Lead Like You: Unlocking the Power of Authentic Leadership

​Sophia Gilkes has spent over 20 years in wealth management—a space where Black women are often the exception, not the norm. At 25, she became a manager leading teams in Long Island, navigating a predominantly white, male-dominated industry. Now, she leads other managers and is focused on helping the next generation lead with confidence, clarity, and self-awareness.

​In this candid session, Sophia will share her personal leadership journey—what she wishes she knew, the mistakes that shaped her, and the lessons she had to learn the hard way. Together, we’ll explore:

• ​How to show up as a leader before you have the title
  
  

• ​How to recognize your superpower and build from it
  
  

• ​Real scenarios like being dismissed or undervalued at work—and how to respond
  
  

• ​Why safe spaces to name your feelings at work matter more than you think
  

​This will be a camera-on conversation. Sophia wants to create an honest space, see who’s in the room, and meet you where you are. Expect a mix of storytelling, reflection, and practical takeaways.