Power and The Goddess

girlpower Sydney – “Power and The Goddess”

http://www.girlpowersydney.com.au/

Next event: September 2012 – book via the website

Reviewed by Lana Hilton

Anything that evokes the memory of holding up the ‘peace’ sign and saying “Girl Power!” in a British accent (ala the Spice Girls), has already got my attention.

I feared we would be dancing naked around a roaring fire and chanting about womanhood and conquering the world; but alas, there was no naked dancing (but close to it!) and the whole evening was incredibly classy and professionally polished.

Organiser Natascha Moy welcomed us over a delicious selection of cheese and wine and told us about her excitement in starting girlpower Sydney as a forum for women who are serious about business and who are open to networking with other likeminded women. “Brilliant business for brilliant women” was how she put it and I couldn’t agree more. Why should the men be the only ones to get ahead in business?

This is the organisations’ third event and it is becoming increasingly successful due to the nature of the evening. Great food and wine is a given, followed by two fabulous speakers working in different arenas and with very different – but equally valid – advice for the modern businesswoman. The evening was entertaining and relaxing, especially thanks to the free five-minute massages provided. They even handed out free magazines, muesli-bars and body lotion to every woman and the lucky ones who won prizes walked away with a $150 online shopping voucher and bottles of wine!

The first speaker was Mariette Rups-Donnelly, a former actress and now a business coach and specialist. Keeping with tonight’s theme Mariette was teaching us the “power” of self-presence and how we are perceived. By simply standing, breathing correctly and using your voice, she taught us how to command an authoritative presence and centre ourselves so that we are perceived as professional and confident.

After a short break where we were urged to network our butts off and collect all the business cards we could, we indulged in some more wine and cheese and sat down for the second speaker of the evening - Blush Dance School founder Sarah Martin.

Sarah was here to unleash the “Goddess” within us, showing us how we can use our womanly energies to create a more positive, confident self. Confidence is power, after all. Sarah’s philosophy of having a space where woman can feel comfortable and playful in a safe environment is what has made her so successful. She wrapped up by teaching us a few burlesque dance moves that had everybody feeling fun and sexy!

The organisers were passionate about their cause and really made the evening upbeat and enjoyable. I came away feeling motivated even though I only collected a few business cards. Next time I will definitely have in my mind what I wish to achieve from the evening.

Whether you want to meet women you hope can help you in the business world or if you want to learn a few tips for self-improvement; here, you can.

It can be overwhelming walking into a room full of fabulous women and taking the initiative to strike up a conversation with people you’ve never met so that you can sell yourself, but that is the whole point of girlpower events – women need to have a voice in business and we shouldn’t have to hide our talents or feel uncomfortable with wanting to get ahead in life.

Let’s band together and celebrate being remarkable, dynamic women!