By Dianne Gubin & Beth Hilbing, Co‑CEO’s, C‑Sweet
When we think about the most pivotal moments in our careers, they rarely happened under fluorescent lights in a boardroom. They happened over quiet coffee conversations, unexpected introductions, and late‑night strategy talks with peers who just “got it.”
These moments weren’t scheduled on our calendars. They weren’t part of a quarterly plan. But they shifted everything—how we saw opportunities, how we navigated challenges, and how we measured success.
That’s the thing about leadership: in an increasingly complex world, connection has become the most valuable currency we have. Not the surface‑level kind that comes from trading LinkedIn requests, but the deep, trust‑driven kind that fuels ideas, opens doors, and keeps us resilient when the road ahead gets steep.
For women in leadership, this currency is even more critical. We’re still navigating industries where we are underrepresented at the top, still asked to prove ourselves twice over, and still too often “the only one” in the room. That kind of isolation can quietly drain both our influence and our capacity to lead with authenticity.
And here’s the truth: you can’t make real withdrawals from your leadership without making deposits into your network—your real network, the one that feeds you ideas, resources, and courage.
That’s why together matters. It’s not just a feel‑good sentiment—it’s a strategic advantage. Collective intelligence moves faster. Shared influence carries further. And when women leaders come together with intention, we don’t just trade business cards; we trade power.
This belief is at the heart of the C‑Sweet Summit. On September 10–11, 2025, we’ll gather at Uncle Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. This location is not just a beautiful backdrop—it’s the embodiment of what we stand for. Founded by Fawn Weaver, a visionary Black woman entrepreneur, Uncle Nearest is a story of resilience, reinvention, and leadership that opens doors for others. In every way, it reflects the spirit of this year’s theme: Women in Leadership: Together We Create Success.
The summit is designed as a two‑day catalyst for the kind of high‑value connections that change trajectories. You’ll hear from trailblazers like Radhika Iyengar, founding partner of StarChain Ventures, and Natalie Levy, founder of She’s Independent—leaders who aren’t just succeeding in their fields, but redefining them. You’ll engage in conversations that don’t just inform, but ignite. And you’ll build relationships that last far beyond the closing session.
Because the challenges we face as leaders—whether navigating economic uncertainty, scaling a company, or breaking into the boardroom—are too complex to face alone. The future will belong to those who understand that leadership is no longer a solo sport.
If you’ve ever felt the difference between being in a room that drains you and a room that fuels you, you already know: the right network is everything. The C‑Sweet Summit isn’t just an event. It’s an investment—in your leadership, in your influence, and in the collective success of women everywhere.
The currency of leadership is waiting to be exchanged. The only question is: will you be in the room?
