Inaugural Cambridge chapter of 85 Broads, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK, 23 May 2009
Article Type: Resources From: Strategic HR Review, Volume 8, Issue 6
Event reviews
Alison TomuraMBA Marketing Officer at Judge Business School.
Women at the University of Cambridge have launched their own chapter of the women’s networking organization, 85 Broads. Founded by Janet Hanson, who found herself “home alone” with two children after a high-flying career at Goldman Sachs, 85 Broads is named after the firm’s 85 Broad Street address in New York. With some 20,000 trailblazing women as members, 85 Broads has a global impact and on Saturday 23 May it reached Cambridge. One organizer, Master of Finance student, Veneta Nikolova, commented: “It was truly inspiring to connect with so many amazing women. We look forward to keeping up the momentum.”
Create what you need
Hanson created 85 Broads to answer her own need for a professional network,and the central message of the Cambridge launch was that women must create what they need. “Focus on the reward, rather than the risks,” advised Jess Pryce-Jones, CEO of iOpener. “Anything that’s new will give you opportunities,” said Margaret Heffernan, entrepreneur, CEO and author,recommending women to head for start-up companies and departments where attitudes are less entrenched. MBA student Louise Westerlind said: “Focusing on opportunities rather than barriers is very powerful.”
Network for success
Getting the help you need – be it funding or flexible working arrangements – was a key concern for the audience. The advice of Lena Henry of McKinsey & Co was to be bold in asking but clear about what you can offer in return. This is where networking comes in, said Hanson. “You need to decide who you want to collaborate with.” Kristan Marnane of McKinsey& Co explained that most women have numerous friends but struggle to connect with those who could influence their career. Pryce-Jones was pragmatic, saying she started her own business with the attitude: “I’ll have a go at that. I don’t know everything but I’ll find someone to help me.”
Follow your passion
Passion is at the heart of all these women’s success, and in the centered leadership session, Henry and Marnane advised the audience to look for their signature strengths and be honest about what they enjoyed. Entrepreneurship is a real option too, said Heffernan. Contrary to received wisdom, she said: “Women have a strong stomach for risk, as long as it is meaningful and coupled to their values.” For those concerned about entering the current job market, Henry was upbeat, saying: “You’re lucky. You’re challenged to think about what you really want.” MBA student Sian Herschel said: “Taking the road less traveled really is the way to the most inspiring career.”
And what about the work-life balance we hear so much of? “Forget it,”advises Hanson. “The key is to have fun. Invent what you need and invest in yourself.”
