I was the first in my family to go to university. Despite studying economics and law with a clear career path ahead of me, I couldn’t ignore a persistent restlessness — a desire to step out of my comfort zone, forge deeper human connections, and do something that truly mattered. From when I was a little girl, I believed I was meant to do something special and make a meaningful contribution to the world.
To avoid doing my legal articles — and an awkward conversation with my dad — I enrolled in a postgraduate media studies degree, which included an internship at the local newspaper. It was there that I discovered a natural talent for storytelling, regularly landing front-page stories. But, working as a hard news journalist in South Africa, I was deeply impacted by the inequality I witnessed every day. I had the privilege of being entrusted with people’s stories, yet I struggled with how their lives were turned into billboard headlines. The role I played left me conflicted and disillusioned with the increasingly clickbait-driven media industry.
That period, however, ignited my fascination with the innate strength and resilience of women — the way they were so often the glue holding even the most vulnerable communities together. I have never liked the word “empower” because women don’t need to be given power or permission. The power is already within us. It just needs to be nurtured and set free.
Throughout my career, which has taken me all over the world and across roles as varied as answering phones, venturing down copper mines, and serving as the marketing director for a global hotel group, there has always been a consistent thread: the power of community. I’ve seen again and again how a single conversation can spark a connection, how that connection can lead to collaboration, and how collaboration can lead to real change — if we are open to it.
The Women’s Chapter was born out of a personal need. After returning from maternity leave with my twin daughters, I felt utterly depleted, unsure of myself, and caught in the grip of impostor syndrome. I knew I needed role models and the energy of inspiring people around me to help find my feet again. I also knew I had to get back out there and build my professional profile, but traditional networking events only left me feeling more drained and disconnected.
One evening, after yet another lacklustre networking event, I decided on the train home that there had to be a better, more considered way to meet people and build meaningful relationships. And so, The Women’s Chapter was born — a community created to challenge and redefine what networking could be. What started as a small gathering of like-minded women quickly evolved into a thriving movement of cross-sector women in business, coming together to inspire, support and grow, both personally and professionally.
From early on, we need to prioritise financial independence and take control of our futures. There is so much in life that we can’t control, so we must focus on what we can and write our own stories.
I have always believed that in adversity, there is opportunity. Around six years ago, my marriage ended very suddenly and unexpectedly — over breakfast, no less. I had thought I had it all: a great marriage, our twin daughters, and a sense of stability. In a single moment, everything I believed about my life was shattered. My confidence, trust and sense of security were in pieces. I felt ashamed and like I had failed. Then came the pandemic and lockdown, and for the first time, I truly asked myself: What is all this here to teach me? I had never considered my future as a single parent, financially or otherwise.
My parents, both entrepreneurs who left school at 16, raised me to be relentless in the pursuit of what set my heart on fire. When I found myself suddenly broke and unsure how I would keep my house or business afloat, I had a choice: give in, or go all in. I chose to go all in. I decided I would not allow these circumstances to define me. I stopped playing small and started thinking about how I could grow my business into something that not only sustained me but created a lasting impact.
That decision has shaped my work ever since. It fuelled my determination to encourage other women to rewrite the rules — to challenge the cultural conditioning that tells us to be quiet, compliant, or “good.” From early on, we need to prioritise financial independence and take control of our futures. There is so much in life that we can’t control, so we must focus on what we can and write our own stories.
I truly believe women are the agents of change the world needs. There is a clear link between sustainable development, gender equality, environmental responsibility, and recognising the full value of women’s contributions. When women have the space to lead and collaborate, we close gaps and catalyse collective action that can solve complex societal and climate challenges.
My passion lies in the power of community and building layers of impact into every business, regardless of size or turnover. The Women’s Chapter was the first women’s network in the UK to achieve B Corp certification — something I am incredibly proud of. I now advocate for small businesses to recognise the profound economic and social impact they can have.
Connection and collaboration are in our DNA. When we shift from thinking about what we can get to what we can give — whether that’s our experience, support or influence — we start creating real, lasting change.
Over the past 11 years, more than 30,000 women have engaged with The Women’s Chapter through events, membership, mentoring, pro bono work and content. In doing so, they have challenged limiting beliefs, supported one another, and made decisions that ripple out into the world, touching individuals, families, communities and society at large.
As part of our ongoing commitment to impact, we donate 5% of our membership fees to selected charity partners. We also run a pro bono Enterprise membership and mentoring programme in collaboration with The King’s Trust, and host W.Walk & Talk events around the UK, with proceeds going to charity.
We cannot wait for policy or government to create change. Real transformation happens when individuals and communities come together and act.
I have come to see obstacles as gateways to new opportunities. Of course, there will always be doubters or those who don’t understand your vision or mission — but as Mel Robbins says, “Let them.”
What I have learned along the way is that you don’t need to justify walking away from people or situations that don’t align with your values. Your gut is your greatest compass. And when you stay in your own lane — and stay true to yourself — you’ll find it’s never crowded.
There is a role for all of us in supporting the economic development of women. We can support charities and organisations that serve women and girls. We can mentor, advocate, and speak up for women, especially in the rooms they’re not yet in. We can spend our money and invest intentionally in women-led businesses. Every single action matters. Every pound counts.
Celebrating a decade of The Women’s Chapter and achieving B Corp certification felt like huge milestones. Becoming an ambassador for The King’s Trust Women Supporting Women and joining the leadership council for Founders4Schools are also moments I treasure. Meeting the love of my life in my 40s was something I never expected but am deeply grateful for. And above all, I am proud to model personal and professional happiness for my daughters, especially as it has meant forging my own path.
I am disrupting and reshaping the traditional networking model, offering women something deeper and more authentic: meaningful, cross-sector connections built on trust.
I am disrupting and reshaping the traditional networking model, offering women something deeper and more authentic: meaningful, cross-sector connections built on trust. For me, this is about elevating what women supporting women can be — and helping it grow into something that genuinely shifts the dial.
Through their communities, women are challenging old beliefs, lifting one another up, and making decisions that go far beyond the personal. The ripple effect is powerful. And as it spreads from one woman to the next, it has the power to shape a future where inspiration and support move between generations endlessly.
Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk is the Founder and Director of The Women’s Chapter®, a purpose-led, B Corp-certified community committed to the economic and personal growth of women in business. Since 2014, it has reached over 30,000 women through curated events, thought leadership and pro bono work. Michelle is an ambassador for The King’s Trust Women Supporting Women, a UN Women UK delegate, and a speaker and host with more than 800 hours of live conversation experience. Her work and insights have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, The Telegraph, Country & Townhouse and Forbes.
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