WILLIAMSBURG — The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce hosted its 5th annual Power of Women luncheon Friday, March 28, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Amber Price speaking about “The Art of Authenticity.”
The luncheon, which celebrated Women’s History Month, brought together local leaders from across the Historic Triangle.
Alexis Swann, President for Peninsula and Williamsburg TowneBank, introduced Price, who is Senior Vice President and Enterprise Chief Nursing Officer at Sentara Health. Before her current role, she served as the Hospital President at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center.
“Women often describe themselves as having lived inauthentic or “divided” lives in the workplace — essentially acting in a certain way to meet the norms and expectations set by others within male-dominated business cultures. Authentic leadership requires that you show up as your whole self, unapologetically, and lead with a bold resolve,” stated Price.
Using examples from her own experiences, Price encouraged the audience to forge their own path while sharing their authentic selves.
“Where does your power come from? What do you do in your life, every day, that makes you brave to be yourself?” asked Price.
Ways in which women can express their authenticity in business include risk-taking, leading change, building trust, finding courage and advocating for themselves, said Price.
When applying for jobs, Price suggests avoiding cliches and finding ways to authentically define traits. She also suggests dressing for an interview in a way that is both professional, but also, highlights your personality. “If you love ladybugs, wear a ladybug pin.”
Quoting Sheryl Sandberg, Price emphasized finding courage and empowerment, “‘If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.’ And, I have lived my whole career that way. I had to find out first why I lead — and people lead for different reasons. For some, it is financial security, or it is climbing out of something where you finally feel like you can breathe knowing you and your kids can be okay and you are searching for a safety net, for other people it is a title — for me, it is impact.”
“If somebody offers you a seat on that rocket ship, even if you have no clue what that job is but it has impact, you just do it. And, you figure it out,” offers Price.
Dr. Price participated in the Ten Questions series in April 2023, when she was Division President of Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center.
