FEW CSS
In 2008 I attended my first FEW Career Strategy Seminar. In my 30s and not very satisfied in my job, I came to see a friend speak and follow my curiosity. It woke me up. These women were incredible. I lacked confidence, and vision, but received it through workshops on consulting, technology, coaching inputs and a panel that literally blew my mind open. I remember a journalist talking about how she had rented a tiny room near her home so she had a quiet space to write, how a publicist had made her first business cards and eventually ended up hosting Victoria Beckham, and the President talked about overcoming adversity to make the CSS happen. The networking after was incredible. I met 3 of my enduring closest friends, my first coach and many friends, collaborators, clients, people and peers still in my network now. Not a single woman questioned my dreams or ideas. Not one. They encouraged, questioned and believed me. I was bristling with motivation and inspiration. The following year I joined FEW, nervously taking the mic to introduce myself as a new member but staying close to my pal (Tracey!).
In 2010 I was invited to join the FEW CSS committee. This was pivotal in building confidence for my future plans. I watched as mentors and sempai delegated and we all worked toward making the event the best it could be for our attendees. The MC became my next coach. The workshops were again so useful and the networking further grew my network and presence in the community.
I was invited to join the Board of Directors. I was stunned but this belief in me from women I admired further bolstered my confidence but crucially offered actual concrete and practical ways to begin expressing leadership, collaboration, authority, agency, using my voice (disagreeing felt terribly risky, but I built the muscle) and learning how to run a small business.
By 2012 I was, somewhat remarkably, the president of FEW Japan, overseeing the CSS committee, hosting the event (while leaving everyone to their roles), and ensuring our women had the most opportunity they possible could from our event. I ran a mind-mapping workshop, and stood with confidence that FEW had given me. I vowed to do that for others in my life and business.
In 2012 I started my own coaching business; absolutely as a result of the skills, knowledge, network, confidence, mentoring, connections, encouragement, coaching and playground that FEW provided. Not least my immigration lawyer, who got my PR for me, and advised on small business (I’m on my way to have lunch with her today!) Amazing.
In 2014 I had retired from the board, and was a keynote speaker at CSS - an incredible full-circle moment. I also hosted the Small Business Salon for a year. 2016 I MC’d the event along with an artist, and a momma coach, opening and closing the event and again, meeting one of my closest collaborators and dear friends, whose project I would later co-direct.
The connections made at CSS are solid gold.
In 2018 I ran a workshop on Lifeplanning, and did mini-laser l-coaching sessions, and have seen people radically change their lives as a result. CSS really is an investment that will deliver back.
In 2020 I chose to surrender my spot in the interest of having a more diverse collection of speakers.
And in 2024 I’m delighted to be presenting again. 16 years after my first CSS. I want to offer a rich and rewarding experience to every single woman I meet and support and give opportunity in the same way I have enjoyed from the incredible organisation.
Why do I tell this long and involved story? Because FEW CSS and membership provided me with concrete skills, network, clients, advice, leadership opportunity, collaborations, partnering and mentors, not to mention lasting friendships. The women of FEW uplifted me, believed me, gave me confidence, listened, counselled me, and provided a sense of belonging.
Every single thing that happened in my life and business following the CSS is a direct result of the connections, skills and support I received from FEW mentors and members and my investment in the organisation. I met them where they saw me. Which was further on than I saw myself.
And then there’s the magic. There’s something about being in a room full of women. Who all know why they’re there. Who are focussed on the elevation of themselves and others. Who are there to create more and more for everyone in the room.
FEW CSS is special.
This year, the 22nd Biannual Career Strategies Seminar (CSS), now named FEWture Conference will be happening on June 7th at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi. Read more about the program here