There are various discrepancies between men and women when it comes to the way they handle business. Men tend to be more forthright and demanding regarding promotions and role opportunities, and historically, women have a meeker voice – or no voice at all – that has also contributed to disparities in pay and prospects for advancement. In modern society, women who are bold enough to ask for what they deserve can receive it, but many times, it is often easier said than done. My dream for female entrepreneurs is for them not only to be brave but also to embrace their differences to pursue goals that are more valuable than money (but make sure to fight for proper pay and respect, too).
I dare female entrepreneurs to channel their efforts into creating value for the community instead of solely pursuing profits. After working for decades in the Life Sciences sector, I can advise other women not to be as bothered about capital, and instead to set their sights on partnerships. By forming alliances and strategic partnerships with powerful individuals, women entrepreneurs can generate longer-lasting value that also benefits the wider organization and community. Operating with more than yourself and money in mind enables the advancement of others and fosters a sustainable environment for continued growth and success.
At PQE Group, our guiding principles have always been community-focused, with our adopted mantra being Gandhi’s direction to “be the change you wish to see in the world.” Of course, I am not being tone-deaf to the fact that KPIs and profits are of grave importance if you want to keep the doors of your business open, but if you want to keep your doors open for good, then you must invest in your employees and customers. Changing our perspectives about how to elevate our industries from a monetary focus to highlighting instead the wants and needs of the individuals who comprise society is the only way to stay adaptable and ahead of market trends.
Facilitating a genuine and loyal community serves as a foundational pillar for long-term growth and prosperity. Many women have a natural flair for connection, and this trait can be used to improve collaboration and offer support during challenging times. More than financial metrics, relationships enrich the entrepreneurial journey by infusing it with purpose, passion, and a shared vision. Without the global community we have cultivated at PQE Group, we wouldn’t have as wide of an amplification of our company’s message and reach. As a result, we would not be able to help as many people as we would like to and would not have open lines of opportunity for future projects and partnerships on an international scale. It is due to our integrity and community-focused goals as a business that have led the majority of our ventures to the finish line.
All in all, while financial objectives are important, the intrinsic value derived from a loyal and trustworthy community is priceless and indispensable for sustained entrepreneurial achievement. Women and men alike should harness the power of being community-focused and always put people first!
