“I joined behind closed doors at a time in my career where I knew I needed to make a step change, when I felt I could be making a much greater contribution at the Executive table but was not being heard at the same level as the men in the room.

I recognised that traditional networking was not my strength and I had procrastinated for 2 years on my way forward.

I was regularly the only woman in the room at the Executive level and lacked female peers.

At my first session I left with ideas and advice on how to subtly change my delivery style in board meetings to be better heard; and two weeks later at my next board meeting was astounded to see the immediate change in how I was perceived and listened to in the room. 

My experience of the behind closed doors community is women who genuinely want to support and progress each other, who give openly, generously and continually their wisdom, experience and advice, who provide contacts and introductions and joyously celebrate each others successes.

behind closed doors keeps me accountable to the goals I have set, and they ask me the hard questions whilst helping me work through the options and ways forward.

An accountability partner provides a sounding board, a peer, a safe place to discuss between group meetings and someone you know will help keep you accountable to the goals you have set.

I would unreservedly recommend behind closed doors.

It is a safe place I have cried, laughed, challenged and been challenged, and ultimately celebrated success for myself I had thought out of reach.

It is so much more than professional development and networking – it feels like the first thing in my working life I have truly done for myself.”

Jacqueline Guerin, CFO SA Water, behind closed doors Executive Member

Audio Credit @MegaEnx - Closer