Throughout the event, we examined the leadership journey, the ways of creating impact at the board level, and the role of women’s representation in decision-making from a multidimensional perspective. Beyond individual career transitions, the discussion also focused on the governance culture that enables and sustains this shift.

The event opened with remarks by Dr. Bahadır Kaleağası, who emphasized that diversity is not merely a matter of representation, but a fundamental driver of more qualified, inclusive, and sustainable decision-making processes. This was followed by Selen Kocabaş, who highlighted that value creation in boards is made possible through a strong governance framework, diverse perspectives, and collective intelligence.

Dr. Bahadır Kaleağası Argüden Governance Academy, Board Member

Selen Kocabaş Women on Board Türkiye, Board Member

Françoise Bertrand shared her leadership journey from executive roles to board positions, underlining that influence in decision-making is strengthened through a culture of listening, experience-sharing, and openness to different perspectives.

Françoise Bertrand Via Rail Canada, Chair of the Board

In the panel moderated by Murat Yeşildere, with contributions from Yeşim Güra and Françoise Bertrand, key themes included strategic thinking, independence of perspective, results orientation, and effective communication. The discussion emphasized that preparedness, awareness, and readiness to seize opportunities are critical in this journey, while effective communication fundamentally begins with listening.

From left to right: Murat Yeşildere, Yeşim Güra, Françoise Bertrand

A central takeaway from the event was that boards are no longer positioned merely as oversight bodies; they are evolving into structures that guide, transform, and create value. At the core of this transformation lie diversity, inclusiveness, and conscious leadership.

We would like to thank all our speakers and participants for their valuable contributions.

Programme

09:30	Registration & Welcome
10:00	Opening Remarks	Dr. Bahadır Kaleağası – Argüden Governance Academy, Board Member Selen Kocabaş – WOB TR, Board Member, Mentor & Independent Board Member
10:15	Changing Seats: From the Executive Chair to the Boardroom	Françoise Bertrand – Via Rail Canada, Chair of the Board of Directors
10:45	Networking Break
11:15	Sharing Insights and Experience	Moderator: Murat Yeşildere – Egon Zehnder, Managing Partner Speakers: Françoise Bertrand – Via Rail Canada, Chair of the Board of Directors Yeşim Güra – WOB TR, Mentor & Independent Board Member
12:00	Closing

 

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