Where were you Saturday night?

I was at a high-impact event mixing with like-minded women leaders–ambitious, driven and navigating similar journeys. 

“Ambitions, Allies and Action” was curated by the formidable Hilda Bolande. We walked away with powerful insights, practical takeaways and the kind of perspective shifts that drive real progress to fuel your next bold move, opportunity, or breakthrough.

Held at the jaw-dropping The Lookout on the 50th floor. While looking out towards the misty skyline line, I had a full circle moment–I used to work on Leadenhall Street some 20+ years ago. And now look at me. Got to love how life plays out.

This was honestly the best day for me, it really does make a difference being in a room full of goal-getters, the inspiration, the ideas and the vibe was more than I could’ve ever imagined. I love events like these. The energy in the room was electrifying.

I made some great connections in Rutendo Sibanda and Saloni Thanki. At either end of the employee/entrepreneur spectrum. One was loving her corporate role full of enthusiasm. The other starting out on her entrepreneurial journey after pivoting from her corporate career, excited about the future.

Networking is all about nurturing relationships with intent and without expectation. Just show up. Be your best authentic self. Offer value. Don’t control all the elements or where it’s going to lead.

My intention changed while I was there. Let your intuition guide you, and you will always be drawn to the right people and have the best time.

Notable sessions: women and wealth and an eye-opening keynote of the female funding journey, which can be brutal and biased.

Some nuggets on getting heard over male voices:

“Be authentic”.

“Add humour when speaking”.

“Put your ego to one side and think of the bigger outcome”. 

Take credit for your worth, be loud and proud: “I really like that you like my suggestion, can we build on it”.

If your voice is being drowned by the testosterone in the room:

“Can you give me some space please so I can be heard”?

This reminded me of Trinny Woodall, who once shared on a podcast, that she was asked by a male investor: “so who’s the real face behind the company”? Trinny London is now estimated at around £180M in 7 short years.

“Lay your foundations, take your time. If your foundations are strong it won’t derail you later when you hit setbacks”. I can totally relate to this.

The Brutal World of Business

We heard the story of the founder of Starling Bank, whose team left her to start Monzo. But she had the grit and determination not to be derailed and turned Starling Bank into a soaring success.

The same could be said for the founder of “Bumble”–the dating app that puts women first. Founded after she suffered sexual harassment in her previous role.

When you find your passion, you’ll find your purpose.

International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March is more than just another awareness date on the DE&I calendar–the theme for 2025 is “Accelerate Action”.

This event encapsulated that sentiment.

The Metrics That Matter

I’m not playing a numbers game. Not the number of impressions or likes. I’m measuring my metrics differently, people and impact.

Because people won’t remember the number of followers or connections you have, but how you made them feel. Your brand is how they feel about themselves in your presence, Elevated? Challenged? Seeing their own brilliance?

Networking Ninja

I’m loving the in-person energy more than I imagined and picked up a few hacks:   

⚫ Focus on 1 or 2 meaningful conversations, you can’t work the whole room.

⚫ Go with the flow, don’t try to control all the elements, be intentional but without expectations by reading the energy of the room. How it plays out in your head isn’t how it will play out in reality.

⚫ Connection and collaboration over competition.

⚫ Make your own mind up. You’re not going to agree with every expert opinion. Not everyone is going to like you, or you them. Keep it simple. Keep it real.

⚫ The people you surround yourself with will either make you or break you.

⚫ Your network is your net worth.

⚫ Create your own table and decide who’s going to sit at it. 

Big businesses are built on impact and my boutique coaching practice personifies this. Attracting an exclusive network of ambitious women in senior leadership and entrepreneurship. Who are committed to breaking barriers, building wealth and creating lasting impact. I love my work!

⚫ ASK ASK ASK!!

Less ‘doing,’ more ‘who-ing’. It’s tempting to try and hit all of your goals on your own. But it’s also EXHAUSTING.

Instead, ask yourself:

“WHO can help me with this?”

“WHO can do it for me?”

“WHO can open doors for me?”

“WHO can I add to my network?”

“WHO’S already where I want to be?”

What networks are you a part of personally or professionally?