Theresa (Akua) Powell is a transformational leadership voice and advocate for rehumanizing the workplace from the inside out. Formerly the Deputy Chief of People & Performance at New York University Abu Dhabi, she brings over two decades of global HR and leadership experience. Through her retreats, coaching, and Unbecoming Leader framework, Akua helps leaders release outdated paradigms and reconnect with presence, authenticity, and purpose. Her approach blends strategy with soul, challenging performance-based leadership and championing emotional intelligence, cultural equity, and truth.
The Unbecoming Leader invites a bold reimagining of leadership and well-being from the inside out. Grounded in Theresa ‘Akua’ Powell’s HeART Model, this session explores how leaders can move beyond performative wellness to cultivate trust, authenticity, and human connection. It’s a call to lead with presence…not performance.
In this session you'll discover:
Discover how the HeART Model can be applied to build trust, empathy, and well-being in workplace culture
Reflect on and release outdated leadership narratives that drive burnout and disconnection.
Learn simple, actionable practices to lead with presence, authenticity, and human connection.