Female entrepreneurs join forces to help other women break the glass ceiling

This week, a new global powerhouse is being created to help women break the glass ceiling.

AllBright, the world’s largest network for professional women, has acquired learning and development organization Everywoman for an undisclosed sum.

The newly formed group wants to accelerate progress toward closing the gender gap, which at current rates will take more than 130 years to close, according to the World Economic Forum.

AllBright was founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Debbie Wosskow and Anna Jones, former CEO of Hearst Magazines. It is now run by Viviane Paxinos and offers training, events and networking opportunities. Clients include British Airways, HSBC and Samsung.

“Our vision is to create a global powerhouse that improves the lives of women,” said Paxinos. “Together, we will amplify our shared mission to create a world where all women can thrive and reach their full potential.”

Despite progress in recent years, women remain under-represented at the top of British business, with just ten women leading FTSE 100 companies. Businesses led by women continue to struggle to secure backing from venture capitalists.

Everywoman was founded by Karen Gill and Maxine Benson twenty-five years ago and works with 70 corporate clients including Amazon, Bupa, Lloyds Bank and Google to develop female talent. It also runs the annual Entrepreneur Awards to celebrate women who have founded successful businesses.

Karen Gill said: “There has been a lot of progress since we started, back in the days of dial-up modems. When we started, people struggled to name a female entrepreneur.

“Our greatest achievement has been creating role models for women in the business world, but we feel we are not done with the job. Women still face challenges in terms of culture and behaviour.”

The duo will remain advisors and investors in the new company. Everywoman chairwoman Rosaleen Blair, who founded recruitment firm AMS, will also be a shareholder, as will private equity firm Cain International.

Following the deal, AllBright will focus on learning and development, driving member benefits and building partnerships, including with brands looking to create deeper connections with women.