Breaking Barriers with SHELEADS+: Building a Gender-Equal Future

29th November marked a pivotal day for AMACON Lead®️ as we joined forces with the SHELEADS+ Global Foundation at their annual event in Rotterdam. Their mission to build a gender-equal future in entrepreneurship resonates deeply, and it was the perfect setting to announce our new partnership with SHELEADS+, a spinout of the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship.

We kicked off the day with an energizing team session, then made our way to Ploum Blaak, where the SHELEADS+ event unfolded—a day packed with eye-opening insights, authentic stories, and action-driven conversations.

A Sobering Reality: The Gender Gap in Leadership

The numbers are shocking. In industries like tech, the number of female employees is even smaller, and across the board, females make up only a small fraction of business owners compared to their male counterparts. For example, in the Netherlands, just 1 in 7 companies is led by a female leader.

These aren’t just numbers, they’re a call to action. In a world where female-led businesses are leading the way in sustainability and conscious leadership, it’s clear that closing this gap isn’t just important, it’s urgent.

Stories That Stay with You

Beyond the stats, it was the personal stories that left a lasting impact.Take Esther Smit, for example. As a single mom, she overcame incredible challenges to build a thriving business and earned the title of Businesswoman of the Year in Rotterdam. Her story wasn’t just inspiring; it was a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of persistence.

The keynotes and panels were equally compelling:

• Laura Rosendahl Huber and Leonardo Fuligni shared sharp, research-backed insights into entrepreneurship.

• Nicola Ebmeyer and Dana-Maria Faneker, both thriving tech founders, showed us the grit and innovation it takes to succeed.

• Nicolette Lazarus added a down-to-earth perspective that brought the discussions home.

  
  

  

A Vibrant Exchange at the AMACON Lead®️ Stand

At our booth, we had the privilege of meeting so many inspiring women—entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and students alike. The conversations were vibrant, the energy was contagious, and the ideas exchanged will undoubtedly shape what’s next.

Looking Ahead

This event was just the beginning. Together with SHELEADS+ we’re committed to building a gender-equal future where women leaders thrive in entrepreneurship and beyond.

👉 Stay tuned for updates on our collaboration and upcoming initiatives.

A heartfelt thank you to Katty Hsu, Farshida Zafar, and the entire SHELEADS+ and Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship teams for making this event unforgettable. From the inspiring conversations to the incredible food, you set a new standard.