As the co-founder and CEO of a leading aging platform, Amanda Rees has a valuable perspective on what it means to be a woman in a prominent leadership role.
That’s what made Rees – whose company BOLD partners with Medicare plans and provider groups to offer older adults personalized and science-based exercise plans – a perfect choice as this year’s keynote speaker at the 2025 Women’s Month event held Wednesday (March 26) in the Colman Theatre at the College of Saint Benedict’s Benedicta Arts Center.
The event was sponsored by the Sister Nancy Hynes Institute for Women’s Leadership on campus.
“For any young woman who is interested in starting a company, becoming a CEO or doing an entrepreneurial venture, the advice I would give is to really find an anchoring in your own self-confidence,” Rees said before her presentation. “Because at the end of the day, you’re going to encounter a lot of challenges. You’re going to be presented with a lot of new and uncomfortable things. Being able to return to that sense of ‘I know I’m capable. I know I can do this,’ is important.
“That confidence needs to come from within and it will carry you really far.”
Rees also stressed the importance of networking and finding others who have been through similar experiences.
“Women in leadership roles face a lot of the same challenges that men in leadership roles face,” she said. “But there are a few things that might be more unique. One is not having as many role models.
“One way to address that is to build and find and seek out that community. They may not be everywhere, but there are so many amazing women leaders out there, and what I’ve found is that they’re always very open and eager to connect. To support and strengthen you and share their experiences.”
Rees said visiting places like CSB, and interacting with college students, makes her optimistic about the future.
“I’ve been blown away by the passion and spirit and energy of the Bennies on this campus,” said Rees, who spent the day at CSB Wednesday. “It has been really inspiring, and honestly has filled my cup in a very energizing way to think about all the amazing things these students are going to go on and accomplish.”
