Do you lead with passion and purpose?

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending TD Bank's women's leadership conference. Senior women from across the country came to recommit to creating their own careers. I knew I was attending an extraordinary event when I saw the Gallery that lead into the main auditorium of TD University.

There were momentos, personal and professional, on the wall of several women who came. Each woman had a space that depicted objects of importance to her from photos, books, shoes, etc. The message: You are special and appreciated.

An amazing leader, Linda Verba, EVP Store Operations and Service Programs, created the half day. I thought I was at a taping of Ellen when Linda started the session by having the women stand up and dance. The women were encouraged to find their passion and have fun in the process.

The male leaders who addressed the group talked about being authentic, the need to see the big picture, to take the initiative and lead, at any level.

I felt I met my "soul sister" in Linda.  I couldn't agree more with her insights.  We can all benefit from her wise guidance. Here is some of it:

--You are responsible for your own career.

--Get honest feedback, and if you are not getting it, ask for it.

--Be your authentic self at work. It is good for you and the business.

--Lead from any chair. Don't wait, you can lead at whatever level you are at.

--Take responsiblity. If nothing is happening in your career, it's about you!

--Get outside your comfort zone and take some risks.

--You don't have to have all your skills in place to go to the next level.

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Linda Verba kicks off the event by dancing on stage.

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Celeste Donovan displays her favorite photos and other mementos.