Women who inspire with Flavia Faugeres: an invitation to socioemotional transformation in companies
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself walking down an unfamiliar road, where darkness envelops every step you take. Now, visualize a bright lighthouse, emitting a beam of light that illuminates the path ahead. This is a powerful analogy for having a mentor in our personal and professional journey — a beacon that assists us in navigating the uncertain trails of life.
However, here’s a surprising revelation: according to a recent study by the international human resources consulting firm DDI, 63% of women have never had the privilege of experiencing the benefits of a formal mentoring relationship. Despite this, they desire and are ‘putting their foot in the door’ to advance professionally collectively.
This is because when women rise to positions of leadership, it’s not just their own lives that transform, but society as a whole is enriched. With a keen eye for the purpose driving their actions, they are shaping a new narrative in the professional market.
With this vision in mind, Flavia Faugeres founded Learn to Fly alongside her partner, Cecília Ivanisk Oliveira. Together, they are ushering in a new era of corporate leadership, connecting individuals who believe in the transformative power of self-development, seek growth from new perspectives, and share experiences with others.
This conversation is about a woman who not only forges her own path in entrepreneurship but also endeavors to guide others toward success. Flavia’s journey is characterized by authenticity and a commitment to challenging stereotypes.
In this article, we invite you to understand the potency of self-awareness, socioemotional development, and structured mentorship in companies. Flavia has shared her story and valuable insights into how the pursuit of purpose is shaping a future of empowerment and growth for everyone.
High levels of pressure and loneliness are inherent in business leadership. Do you believe there is a certain ‘extra burden’ on female leadership?
Flavia: Before delving deeper into this question, it’s important to emphasize that leadership is a journey that unfolds around people, changes, and movements. Contrary to what many may think, I don’t see leadership as a solitary process but rather a collective one, where a vision is shared.
This means that no one is a leader alone, unilaterally; leadership requires both leaders and followers. A leader is someone who has the ability to guide toward a purpose that others are willing to follow. This applies not only in the workplace but in all social contexts.
When considering expectations about female leadership, it’s important to acknowledge that we have been underestimated and often discouraged from taking key positions in the workforce, even though in everyday life, we clearly assume these roles. The corporate world, especially in innovation, technology, and management, has often overlooked female potential.
Our challenge is twofold: first, we need to recognize that we are already leaders in many aspects of our lives, and second, bring our authenticity into the professional realm.
This requires self-confidence, self-esteem, and the understanding that each of us has potential and legitimacy. The journey to successful female leadership begins with accepting our own uniqueness and understanding that what makes us different is what makes us incredible.
My own journey has been a mix of facing challenges and rejecting stereotypes. For a long time, I believed I needed to mimic male leadership to be recognized. However, over the years, I discovered that my strength and authenticity as a leader lie precisely in my identity as a woman.
The ability to be assertive, gained through technical business empowerment, doesn’t hinder my empathetic vision, which captures nuances and individual needs. This coexistence, although it may seem paradoxical at times, is my differentiator. The truth is, we don’t need to negate our personal and feminine characteristics to lead.
I grew up with a strong mother who taught me to be resilient and pursue my goals tirelessly. Over the years, I’ve faced numerous situations that tested me, and each one contributed to shaping who I am today. Through this, I’ve become an advocate for the potential that female leadership can bring to the market.
With vast experience in leadership roles and now at the helm of a company that aims to develop new talents, what would you say to women who want to advance in their careers?
Flavia: According to IBGE, 51.1% of the population is female, a fairly balanced number. However, when we observe the workplace scenario, this balance is often lost, especially when considering leadership positions. Overcoming this difference clearly requires actively addressing deep cultural issues.
I think here is where reflection is needed: who excels in academic performance? Who graduates in larger numbers? It’s women. However, it’s important to note that from childhood, we are often less encouraged to study and work than to be good wives and mothers. Additionally, we receive little encouragement to challenge ourselves in school, sports, and social situations. This, in a way, undermines our confidence when entering the workforce.
So, this becomes a battle that goes beyond tangible obstacles. Today, for example, there is no law in Brazil that prohibits women from assuming high positions. However, there is a ‘historical baggage,’ and we still face a struggle with our own perception of what we are capable of achieving. This is where the situation gets complicated!
At this point, we begin to question our own abilities, even though, in reality, we have abundant potential. Many women who approach me share the perception of having the ‘impostor syndrome.’ This is an internal battle, but every day we find more powerful weapons to fight it.
Learn to Fly’s mission is precisely to rescue and illuminate the best in each person, helping to boost self-confidence and recognize the value of each individual. That’s why I, personally, am always available to listen and welcome everyone who comes to me. And, above all, to encourage women to believe that they deserve to occupy leadership and influential spaces, dispelling the limits imposed — by ourselves or others — and paving the way for a future where female leadership is not only present but also undeniably powerful.
Lastly, who are your female role models, and why are they examples to follow?
Flavia: This is a very special question for me. I have a funny story that illustrates the influence of strong women in my life.
My grandfather was of Arab origin, and interestingly, he became the father of five determined, brilliant women who became pioneers in various fields.
I was born into a family where power, determination, and resilience were intrinsic characteristics. My mother is a fearless woman, and my four aunts are equally admirable: one of them even became the head of the pediatrics department at Unicamp, while another is recognized as one of the world’s top nephrology researchers.
Therefore, I can affirm that I was raised and educated in an environment filled with extremely empowered female figures, where examples of courage and strength were abundantly present. So, my inspiration for leadership, connection, and influence undoubtedly came from my mother and aunts.
As for references in the business world, of course, there are many influential and inspiring women. However, we should also look around and value those who are heads of households. Most women in the lower-income classes are the sole providers for their homes. This resilience, this silent strength, is a powerful inspiration in itself.
And, taking advantage of the question, I believe we should set aside any tendency for blame or judgment among us, women. It’s essential to overcome this tendency to look at each other with a punitive gaze. Instead, we should celebrate achievements and create an environment of support and mutual empowerment. Because together, we can build a community of strong and inspiring women capable of achieving great feats and positively impacting our lives and society as a whole.
Empowerment in Action
We conclude this enriching conversation with Flavia, who, through Learn to Fly, not only demonstrates her dedication to talent development but also shares the vision that female leadership should not be limited by biases or inequalities.
The presence of women in key positions brings a unique perspective, marked by more empathy and a collaborative approach that drives innovation and progress. They seek not only success in the workplace but also altruistic fulfillment, generating a significant impact on the world.
We invite you, dear reader, to reflect on these words and share your own experiences and opinions in the comments. Additionally, with great enthusiasm, we announce that the next edition of the “Women Who Inspire” series is already in the works, and soon we will continue to celebrate the rise of these leaders in the market.
Flavia and I are available to support anyone who reaches out to us! We want to help you find the fuel for your transformation. Until next time!
