SXSW Session Report #57: Can Growth and Comfort Coexist?

2026-01-21Hamamoto

SXSW Session Report #57. Women leaders share their experiences and the secrets behind their success. The session opened with the idea that being remembered for what you've done matters — and that confidence and knowledge are essential foundations.

SXSW Session Report #57: Can Growth and Comfort Coexist? — Women Leaders Share Their Career Success Secrets

This talk session brought together women leaders to discuss their experiences and the principles behind their success. The opening message was clear: being remembered for what you've accomplished matters, and having both knowledge and confidence is essential. The speakers also emphasized that being willing to take risks is what makes growth possible. Even the speaker herself admitted she had wrestled with self-doubt every time she took on a new role — wondering whether she was truly ready. But she said it plainly: to grow, you must be willing to be uncomfortable.

The conversation then turned to the reality that women seeking promotion are often held to a higher bar than men — expected to have more experience before being considered. One speaker called out the need to challenge these biases head-on. She also shared a moment from 45 years ago when, after giving a speech, a man told her, "I wish my daughter could have been here." Reflecting on that moment — and on how much has changed across those 45 years — she said it's important to recognize both the progress that has been made and the distance still to travel.

Growth Requires Staying in a State of Productive Tension

Closing the session, a speaker returned to the central theme: staying in a state of productive tension and continuing to grow is not optional — it's essential. She drew on her book title, The Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Life, Work and World, to urge the audience to cultivate the power to bring about positive change.

Growth requires taking risks — and taking risks requires a willingness to be uncomfortable.

Understanding that growth and comfort don't coexist, and continuously challenging yourself, is not just important — it's the only way.

Stand Firm in Your Convictions, Even in the Face of Discrimination

Even when you face gender-based discrimination or bias, holding firm in your convictions and actively driving change is what matters most.

This event report was produced by TIMEWELL, an online business support service.

Source: https://one-x.jp/PMiwA1Mb/yVD15QCk

SXSW Session Report #57: Can Growth and Comfort Coexist? — Women Leaders Share Their Career Success Secrets