Female entrepreneurs join forces to help other women break the glass ceiling
Joining forces: Everywoman co-founders Maxine Benson (left) and Karen Gill (right) with AllBright CEO Viviane Paxinos, centre
This week, a new global organization is being launched to help women break the glass ceiling.
AllBright, the world’s largest network for working women, has acquired learning and development organisation Everywoman for an undisclosed sum.
The newly formed group aims to accelerate progress on the gender gap, which the World Economic Forum estimates will take more than 130 years to close at current rates.
AllBright was founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Debbie Wosskow and Anna Jones, the former CEO of Hearst Magazines. Now run by Viviane Paxinos, it 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,” Paxinos said. “Together, we will double down on our shared mission to create a world where every woman can thrive and reach her full potential.”
Despite progress in recent years, women are still underrepresented at the top of British business, with only ten female CEOs of FTSE 100 companies. Female-led businesses still struggle to gain backing from venture capitalists.
Founded 25 years ago by Karen Gill and Maxine Benson, Everywoman 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’s been a lot of progress since we started in the days of dial-up modems. When we started, people struggled to name a woman entrepreneur.
“Our greatest achievement is creating role models for women in business. But we feel the job is not done yet. Women still face challenges in terms of culture and behavior.”
The duo will remain advisors and investors in the new venture. Everywoman chairwoman Rosaleen Blair, who founded recruitment firm AMS, will also become a shareholder, as will private equity firm Cain International.
Following the deal, AllBright will focus on learning and development, increasing member benefits and building partnerships, including with brands looking to create deeper connections with women.
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