The session started with Lucy Eden, Founder of Be In Your Element, hosting a breathwork and meditation session. The session encouraged everyone in the room to be present in the moment, listen to themselves, and set their intentions for what they wanted to get out of the event. The room recalled what everyone was grateful for, from music to family, to their umbrella on the rainy morning the event took place, to Rare Founders for putting on the session to empower everyone in the room, and to educate on all the hurdles that female founders have to jump over for a place at the table.

The event featured a panel of female founders, including:

• Tanya Nguyen, Founder and Chairwoman, Sunrise Group
• ​Adi Hristova, Co-Founder, growyze
• ​Yana Lapitskaya, Co-Founder and CEO, YAi
• ​Lucy Eden, Founder, Be In Your Element
• ​Emilie Belibi, Founder, Em & Drew

Once the panel was over, the audience had plenty of questions for the panellists. A worry in the room was risen by an audience member asking how to balance being assertive whilst not seeming like a b*tch. This is a concern for many women in business, yet, male founders never have this issue.

In a quick response, one panellist remarked: “There is nothing wrong with being a b*tch.” In an industry that is so often male dominated, women in the industry often face sexism, with people believing women should be quieter and less demanding, when their male counterparts face no backlash for the same behaviour. Whatever label others want to put on you as a female founder doesn’t change the great work that you are doing. Oftentimes, this label is put on female founders when they’re seen as a threat, so they may as well continue what they’re doing, because it shows they’re doing something right.

When discussing what can set founders apart, and really continue to drive business forward, the main consensus was passion. Being passionate about the work you’re doing and the business you’re building is the key to success. Some panellists had started other businesses before, or had come from corporate backgrounds to starting their own businesses, and having a true passion for the work you’re doing makes all the difference. It makes the day-to-day jobs rewarding, and less like a chore.

Finally, panellists were asked to share their opinions on whether they believe there is a place for vulnerability in business. One shared: “I think there is and I think it’s about being true to yourself.” The room was very much in agreement. At the end of the day, “business is all about people, and people buy, and people work with who they like. There will always be some form of emotion.” Demonstrating vulnerability can foster stronger connections and trust within teams and business relationships, ultimately leading to a more collaborative and resilient work environment.

Female founders can often be left out of events such as this one, which is why Rare Founders partnered with Em & Drew to provide on-site childcare services, so parents could focus on participating in the event without the challenges of coordinating and paying for childcare.

The event was a success, bringing so many female founders together to discuss their journeys in an open and safe environment. Whether it was the good, the bad, or the ugly, Rare Founders created a space for women to feel comfortable to share their experiences in business, and more of this should be encouraged.

Due to the personal and intimate nature of the panel, any anecdotes or advice given in the Q&A section will remain anonymous and will not be attributed to any of the panellists by name.

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