TEDxMolos Women 2024 introduced a new era of leadership in Cyprus

TEDxMolos Women 2024 made its mark on the local scene, taking place on September 26, at the authentic Plefsis Hall in Limassol’s Old Port.

Much like the previous TEDxMolos event in March, this gathering sold out well in advance, demonstrating the community’s ongoing enthusiasm for women-led initiatives that promote positive change and leadership.

With the theme “Soft Power: New Era of Leadership,” the event explored the evolving role of women in leadership, focusing on how empathy, collaboration, and smart influence are becoming essential drivers of societal progress.

The evening was filled with insights and inspiration, with TEDx talks from notable speakers such as Memnia Papadopoulou, Donna Stephenson, Sandra Da Silva, Alena Perminova, Farah Shammas, and Mikaela Milicuri. Guests were also treated to live music, buffet, gifts, and valuable networking opportunities.

Memnia Papadopoulou reflected that “leadership is a never-ending journey of growth and learning.”

She said that she was excited to share her ideas but also eager to learn from the other speakers and the audience.

Furthermore, she added that TEDxMolos Women is a great opportunity to be part of an inspiring community, exchange ideas, and challenge herself. “I’m looking forward to meeting people who share a passion for growth and change,” she said.

Similarly, Donna Stephenson shared her thoughts on self-belief, saying, “I hope the audience takes away the importance of embracing inner strength and self-belief to align their work and life with their core values.”

She also mentioned that this alignment will help them feel fulfilled and have the confidence to make changes that will positively impact their careers and personal lives.

Additionally, she expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m looking forward to learning from other speakers and connecting with the attendees who have come out this evening to support this event.”

Mikaela Milicuri offered her perspective on the importance of art. She explained that she wants the audience to realise that “collecting art is a powerful act of shaping both personal and cultural narratives.”

She mentioned that it is not just about acquiring objects but also about engaging with ideas and supporting diverse voices.

Moreover, she added, “By doing so, they can leave a legacy that influences society’s understanding of history and identity.”

Finally, she noted that art can reflect societal values and spark meaningful conversations that shape our collective future, saying, “If we understand this, we can contribute to the cultural fabric and influence how future generations view the world, connecting us to something larger than ourselves.”

Farah Shammas took a more personal approach, reminding us that “we are all put on this earth for a reason, even if it isn’t always obvious.”

She pointed out that in today’s world, there is a lot of pressure, especially with social media, self-help books, and countless external expectations.

She also noted that sometimes we don’t even realise how these things are affecting us subconsciously. “It’s an important reminder for all of us to know that we’re special and worthy just as we are,” she said.

She further emphasised the need to keep being ourselves because “we’re amazing.” Lastly, she added, “I hope that being a TEDx speaker for the first time won’t be my last, as I look forward to continuing my growth and opening doors in ways I can’t even think about right now.”

The event’s success would not have been possible without the support of sponsors, including CAPSBOLD, Adsterra, BBF, and Mayflower.

Alina Miroshnychenko, CMO at CAPSBOLD, remarked, “Sponsoring TEDxMolos Women is an essential part of our corporate social responsibility strategy.”

She explained that CAPSBOLD supports platforms that encourage creative thinking and idea-sharing. “TEDx provides a powerful space for leaders and visionaries,” she added.

She also mentioned that supporting such initiatives helps foster a society that embraces new perspectives and ideas to improve the world around us. “By contributing to this event,” she said, “we create an environment where innovation and bold thinking are valued and shared.”

Elena Petropavlovskaya, Global Commercial Director at BBF, added that “at the core of our brand ethos is a commitment to designing socially sustainable projects that enhance the customer experience.”

She mentioned that this is embodied in BBF’s name—Build. Better. Future.—and reflected in the environments and experiences they create, which form vibrant communities where their customers can live, work, and play.

Furthermore, she pointed out that reflecting on their brand ethos, their CSR activities extend through their active support of local communities, addressing diverse needs, and embracing the goal of leaving a positive mark on society.

“We aim to leave a better future for all,” she said. She also explained that TEDxMolos Women complements their CSR initiatives by providing the female business community in Limassol with a vital platform that fosters mutual support.

“It creates a network embodying female values,” she added, “while also encouraging discussions on the diverse roles women play in personal life, business, and society.”

Finally, Catherine Tarasova, PR Director at Adsterra, highlighted how the event aligns with their values.

“Sponsoring TEDxMolos Women aligns seamlessly with Adsterra’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy,” she said.

She explained that their CSR strategy emphasises empowerment, diversity, and community engagement.

“Our focus is on fostering equal opportunities for women, whether in tech, sports, or overall leadership roles,” she added.

She further noted that by supporting initiatives like TEDxMolos Women, they contribute to creating platforms that amplify women’s voices, promote leadership, and inspire positive social change.

“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion,” she said, “as seen in our efforts with Women in Tech Cyprus and our support of the AEL Women Basketball Team.”

Lastly, she mentioned that at Adsterra, they believe in nurturing talent, breaking barriers, and paving the way for a more inclusive future—values that are integral to both their internal culture and their CSR approach.

Olesia Balashova, HR Brand Manager at Mayflower, echoed these sentiments, saying, “Sponsoring TEDxMolos is a natural fit for our CSR strategy because we believe in empowering individuals and communities to drive change.”

She also mentioned that by supporting events like this, they help create spaces where diverse voices can be heard, ideas can flourish, and social progress can be made.

“It’s important for us,” she added, “to contribute to initiatives that promote inclusivity, education, and leadership.”