On June 17th, I had the honour of attending the 2025 Financial Times Women in Business event in London — and I left with more than notes and business cards. I left with perspective. With truth. With reminders I didn’t know I needed.
As a woman in business, I’ve walked a path that hasn’t always been straight or obvious. I’ve changed industries without the “right” background. I’ve said yes to things I didn’t feel fully qualified for. I’ve taught myself. I’ve failed. I’ve been underestimated — and at times, I’ve underestimated myself too.
What this event reminded me is: I’m not alone.
So many of the women on stage — successful, brilliant, powerful — spoke not about polished strategies, but about the in-betweens. The not-knowing. The pivots. The emotional labour of building something meaningful while being told (explicitly or not) that you don’t quite belong. They talked about learning to let go of the need to be perfect. About embracing the discomfort. And I saw myself in their words.
When I first started my journey, I thought I needed to know everything before I could step into a new space. That I had to earn my seat before I could speak.
But the truth is, you build your place by showing up — not by having all the answers.
There were moments when doors closed. When collaborations failed. When people around me doubted what I was doing, or projected their own fears onto my path. In those moments, I learned to keep going. To make space for silence, but not for shame. To stop letting non-constructive criticism take up room in my head. It’s hard — but it’s necessary.
At the event, one speaker said something that stayed with me: “Success must make sense to you, not just to the market.” That hit home. Because when you’re trying to create something that feels aligned, something with purpose, you can’t only chase external validation. You have to stay close to your values, even when the path ahead is blurry.
There was also a powerful conversation about truth in the age of AI — how we’re entering a world where fake CVs, AI-generated interviews, and deepfakes will challenge our sense of what’s real. In this context, human integrity becomes our North Star. It’s not just about staying ahead — it’s about staying grounded.
Another thing I carry from this experience: the importance of surrounding yourself with people who elevate you. Not those who compete with you. Not those who drain your energy. But those who create space, who challenge you without trying to shrink you.
London, with its mix of cultures, ambition, and open debate, was the perfect backdrop for these conversations. The city reminded me that business is not just about numbers or products — it’s about people, ecosystems, and energy.
To anyone reading this who’s trying to make sense of their own journey: you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to stay in the game. Learn. Try. Adjust. Walk away from what doesn’t serve you. Protect your confidence like it’s an asset — because it is.
And most of all, keep going. Quietly or loudly. With doubt or with fire.
But keep going.
Lorena, Founder of Furt’Her
