Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
WithIt to Host Virtual Education Brunch Oct. 2
September 29,
2020 by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry 
WithIt, the women’s leadership development network for the home and furnishings industry, will hold its bi-annual education breakfast virtually on Friday, Oct. 2. Guest speaker Sharon Delaney McCloud, a former news anchor and communications expert will present “Leadership Lessons: Building Executive Presence.”
Through her professional development practice at Walk West, a full-service marketing agency, McCloud works with C-Suite executives and emerging leaders at global organizations on developing their message and delivering it with confidence and impact.
Prior to launching her company, McCloud spent 20 years as a television journalist covering everything from NASA to politics to the Super Bowl at stations across the country. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Sheryl Sandburg's "Option B" digital platform, "Enterprising Women" and is a co-author of the new book, "Keep Going, Memoirs of Strength, Courage & Perseverance."
“I’ve seen Sharon McCloud speak. Her incredible storytelling ability, along with her warmth and authenticity, will bring the topic to life with actionable tips that translate into in-person and virtual situations,” said Amy Van Dorp, executive director, WithIt.
Speed networking will be offered following the speaker. The event will take place on the HOPIN platform which features a randomized networking function between attendees. Networking participants will be able to meet face-to-face with other women and men in the industry.
“The success of our virtual events has exceeded our expectations. Now that we have a proven technology and platform, we plan to use it to present more content and offer more opportunities for networking when so many of us are missing our regular market interactions,” said WithIt 2020 president Lorri Kelley, Lorri Kelley Advisors. “
WithIt’s breakfast is presented by Myriad Software and event sponsor The Tombras Group. Door prizes from Norwalk Furniture, Jill Seale Designs and House of Cindy will be given away during the event.
Over the last year, WithIt has pivoted their education breakfast content to bring true professional development to women and men in the industry. Recognizing that soft skills are crucial when working remotely, topics around communication and leadership have been the focus of the last two breakfasts. The topic of executive presence, in particular, is taught as part of MBA curriculum.
Tickets for Leadership Lessons: Building Executive Presence can be purchased on the WithIt website; the cost for members is $20 and $25 for guests.