A lot of leadership conferences are really management conferences, and what I really appreciate about the ILA approach is it is more thoughtful, even philosophical, about work as a human endeavor and the creative and ethical questions that arise from that fact.

Why ILA? That's easy. It’s an opportunity to bridge theory and practice and as a CEO that's incredibly important so I get evidence-based models for leader development and organizational change. At ILA, I learn about current research trends and how practitioners are handling today’s challenges.

As an entrepreneur from the Middle East, I believe that connecting to a global network of women leaders, academic and from the business sector, is really helpful and empowering. It helps me upgrade my skills as a leader, face the challenges that I have, and also connect to the people that can help me improve my business and look for other opportunities outside my region. We all have the same challenges around the world and talking to each other and sharing experiences becomes even more important during times of crisis.

ILA is a fantastic environment to understand the nature and practice of leadership because of the diversity of its membership. Leadership is not just theory. It's not just practice. It's a deep interplay between the two. And for that you need scholars, practitioners, and the folk who seek to educate the next generation of leaders.

As a European active member of ILA, I cherish this community. I have gained access to a wide range of experts in my areas of work (Leadership Development, Women Leadership, Public Leadership). Our joint debates, exchanges, learnings, events and network have made me learn and grow professionally. So I can only recommend it!

I teach sociology at the Universidad del Pacífico in Lima, Peru and the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. Being an ILA member has given me the opportunity to meet excellent professionals and researchers with whom I have learned new and very interesting perspectives. It also was a wonderful experience to help organize the ILA Regional Conference “Exploring the Dilemmas of Leadership in Latin America” in Lima, Peru in 2016 and coordinate the alliance between ILA and Universidad del Pacífico to make it possible.

I truly value my ILA membership as a way to stay connected to an international collection of friends and colleagues, united in our deep desire to be strong, effective, ethical leaders in all areas of our lives. The annual conferences are wonderful opportunities to energize and update our knowledge, meet fascinating colleagues, and renew long-standing friendships!

During my membership in ILA, I have been Chair Elect / Chair for the Business Leadership member community. I value my ILA membership because it provides me with opportunities to engage with world class leaders and professionals.