Reflections from the ICSB World Congress 2026: Leadership, Growth, and the Power of Community

Reflections from the ICSB World Congress 2026:

Leadership, Growth, and the Power of Community

Participating in the Leadership Insights for Women CEOs panel at the ICSB World Congress 2026 was truly an incredible honor—one that I’m still reflecting on.

There’s something powerful about being in a room filled with leaders who are not only building businesses but also shaping people, communities, and the future of leadership itself. Sitting alongside such an inspiring group of women, we had honest conversations about what leadership really looks like behind the scenes—beyond titles, beyond success stories.

We talked about authenticity. About resilience. About mentorship, risk-taking, and the constant balancing act of leading organizations while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

One of the things I appreciated most about the panel was how real the conversation felt. Leadership isn’t always polished. It’s not always certain. And it definitely isn’t something you do alone.

As the Founder and President of Allen-Norris Permitting & Inspections, I had the opportunity to reflect on my own journey—from public health into entrepreneurship—and how that transition shaped the way I lead today. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up with integrity, staying open to learning, building meaningful relationships, and creating space for others to grow.

A message that kept coming up throughout our discussion really stuck with me: no CEO succeeds alone.

Behind every leader is a network of people—mentors who guide us, colleagues who challenge us, teams who support us, and families who keep us grounded. That community is what makes growth sustainable and leadership meaningful.

I’m incredibly grateful to the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) for creating a space where these conversations can happen—bringing together entrepreneurs, educators, and leaders from around the world to share ideas and elevate one another.

More than anything, this experience was a reminder of why I do what I do. Leadership isn’t just about building a successful business. It’s about building people, creating impact, and leaving things better than we found them.

And that’s the kind of leadership worth striving for.