During the conference, delegates heard from and were inspired by talks and videos from corporate leaders, who focused on how delegates could differentiate themselves from others and create their own unique brand.

This was followed by a play and presentation by 46664, a charity which raises HIV/AIDS awareness, helping delegates understand that knowledge is empowerment, and revealing the truths about living with HIV/AIDS.

Mandate Training facilitated the two afternoon breakaway sessions. The first session looked at how we can create positive first impressions in interviews, meetings and at other crucial times. People who have a powerful personal presence come across as natural, while appearing to know what they want and what they are about. There was a vibrant energy in the room, as the students began to develop a set of skills to create a more powerful personal presence.

Delia Dall, who facilitated this session, explained that the delegates learnt the importance of being authentic by tapping into their inner-selves and acknowledging their uniqueness through the medium of music and movement. "They experienced the feeling of increased energy and confidence by improving their breathing, posture, eye-contact and vocal tone. It was an exhilarating exploration of themselves by re-affirming their individuality," said Dall.

The second session focused on communicating intelligently to make business and personal relationships work. Traditionally being smart (having a high IQ) meant everything and implied that we were bound to succeed. However, today this is not the case, and success now depends far more on the ability to communicate empathetically and assertively with diverse groups and individuals, rather than being aggressive or demanding. This breakaway session helped delegates develop the insight and skills needed to be emotionally intelligent.

During this session, delegates were asked who their female role models were. Here are some of their responses: "Hilary Clinton, because she is such a strong woman and was able to turn around and give her full support and backing to Barack Obama when he won the presidential nomination." Another delegate mentioned Khanyi Dhlomo-Mkhize, as she had survived a high profile divorce, and has become a very successful business woman. Grandmothers and mothers were also mentioned repeatedly, as in most cases these women had managed to overcome great difficulty to ensure their children/ grandchildren were well educated and had bright futures.

Robin Klepper, who facilitated the Emotional Intelligence session, said "It was wonderful to be in the presence of these delegates with so much potential. They were amazing, soaking up every bit of information given to them, with intelligence and good humour. The level of interaction and questioning really proved that the youth of South Africa do question, and don't just accept information. Opportunities like this give me hope for the future of South African organisations, as the future leaders of companies are clearly articulate, bright individuals who are ready to take on and make the most of the challenges that face them, as they carve out careers for themselves."