Shoptalk Creates a New Space for Female Empowerment

The disruption caused by COVID-19 in 2020 has amplified the struggles facing women in the workplace, and particularly woman in leadership positions. After more than a year of cancelled events, poorly planned virtual substitutions and zero face-to-face networking time, Shoptalk Meetup for Women successfully provided an opportunity for women leaders in the retail industry to network and encourage each other during this critical moment for women in the workplace.  

According to Shoptalk Founder and President Simran Rekhi Aggarwal, “860,000 of the 1.1 million people aged 20+ who left the workforce [in 2020] were women,” and “one in four women is now considering downshifting her career or departing the workforce altogether.” With that in mind, this event brought women in the retail community together by creating a space to share experiences, learn from one another and encourage each other in their personal and professional goals.  

Some of PFS’ finest attended this inaugural event and the feedback was synonymous – women encouraging women is a powerful thing. Interacting with women across a variety of roles and industries, Shoptalk’s “speed dating” approach to networking, where attendees met one-on-one in 15-minute sessions, enabled them to learn about how different areas of the retail industry have been impacted in the last year, but also see how similar challenges exists across the industry.  

From the shift to work from home (WFH), to virtual collaboration, to a distanced approach to selling, Jamie Saucedo, SVP of Business Operations at PFS, found it affirming to hear that “similar challenges exist across industries and geographies.” Jamie went on to state that, in working through these challenges in leadership roles while keeping the human element top of mind, “women, fueled by COVID WFH challenges, are driving change in work-life-balance that will benefit all employees in an organization.”  

Loraine Clark, PFS Director of Business Management, was struck by the eagerness of women to “mentor, encourage and lead other women to empowerment in the industry. The impact of that…can benefit everyone.” 

With more than 1,000 participants globally, Shoptalk Meetup for Women created a space where accomplished women can build each other up, championing one another in their chosen paths through coaching and sharing of insights and experiences.  

PFS’ women leadership are making waves across the industry through the excellent work they do day-in and day-out. In addition to the great work they do, PFS is especially proud of the encouraging environment they create that is inspiring and empowering to the women around them, whether peers or those just starting out in the industry.   

If you are seeking a work environment where you can learn from the best and be encouraged to thrive and grow in leadership roles, consider a career at PFS. We’re hiring!