Name: Influencing Across Systems & Cultures (AMER)
Start: 2026-06-02T16:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-06-02T17:15:00+01:00

WeQual Rising Leaders: Influencing Across Systems & Cultures

You’re effective. People trust you. You know how to get things done… Then you move into a different part of the business, and that impact disappears.

This is the reality of navigating systems and cultures. Every environment demands something different. In one team, you’re seen as clear and decisive – in another, the same behavior feels abrupt or misaligned.

So, what can you do when your usual approach stops working?

This WeQual Rising Leaders Global insight session focuses on leaders who have had to adapt how they influence others. You’ll hear what changed for them, where they lost traction, and how they adapted their approach.

You will leave with a clearer view of where your own influence is being blocked, and what needs to change to be effective again.

Key Takeaways

Where influence loses traction
How behavior is interpreted differently
How culture shapes response
What to adjust in your approach

Sheela Nambiar

IBM

Director Sales – Growth Accounts & Special Missions

Sheela Nambiar is a dynamic and accomplished leader who currently serves as the Business Leader for Growth Accounts while also overseeing Special Sales Missions across the Americas. Prior to this role, she led the IBM Digital Sales Development Team in the region. With 4.5 years of experience in the Americas sales organization, she has been instrumental in driving revenue growth and securing new clients. She also played a key role in managing and expanding IBM’s Digital Sales Mission.

Before her current position, Sheela held the role of Senior Director at Oracle, where she was instrumental in establishing the Digital Sales Center for the company in India.

Sheela was part of the IBM India leadership team from 2005 to 2017, and when she left, she was serving as Director – Digital Sales for India and South Asia. In this capacity, she was responsible for driving commercial business growth and increasing cloud adoption in the market.

During her tenure in IBM India, she also led the Women in Sales group. Where she made signification contributions as a champion for gender diversity and empowerment in the sales industry. She is passionate about promoting, coaching and mentoring women pursuing careers in sales and pre-sales.

Throughout her career, Sheela has gained valuable international experience, having worked in Singapore, India, and the United States. She has held positions with prominent software solution companies, such as IBM, Oracle, Wipro and Compuware.

Apart from her professional accomplishments, Sheela is a sports enthusiast and enjoys playing Badminton and Golf. Her passion for sports reflects her drive, discipline, and commitment to success in both her personal and professional life.

Emma Hicks

WeQual

SVP, Product & Learning

Emma is an experienced strategic leader specializing in professional development at
C-suite and senior management levels. With over 20 years’ experience across global sectors, she brings deep expertise in leadership education and a genuine passion for continuous professional growth.

A Fellow and Advisory Board Member of the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI), Emma also holds certifications from the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and previously served on the Education Committee of the European Confederation of Directors Associations (ecoDa).

Before joining WeQual, Emma spent nearly a decade with the IoD, shaping the strategic direction of its global executive programs, including the prestigious Chartered Director qualification. She later joined HR technology company Connectr, first as interim COO and then as Chief Commercial Officer, leading its mission to build more inclusive leadership pipelines.

Earlier in her career, Emma held senior roles with Reed Learning, designing and delivering internationally recognized qualifications for more than 100 corporate and academic partners.

At WeQual, Emma leads the global membership and program function. Creating communities where senior leaders connect, reflect, and develop through shared experience. Her work aligns with her core purpose: Helping individuals achieve their career goals and enabling organizations to succeed through inclusive, effective leadership.

Outside of work, Emma has a young family — Joshua (10), Jasmine (7), and Monty the cockapoo (3) — who keep her active, grounded, and grateful.