Akosua Dardaine Edwards is woman who has made tremendous strides in redefining how we lead. She is a friend first and then we have Author, Founder, Advisor, TedX Speaker and Mentor. She leads with her heart and has created a tribe of consultants where honesty and transparency is valued even when the conversations get tough. This lady has been a part of my life for 15 years and with new every year, she is making strides in the area of female empowerment in the Caribbean region.
She founded the NiNa Young Women's Leadership Program geared towards empowering young girls transitioning from state care.
In the competitive and often high-stakes world of consulting, finding your circle—especially as a female consultant—can be a transformative experience. This circle is more than a professional network; it's a sanctuary of peers who offer support, inspire you, and provide a safe space for honest dialogue during challenging times.
As a female consultant, the path can sometimes feel isolating, navigating environments that may not have been structured with your unique challenges in mind. The importance of building a network of other women who have walked similar paths cannot be overstated. These connections provide more than just networking opportunities—they offer insights and empathy from those who truly understand the nuances of your experiences.
There's undeniable power in shared experiences. Finding other female consultants who resonate with your journey can significantly inspire you. Whether it’s tackling gender bias, balancing personal and professional life, or handling high-stress projects, these women can provide not just advice but real empathy and support. This circle becomes your go-to when you need to bounce ideas, vent safely, or seek guidance without judgment.
One of the biggest benefits of having a close-knit circle is the mental safety it offers. In the consulting world, where the pressure to always seem in control and on top of things is immense, having a trusted group to share your true feelings and challenges with can be a relief. This safety net allows for vulnerability—a crucial aspect often missing in professional settings. When you can be honest about your struggles, you’re more likely to find effective solutions and feel less alone in your challenges.
Moreover, being part of a supportive circle can empower you to maintain transparency with leadership, even when things aren’t going well. It’s important to communicate challenges not just to seek solutions, but to foster an environment where honesty is valued over mere performance. Your circle can provide the courage you need to initiate these conversations. They can help you strategize the best approaches to difficult discussions, ensuring you’re heard and understood.
So, how do you find this circle? Start by reaching out within professional networks, attending industry conferences, and participating in workshops and seminars that focus on women in consulting. Online forums and social media groups can also be excellent resources for connecting with like-minded professionals.
Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself, share a bit of your journey, and ask about theirs. More often than not, other female consultants are looking for the same kind of connection. Over time, these interactions can develop into deep professional relationships that stand the test of time and career challenges.
Ultimately, your circle is not just about professional networking—it’s about building a network of empowerment. The right circle doesn’t just support your career; it enriches your entire professional experience, equipping you to handle challenges more effectively and confidently. As you grow in your career, you’ll likely find that these relationships not only help you survive in your field but thrive.
For any female consultant, finding your circle means more than discovering peers—it means finding your tribe. In this tribe, each member uplifts the other, creating a cycle of empowerment that extends beyond individual successes and contributes to a broader cultural shift within the consulting industry.