The Power of Small Circles:
Why Mentorship Moves Women Forward

When we think about mentorship, we often imagine one-on-one coffee chats, formal programs, or career advice from someone further down the path. But what if mentorship isn’t just a moment — what if it’s a mindset built through connection, reflection, and shared growth?

At EmpowHer Collective, we believe mentorship thrives not only in traditional pairings but in small circles of women who challenge, cheer, and grow with one another. These are the kinds of spaces where authentic connection leads to confidence, and where lived experience becomes a powerful tool for collective growth.

In their article What the Best Mentors Do, Harvard Business Review describes effective mentorship as going far beyond career advice:

“Great mentors expand your thinking, help you see new possibilities, and challenge you to grow into the best version of yourself.”

And that’s exactly what happens when we create intentional, intimate spaces for women to connect. Small circles — whether in the form of peer mentoring, group coaching, or facilitated gatherings — offer something unique:

🔸 A safe container for vulnerability and real talk
🔸 A shared sense of accountability for growth
🔸 A diversity of perspective that stretches and strengthens
🔸 And most importantly, a foundation of support and trust that helps women move forward with confidence

In fact, a growing body of research shows that mentorship has a measurable impact on women’s leadership success:

• According to LeanIn.org, women with sponsors are more likely to ask for raises, promotions, and stretch assignments
• Yet only 24% of women leaders report having had a formal mentor, compared to 30% of men (and the gap grows at the senior level)
• Girls with mentors report higher confidence and are more likely to take risks, speak up, and lead

So, what if we changed the equation? What if we created more spaces for mentorship to happen organically — through conversation, connection, and shared experience?

Coming Soon: The EmpowHer Mentoring Cohort

This June, we’ll be launching our first EmpowHer Mentoring Cohort — a small, curated group of women leaders coming together to support one another, reflect honestly, and grow forward together.

If you’ve ever felt like you could use a circle to think out loud, gain insight, or simply be seen — this may be your invitation.

Because at the end of the day, mentorship is about more than guidance — it’s about belonging, belief, and becoming.

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” — Oprah Winfrey

Contact us for more details!