What do a surgeon, a hotel manager, a yoga teacher, and a data scientist have in common? For many women, the answer is a career break—and the daunting challenge of returning to meaningful work. In this thought-provoking talk, Neha sheds light on the hidden barriers women face when trying to re-enter the workforce after caregiving breaks, revealing how these obstacles contribute to the alarming drop in female representation at middle management and leadership levels.Challenging the myths around ambition and career gaps, this talk explores how traditional hiring practices overlook highly skilled women simply because they have taken time off. But what if we applied business intelligence—specifically marketing strategies—to solve this problem? Drawing from personal experience and innovative recruitment approaches, Neha shares how simple shifts, like rethinking search keywords and introducing “Returnship Sprints,” can revolutionize how companies attract and retain female talent.This talk is a call to action for future leaders to rethink talent acquisition, prioritize inclusivity, and use creative business strategies to close the gender gap. Because achieving the elusive 50% isn’t just a diversity metric—it’s the key to building stronger, more innovative workplaces for all. Neha is an author and a global learning professional. She has lived in 8 countries and has helped hundreds of women restart their careers. She also enjoys playing improv and saying “yes” to the curve balls life throws at her. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What makes a truly hospitable experience? Is it training, scripted service, or mystery guests? In this compelling and humorous talk, Laura takes us on a journey from their first job in a fine-dining restaurant—where a toxic culture stifled genuine hospitality—to becoming a leader on a mission to bring real hospitality into every industry. Through personal stories and 20 years of research, Laura reveals a critical truth: hospitality isn't about rules, checklists, or forced smiles—it thrives in a culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired by leadership. While traditional training can provide short-term improvements, it often fails to create lasting change. The secret? Hospitable Leadership. By fostering a culture where employees want to be hospitable rather than have to be, businesses can transform service from scripted transactions into heartfelt interactions. This talk challenges leaders to shift from rigid protocols to a mindset of Embody, Empower, and Embed—the three pillars that turn hospitality from an obligation into an art.Laura de la Mar Speaker, Author, Trainer & Founder of Gastvrijheid in BedrijfTrue hospitality isn’t about service—it’s about genuine personal attention. But how do you ensure employees are intrinsically motivated to be hospitable? Many companies invest in training, protocols, and CX surveys, yet the impact fades quickly. Why? Because without a hospitable culture, hospitality remains superficial.As the author of Hospitable Leadership (2024) and other books, Laura de la Mar helps organizations embed lasting hospitality from within. Combining scientific insights, practical strategies, and powerful storytelling, she inspires leaders to rethink their role. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx