This year’s World Leadership Conference examined many of the challenges and creative solutions shaping a bold new paradigm for the future. Our speakers and members shared a wealth of ideas and inspiration that will assist each of us in leading and accelerating positive change. Here are three useful takeaways from the conference.

1. Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Both globally and within our homes we need to take steps to prevent cybercrime. Dr. James Lewis, Senior Vice President and Director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies states that the easiest tool at our disposal to combat cyber criminals is the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is a security system that requires users to provide two or more verification factors. This major line of defense makes it harder for third parties to access your information and compromise your security.

2. Give Others Grace

Our communities and businesses have been greatly impacted by the pandemic. Mounting pressures and uncertainties place unrealistic expectations on ourselves and those around us, as we look to navigate shifting landscapes. And as we move towards a period of recovery and sustainable growth, Suzanne Clark, IWF Washington DC member and President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reminds us of the importance of giving ourselves and those around us grace. Be kind to yourself and others as we work collaboratively to find solutions to the myriad of challenges facing our society.

3. Past is Prologue

As we look at the state of the world, the literary works of Margaret Atwood such as The Handmaid’s Tale and its sequel The Testaments seem to foreshadow the worst of today’s reality for women. Atwood reminded us that the future evolves upon past events. There exist a myriad of possible futures, each is dependent on what we do now, and it is always possible for us to make the world better.

To see more from the 2021 Virtual World Leadership Conference and Gala, take a look at the highlights video below.