This morning’s Greater Boston Chamber Women’s breakfast had all the elements of a successful event – at the core of it, powerful messages delivered by the panelists.   Together, Sharon Kan and Gail Goodman – told their story of Pepperlane and their unique partnership.   The story was told purposefully in a fireside format with no moderator – adding to its authenticity and lightheartedness.

Sharon and Gail are both success stories.  But Sharon’s leading question stumped the room – how many successful female entrepreneurs who have sold their businesses have stepped up to help others reach that level of success?  How many have become role models?  When “tapped” by Sharon, Gail was happily pursuing personal goals.  Sharon painstakingly enticed her out of her new lifestyle into pursuing a greater mission – to address the underserved population of “stay at home moms.”    Sharon was on a mission and needed a co-pilot.  To pursue Gail, initially as an advisor, did it strategically and with intent.

The discussion kicked off with  Gail and Sharon somewhat playfully describing how Sharon went about meeting Gail on Gail’s terms since they really didn’t have a business history.   It started with a virtual coffee and Sharon’s goal was not only to get the second coffee, but to rein Gail in within 6 coffees.  In fact, she did it in four!  A few key lessons stood out here – (1) If you are asking someone for a favor or advice, follow their advice (2) Do your homework and follow through (3) Don’t ask for too much early on – take baby steps.

Once Gail was “all in” – moving from outside observer/advisor to partner, she declined the CEO role in favor of staying close to customers – something she sorely missed.  She also felt that Sharon’s passion as the founder would carry them through the big challenges ahead and that as part of this Sharon  should rightfully be the CEO.  Sharon humbly eschewed this role saying that she never takes the role for granted or stops asking questions – being “comfortable” is not in her wheelhouse.   It was fabulous to witness what Gail described as their “insane chemistry” which is powering the move forward.  As all businesses benefit from good partnerships, Gail made the point to say that even with the best of chemistry, all partnerships need work, and sometimes the chemistry comes later in the process.

Throughout the discussion, various key leadership skills were highlighted.  In the context of two executives working together, being able to provide direct and honest feedback and achieving “trust” was central to this relationship.  Gail believes that Sharon’s willingness to be “vulnerable early” and be open to feedback fed the “trust” side of the equation.  Both were critical to accelerating their partnership and the business.

I was also struck by Gail’s perspective on navigating the stereotypes of “how to act” as a successful female.  She hit the nail on the head here.  Great biz advice from @GailGoodman @GreaterBostonChamber #WomensNetworkBreakfast Exude “business confidence” – know the markets, customers, and put forth innovative ideas rather than worrying about what others think of your style or tone. Share on XReflecting on my own experience, running the Asia-Pac region for a large enterprise as an ex-pat in the early ‘90’s – I completely endorse this philosophy.   What was happening throughout the region in the telecom sector, understanding the impact telecommunications could make on economic development, and forging unique partnerships was far more important than my age or gender.

The motivation for Pepperlane for Sharon was to provide tools and an ecosystem for stay at home moms.   She believes this energy needs to be harnessed with good guidance and role models.  In her words, provide an opportunity “for mothers to grow a business FOR themselves, but not BY themselves.”  She felt the unfinished business of her own life was having to “hide” being a mother and now would like to see women put “motherhood” proudly on their business cards.

Pepperlane is highly dependent on community formation and local leadership.  Local communities are growing  organically from Middlesex County out with astonishing viral momentum.   Already they have 500 communities on board with templates for businesses like party planning and meal prep.  What’s behind the name?  Pepper to spice things up along a new “path.”   The messages of the panelists fueled an exciting buzz in the room and many lingered for conversation.   You could feel the energy and engagement and a room full of women ready to take what they heard to heart.  Many thanks to my host Ali Brainard for the invitation to today’s event and to the planners who made it happen.

Find out more about Pepperlane and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce