Women Leaders in Meetings: Nicola Kastner

In April of 2024, Nicola Kastner became the CEO of Event Leaders Exchange (ELX). In this role, Kastner is leading ELX's strategic direction and enhancing its global presence.

Kastner has led ELX for eight months and, during that time, helped increase membership by 80%. She also hosted four in-person events and more than a dozen digital ones.

The organization is committed to providing a safe space for the industry’s most corporate senior leaders to collaborate and share best practices. ELX currently has 158 members and plans to keep it a close-knit community. 

ELX formally launched in September of 2021 as an invitation-only community for global heads of events working for corporations. It ran its first invitation-only think tank in September 2021 and held its inaugural congress in February 2023 in Chicago. ELX promotes a safe space at its events and community, which operates under the Chatham House Rule. 

Kastner’s background includes being global vice president of event marketing strategy at SAP,  where she was responsible for designing and optimizing event strategies for events ranging from 25 to 25,000 people.

Women Leaders in Meetings is a new series celebrating the remarkable female leaders who are not only excelling in the meetings and events industry but also championing inclusivity and diversity at the top. Each month, we highlight women who are breaking barriers, lifting others as they rise, and leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment. These leaders are redefining success by fostering a more inclusive industry and paving the way for future generations. Join us as we honor the achievements and impact of these inspiring women who are making a difference in the world of meetings and events.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is about setting a vision that creates clarity and focus and creating an environment where everyone works towards that shared goal. It’s also about building trust and empowering people, leading by example, and influencing others to grow and achieve their potential.

What are the qualities that make a good leader?

Good leaders lead with authenticity and empathy. They know how to listen, adapt, and make tough decisions when needed. Above all, good leaders are humble enough to admit what they don’t know and confident enough to trust and empower their team’s strengths.

Fairness is another critical quality. Early in my career, I worked for someone who played favorites, and it left a lasting impression on me, showing me exactly how not to lead. A good leader treats everyone on the team with respect and fairness, which creates an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

How would you define your leadership style?

I’d say my leadership style is a blend of collaborative and strategic. I focus on inspiring others by setting a clear vision while also staying practical and grounded in reality. I hold myself and others accountable and believe in creating an environment of trust and transparency.

I’m highly analytical and believe in making data-driven decisions, but I balance that with being realistic and decisive when it’s time to act.

Growth is central to how I lead, not just for the business but also for the people I work with. For example, at ELX, I’ve been fortunate to lead Hannah Elston who is an exceptional young talent. I’ve told her that if she’s in the same role in two years, then I’ve failed her as a leader. Helping others grow is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership for me.

Lastly, I’m not a micromanager - I can’t imagine anything worse. I believe in empowering my team to take ownership of their work while providing the guidance and support they need to succeed.

What skills have you developed that have helped you grow into the leader you are today?

Over the years, I’ve developed skills in strategic thinking, data analysis, and storytelling, which are all incredibly impactful individually but even more so when used together. I’ve also learned to navigate ambiguity, which is a necessity for any leader to be successful, especially when working in a large enterprise.

I also believe leadership development is never 'done.' We’ve all heard the saying, 'What got you here won’t get you there,' and it’s so true. As our careers evolve, the challenges change, and we need to keep growing and adapting to keep up.

As a leader, what are the challenges that keep you up at night?

From an ELX perspective, the biggest challenge is always ensuring that we deliver value that is aligned with the continually evolving needs of our community. It’s also critical that we preserve the integrity of the member experience while managing growth. Another ongoing challenge is finding ways to scale impact without diluting what makes our community unique.

How has your leadership style changed throughout your career?

Early in my career, I focused more on driving results and less on the human dynamics behind them. Over time, I’ve realized the importance of empathy and building trust. I’ve learned to balance being direct with being supportive and to prioritize the development of others alongside achieving business goals.

You currently head a community of leaders (ELX). What are the common traits you see across the members?

Our members share a deep commitment to excellence. They’re strategic thinkers who understand the business impact of events, and they’re unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom. Despite their seniority, they’re incredibly generous with their time and insights, which is what makes the peer-to-peer nature of ELX so powerful.

Which female leaders have inspired you the most?

I’ve been lucky to work with so many incredible female leaders that it’s impossible to name just one or two. Instead, I’d highlight the lessons they’ve taught me, like the importance of managing your professional brand and celebrating each other’s wins rather than competing. I’ve also learned how critical it is to stay authentic and lead with empathy while driving outcomes. These women have shown me the power of lifting others, prioritizing well-being, and pushing for progress, all while staying true to their values.

How has mentoring helped you become the leader you are today?

Mentoring is truly a two-way street. I’ve gained so much from the mentors who’ve guided me and helped shape the leader I am today. But no matter how experienced I become, I know I’ll never have all the answers, so I continue to seek guidance from others to keep learning and growing.

Mentoring others has been equally rewarding. I’m fortunate to mentor several people, from long-term relationships to more ad hoc 'I need advice' reach-outs, and it’s a responsibility I truly cherish. Mentoring forces me to step back and gain perspective. I also learn so much from those I mentor, which makes the experience even more fulfilling.

Can you share your advice for aspiring women leaders in meetings?

1. Own your expertise. Don’t wait for permission to share your ideas or advocate for your vision. Speak with confidence and let your results speak for themselves.
2. Build your network. Relationships are everything in any industry, and you need to be intentional about building them.  Don’t only look for those who can help you; build a wide and broad network and continue to nurture it.
3. Stay curious. The best leaders never stop learning—whether it’s from data, trends, or the experiences of others. Be intentional about seeking out new perspectives and opportunities to grow.
4. Accept change as a positive force. Change is inevitable, and it is the only thing in life that is guaranteed. Lean into it as a positive instead of perceiving it as a negative.