On 23–24 April, the first Her Turn cohort came together in Tallinn for the programme’s kick-off seminar — two days dedicated to leadership, ambition, self-development and building the confidence to shape the future of sport.
The Her Turn Class of 2026 brings together 25 women from 12 countries, representing all levels of sport — local, national and international. The participants come from a wide range of disciplines, including football, cycling, paragliding, biathlon, endurance riding, curling, orienteering, cheerleading, judo, equestrian sport, athletics, gymnastics, swimming, volleyball, artistic swimming, figure skating and sport shooting.The first cohort entered the room with a shared readiness to grow.
Across the two days, participants heard from inspiring experts and leaders who brought different perspectives on leadership in sport.
Richard B. Stephenson explored the question: Who gets to lead? His session looked at what leaders really do, who is a good leader and why women are still underrepresented in leadership positions in sport. The conversation highlighted that the issue is not a lack of women’s ambition or capability, but the systems, structures and sponsorship gaps that too often limit their opportunities.
Mihail Dudaš focused on his own journey from athlete to sports administrator and executive leader, he encouraged participants to think strategically about their future roles, use data as a tool for credibility, build targeted networks, take calculated risks and protect their integrity as their strongest leadership asset.
Annika Arras led participants into the theme of growing into a leader. Through personal reflection and practical tools, she invited participants to know themselves first, define their desired impact as leaders, understand change, and begin shaping their personal development plans. Her message was clear: leadership starts with self-awareness, but it grows through action, responsibility and the ability to empower others.
Kira Hagström worked with participants on effective communication, personal branding and public speaking. Her session reminded the cohort that communication is not a “soft skill” — it shapes leadership, trust, visibility, opportunity and influence. Participants explored how to make their voices heard, build a personal brand that feels authentic, and enter rooms with clarity, courage and presence.
The cohort also had inspiring sessions with Kersti Kaljulaid and Emma Terho, who shared their experiences as female leaders at the highest levels of public life and international sport. Kersti Kaljulaid, former President of Estonia and the country’s first female head of state and the former President of the Estonian Olympic Committee and the founder of the programme, reflected on creating change with courage and integrity, while reminding the importance of womens’ support to other women. Emma Terho, a five-time Olympian, Olympic bronze medallist, former captain of Finland’s women’s ice hockey team and Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, brought the perspective of an athlete-leader who has represented athletes’ voices at the highest level of global sport. Their reflections added an important personal dimension to the programme: what it means to lead with values, resilience and purpose — and how women in leadership can open doors for those who follow.
The Tallinn kick-off marked the start of a longer Her Turn journey. In the coming months, participants will continue working on their personal development plans through individual assignments, group mentoring and online sessions. The journey will bring the cohort back together for the second in-person seminar in Helsinki in September.
The first meeting in Tallinn was an inspiring reminder of the power of bringing talented women from different countries, sports and backgrounds into one room. Over two days, the energy, openness and shared commitment created a strong foundation for the journey ahead. It was a space for honest reflection, bold ambition and meaningful connections — the kind of beginning that already shows the potential of what this community can become.
Now it’s YOUR TURN to lead in sports.
