In the past year since setting up a content consultancy, I have joined a couple of women's only communities to meet like-minded business owners, expand my network, and learn how to build a scalable brand.
One of the first events I attended was a panel discussion by Launchpad by Honeycombers (not technically a women's club, but 95 per cent of its members are female), and I remember feeling inspired and rejuvenated post-event. It was like I had walked into a room full of positive cheerleaders - the women were friendly, supportive, and happy to share experiences, challenges, failures, and successes.
I felt empowered. The next day, I connected with some of them via Whatsapp: "Let's catch up for coffee." "You mentioned you wanted to work with a content consultant, can I help?"
Cue vague responses and empty promises to schedule a catch-up.
That was my induction to a women's community, and I wondered if I had made a misstep. At the risk of sounding naive to the realities of networking, I expected more, especially since these clubs place such emphasis on support, authenticity and non-judgement.
I had paid about $500 (it was a discounted rate) for a year's membership, which promised in-person and virtual events, including masterclasses, weekly calls with other members, and group mentoring sessions. The most value I'd gotten from the network is undoubtedly the active Whatsapp group chat, where you can find word-of-mouth recommendations about anything and everything, from lawyers specialising in IP to social media hacks.
In a way, I do acknowledge that more can be done on my part to get to know the 300-strong community better. Founder Chris Edwards signs off her e-mails with "Remember - you only get out what you put in!" (no pressure, I know). Life has gotten in the way of me joining the events, weekly calls or masterclasses.
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE POWER OF KINDNESS
A champion of women's rights and gender diversity, social services leader Junie Foo gives her take on mastering the art of leadership with kindness.
UNLOCKING NEW POSSIBILITIES
For too long, tech has been defined by a singular narrative – one dominated by men. But across Singapore’s evolving landscape, women are rewriting the script. In collaboration with Singtel, we spotlight the stories of three women whose bold choices and remarkable resilience are not just advancing technology, but also paving the way for those who follow.
At the forefront of innovation
Just like the generations of Singaporean women who have been shaping the nation, Singtel has been leading the charge in powering Singapore’s progress.
MAKING WAVES
History was made in 2008 when Yip Pin Xiu won Singapore's first gold medal at the Summer Paralympics in Beijing. Since then, the champion swimmer has won six more, but the journey has not been easy. Here's how she triumphed over challenges to achieve her personal bests.
IMPACTING CHANGE WITHIN COMMUNITIES
Hear from these inspiring women about how their organisations support and empower communities in Singapore, and how we can contribute to their causes.
Where business meets purpose
Jessica Fun, managing director of Shiseido Singapore, believes that brands today need more than just great products – they need a cause worth championing too.
WHAT MAKES THE SINGAPORE AESTHETIC ?
In the heart of a dynamic city-state, where tradition intertwines with innovation, four extraordinary women are making their mark on the local and global creative landscape. They are the ones pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and shaping the very fabric of our aesthetic identity.
FIRST LEADERS
They are among the first women to lead the way in women’s rights, law, politics and business. Get to know some of Singapore’s most influential luminaries.
THEIR DAILY LIVES, WE'LL HAVE TRULY SUCCEEDED."
Singapore's leading wildlife conservators Andie Ang and Anbarasi \"Anbu\" Boopal have an important message on co-existing with nature and animals, and how education plays a key role.
TURNING THE TIDE
Gain the perspectives of three remarkable women - Esther An, Nalini Puniamoorthy and Qiyun Woo - each contributing their unique expertise and passion to the fight against climate change.
