The Women in Partnership Luncheon at #Catalyst24 was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful exchange of ideas, experiences, and wisdom from some of the most influential voices in the partnership community. The event, featuring Kelly Sarabyn, Jen Waltz, Rachel Skaff, Jill Rowley, and Heidi Bamburg, provided a platform for attendees to not only learn but also reflect on their personal and professional journeys.
As the discussions unfolded, several key takeaways emerged, each resonating deeply with the audience. These insights serve as a guide for women navigating their careers in partnerships and beyond.
Mentorship and Advocacy
- Mentorship is Key + Not Everyone Will Be Your Advocate:
- Mentorship and Advocacy: Having mentors is crucial for career growth, but it’s important to remember that not everyone will advocate for you. Seek out mentors who are not only willing to guide you but also champion your voice and career.
Self-Worth and Career
- De-Couple Your Self-Worth from Your Career + Let Go of Imposter Syndrome:
- Self-Worth Beyond Career: Your value is not tied to your job title or achievements. Let go of imposter syndrome by recognizing your worth and embracing that your identity is much more than your career.
Work-Life Balance and Personal Fulfillment
- Work-Life Balance Is Too Important to Discount + Enrich Yourself Personally, Outside of Work + Create Boundaries + Get Outside and Prioritize What Makes You Happy!:
- Work-Life Balance and Personal Fulfillment: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance involves setting boundaries, enriching yourself outside of work, and prioritizing activities that bring you joy. Ensuring time for personal fulfillment is crucial to overall happiness and success.
Resilience and Perspective
- Don’t Take Defeats or Bad Times Too Seriously—This Too Shall Pass + Give Yourself Grace:
- Resilience and Perspective: Challenges are temporary, and it’s essential to navigate them with resilience. Giving yourself grace during tough times allows for growth and helps maintain a positive perspective.
Lifelong Learning and Growth
- It’s Not Too Late to Learn + If You Are the Smartest Person in the Room, You Are in the Wrong Room:
- Lifelong Learning and Growth: Learning never stops, no matter where you are in your career. Seek environments where you can continue to grow and challenge yourself, ensuring that you’re constantly evolving both personally and professionally.
Advocacy and Assertiveness
- You Don’t Get What You Don’t Ask For + It’s Okay to Be Assertive:
- Advocacy and Assertiveness: Advocate for yourself by being assertive. Whether asking for what you need or making your voice heard, assertiveness is key to ensuring that you receive the opportunities and support you deserve.
Quality Connections and Networking
- Quality Over Quantity with Connections + Be Where You Need to Be:
- Quality Connections and Networking: Focus on building meaningful relationships over sheer numbers. Being present in the right spaces where you can cultivate deep connections is more valuable than amassing a large network.
Thank you to all of the attendees! Special thank you to Rachel Skaff, Natasha Richards, Gayathri Padmanabhan, Gayla Steiner, Mekaela Davis, Rachael Rogers, Kelly Sarabyn, Natasha Richards, Janayn Evans-Irem, KP Puerto, Jill Rowley, Jillian Fraas, Meg Eggers, Hannah Jermy, Jen Waltz, Caryn Jervis, Jessica Niemi 📈, Joanne Modugno, CPCP, Edessa Polzin, PCM®️, Andrea Staertow Henry, Danelle Fash, Barbara Badelt Ford, and Heidi Bamburg.
