“Mess up, fess up, dress up;” just one kernel of wisdom from some of America’s top business leaders who recently gathered in Atlanta to inspire a ballroom filled with ambitious women to achieve greater success in their work and more joy in their lives. PINK’s 13th Annual Fall Empowerment Event brought in business influencers, from Mastercard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Raja Rajamannar to Coca-Cola Company Chief Financial Officer Kathy Waller, to inspire attendees to get to the top of their field as Soulful Leaders (http://www.littlepinkbook.com/lead-soul-vs-strategy/).

The day began with networking, as hundreds gathered at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta hotel to enjoy a myriad of vendor booths which included Jewels With a Purpose, sign ups to test drive a BMW, tailor-made button downs for busty women courtesy of  Campbell & Kate (http://campbellandkate.com/), dresses from Tom & Linda Platt(http://www.tomandlindaplatt.com/), makeup from Neiman Marcus and Dior, even Botox from Beaty Facial Plastic Surgery and a blow out by Blo Blow Dry Bar — then photo shoots thanks to of Rigby and Peller (check out the glamour shots at http://rigbyandpeller.myboothpic.co/gallery/PQbLq). Atlanta harpist Monica Hargrave provided entertainment in the networking area.

Lunch began as Westside Yoga Owner and Founder Amber Barry took the crowd of business executives, wearing suits, through a meditation to connect with their souls.

With remarkable openness and vulnerability, the high powered panelists shared their experiences and success secrets:

“People say you’re supposed to be ambitious for your company not yourself. That’s BS.”
Mastercard’s Rajamannar

“When you make a mistake, fess up, immediately. It’s not the crime but that cover up that will mess you up!”
Kim Greene, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President, Southern Company. 

“We need to call out women who are catty.” 
Robin Sangston, Chief Compliance Officer, Cox Communications

“Support other women.” That doesn’t always happen says The Home Depot’s Northern Division President Crystal Hanlon. “Some women are very good but others are not. It’s a word that rhymes with witch. There are enough seats at the table for everyone.” She doesn’t believe in scarcity. She says this limited thinking results from “insecurity” and advised the group to “take care of each other’s back.”

“Stop thinking scarcity and think of expansion,” The Coca-Cola Company’s CFO Kathy Waller added.

To conclude the program soulfully, world renowned contemporary dance group gloATL performed a moving number that surprised and captivated the crowd. “It was an honor to wrap the event with such soulful, cutting edge art,” said PINK CEO Cynthia Good. The annual nonprofit raffle raised $1,250 for this award-winning troupe.

PINK sponsors made it all possible: BMW, The Home Depot, The Coca-Cola Company, Rigby & Peller, SunTrust Bank, Southern Company, Southwest Airlines, and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

“I truly enjoyed networking, laughing, sharing stories, and the panel discussion. The panelists were open, honest and very transparent. I love to see this side of executives,” raved attendee Alesia Hicks.

“My heart was full after leaving the PINK event… thank you for including me. It was an exemplary panel and you should be very proud of what you have been able to offer this community. Well done!” said panel moderator and WSB-TV anchor, Wendy Corona.

By Jessica Wise & Cynthia Good
For the Event’s Video Lineup, click HERE