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. As an attendee, you will:
- Gain a practical, repeatable framework for delivering hard messages clearly, confidently and constructively across varied leadership situations
- Strengthen your ability to advocate for yourself and your team 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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Lianne Kennedy-BoudaliPartner, Crisis and Security Consulting
Control RisksLianne 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. Kennedy-Boudali is a former policy analysis with RAND Corporation and previously taught at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
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Dganit AbramoffPrincipal, Crisis and Security Consulting
Control RisksDganit (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. Abramoff also integrates innovation and new technology into Control Risks’ crisis and security capabilities across the Americas. With expertise in program and project development, she helps leaders seamlessly incorporate sustainable practices into their daily operations. Ambramoff’s diverse background includes work in military, government and NGOs, with over a decade spent in the Middle East. She is a Moving Worlds Institute Global Fellow and a certified project manager (PMP).
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Roslyn WarrenPrincipal
Control RisksRoslyn 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.
Warren 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, she held different diplomatic, research and management roles across sectors at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; the Georgetown Institute of Women, Peace and Security; and Medeem (a startup enterprise in the land security space in Zambia).
Warren has published on a range of issues, from local partner protection in Iraq and Afghanistan to women’s participation in global peace processes. She is a security fellow with the Truman National Security Project and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a B.A. in political science from the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.A. in security studies from Georgetown University.