Wait…Do I Really Have to Say That?” Mastering Hard Conversations for Women Security Leaders
Hard conversations are a critical leadership capability, yet women leaders in security often face unique challenges when delivering difficult messages. Navigating perceptions of being “too direct,” “not direct enough,” or responsible for maintaining team cohesion can complicate already high‑stakes interactions. This interactive workshop equips participants with practical tools to communicate challenging messages with clarity, confidence, and credibility while managing the bias and organizational dynamics that frequently shape these moments.
Participants will learn a repeatable framework for approaching hard conversations across a range of scenarios—advocating for resources, addressing performance issues, negotiating scope, or correcting misconceptions. Through realistic case studies, influence‑based communication strategies, and guided group practice, attendees will strengthen their ability to lead with impact, build trust, and drive outcomes even in moments of tension. The session also emphasizes emotional resilience and offers actionable approaches for navigating gendered expectations that can influence how tough messages are received.
By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with practical tools, a scenario guide, and increased confidence in advocating for themselves and their teams. While designed as an interactive workshop, this session can also be delivered as a conversational panel with audience engagement.
- Gain a practical, repeatable framework they can use to deliver hard messages clearly, confidently, and constructively across varied leadership situations.
- Strengthen their ability to advocate for themselves and their teams by applying communication strategies that build credibility and influence.
- Learn techniques for preparing effectively for high‑stakes conversations, supported by a practical takeaway sheet to help anticipate reactions and plan intentional responses.”
Speakers
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Kennedy-Boudali, LiannePartner, Crisis and Security ConsultingLianne Kennedy-Boudali, is a Partner in Control Risks’ Crisis and Security Consulting practice in North America and is responsible for advising Control Risks’ clients on enterprise risk management, risk and security program development and program optimization. As a recognized expert on risk and political violence, she brings deep expertise in security and risk management, threat intelligence, political risk, and extremist groups. Lianne is a former policy analysis with RAND Corporation and previously taught at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
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Abramoff, DganitPrincipal in Control Risks’ Crisis and Security ConsultingDganit (DG) Abramoff is a Principal in Control Risks’ Crisis and Security Consulting practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. She collaborates with Tech clients to enhance and scale their security programs. Dganit also integrates innovation and new technology into Control Risks’ crisis and security capabilities across the Americas. With expertise in program and project development, Dganit helps leaders seamlessly incorporate sustainable practices into their daily operations. Her diverse background includes work in military, government, and NGOs, with over a decade spent in the Middle East. Dganit is a Moving Worlds Institute Global Fellow and is a certified project manager (PMP).
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Warren, RoslynPrincipalRoslyn Warren is a Principal at Control Risks, where she manages daily operations for the Embedded Consulting Services practice in North America and leads many of the firm’s globally embedded engagements. Roslyn has extensive experience managing large-scale complex programs in elevated risk environments and regularly navigates a diverse range of stakeholder groups. Prior to joining Control Risks, Roslyn held different diplomatic, research and management roles across sectors, at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Georgetown Institute of Women, Peace and Security, and Medeem (a start-up enterprise in the land security space in Zambia). She has published on a range of issues, from local partner protection in Iraq and Afghanistan to women’s participation in global peace processes. Roslyn is a Security Fellow with the Truman National Security Project, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), and a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.