Women in business : Career insights and advice from Workshop17 members
At Workshop17, we believe that the most powerful insights come from real experiences from the people building, growing and navigating their careers every day.
As conversations around women in the workplace continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: there is no single path to success. Every journey is different, shaped by ambition, challenges, bold decisions and moments of growth. What truly matters is creating space for these voices to be heard, shared and celebrated.Within our Workshop17 community, we’re surrounded by inspiring women doing exactly that, leading, building, learning and supporting those around them. So, we asked some of our members to share their thoughts: what drives them, what they’ve learned along the way, and the advice they would give to the next generation.
Here’s what they had to say
Elodie Lincoln, Executive Director
at Innovative Supplies & Services
What risks have you taken in your career that helped you grow?
The biggest risk I took in my career was leaving a secure job at 28 to take over a company.
What drives you to do what you do every day? Knowing that my work helps large companies adopt more sustainable practices gives real meaning to what I do.
My advice for young women starting their careers today:
Degrees open doors, but the right attitude is what truly builds a career.
Mona Sedghi, Founder
of Stride Relations
My advice for young women starting their careers today:
If it was easy, everybody would do it and everybody would have it. Your success is directly correlated to how much
discomfort and uncertainty you are willing to sit with at times. Go blaze your own trail and just see what happens! Being mentally resilient will always be your biggest asset.
What risks have you taken in your career that helped you grow?
I left my well-paid dream job as an employee to start my own business from scratch. It was a calculated risk, but nonetheless terrifying. I’ve learned that discomfort is often where the most progress and meaning sit, and I’ve never looked back.
How can women better support and uplift one another in the workplace?
I think the framing of that recurring question itself is part of the issue. Support shouldn’t only mean women supporting other women, it also requires examining the structures around them. I come from Sweden, where gender equality is largely a non-issue, but in Mauritius women are still underrepresented in decision-making roles and on boards. The recent legal requirement for female representation on boards is a positive step because it helps push that structural change forward. Real progress will also depend on those who already hold the seats - still mostly men - being willing to open the door and make space. Not as a favour or quota, but because many competent women belong there. Competence must always come first. The gap exists largely because men have historically had more opportunities. Challenging existing structures may feel uncomfortable, but progress rarely happens inside comfort zones.
Narmeen Sahaduth, People Administrator at Hawksford
What drives you to do what you do every day?
What drives me every day is the belief that work should be a place where people can truly thrive, not just survive. I am passionate about creating safe, healthy, and supportive environments where employees feel valued and empowered. To me, Human Resources is more than just a title—it’s about putting the ‘human’ back into Human Resources and ensuring that people remain at the center of everything we do
How can women better support and uplift one another in the workplace?
Women can better support and uplift one another in the workplace by being kind and collaborative. The ocean is big enough for all of us to float, so instead of competing, we can mentor, celebrate each other’s successes, and amplify one another’s voices. When we spread kindness like confetti, we create a culture where everyone thrives.
My advice for young women starting their careers today:
My advice to young women starting their careers is to own your space, trust your instincts, and never be afraid to speak up. Challenges will come, but see them as opportunities to grow and build resilience. Remember that financial independence is not optional—it’s essential. And above all, prioritize self-care, because you cannot pour into others if your own cup is empty.
Priya Haurheeram, Head of Operations, Deputy MLRO & Data Protection Officer at Lead Solution Wealth Management
How do you use your voice or position to support others?
I use my voice and position to create clarity and empowerment. In compliance and financial advisory, I simplify complex requirements, so clients feel secure and confident. In wellness, I guide people towards balance and self-awareness. Whether in the boardroom or the studio, my goal is always to uplift others by making knowledge accessible, fostering trust, and encouraging them to step into their own strength.
How can women better support and uplift one another in the workplace?
Women can uplift one another by embracing collaboration and compassion, not competition. Much like in spiritual practices, when we attune to each other’s energy, we create balance, harmony, and collective strength. By celebrating achievements, sharing wisdom, and holding space for one another, we cultivate a workplace that is not only successful but also deeply nourishing for the spirit.
My advice for young women starting their careers today:
Honor both your intellect and your intuition.The corporate world will often push you to be sharp, logical, and relentless, but don’t silence the inner voice that guides you towards balance, creativity, and authenticity.
Stay rooted in self-awareness - Build competence and credibility - Lead with empathy - Keep joy alive
True success isn’t about choosing between power and peace; it is about weaving them together. Walk into every room with clarity in your mind and calm in your heart, and you’ll embody a presence that no one can ignore.
Anais Dangeot, Technical Advisor
Qu’est-ce qui vous motive à faire ce que vous faites chaque jour ?
La curiosité. J’ai toujours voulu comprendre comment le monde fonctionne. Travailler dans le secteur des politiques publiques à travers le monde permet justement d’observer comment une bonne décision se construit, suscite l’adhésion (ou pas), puis s’enracine jusqu’à parfois devenir presque une tradition.
Mon conseil aux jeunes femmes qui commencent leur carrière aujourd’hui :
Ne pas attendre d’avoir toutes les garanties pour avancer et accepter de s'appuyer sur ce qui est déjà. La confiance vient aussi en faisant, en testant, en se confrontant au réel. Et surtout, apprendre à faire confiance à son propre jugement avec le temps.
Quels risques avez-vous pris dans votre carrière qui vous ont aidé à évoluer ?
Encore une fois, je ne crois pas qu’il y ait une recette miracle, mais plutôt une succession de choix presque quotidiens. Le risque que j’ai souvent pris, c’est de saisir des opportunités que je trouvais intéressantes même lorsqu’elles pouvaient paraître incertaines sur le moment. Par exemple, choisir une filière scientifique quand peu de personnes autour de moi le faisaient, puis commencer directement dans le consulting avec une position freelance, donc avec peu de garanties classiques (congés payés, pension, etc.), en assumant une négociation all inclusive. Avec peu de garanties, j'ai appris à faire confiance à la qualité de mon travail comme meilleur porte parole et actif réputation. J'ai également développer ma capacité à choisir, et aussi à partir quand il le fallait.
Across these perspectives, one thing stands out: there is no single path to success, but there is a shared mindset, one rooted in courage, curiosity and resilience.
From stepping away from security to build something new, to learning how to navigate both people and complexity, these journeys highlight that growth often comes from discomfort, from taking risks, and from trusting yourself before you feel fully ready. They also remind us that success is not built on skills alone, but on attitude, adaptability and the ability to keep moving forward.
Beyond individual journeys, there is also a powerful message around community. Whether it’s creating space for others, leading with empathy, or choosing collaboration over competition, real progress happens when people lift each other up and challenge the structures around them.
At Workshop17, this is what we see every day, individuals coming together to grow, support, and shape their own paths. Because success is not just about where you go, but how you grow along the way, and who you bring with you.