She Leads & Connects – Women in Business
Why We Wanted to Start a Women in Business Networking Group - And What I Hope It Becomes
There's no shortage of "women in business" initiatives. Panels. Events. Campaigns. And yet - despite all of that - something still feels… missing. This is especially true of our particular situation in France. Everyone I speak to, no matter how well qualified or business-minded, tells me exactly the same story: we are struggling. Struggling to get on in our careers, struggling to find meaningful connections, and a general sense of clutching at straws.
In the Pyrénées-Orientales (department 66), where I live, we border Spain in a unique corner of France. Our biggest city is Perpignan and unfortunately it isn't renowned for its high-powered commercial establishments. It makes it very difficult to do business in traditional ways. This is one of the most important reasons for looking to start a Women in Business Networking Group.
Not because the concept is new. But because the experience often doesn't match the intention.
The Gap I Kept Seeing
Over the years, working at a senior level, I've had the privilege of being in rooms where decisions are made, strategies are shaped, and leadership is tested.
But I've also seen:
incredibly capable women second-guess themselves
talented leaders operating without the right support
conversations that stay surface-level instead of addressing the reality of pressure, performance, and progression
And outside of those rooms, I've seen something else: A lot of networking that feels… transactional or overly polished. Or disconnected from the real challenges women are navigating. From an HR perspective, we need to be having discussions about miscarriage leave, the menopause, and other issues that directly affect women's experience in the workplace.
Because the truth is - being a woman in business isn't just about capability.
It's about:
navigating complexity
sustaining performance over time
managing competing demands (often invisibly)
and doing all of that while still being expected to show up consistently, confidently, and credibly
That's not something a one-hour event really solves.
What I Wanted To Create Instead
I didn't want to create another space where people simply exchange business cards or LinkedIn connections. I wanted to build something more intentional - structured, but still informal and open.
A space that is:
honest - where real conversations happen, not just curated ones
supportive - but not superficial
challenging - in the right way, where we push each other to think differently
grounded in reality - not theory
Because meaningful connection isn't built through small talk. It's built through shared experience, perspective, and trust.
What I hope this becomes
This isn't about building the biggest network. It's about building the right one with the right people who understand the unique challenges we face on a day-to-day basis, quite specifically in this area of France.
What I hope we will be able to create over time together is a group where:
women feel able to talk openly about the realities of work and leadership - not just the highlights
experience is shared in a way that's practical, not performative
people leave conversations with clearer thinking - not just inspiration
there is a genuine sense of support, without losing ambition or edge
And importantly - where we recognise that success doesn't look the same for everyone.
Why This Matters (to me, personally)
This isn't just a professional initiative. It's shaped by what I've seen, what I've experienced, and what I know many others are navigating quietly. I often feel as though I don't have all the answers to the questions I'm most frequently asked. That makes me feel helpless and unworthy of my title.
For me personally, there have been times when things looked "on track" externally, but felt significantly harder behind the scenes. I need this group too. And I know that's not unique.
We don't talk enough about the reality of sustaining what we do over time - especially alongside everything else life brings. That perspective has changed how I lead, how I support others, and ultimately, why this group exists.
An Open Invitation
This is still evolving - and that is quite intentional. The members will decide on the group's future, because the most valuable networks aren't built overnight - they're shaped by the people in them.
If you're someone who values:
honest conversation
thoughtful challenge
helping others navigate their own professions here in France
and meaningful connection
Then you'll likely feel at home here.
If you'd like to be part of it - or just want to understand more - feel free to reach out.
Join us: She Leads & Connects – Women in Business 66 on LinkedIn
Want to learn more? Email us at yourconsultant@candehrconsultancy.com