Blog

How can we best support women in their careers, particularly in leadership roles?

Executive coaches Joanna Menezes and Marie Stephenson who together have created a coaching programme for women, answer 3 questions on this subject

In a world where organisations operate in a climate of uncertainty, collective intelligence is no longer just a buzzword: it is a strategic capability. It enables us to harness everyone’s knowledge and experience to create innovative and sustainable solutions.

That morning, the co-development session I lead brought together several managers. The topic was open-ended and naturally turned to the challenge faced by Léo*—who was soon to be welcoming a new team member. We discussed the fear of getting things wrong, of saying the wrong things… whilst sketching out the beginnings of a solution together.

*name has been changed

We tend to imagine major life changes as clean breaks: one door closes, another opens. Yet in human experience, nothing happens so abruptly. Transitions are not breaking points, but rather journeys.

As his retirement approaches, Georges* admits to feeling anxious about what lies ahead. However, with the right support, he will be able to find the resources to make sense of this life change and approach it with greater peace of mind.

*Name has been changed

Ambition is often presented as a personal quality: an internal driving force, an energy that pushes us forward. However, if we follow Simone de Beauvoir's thinking, ambition is never entirely individual. It is shaped by our environment, our education and our cultural context.

Returning from maternity leave, Maï-Linh* felt that her colleagues were looking at her differently at work... until she was accused of being overly ambitious. Receiving support during this pivotal moment helped her regain her confidence and reaffirm her value.

*Name has been changed.