In modern times of digital connectivity, we are privileged to be able to express ourselves online, particularly in an egalitarian space.

 

All around the world, people are using digital tools to communicate their individual voices and generate purposeful online communities.

It is thrilling to see aspirational women utilise the digital world, not only to enable their personal and professional goals, but also to inspire others.

Here at the Polyglot Group, we are excited to discover and contribute to an empowering digital hub for ambitious women.

 

Introducing Thrivhers

Thrivhers is an online space dedicated to enabling women. It inspires women to not only ignite their own potential, but also contribute towards equality in the business world.

The incredible founder behind Thrivhers is Julia Chalon. Julia’s ambition stemmed from her determination to help women reach self-actualisation by putting their strengths and passions into action – whether it be professionally or personally.

Steve Jobs once said, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” But how can women feel more empowered to make the change that’s needed? Julia concluded that one way to inspire others was with stories from other aspirational women.

True to this, Julia has launched Thrivhers interviews, where women who are “living out their life missions” reflect on their experiences and share key advice.

 

Giving Back to Peers

As strong supporters of equality (whether based on gender, age, culture, sexuality or other), we are immensely proud to be a part of the Thrivhers initiative.

Our Founder & CEO Corinne Bot was featured as a “Thrivher” on the website, as she seized the opportunity to share her knowledge through an interview.

Sharing and giving back to other business women is something of great importance to Corinne. Having been a business woman for almost a quarter of century, Corinne has a first-hand appreciation for how impactful this support can be.

Let’s look at some of her key inspiring takeaways.

 

Cultivating Curiosity

With beautiful authenticity and transparency, Corinne reflected on how she summoned the courage to start her own business, and continued to grow the Polyglot Group for over 20 years.

Corinne’s story reflects value in cultivating curiosity toward new interests, and seeing where those interests could develop.

After her first career as a hair dresser in France, Corinne became a Customer Service Representative for an Iron and Steel company. These people-orientated roles lead her to recognise her interest in Human Resources.

“Now it all makes sense, because HR is about people. Even as a hairdresser, it’s amazing what people tell you, it’s like being a psychologist. So, I discovered that I enjoyed working with people right from the start.”

Instead of turning away from her people-centric orientation, she decided to peruse it. She returned to university where she studied HR, whilst also working full-time.

 

“Now it all makes sense, because HR is about people… I discovered that I enjoyed working with people right from the start.”

 

In discussing her journey, Corinne also reflected on the difficulties of that plight, especially as a woman and mother.

“I wanted to spend more time with my girl [daughter], but I hated that I was made to feel I had to choose between being a mother and having a career. I didn’t want to stop doing either.”

 

Corinne’s Key Advice

In her authentic testimonial, Corinne shared something that would surely resonate with many women. She speaks particularly to those who feel torn between restrictive cultural expectations and their own ambitions.

Corinne’s key advice was to refrain from internalising those pressures, and to relieve yourself from guilt. “I used to feel too guilty. I have learned to fight the guilt. I would have suffered less if I’d learned this earlier on.”

Corinne then urges the importance of cultivating your independent strength, and creating goals for yourself as an individual. “I realised I didn’t need anybody else. I could work as an independent consultant for 3.5 days a week and spend the rest of the time with my children.”

 

“I used to feel too guilty. I have learned to fight the guilt. I would have suffered less if I’d learned this earlier on.”

 

By focusing on her own goals and priorities Corinne successfully  overcame stigma and self-doubt to fulfill her passion. “It’s the passion, and the feeling that I love what I’m doing that kept me on this path to get what I have. The passion in terms of day to day passion. Honestly, I don’t feel like I’ve got a job.”

 

Let’s Continue to Support One Another

Overall, it’s heart-warming to see Corinne’s voice contribute to this inspiring and supportive digital conversation.

The Thrivhers website not only showcases the whole interview with Corinne, but also many more talks with incredible women. Head to the Meet the Thrivhers area to discover interviews with women across a huge range of careers and journeys.

Manon

About the Author:

Manon is Polyglot Group's Global Head of Marketing. Referred to a marketing "chameleon", Manon's superpower comes from her ability to jump from one project & specialty to another with ease. Not only is Manon deeply passionate about her work, she is also a diversity, empathy & equality advocate.