After breakfast, Joseph George played the piano and sang “You Raise Me Up” by Westlife before organiser Portia Harrigan introduced the speakers and the agenda for the event, which was presented by Business BVI magazine.

The programme was designed to build upon foundations laid during the first Women of Power Summit last year, when Iyanla Vanzant took the stage.

“We are here to celebrate our accomplishments and learn new lessons,” Ms. Harrigan said, adding, “We have a responsibility to make this world a better one.”

The keynote speaker was American author and inspirational speaker Lisa Nichols.

Ms. Nichols, the author of the self-help book “No Matter What,” appeared on stage in a brown-and-orange dress, simple jewellery and a pair of sandals.

“I am not here to entertain you; I am her to inspire you,” Ms. Nichols said.

Then, she urged the audience members to be themselves without worrying what other people think.

“Your perception of me is not my business,” Ms. Nichols said.

Speaking for about an hour, the author told the participants never to give up in life, no matter how many times they try and fail.

“It doesn’t matter if you get kicked down 599 times; just get up for the 600th time,” Ms. Nichols said. “There are going to be moments in life, sis: Something will occur in your life that will make you put things in perspective. … You have come from a long line of winners.”

Ms. Nichols also narrated some experiences from her own life that have helped her become who she is.

These experiences, she said, included being discriminated against in school; being flung across the room by her fiancé five months before her wedding; raising her son as a single mother; and living in a rough neighbourhood in Los Angeles.

Unhealthy relationships, she added, do more harm than good, and women must always know when to let go.

Ms. Nichols also advised the women to love themselves more before they get involved in a relationship.

The full story appears in the Nov. 26, 2009 issue.