“Raise your hand if even as a child you always knew how to take charge. Maybe they called you bossy. Raise your hand if you were usually off in a corner but always coming up with an idea … and getting everyone else in trouble with your ideas. Raise your hand if you asked a lot of questions. And, who got in trouble for talking?”

At the Adventist Women Leaders (AWL) luncheon, held Jan. 11, 2023, at the conclusion of the North American Division 2023 “Replenish” Adventist Ministries Convention (NAD AMC) in Greensboro, North Carolina, the nearly 70 attendees met keynote speaker Leah JM Dean’s query with laughter and several raised hands.

Dean continued, “We often look at the things we do naturally as quirks or idiosyncrasies when really, they are talents that we can apply productively.” She noted, a talent invested in becomes a strength, and “when you choose to invest, it can change your life.”

For the women presidents, administrators, department directors, associates and assistants present, Dean and other speakers fostered a space of affirmation, fellowship, and self-discovery. And the jovial Dean, who founded the leadership, professional, and personal development company Conduit International Ltd. after 20 years in human resources, was a fitting choice for the keynote. 

She linked her presentation, “Leading with Your Strengths and Managing Your Weaknesses,” to the NAD AMC theme, “Replenish.”

“Today, we’ll talk about how you can be replenished, restored, and refreshed in your leadership by answering two questions: How can I lead with my strengths? And how can I manage my weaknesses?” she explained.

Registrants were asked to complete the CliftonStrengths assessment beforehand to uncover their top five strengths. These results would kickstart thought-provoking activities such as discussing in pairs how to harness their strengths in leadership.

“I’m so surprised,” said one participant about her results. This was a common sentiment.