From waiting in the wings to taking centre stage

How to shine as a female leader

Can you imagine how it felt to be actor Steph Parry last month? For those who missed it, Steph was an understudy for the West End musical, 42nd Street.  She was back stage when she heard that Mamma Mia’s female lead had fallen on stage and was unable to continue.  What’s worse, her understudy was ill.  Mamma Mia was going to be cancelled mid show.  That was until Steph raced through the few streets separating their theatres and offered to step in.   You see, a year earlier Steph had played that Mamma Mia part on a cruise ship, it wasn’t exactly the same but she was confident she could step up to save the day.  And she did.  Indeed, she shone so brightly that this week she takes the lead from Lulu in 42nd Street. 

Steph’s story is particularly inspiring to many women in business, because they can relate to it.  They all too often also possess the capability and talent to take centre stage and lead yet are being kept waiting in the wings.  Steph saw an opportunity and she seized it.  She must have known her performance wouldn’t be perfect but she bravely stepped out to put herself in the spotlight. 

Commanding the spotlight and taking the lead isn’t easy, particularly for women who have already reached a certain level of seniority within their career.  At ‘Women Ahead and Moving Ahead’ we recognise that women can find it difficult to step forward and give themselves permission to progress to the highest levels of business.  That’s why we’ve established #LEAD – the first of its kind leadership excellence and development programme.  It’s specifically designed for senior women looking for a secure space, expert insights and the long-term support they need to truly become who they want to be as a leader. 

Designed by Women Ahead with Google’s former EMEA Head of People Development, Charlotte Monico, this unique programme provides both the inspiration and support, for female talent to grow.  It kicks off with a three-day residential, followed by nine months of triad-mentoring with peers from other industries, and unprecedented personal access to world-class experts. 

Only 18 places, for 18 senior women, from 18 different companies, are available in the programme’s inaugural intake.  The cross-company aspect is a key component to provide participants with a completely safe space to talk openly about the experiences and challenges they face. 

If Steph Parry’s story teaches us anything, it is that when women give themselves the permission and create the space to focus their attention on seizing opportunities - the results can be extraordinary.  So don’t miss this brilliant opportunity to be (or develop) the female leadership talent in your organisation.  Take a look at our short film here, download our brochure here or contact kate@women-ahead.org  to secure your place before the #LEAD application window closes early next month.

Careering ahead

One man’s reflections on working with an all-female team

It may sound like he stumbled onto the Ocean’s 8 set but Francis has spent the last 18-months working as the only man in an all-female team.  There was nothing accidental about his decision to join social impact organisation ‘Moving Ahead and Women Ahead’ though. 

“I think the reference to ‘women’ in the organisation’s name puts men off applying to work here,” says Francis.  “That’s a real shame because what we do is much bigger than women’s workplace equality – it’s about trying to increase all spheres of diversity in corporates.”  

The organisation does that predominately through a series of mentoring programmes, supporting those from marginalised groups to get ahead in their organisations.

Mentoring is all about encouraging the best out of people.  There’s something in it for mentor and mentee, it’s completely inclusive and helps both partners gain new perspectives. Step-by-step, participants build the confidence they need to capitalise on their strengths and progress.  That, in turn, helps the organisations they work for become more diverse and inclusive. 

Whilst the ‘Moving Ahead and Woman Ahead,’ team is small, its pragmatic and incremental approach is having a big impact.  Just last week it brought together 600 mentors and mentees to share their mentoring successes. 

“Meeting participants and hearing them tell their personal stories, really crystallises for me that what we do here is making a positive difference,” explains Francis. 

But whilst these programmes draw male mentors, mentees and inspirational speakers, attracting men to join the core ‘Moving Ahead and Women Ahead,’ team is proving more challenging.  That’s a genuine frustration, given this team knows better than most the benefits diversity affords. 

“If other men could just see past the organisation’s name, they’d discover this is such a rewarding place to work,” says Francis.  “We’re a small enterprise so you get involved in so much.  You work with some of the world’s most inspirational speakers and leaders.  Plus, the work we do is making a positive difference in reducing workplace inequality.  How many employers can offer all that?”

‘Moving Ahead and Women Ahead,’ is actively recruiting.  They’re looking for high energy men (and women) with a social entrepreneurial spirit, to join their growing team in Henley.  Francis is keen to encourage other men to look beyond the organisation’s name and discover the rewards that joining this mission-led business can offer. His 18 months with the business has seen him progress on his own incredible journey and, as a result, Francis will leave Moving Ahead and Women Ahead to start his dream role as a teacher in the Autumn.    

Going for the double!

It is finally here – the mentoring double event day we have been gearing up for - two huge events, one Baroness, one Dame and hundreds of mentors, mentees, Programme Partners and sponsors invited to the QEII Centre in Westminster!

We enjoy nothing better than gathering the great and good of the mentoring world and celebrating their successes. The positive energy in the room is always infectious!

We are thrilled to be announcing the winners and shortlisted candidates in our second ever 30% Club mentoring awards! Many of the entries were frankly awe-inspiring. We’ll be awarding to the Most Committed Mentee of the Year, Most Inspirational Mentor of the Year, Most Dedicated Programme Partner of the Year and Dynamic Mentoring Organisation of the Year.

You can see all our winners here, later! (link to our award page which will be updated Weds am)

We at Women Ahead have been supporting and developing this scheme for the 30% Club for four years. In a space where there continues to be a lot of talk about diversity, we are proud that this scheme is genuinely creating tangible change for mentors, mentees and organisations. At scale too, with more than 240 global organisations and 4,236 mentors and mentees supported to date! Our research base is tracking the career advancements, confidence step changes, retention, network expansion and vibrancy of this scheme!

For some, this marks the end of their mentoring journey. They have committed to nine months of mentoring, preparing thoroughly for every meeting, and seeing the effects play out in their professional lives. It has been an honour to hear the stories of boosted confidence, promotions, and talent retained that have come about as a result of life-changing mentoring conversations.

For others, this is the mid-way point of their mentoring experience. They are just over four months in and although they have discovered a lot, there is still much work to do. Sarah Winckless MBE – Olympian, Chef de Mission for Team England at the Commonwealth Games and Women Ahead’s masterful leadership and development expert will be sharing her personal story and mentoring advice.

Our departing mentors and mentees will hear from Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Paralympian and Crossbench Peer and Britain’s most lauded wheelchair racer with 16 Paralympic medals. Dame Helena Morrissey – founder of the 30% Club - will be sharing her tips on closing mentoring relationships.

Good luck to all our mentors and mentees – keep in contact

Here's what we have been hearing...

 “I was identified as a woman with potential, which in itself was fantastic… to then be put forward for this was the icing on the cake”

“My mentor comes from a completely different background and organisation which means he can bring a completely new perspective”

“A Mentor that doesn't know me will be able to see strengths and weaknesses that others may not.  All of this will help me develop and grow in my role.”

“I have benefitted from good mentors and hopefully I can provide the benefit of my experience to help others succeed.   I enjoy seeing people develop to their potential and have been providing mentoring to people with my own business for years.”