Breaking Barriers: Speaking at the Women Leadership & Health Congress 2025
- Deniz Kayadelen
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Earlier this year, I had the immense honour of being a keynote speaker at the Women Leadership & Women Health International Conference 2025, held on March 8–9 in Paris. The event brought together powerful voices from around the world to address critical topics, including women’s leadership, mental wellness, and health equity.
And to my surprise and deep gratitude, I was also honoured with an award🏆
What I Spoke About
In my keynote, I shared my personal transformation journey—from experiencing hypothermia to becoming a world champion ice swimmer, and how this path shaped my understanding of resilience, mindset, and growth beyond the comfort zone. I also emphasised the intersection between mental strength and leadership, particularly how we can cultivate willpower and intrinsic motivation even in the harshest conditions—lessons drawn both from psychology and from ice-cold waters.
Key Takeaways from My Talk:
Cold builds courage: We don’t grow by avoiding discomfort. When you lean into it—whether in leadership or freezing water—your mind adapts and strengthens. Fear fades when faced.
Resilience is a muscle: Cold water immersion, like leadership, requires presence, control, and trust in yourself. These are skills we can train, especially when self-doubt creeps in.
Imposter syndrome is part of the journey: Even when standing on a podium or leading a team, the feeling of “not being enough” can linger. But showing up despite it is the ultimate act of self-belief.
The first step is the hardest: You don’t need to have it all figured out. What matters most is daring to start. Action quiets doubt more than perfection ever could.
This summit was more than an event—it was a movement. One that united voices around health equity, mental wellness, and breaking barriers in every field. From dynamic networking sessions to impactful panels like “Women as Change Makers”, every moment reaffirmed how powerful it is when women support and inspire one another.
Featured in the French Chronicles Newspaper about Women Leadership
This experience and my message were also featured in the March 16 edition of French Chronicles, highlighting how stories like mine contribute to broader conversations about women's empowerment and leadership.
Continue the Conversation
For deeper dives into the psychology of performance, breaking limits, unlocking potentials and stories from other extraordinary individuals, CEOs, listen to my podcast Out of Comfort Zone: Spotify | YouTube
This event reminded me that our greatest impact often begins where our comfort ends. Thank you to the Women Leadership & Health Congress 2025 organisers, fellow speakers, and everyone who is committed to building a future where women's voices, health, and leadership thrive.
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