PWN Norway: From Local Impact to Global Reach - Evolving Our Leadership Series for a New Era
In 2024, we at PWN Norway launched something close to our hearts—a bold, in-person Leadership Series that unfolded across Oslo and Stavanger. What began as an experimental leadership journey turned into a deeply transformative experience for participants and coaches alike. With monthly sessions, meaningful peer connections, and reflective practices between meetings, we created an environment where leadership wasn’t just discussed—it was lived, challenged, and redefined.
We witnessed participants stepping outside their comfort zones, leaning into difficult conversations, and returning each month more engaged, more intentional, and more empowered. Whether in Oslo’s larger, lively group or Stavanger’s more intimate circle, the energy was palpable. Every session offered space for open discussions, group reflections, and shared learning, all anchored in key leadership skills such as:
- Expressing yourself with clarity and purpose
- Listening with empathy
- Navigating tough conversations
- Empowering others around you
We also made sure the experience extended beyond the workshop room. Between sessions, participants met in small groups or pairs to debrief, reflect, and support one another’s growth. These “learning buddies” became an essential part of the journey—turning insights into action, and helping the material stick in real-world contexts.
The feedback spoke volumes. Participants appreciated the engaging group dynamics, the hands-on nature of the sessions, and even the “homework” that helped them embed what they learned into their daily lives. For many, it wasn’t just another leadership program—it was a personal and professional transformation.
And that’s why we’re taking it to the next level.
Introducing the International Leadership Series: Leadership Without Borders
This autumn, we’re proud to open a new chapter: the International Leadership Series—an evolution of our local success into a global experience. Developed by PWN Norway and made possible through the support of the PWN Global community, this three-part online series is designed for professionals across the world who are eager to develop their leadership capabilities in a dynamic, experiential way.
Whether you're an emerging leader stepping into new responsibilities or a seasoned professional looking to amplify your impact, this program offers relevant, practical, and transformative tools for today’s leadership challenges.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Three powerful sessions focused on self-management, self-development, and self-mastery
- Interactive, hands-on activities to turn theory into practice
- Opportunities to build global connections with participants from various industries, cities, and cultural backgrounds
- A virtual space that encourages reflection, dialogue, and community—even from a distance
You’ll need a laptop with a screen large enough for Zoom gallery view and access to collaborative platforms like Miro. But more importantly, you’ll need curiosity, openness, and a willingness to dive in. This is not a passive webinar series—it’s a fully immersive experience that asks you to participate, reflect, and grow.
Why Join This Series?
Because leadership today requires more than just expertise. It requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect meaningfully with others—across teams, cultures, and even time zones.
What makes this series unique is its experiential approach. As one of our coaches put it, “Happy brains learn better.” From the very first session, we’ll build a sense of psychological safety—helping you shift from a “foe” state to a “friend” state with your fellow participants. You’ll get to know your cohort through fun and thoughtful introductions, engage in hands-on exercises, and be part of a supportive learning group that will carry the journey forward between sessions.
This is not just about acquiring new knowledge. It’s about training yourself to use that knowledge in real time—then applying it, testing it, and coming back to reflect on what you learned. This learning loop creates deeper understanding, longer retention, and greater impact.
And just like the original series, we’ve designed this one to keep energy high. Participants will be moved and mixed, grouped and regrouped, ensuring fresh perspectives, dynamic conversations, and a chance to learn from a truly global network.
Meet the Coaches
Our two incredible coaches bring deep expertise, global experience, and a shared passion for developing leaders in meaningful ways.
Lori is an ICF-certified master coach and a pioneer in experiential coaching and leadership development. With over two decades of experience, she’s delivered powerful training programs across industries and continents. Lori blends neuroscience with hands-on learning to help leaders create lasting, transformative change. Her background includes engineering for the U.S. Navy, designing global coach training curricula, and working with icons like Tim Gallwey and Laura Whitworth. She’s also a master at using tech to bring energy and engagement into online learning spaces.
Mary-Blair is an ICF-certified coach and HR professional with a passion for sustainable, inclusive leadership. Her coaching helps individuals reframe mental models and unlock new ways of working. With more than a decade of experience in international HR roles and as the incoming President of ICF Norway, Mary-Blair brings both strategic insight and deep empathy to her work. She also supports community work in fertility and donor conception spaces, reflecting her commitment to whole-person development.
Together, Lori and Mary-Blair are creating a space where leadership feels personal, empowering, and globally relevant.
Why Now? Why You?
In an increasingly complex world, we need leaders who know how to navigate uncertainty, lead with empathy, and bring people together across differences. We need leaders who can listen deeply, speak clearly, and act intentionally. And we need leaders who are willing to do the inner work it takes to grow—so they can help others do the same.
As Lori says:
“The topics in this series are timeless. They relate to how we behave with one another—how we craft our impact. And in today’s world, where stress and division are rising, those skills are more essential than ever.”
And Mary-Blair reminds us:
“Great leadership creates better workplaces that are more inclusive, sustainable, and productive. It brings out the best in everyone.”
This series is more than a learning opportunity. It’s a chance to join a global movement toward better leadership—for yourself, your teams, and your communities.
Join Us
If any part of this speaks to you, we’d love for you to join us. Registration is now open, and spots will fill quickly. This is your opportunity to connect with peers around the world, build essential leadership skills, and grow in ways that ripple far beyond your job title.
Whether you're already a part of the PWN Global community or you're just discovering us, this is your invitation.
Let’s lead with more heart, more skill, and more impact—together.
👉 Ready to take the next step?
Register for the International Leadership Series today or reach out to us at leadership@pwnnorway.no with any questions. You can also find full details on the learning objectives of each session on our website here. We’re happy to connect and support your leadership journey.
Author: Valentina Buratti, President, PWN Norway
Date: April 2025