The programme lasted 8 months, consisted of individual meetings with Barbara, at regular intervals, according to her request and need, and of 3 unique training weekends.


Barbara is co-owner of the design agency 'studio basil.' in Brussels and also works as Finance Manager of the company Vaimo. After some quick wins within basil's organisation, we stipulated a strategic multi-year plan for Barbara's career. This went very smoothly; we were on the same wavelength. During studio basil.'s strategic weekend in February, Barbara implemented a feedback technique she had learned during the training sessions.
This exercise brought important insights to all employees. Barbara shared her budgets and figures at regular intervals, thus gaining more insight into their business. There is currently a lot of pressure on communication companies, thanks to good preparations and insights, plans can be adjusted at appropriate times.

The training weekends were a unique experience, a real example of empowerment, with the themes of self-development, personal fulfilment, building self-confidence, leadership styles, giving and receiving feedback, communicating well, daring to ask questions, being honest with yourself ...
My great thanks go to the trainers Ingrid Ghys (Belgium), Masha Westen (Netherlands) and Emine Gül (Luxembourg).

I experienced my participation in this programme as very positive. Creating opportunities to empower young entrepreneurial women socially and professionally gave me a boost. It is fascinating how the young ladies quickly pick up new things and make them their own. To me, as an experienced businesswoman, so many things seem 'obvious'. Barbara had to temper me a bit, there was too much info coming at once. Her feedback to me (we learned to communicate better was enriching for me. Personal development counts for both mentor and mentee !

Without more words, I can confirm that the Leadership and mentoring programme realises Soroptimists' mission and objectives:
'Soroptimists want to improve the living conditions and status of women and girls. With better education and support in the economic and political spheres, they gain a voice, develop and become self-reliant. They strengthen their social position and take on leadership roles. This is how we work together to eliminate injustice and take steps towards true emancipation and equality.'

The international experience, with English as the working language during the programme, underlines the strength and commitment of Soroptimists within the Benelux. It has a binding effect and is enriching to get to know the many initiatives of our Soroptimists. The diversity in the group underlined the social dimension of the project.
Many thanks to the organisers Martine Union & Katrien Derveaux (Belgium), Anne Smit (Netherlands) and Simone Polfer (Luxembourg). Thanks for dedicating all their free time to realise this project.”