(
)
What is a Stiletto Network?
Stiletto Networks are women who meet in dinner groups and networking circles all across the nation. I’ve found them among women in all industries and age groups — from CEOs, to aspiring milennials, to moms launching businesses in their basements.
What sparked the book idea?
It started with an article I was researching back in 2010. I walked into a women’s conference in California, and there were 50 very successful women in the room. They all defied the age-old stereotype of women in the workplace. They weren’t in suits trying to dress and sound and act like guys. [They were] beautiful women in incredible dresses and chic shoes; they were truly feminine. I wanted to know what was enabling them to succeed professionally yet still remain comfortable in their skin.
Are any New Yorkers featured?
One featured [New Yorker] is TV anchor-turned-romance thriller writer Kitty Pilgrim. When CNN was downsizing in 2009, she started a group called Ladies Who Lunch — ironically, because never in their working lives did they have time to! [The group] helped all of these out-of-work women find their next great gig. Together they multiplied their connections, and every one of them either landed a job in TV production or, like Kitty, gained the courage to change course entirely.
How can women support each other while still maintaining their competitive edge?
When you think about the way we’ve always behaved in other areas of life, we work together. It’s, ‘I’ll pick up your kid on Monday if you drop mine off on Thursday.’ But at work, traditionally there was only room for one woman at the top, which led to backstabbing and competition. Now there are enough women in positions of power to actually make a difference in each other’s careers and to pave the way for talented up-and-comers. Women are finally realizing that we’re stronger together than we are apart. If you mentor another woman, it doesn’t automatically mean she’s going to knock you off your perch.
What’s your networking advice for young professionals?
College students can create these organizations overnight by assembling friends, organizing events and reaching out to accomplished female alumni. You don’t have to be famous or fabulous to create a stiletto network. Just because you’re low on the totem pole doesn’t mean that you can’t reach out to older women and say, ‘This is what I need, can you help me?’
Networking events are often at bars, restaurants and offices. What are some other ways women are meeting up?
For some, it’s getting a drink, for others, it’s going on a walk or a hike. A number of women are blending exercising and networking. Business is getting done and connections are happening, but it feels like fun. You can’t take yourself too seriously in a sports bra and sweatpants!