On March 7th, EDHEC Alumni ’s UK Women Circle decided to mark International Women’s Day 2024 with a webinar on the topic of “What is stopping us from playing big?”.  Two key guest speakers – Anne Geisert, Managing Director at Miele France and EDHEC Alumni President, and Sabine Azancot, former General Manager at Afiniti – contributed to a rich conversation moderated by Marileen Koppenberg, EDHEC Alumni UK Board member and career coach.  (from left to right on the picture)

“Playing big” does not always mean going up – it can be going sideways! 

Did you find the webinar title provocative? Anne felt so and started the discussion with Sabine on the meaning of "playing big”. They agreed that ambitions and priorities vary from one woman to another depending on where they are in life. As Marileen rightly reminded, for some women pausing their careers can be considered as “playing big”, whether to raise their children, change direction or many more reasons.

According to Anne and Sabine, “playing big” tends to shift over time and includes more value-driven leadership as well as making an impact on the people you work with.  

Knowing who you are and making your own luck

Anne humbly recognised the great role that some of her managers had played to help her with her self confidence and develop her career. She paid tribute to the one who had believed in her and got her a promotion whilst having newborn twin daughters. This made us touch upon the importance of intentionally and consistently working at being known for who you are, what you have done and your potential. Along these lines, Sabine recommended to reflect on these three questions:  

1. What are you known for?  

2. What would you like to be known for?  

3. What is at the back of your tee-shirt? (It is about your personal brand and what people say when you are not around)

What if your sponsor was your client?

We spoke at length about what distinguishes mentors from sponsors, and what it takes to develop and nurture a network. Mentors give guidance, support and act as a sounding board. Sponsors are those in the organisation that are key decision makers, have influence, will push for your development and promote your career progression.  It was valuable to be reminded how sponsors can encompass a wide range of stakeholders beyond those in the organisation, including clients who can speak loudly for you and influence your next career move. As a tip, Sabine suggested to identify the needs of your potential sponsors and astutely offer solutions while building the relationships.  

We shouldn’t forget that any professional journey certainly benefits from a strong support system outside of work, be it from our partner, family members or friends.  

We wrapped up our session exploring the challenges women in tech face and how it is key for those to learn the industry specific “language”. In addition, one needs to be seen as an enabler as well as being fun to work with. 

An enormous thanks again to Anne Geisert and Sabine Azancot for such an inspiring evening, and to Marileen Koppenberg for organising and moderating it. Please stay tuned with the upcoming events of the UK | London Club including the next UK women circle and please check out the EDHEC Alumni Wo.Men club too.