Madeline Fetterly Travels to Napa to Join NWPCA Annual Leadership Conference

Last week, I was delighted to travel to Napa to join the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) Annual Leadership Conference.

I was honored to speak on a LinkedIn for Business panel and at the Women in Business Breakfast.

As I looked around the room of accomplished women, I felt a familiar wave of imposter syndrome. What could I possibly offer these professionals who all have more experience and success than me?

Many have had longer, more accomplished careers. Some are leading family businesses or trailblazing in their industries.

But then I remembered what I often tell the professionals I work with when they're hesitant to post on LinkedIn:

“Even if you don’t know if it will matter to them—talk about the things that matter to you.” So, I did. I told my story.

The windy, nonlinear one that starts in a small Texas town, detours through China, lands in Washington, DC, then pivots to a side hustle-turned-business in the middle of a pandemic while navigating the baby years.

I talked honestly about building something while raising a family, managing burnout, and fighting the voice that says you’re not doing enough.

When I tell my story, I make sure it makes sense.

Not because it’s perfect. But because I am in charge of how I tell it. To the women who showed up early for breakfast, listened generously, and reminded me that shared stories build real connection—thank you.

And to anyone reading this who’s still figuring out how to share their voice—start with what matters to you.

✨ That’s always where the magic begins.

Thank you for the incredible NWPCA team- I am so grateful you asked me to join your amazing Members!