The Power of Community - 'With Passion and Purpose'

“The future of every community lies in capturing the passion, imagination, and resources of its people.” - Ernesto Sirolli

Joining a vibrant community can do wonders for your career, and this holds even more significance for women. Why? Because these networks provide an invaluable source of support and guidance to overcome the unique challenges that women face - and ultimately help more women find their voices and personal brand.

Discover how our Executive Search – Board Director, Laura Walters, has found a supportive network by joining The Passion and Purpose photo club.

Executive Search – Board Director, Laura Walters 

(Photographed at The Passion and Purpose club)

The Importance of a Strong Network

During my career of working in both media sales and marketing recruitment, I have grown to understand the importance of building both a strong network and branding myself effectively within the professional world. During the last year, I have found that one way to do this is by joining a community of like-minded women who share my values and goals. The Passion & Purpose Club is one such community that offers a unique opportunity for professional women to showcase their personal brand and also to discover and connect with others. The Passion & Purpose Club is a female-led networking group who meet monthly as a community of women who support and inspire one another over both a coffee and a lot of laughter. Founder Karen Staniland-Platt started the club to pursue photography after years within the marketing sector.

Building Credibility

The benefits of being a member include access to monthly relaxed professional photography sessions, networking opportunities, and exposure across social media. The photography sessions are extremely informal and before any photographs are taken, there is time spent talking through relevant topics with the wider group and using prompts to think a little deeper around your personal goals, vision, and barriers to success. Often these discussions lead to great laughter, fun and memorable moments and sometimes unearth raw emotion that is gently supported by every single person in the room, some who relate, others who just support, all who care. I have seen how these photographs have enhanced my own personal brand, and those of many others, by increasing visibility, building credibility, and most importantly in my opinion showing authenticity. 

Finding Friends

There are multiple locations for members to choose from each month for the meet up and so you get to select the location that best suits you and each month you get the opportunity to meet up with both new faces and those from previous groups who have become friends. Having the space to speak openly and explore different topics allows for both a productive flow and also, a truly enjoyable few hours. At the end of each session each person walks away with a fresh set of images to use in their marketing and on their social media. Karen is an expert in making each image personal to the person in the shot as she gets to know you, your character and the business behind the person.

Flourish as a collective

The benefits of being part of this community of women goes far deeper than just the photographs. This community provides a sense of belonging, fostering connections, offering opportunities for mentorship and collaboration and most importantly friendship. This group is both diverse and inclusive and within such a community, it can lead to both significant personal and professional growth. You flourish as both an individual and, as a collective. 

Championing Women

Women supporting women is a powerful concept that fosters unity and empowerment. When we come together as a collective force, we create an environment where everyone's voices are heard and respected. We lift each other up by celebrating achievements, providing guidance in challenging times, and advocating for equal opportunities. By actively participating in communities that champion women's support, we can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for future generations of female leaders. Together, we can create a ripple effect of change that extends beyond our immediate circles.

The Passion & Purpose Photo Club is a unique opportunity for professional women to showcase their personal brand, connect with others, and be part of a supportive community of like-minded women. With clubs in Cheshire, Manchester, Leeds and London, there is flexibility and also a sense of adventure where you can discover new spaces in an environment where you are welcomed and can feel part of a wider community.

A Note from Karen:

"For the women within the community, I want their stories to be heard outside of the group, that’s a big thing for me that their voices are heard externally in order to inspire other women. Not to join the community, although clearly that would be welcomed, but to have an impact on women that aren’t following their passion and purpose at the moment to see women that are and how they’ve done it, and how that can come from all different circumstances and all manner of backgrounds, so that is really key for me moving forward.

My 'why' ultimately is to help more women’s voices and talents to be visible, and I think that means a lot of things. It can mean visibility for groups of women that traditionally haven’t had their voices heard all the way through to working with women that are following their passion through work, and want to share more of that with the world. That greater visibility comes both from challenging the status quo that has traditionally silenced women but also from ourselves and how we can block it from happening. Visibility doesn’t always come very naturally to us, particularly as women because I think sometimes we can put other people first, or we can feel like we’re showing off, so ultimately my why is wrapped up in that. Helping more women to be heard and seen." 

Visit The Passion and Purpose club website for more information.

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