, global thought leader, podcast host and executive producer on the Netflix series, Sold.

Executive Women’s Day helps raise funds for the Fore!Kids Foundation and has become a tradition as part of the Zurich Classic. This is Zurich’s 19^th year as title sponsor of the golf tournament, which began yesterday at TPC Louisiana and is the PGA TOUR’s only FedExCup team event. Since 2005, Zurich Classic events have raised more than $28 million for charitable organizations supported by Fore!Kids. These charities help 200,000 children in need annually in the New Orleans area.

Owning your stage

Fenet’s speech focused on taking ownership of your life’s direction, and she encouraged the crowd to take initiative in pursuing their dreams. “No one can do it but you,” she repeated throughout her remarks.

Fenet shared stories of how she worked her way up from being the auctioneer for events that no one else wanted to reaching the top of her industry and becoming a best-selling author. She offered insights and tips on tapping into your strength, maintaining authenticity, networking at every opportunity, and expanding your comfort zone to achieve your goals.

The program also featured a conversation with Fenet, Zurich North America’s Head of Captives Dawn Hiestand, and New Orleans WDSU television anchor Sula Kim, who has served as the moderator of Executive Women’s Day for the past six years. The trio shared personal experiences related to advancing in their careers, balancing family and work priorities, overcoming fears, building confidence and advocating for their worth.

Community impact

Zurich also recognized Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans as this year’s Community Impact Honoree. Through funding support by the Z Zurich Foundation, Zurich is working with Junior Achievement to make an impact around the globe and in local communities.

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans provides volunteer-delivered, K-12 programs that foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills. Larry Washington, president of Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, spoke about the importance of students being exposed to wide-ranging career options.

Louisiana State Senator Beth Mizell also attended the event and spoke briefly about the impact of organizations and leaders coming together to advocate for women and children.