girlpower Sydney – “Power and The Goddess”
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!
