The only woman at the table

The only woman at the table

This "Winning from Within" edition is a message for women working in a male-dominated industry, such as the world of sports.

But if you're a man: definitely keep reading, I think it can be valuable for you as well. And there is an interesting offer at the end for you too....

Working in the world of sports and particularly football for over 20 years, being the only woman at the table has been a recurring chapter in my journey.

For me that was one of the reasons to start showing up. Because, let’s face it, if you want change, you need to change yourself.

I hear so many women say that they want change; but (and I might not make myself popular by saying this) what do they actually do themselves?

Yes, I often hear complaints about not getting chances, about the glass ceiling, about unfair advantages for men. This might indeed be the case (although I personally don’t believe in the glass ceiling), but complaining about it isn’t going to change a thing.

We all know that representation matters, why female role models are important. But if you are a woman working in a male-dominated industry, ask yourself sincerely: are you embodying that role model? Are you actually showing up, asserting your value?

Consider the impact you could be making; not just in your own career, but as a beacon for future generations. Are you the example you wish for your daughter, niece, or your friends’ daughters?

And don’t get me wrong: I love working with men (otherwise I wouldn’t have been working in this world for 20 years already) and so might you.

But it's time for more women at the table. Not only in the world of football but across all male-dominated sectors.



So, I choose visibility. I choose to share my journey. I choose to show up, despite my own fears; the fears of being rejected, the fear of other people's opinions.

And I urge you to do the same.

Become the role model you yearned for in your youth. Inspire the next generation through your journey, by sharing your story, by showing up.

I can pave the way, set an example, but the change we seek demands collective effort. Are you feeling the pain of missed promotions, exciting projects, job satisfaction, and salary raises—all because you might unknowingly sabotage your own career by not showing up?

If this resonates with you, and you're not sure how to break free from this cycle, and if you're feeling the call for change, then my upcoming free Feminine Leadership Masterclass is tailor-made for you.

Join me on October 13th at 12:00 CET or October 19th at 20:00 CET and let's embark on this journey of empowerment together.

Yes, I'm in!

Want to work with me?

This month it is 20 years ago that I officially started working in the sports industry; I joined the KNVB, the Royal Netherlands Football Association on 1 October 2003. To celebrate this, I share one valuable tip every day.

Today's tip was: stop assuming! So therefore this part of this "Winning from Within" edition; to indicate how you can work with me, because I don't want to assume that you know that??

Scoring Big

Upon request I decided to give my Masterclasses "Connecting with Confidence and "Personal Branding" one last time this year.

In these Masterclasses you learn how you can get your dream job or project and I share my best practices on how I got to work on FIFA World Cups, UEFA Euros, the Olympic Games and Tomorrowland Winter (and so many more interesting events). And yes, these Masterclasses are also for men.

BONUS: A live Q&A where you can ask me anything

For more info, click here

If you still want to make use of the Early Bird offer, don't wait too long.

If you want to work 1-to-1 with me, I created a VIP-version of this programme; I have only 3 spots available for this month. Interested? Send me a DM and you will receive the information.


Feminine Leadership Group Programme

I will soon launch my new Feminine Leadership Group Programme.

The programme is for you if you want to:

?? dare to make?bold career moves?with self-assurance, focusing on what you truly want, rather than being driven by external demands or ego-boosting opportunities

?? confidently hold your ground as a?powerful woman?in a male-dominated world without compromising an ounce of your femininity

?? present yourself with?unwavering confidence, whether it's in front of clients, within your team, or in the boardroom, showcasing your powerful and authentic feminine leadership

?? assertively secure the?appropriate compensation; that salary that truly reflects your value but which you have?hesitated to claim until now;?simply because?you're 100% deserving of it

Would you like to be kept informed about this programme? Please respond below with "Feminine Leader" or send me a DM, and I'll make sure you're the first to be informed and receive the best offer.



To conclude this Edition of the "Winning from Within" Newsletter a question to all fantastic women working in male-dominated industries out there: are you in? Are you going to show up as the female role model we so desperately need?

I'm in for it; who's with me? ????♀?

Valeria Sorrentino

Head of Arrivals & Departures FWC26 @ FIFA | Board Member FIFA Women's Network | Advisor at Collective Visibility | Top 50 Women Leaders in Miami | Enthusiastic Traveler | Buddhist at Heart | Proud Mother

1 年

Great Job my friend!!!

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