The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) hosted the 2013 Women’s Leadership Forum, “Power 360: The Next Act,” at the Time Warner Corporate Headquarters at 1 Time Warner Center. Under the auspices of the ELC is the Executive Leadership Foundation, which is celebrating its 10th year of providing leadership training programs for women of color. According to its mission statement, the ELC works “to prepare African-American executives for every phase of their careers through professional development and positioning.” In particular, the Women’s Leadership Forum “is designed to ensure that African-American women have a seat at the decision-making table in corporate America.”

Angela Burt-Murray, co-founder of Coco Media Group, moderated a panel of guests, including Paula Madison, Partner Williams Group Holdings LLC; Leilani Brown, chief marketing officer of Starr Companies; Dawn Porter, founder of Trilogy Films; and Stephanie Smith, vice president and chief human resources officer at DePaul University.

Pearls of wisdom flowed as each panelist shared their hard-earned secrets of how to make it in the workplace. Of course, it all starts with figuring out “what am I supposed to do, figuring out how to do it and knowing that you can do it.” [[ED NOTE: Is this a quote from one of the panelists? Who?]] Having conversations about your performance on the job is the perfect way to learn what you are worth. Figuring out what you are contributing to the company and what your resume says about you will enable you to ask for the compensation package you are entitled to.

Having a friend with whom you can talk honestly with, someone with whom you don’t have to pretend, always helps in gaining a clear perspective. The panelists all agreed on the importance of “humanizing yourself.” While you may think you appear friendly and approachable to others, you may seem scary or intimidating. The only way to overcome the misperception is to share stories about yourself; sharing what happened to you on the weekend can reveal points of relatability. The more relatable you are, the more you get done. Change a person’s day by saying good morning.

If you can’t share parts of your life, people can’t put their arms around you, and as a result, you are not part of the team. Give them something that makes you human. Advocate for someone else, and seek opportunities to get actively engaged. Last but not least, plan for the future now. Invest in yourself and each other. Be charming in an honest way.

The latest addition to Harlem’s restaurant row is Boulevard Bistro and it is definitely one to add to your “must” list. It’s quietly and unassumingly located on the corner of 123rd Street at Lenox Avenue, so if you don’t know it’s there, you might just pass it by. I happened upon the Bistro when my uncle, Billy Palmer, took me there for breakfast one morning. Shocked and amazed at the interior décor, which is understated yet classy, comfy and enticing, we were only there a short while before people started pouring in for breakfast. The outside seating is located within the property line, so it is not your typical outdoor café, which makes the whole setup very intimate. The service was good, the coffee was excellent and the French toast was to die for.

While I highly recommend the Boulevard Bistro, let us not forget the tried and true Settepani. After having breakfast at the Boulevard and going out on more than a few errands, I returned to Harlem for lunch. Amidst the pouring rain, I noticed from the car that the awnings of Settepani were set up such that the tables underneath were shielded from the rain. “How perfect,” I thought and quickly found a parking space so I could sit outside and enjoy the summer rain without getting drenched. I enjoyed the most delicious tuna on a bed of mixed greens with slices of mango and avocado, drizzled with the house dressing. It was accompanied by generous portions of Settepani’s homemade bread. The house wine was very much to my liking, and the service was très bon.

You will remember that a few columns ago, I spoke about being the perfect summer guest. But how about being the perfect summer host? It’s very nice that you’ve invited your favorite folks to spend a few days at your place during the summer vacation, but that is not enough. Once your guests arrive, you are obligated to ensure that they have a good time, at least to the best of your ability. I understand we can’t all be like Russell Simmons and have a spare Volkswagen in the driveway for your guest to drive around town at their leisure, but there are other things you can do.

Begin by making sure there is something to snack on when they arrive, because everyone, no matter what time it is, will be famished. Their room should be clean, with a working lamp and space for them to lie out their things. It’s OK if you don’t have an empty drawer or even a closet as long as they can have some privacy to spread their things out. I am not an air conditioner person, and it is fine with me if the room doesn’t have one, but please allow the windows to open; some of us like the fresh air, even in the summertime.

Try to be gracious, and don’t get an attitude if they do something you don’t like. By all means, don’t stop speaking to your guest. Unless you have set a definite time when they are to go, don’t rush them out the door unless, of course, they’ve been totally obnoxious. Try to remember the reason why you invited them in the first place and have a good time.

This week’s sighting: New York City Comptroller John Lui eating smothered chicken, grits and a biscuit at the 51st anniversary Community Breakfast, hosted annually by Sylvia’s Restaurant (127th Street at Lenox Avenue), with DJ Ness Digital spinning.

Speaking of which, the Sylvia and Herbert Woods Scholarship Gala will take place on Oct. 25.

Another sighting included Regent Adelaide Sanford at the home of Susan Taylor for the annual Isis Sisters meeting, of which 50 young Isis members attended.

All the talk these days is how Beyoncé will be giving the concerts of a lifetime, performing back-to-back in Atlantic City, N.J., and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. As I relaxed over the weekend and listened to my killer playlist, it occurred to me that I have three selections by Beyoncé: “Crazy in Love,” “Ave Maria” and “Summertime,” an oldie she sings with Diddy. Heavens! Does this mean I really like Beyoncé after all? Gee, now I’m confused.

Until next week … kisses