Is there any point in "female only" conferences?

My recent experience from Marie Claire's Power Trip, Greece and a short survival guide for "female only" panelists & attendees

My first reaction when I was invited to be a moderator at this year’s Marie Claire Power Trip conference? Sh@t! ??

My second reaction? Sure! ??

This was not an opportunity that I expected. I had followed the conference in the past and addressed several other “female only” conferences. But to be honest I’m always skeptical about their impact. Our common goal is to see more female leaders stepping forward, to see all women embraced for their talents and natural gifts. Out there, in the real world, not in a “female only” environment. Surely this conference would not hit that target.

I was quite anxious on the day. The idea of spending a whole day in a room full of high achieving women, most of them strangers to me, at a conference with no apparent impact in my view, made me nervous. I voiced this at the family breakfast and my boys rushed to comfort me. Their hugs and kisses lifted my spirits and filled me with courage!

I glammed up, drove to Grecotel in Sounio and so the day began.

As I stepped in I was quickly welcomed by the ladies on my panel. Then Marie Claire’s Editor in Chief, followed by other women I was just getting to know. Our panel was first up, my incredible guests were writer, historian and academic Ms Lena Divani, Provost of New York University and historian Ms Katherine Flemming, Director of the Laskaridis foundation and founder of Story Mentor Ms Angeliki Kosmopoulou and Special Advisor to the UN and the Government of Greece on digital transformation Ms Marily Mexi. Each an esteemed professional in their fields - they chose to share some very personal stories & views with us. Their honesty and passion set the tone for what’s to come. That broke the ice - not just for me but for a whole room of attendees & online listeners who messaged Lean In Network Greece with their heartwarming feedback.

The panels and guests that followed all had a unique contribution to make. We heard from esteemed leaders on women’s contribution in politics, sustainable development, financial literacy, policy making, politics at local and international level,?art, cinematography, fashion, beauty, social enterprises, sports, entrepreneurship and a lot more.?

A single message ringing loud and clear across each talk: “We are here. We can do it. Together we are stronger.”

Looking back at the experience I cannot help but compare it to Shipping and Finance conferences that I attended in my career as a finance lawyer. All of them male dominated. All of them focused on promoting egos & personal agendas before the actual message that the industry is waiting to hear. All of them spaces where women keep their guards up and struggle to be accepted.?

Women do have a unique contribution to make. Their voices deserve to be heard. They are innovative, inclusive, compassionate managers & multi faceted leaders*. Undeniably - the world would be a better place with 50% of all seats in all conferences being occupied by women.?Until then, women have a lot to draw from attending “female only” conferences, seeking female role models, connecting, supporting and then seeking support from each other.?

So yes. This conference did have a point to make. It gave us a sense of the true potential that lies ahead!! It reminded us that we are never “onlys” because we are surrounded by so many other “onlys” waiting to connect.?

Thank you Marie Claire for the wonderful opportunity. Here's to many more Power Trips coming up!?

* As the latest research by LeanIn & McKinsey indicates that during this last year women have surfaced as better leaders, delivering higher results for their companies.?