Empowering Women: Kérastase and #SheDIDIT PowerTalks Panel Discussion Highlights Confidence, Mentorship, and Vulnerability

#SheDIDIT and Kérastase are united in their mission to support and empower women with diverse roots (18-35 years old) in BeNeLux region through a three-year joint initiative and collaboration: the Power Talks. A platform for discussions, mentoring, and support that empowers. Through these efforts, the program intends to help women recognise their potential, build their self-esteem, and develop the skills and mindset needed to overcome the Confidence Gap.

The PowerTalks initiative hosted an engaging panel discussion on at L’Oréal headquarters in Hoofddorp dedicated to celebrating women and fostering confidence. The discussion centered around vital topics such as confidence, mentorship, vulnerability, and the power of compliments. The event showcased inspiring success stories and provided invaluable insights from panelists, including Coco-Chloë Aarts (Corporate Director & Communications Strategist at L’Oréal Benelux), Tiany Kiriloff (Kérastase ambassador), Angela Onuoha (Entrepreneur, Content creator), and Manon Acke Moembo (#SheDIDIT Business Coach).

The panel opened with staggering statistics: More than 1 in 2 women report being less confident than men, highlighting the pressing need for initiatives like PowerTalks. A remarkable 75% of women indicate that mentorship significantly boosts their confidence. In 2023 alone, PowerTalks mentored 160 women, with an astounding 82% reporting a boost in confidence afterward.

Coco-Chloë Aarts emphasized the importance of investing in female empowerment both within and outside of the workplace. At L’Oréal Benelux, efforts towards gender equality are evident with a 50/50 male-female ratio on the board. Sharing insecurities fosters self-esteem and normalises vulnerability, creating a supportive environment.
​L’Oréal’s approach to empowerment extends beyond business, actively engaging in initiatives like Stand Up against street harassment and PowerTalks showcases their commitment.

^{“Being vulnerable fosters self-esteem."
​- Coco-Chloë Aarts, Corporate Director & Communications Strategist at L’Oréal Benelux}

​Tiany Kiriloff shared heartfelt insights on motherhood, emphasizing the importance of respect and love in nurturing individuals who empower others. Being authentic and embracing oneself leads to sustainable personal growth and fulfilment.

^{“Good things are like oil, they come to flood.” ​
​- Tiany Kiriloff, Kérastase ambassador}

Angela Onuoha highlighted the transformative power of compliments, urging women to uplift and support one another. Compliments not only boost confidence but also create a ripple effect of positivity.

^{“Don’t focus on next best thing always, realise sometimes where you came from.”
​- Angela Onuoha, Entrepreneur and content creator}

Manon Acke Moembo celebrated the success stories of SheDIDIT PowerTalks, emphasizing the power of mentorship and creating safe spaces for open dialogue. Success, she noted, is not just about achieving goals but also about sharing vulnerabilities and inspiring others.

^{“When a mentor opens up, it inspires mentees to do the same. Show the cracks because that’s where we recognize each other.” ​ ​
​- Manon Acke Moembo, #SheDIDIT Business Coach}

Looking towards the future, PowerTalks aims to reach 1.000 women within three years, emphasizing accessibility and support for women from diverse backgrounds.

In closing, the panelists offered empowering messages to the audience:

PowerTalks continues to be a beacon of empowerment, inspiring women to embrace their potential, support one another, and build lives they love. Sign up for the next mentoring sessions that are on schedule for 2024:

For visuals in high resolution, consult the media gallery.

Sophie Simons

Communications Advisor, oona

• sophiesimons@oona.agency