TUCKER, GA. — During the recent Women’s Leadership Conference put on by the US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) in August in Destin, Fla., attendees were able to hear from speakers to foster career growth and development in the poultry and egg industry.

The association said the sessions offered women an opportunity to explore leadership skills that would be needed for success down the road.

During the conference, Krista Warn, leadership & organization development specialist at ADVISA, spoke about the distinction between actions and titles. She explained that for someone to be a trusted leader, they must have technical knowledge and connective competence. 

“Technical competence generates respect,” Warn said. “Connective competence, defined as demonstrating care for colleagues and keeping their best interests at heart, generates affection. The combination of both traits results in trust. Trusted leaders can engage with employees by building relationships and a strong work culture, driving employee engagement, and ultimately, customer satisfaction and successful business results.”

USPOULTRY stated that Alicia Walker, PhD, senior director of quality assurance and food safety for Wayne-Sanderson Farms, provided a “seasoned professional’s perspective” on profiles of women in the poultry industry. 

Walker discussed how important it is for women to support each other and noted the importance of engaging with others who would provide honest feedback and not be complacent in their careers. Walker added that self-advocacy is crucial for career success and fulfillment.

Other women leaders spotlighted by the conference included Katie Shamoun, DVM, from House of Raeford who works as a corporate veterinarian.