2025 Leadership Conference Recap

When more than 200 leaders from across industries gathered at Morgan Stanley, our Host and Lead Sponsor, in their Times Square building on Tuesday, November 4, they weren’t stepping into a typical leadership event. Our 2025 Red Shoe Movement Leadership Conference felt less like a corporate gathering and more like a movement in motion; one where courage, connection, and humanity took center stage.

The moment guests walked in, they were met with the energy of possibility. Red Shoe Movement Ambassadors welcomed them warmly, inviting everyone to choose tables labeled with discussion topics they’d later join. Against a backdrop of #WingsOfCourage and a bold message; “Every Day is Red Shoe Tuesday,” participants began taking photos, reconnecting with old friends, and preparing for what would become one of our most dynamic conferences yet.

This year’s theme, “Men and Women Driving Change: Leading Forward,” captured an evolution in the Red Shoe Movement’s mission. We wanted to spotlight a reality that defines today’s workplaces: change requires everyone. The conversations throughout the day reflected that spirit; how men and women can co-create environments where ideas come from anywhere, and everyone feels safe to speak up.

The wide range of people in the room was extraordinary. Participants ranged from high school students to C-suite executives, from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to Broadway, and from Fortune 500 leaders to formerly incarcerated individuals now leading change in their communities. The mix was deliberate and powerful.

Every story, whether from the stage or the audience, revealed a shared humanity that transcended age, background, and title. Differences didn’t divide; they deepened connection.

One of the most memorable elements of the conference this year was the debut of “Stories of Courage,” several five-minute talks that brought vulnerability and strength into sharp focus.

Gavin Spanger, a 16-year-old high school sophomore, spoke about finding his voice to lead his soccer team that had lost its top players due to graduation and had been losing several games. Lorena Kuri, a seasoned executive shared the moment she had a panic attack after being told that her role would be cut, and how her 14-year old son helped her recover her confidence. Jeff Williams, who is in a wheelchair, told the story of being accidentally shot at age 13 by a friend and how he built a life of purpose. And Sean Pica, Executive Director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, recounted his journey from serving 24 years in prison to leading an organization that changes lives through education.

The audience was still, emotional, deeply engaged. These stories reminded everyone that courage isn’t a personality trait—it’s a choice made in the face of fear, challenges or changing life circumstances. 

The Red Shoe Movement has always challenged the traditional conference format by having people featured on stage ask as many questions to the audience as they get from the participants. This back and forth which happens from the very first session, quickly levels the playing field making everyone feel valued and heard. This highlights our company’s philosophy that everyone has something to teach and something to learn. It also role models from the stage our Mutual Mentoring methodology by putting into practice the two roles of Expert and Explorer. 

Once again this year’s agenda reflected this unique approach. The day began with a morning Keynote Q&A, which I moderated, featuring Dr. Charity Woodrum, a NASA astrophysicist, and John M. Ryan, Managing Director, Head of US Banks, at Morgan Stanley, two leaders who explored the trajectory from individual contributor to transformational leader. It was fascinating to hear the answers to Dr.Woodrum’s question to the audience regarding how scientists may regain the trust of the general public. 

The afternoon Executive Circle was another great example of how a group of people from very different backgrounds and disciplines can have an incredibly insightful conversation. Bringing together Bobby Payne, President of Agora Leadership Development and Plans Officer at the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West point, Bianca Marroquin, a Broadway Star, Jesica Liberman, Corporate Vice President, New York Life and Sam Lalanne, Managing Director, Chief Diversity Officer at Morgan Stanley, in a session facilitated by David Puente, Global Media Strategist at Clarity Media Group, the group discussed the secrets to continued innovation. Again, some of the most enlightening exchanges came to light when the Circle executives asked questions to the audience. Those answers revealed the incredible leaders in the audience. 

Our Mutual Mentoring Circles, which took place around the tables in the auditorium and in a few rooms, were facilitated by our Star Facilitators, executives trained in our methodology. They gave everyone the chance to share thoughts, insights and experiences around a number of key leadership topics. 

An interactive session on artificial intelligence led by Dr. Lily Benjamin Executive Director, Organization Effectiveness at JP Morgan Chase, later framed the conversation around technology. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, participants explored it as a leadership ally—a tool that can expand human potential rather than replace it. Hands-on exercises helped demystify AI and inspired participants to think about how to lead with technology rather than fearing it.

Throughout the day, participants experienced the signature Red Shoe Movement methodology—interactive, inclusive, and built around the concept of Mutual Mentoring Circles. Instead of one-way lectures, these circles create spaces where everyone, regardless of role or seniority, can share experiences and insights.

Discussions were candid and rich. One executive remarked, “I’ve never been in a professional setting where hierarchy disappears so quickly.” Another participant noted that she left the conference with “a list of ideas, contacts, and a renewed sense of purpose.”

The learnings that emerged from these exchanges reflected a few clear themes:

• Courage is a decision to act, not a feeling.
• Openness invites openness; when leaders share personal stories, others feel safe to do the same.
• When people are encouraged to show their humanity, empathy grows and differences shrink.
• The best ideas surface in environments where it’s safe to take risks and fail without penalty.
• Collective intelligence—the synergy of diverse perspectives—produces the most innovative outcomes.

And the best part of course is that these insights were actionable lessons, voiced by people who live them daily.

I have to say that beyond the roster of speakers, the true impact of the conference came from its emotional depth. Attendees described it as a “We Are the World” moment—referencing the unity and shared purpose of the legendary concert.

Tears were shed. Strangers hugged. Executives listened to students with genuine curiosity. Leaders shared failures as openly as successes. The atmosphere was raw and uplifting, marked by mutual respect and authenticity.

As one attendee put it, “I’ve been to dozens of conferences, but this is the only one where I felt everyone left transformed.”

For my team and I, the 2025 conference reinforced an important truth: innovation comes from risk. By inviting unexpected voices and embracing unconventional storytelling formats, we created an experience that no one saw coming and no one will forget.

Behind the scenes, the team learned the value of redundancy in planning and precision in execution. But the deeper insight was philosophical: staying bold pays off. Taking chances with speakers, content, and structure keeps the event vibrant.

My most important learning from this year’s event is that when you bring together people who would never normally meet, magic happens. And that after so many years of exercising our methodology, it continues to inspire; to create a space where people from different walks of life can collaborate in concert.

The post-conference feedback was electric. Attendees spoke of new partnerships forming, mentoring relationships sparked, and renewed commitment to a leadership that welcomes all voices. Many described the experience as “transformative,” not just for their professional lives but for how they view courage and collaboration.

The Red Shoe Movement team is already planning the 2026 conference, building on the lessons and momentum of this year. If 2025 proved anything, it’s that the future is in distributed leadership, shared leadership that is deeply human.

For anyone who missed it, the message is clear: this isn’t just another leadership event. It’s a space where courage meets connection, where hierarchy dissolves, and where every participant becomes part of something larger than themselves.

Stay tuned for the date of our 2026 event. You don’t want to miss it.