How many of us struggle as professional women when we find ourselves working to improve our lives, facing our work-life-related questions and challenges alone?
Being in a community with like-minded women is a huge difference-maker. We learn better, solve problems better, and achieve our goals faster when we are part of a team or tribe of like-spirited people. At Mountain Peak Strategies, we say “it takes a team to climb a mountain” – and we are all pursuing one monumental task or another.
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of serving GAIA AFRICA’s Business Dinner Club members. Gaia Africa is the continent’s premier private business club dedicated to serving Africa’s top 5% female decision-makers.
You often hear how being a C-Suite Executive, or a Business Owner, for example, can be a lonely place. In my work with professional women around the world, I constantly hear your desires to know someone has your back, to have a trustworthy person who is willing and able to hear your ideas, offer intelligent and heart-felt support and provide inspiring, caring feedback.
Networking is vital. However, it is not enough. Sharing the same room in a meeting is impressive. But it is not enough.
Women professionals thrive best in intentionally established communities where they can learn together, be empowered and play together too. GAIA AFRICA in Lagos, Nigeria achieves that. The Nine in Brussels, Belgium accomplishes that. And our very own MPS Community provides for such connections too.
We often quote the African proverb: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. It means something significant for women who are about the business of their personal and professional growth, who intend to reach the highest peaks of the possibilities that they can imagine and yet, who also recognize the importance of playtime and connection.
Our clarion call to women is that you can have what you want, make the difference in the world that you came here to make and love the life you live.
It’s easier to do that in community with other women. Find yours. And remember, you will get out what you put in so give it all you’ve got!
