GXN International Women in Promo
leading with vision
who we are
key facts
- Established at the GXN Conference 2024
- Eighteen individuals attended the first International Women in Promo conference breakfast in Vienna, Austria, on 27 September, as a subset of the 3rd annual Global Executive Network Conference.
what we do
EMPOWERING WOMEN
Within GXN, our committee plays a vital role in promoting diversity and inclusion at the executive level. Focused on empowering female leaders, it offers a platform for mentorship, knowledge exchange, and professional growth. Through specialised discussions, networking opportunities, and initiatives, the committee assists women in overcoming leadership challenges, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of the industry. By cultivating an inclusive environment, we enhance GXN’s mission to promote excellence and thought leadership across all industry levels.
CONCLUSIONS OF THE FIRST COMMITTEE MEETING
- Build a community through connections.
- Learn how to foster a supportive culture within their organisations.
- Seek to understand the purpose of the International Women in Promo Committee.
- Exploring different ways to engage.
- Gain a better understanding of potential opportunities for women.
- Create a network of women across the UK and EU, and promote upcoming meetings to attract more attendees and participants.
ACTION FRAMEWORK – Lisbon, Portugal | September 26, 2025
Strategic Objectives
- Establish measurable goals to track GXN WLC progress.
- Source and benchmark data on women in leadership against international and industry standards:
Mission & Purpose Development
- Present and refine mission statement concepts (Carleen Gray).
- Anchor mission around:
Communication & Engagement
- WhatsApp Group – Lisa Bennett (launch immediate communication channel)
- GXN WLC Newsletter – Michele Bell (create cadence, editorial process, and international reach)
- Quarterly Meetings – Heather Smartt (schedule and coordinate)
- Member Profiles – Carleen Gray (develop interviews and multi-format content)
Governance – Steering Committee
Confirmed Members:
Heather Smartt · Michele Bell · Vicki Kinasz · Georgie Lack · Kathrin Stuhmeyer-Halfar · Lise Lauritzen · Carleen Gray
Next Steps & Alignment
- Activate WhatsApp channel – immediate internal connectivity (Lisa Bennett).
- LinkedIn initiative – broaden international visibility and support.
- Steering Committee Priorities:
- Michael and Christian to review submissions, approve content, and advise on action items.
GXN Commitment
GXN’s International Women in Promo Committee is dedicated to empowering women globally, supporting inclusive growth,
and advancing leadership excellence across branded merchandise and adjacent industries.
ONE OF US
portrait
Meet
Lise Lauritzen
The Delightfully Candid Heart of IDE House of Brands, Norway
Lise Lauritzen doesn’t mince words—and she doesn’t need to. Her strength lies in her unfiltered honesty, grounded pragmatism, and unmistakable Scandinavian warmth. She’s the kind of leader who feels instantly familiar: sharp, witty, graciously direct, and quietly formidable. As Manager of Purchasing at IDE House of Brands—Norway’s largest distributor of promotional products with locations in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and beyond—Lise oversees operations at one of Europe’s leading privately-owned promotional product agencies. She brings a rare clarity and confidence that comes from a lifetime inside the business—because she didn’t just join the industry, she has quite literally grown up in it.
Meet
Heather Smartt
The Visionary Leader Moving from Strength to Strength
Spend even a few minutes with Heather Smartt, and you’ll come away believing that grit, vision, and heart really can take you anywhere…Lisbon, for example. Today, Heather is the Global Head of Goldstar®, a standout leader known for her clarity and magnetic presence. I caught her at an especially meaningful moment: the one-year anniversary of her promotion to the global helm. But her story is decades in the making, and it’s one that inspires anyone daring enough to chase both career success and personal fulfillment.
Women Leadership Spotlight: An Interview with
Kathrin Halfar
The Delightfully Candid Heart of IDE House of Brands, Norway
At the recent GXN conference in Vienna, I had the privilege of meeting Kathrin Halfar, CEO of Halfar System GmbH. Picking up right where we left off, our video interview conversation was effortless, shaped by our ongoing discussions and connection within the GXN community. As an accomplished entrepreneur and leader, Kathrin has incredible insights to share.
As we establish the GXN Women Leadership Council (WLC), one of our first priorities is understanding the current state of women in leadership within our organisation. Once we have a clear picture, we can set meaningful goals to increase diversity and foster leadership opportunities for women across industries. Kathrin’s journey, experience, and leadership philosophy provide valuable perspective as we take these next steps.
ONE OF US
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