What an eventful week it's been for women's clubs, witnessing CHIEF exit the UK and St Barnabas close its doors. As the Founder of The Girls Club - Network (TGC), I find myself grappling with a variety of mixed emotions. On the positive side, it's heartening to observe some competition exiting the market (though I did question how long one of them would last with the steep £8k annual membership fee). Yet, on the flip side, it's disconcerting to witness a decline in support for women at a time when it is most crucial.
Unfortunately, the market continues to present challenges for senior women, with a decrease in women holding operational board roles. While companies boast positive diversity and inclusion results by (arguably ‘cheating’ by recruiting women as non-executive directors), the necessity for women in operational roles, day in and day out, remains crucial for inspiring other women within the organisation as well as provide some well needed sanity for some men who appreciate our input and get a little bored only working with other men.
The latest McKinsey report emphasizes the business sense in having women on
boards, with companies performing 50% better under such circumstances.
Therefore, the support for senior women is more critical than ever.
At TGC, we continue to grow our community gradually and organically, having welcomed almost 1800 members globally, a fact that never fails to astound me. The inception of The Girls Club - Network was accidental; in a very senior role, I couldn't fathom why I felt so unfulfilled. It was the culmination of what I had always strived for in my career, and yet, when it finally happened, it was a bit of a letdown—the confetti cannons and sense of achievement were noticeably absent.
Feeling isolated and like an imposter, despite surpassing commercial targets, I shared my thoughts with some remarkable women at a round table one afternoon. To my relief, they echoed similar feelings. This revelation prompted me to bring a few of us together virtually for a casual glass of wine to share experiences and seek advice. Three years later, with the help and support of some brilliant volunteers, The Girls Club - Network has flourished and evolved.
If you're a woman in a senior role seeking companionship, laughter, and support, consider joining us. It's free to join, and if you wish to access various benefits such as networking, in-person events, masterclasses, a headhunter directory, an executive coach directory, and more, the choice is yours.
If you fancy joining we're here: https://lnkd.in/dfxYEeV
A sincere shout-out to the members who've lost their support network for now - sorry that this has happened, but we're here if you need a friendly face! And to other women who are feeling like I did, remember, you don't need to be alone.
If you fancy joining we're here: https://lnkd.in/dfxYEeV
We've got you, and we get you - 'cos we are you!
#TheGirlsClub #womenempoweringwomen #womensupportingwomen
Business Development @ Super Anchor Safety | 20 Years Senior Sales and Marketing.
2wInspiring!