Name: Navigating Difference in Complex Organizations (AMER)
Start: 2026-06-18T16:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-06-18T17:00:00+01:00

AMER

WeQual Community: Navigating Difference in Complex Organizations

Cross-functional work may look aligned on the surface. But once different teams, priorities, and perspectives come into play, progress slows or stalls.

The real challenge leaders face is navigating difference. How others approach the work, what they prioritize, and what they are accountable for can all impact how they get on board with your plan.

Building on this month’s exploration of Influencing Across Systems and Cultures, this Community session brings members together to work through situations like this in real time. You will hear how your Rising Leader peers have faced similar challenges, hear from Executives with high level experience, and use the space to reflect on your approach.

You will leave with a clearer sense of where misalignment may be building, and how to navigate it.

Key Takeaways

Where alignment starts to break
Why progress stalls across teams
How differing priorities cause friction
How to navigate for better collaboration

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.