Women Entrepreneurs – A Pack of Wolves

The Superman theme song blasts through my earphones. I listen to it whenever I need a confidence boost. Entering a space with over a hundred women can be intimidating, but it’s not the women I’m afraid of—it’s my self-imposed mission: to gather interesting tips and tricks at the Female Entrepreneurs Mega Networking Event. Most of the time, I’m my own worst critic.

As I walk through the revolving doors of the very modern building, I put on my imaginary “super suit” (very chic) and channel my inner Lois Lane. Like the reporter in Superman, I carry a little notebook and pen. Instantly, I feel awkward. Then I spot a stroller and think to myself: if a woman can attend this event with a baby, I can show up with a notepad!

To break the ice, I decide to ask women what movie title best represents their career or advice. The first answer I get is Pretty Woman, followed by roaring laughter. I join in, both of us conscious that the story of a sex worker falling in love with her client might not exactly be the career advice I was looking for. “But wait, isn’t the movie about knowing your worth? Remember the price negotiation scene? Julia Roberts in the bathtub?” I ask the (very pretty) web designer and online marketing expert in front of me. After some back and forth, we agree the movie could represent knowing your business rates and the importance of negotiation.

I scribble down the insights, express my gratitude, and move to the next lady, a business and mindset coach. “Fool Me Once,” she says after brief contemplation. Since I don’t know what this series is about, I ask for clarification. “Don’t murder anyone!” she says, laughing loudly (these ladies are on fire!) Following some analysis, we agree: the advice is clear—don’t burn bridges.

I remember my first freelance job as a coach: I had no idea how to price my work and completely miscalculated my time and services. Fortunately, after some research, I realized I needed to adjust my rates—not just for myself but for the whole sector, to avoid eroding its value from within. In the beginning, it was easier for me to say, “This is the going rate,” rather than, “This is my rate.” Also, the world is a village. Word of mouth can open doors—or close them. Staying professional, even with “difficult” clients, is essential because burned bridges can cost more in the long run.

Two sparkly eyes glance at my notebook with curiosity, so I “reveal” my mission and my love for old-school pen and paper. “Smell this,” the project manager says, pulling out a strawberry-scented notebook from her purse. We do a little dance—some things are better analog. Her advice? “Even small conflicts can affect us. I’d tell my younger self to focus on mental health early.” The movie Inside Out pops into my mind (if you haven’t seen it, you should—it’s funny and scientifically accurate about how the brain works!). We discuss the importance of self-care, and I write down: learn how to handle emotions to protect yourself from external influences, especially as a solo entrepreneur.

Talking about solo journeys, the next lady—a lawyer specializing in high-tech investments—advises building supportive relationships that allow honest discussions without a “disclaimer.” Her movie pick? Disclaimer. “Discuss everything!” she emphasizes. Open conversations in her partnerships have helped her adjust her mindset. When she mentions that Cate Blanchett (whom I adore) stars in Disclaimer, I realize why I’m mesmerized—the resemblance between the two women is striking.

I thank her and let my gaze wander and see two big round buttons staring at me—bold, fearless. Earlier “Button Eyes” was introduced as the youngest attendee: just eight months old and not intimidated at all by the bustling crowd of women. Her mama carries her on her hip, cool and composed. She helps olim navigate dating. “The Tinder Swindler,” I blurt out, making her laugh. She shares that after making Aliyah six years ago, she’s dedicated herself to supporting newcomers. I ask for a photo, and she agrees—smartly, from the back. Privacy is key, I note, as Button-Eyes continues to fixate me with quiet confidence. My earlier fears seem far away.

“I used to be afraid of women!” the next lady says. Recently laid off by a big company (she signed a nondisclosure agreement, so no names), she had to push herself out of her introverted comfort zone to attend this event. To her big surprise, the experience boosted her confidence. “This environment actually empowers me,” she explains. In a room filled with powerful women from around the world, she felt part of a community.

Speaking of community, KEHILA—the Hebrew word for “community”—is the brainchild of two incredible women, Grace Lancer and Hannah Shtein. Along with Sivan Hadari Avneri from HER Tel Aviv, an organization that supports over 1000 English Speaking Olot in Tel Aviv, they sold 150 tickets for this English-speaking female entrepreneurs’ event, with the goal of fostering networking and collaboration. I’m in awe. I make a note: find the perfect movie title for this tremendous trio.

By the end of the evening, I take the elevator to the ground floor, feeling nourished and uplifted, almost like Wonder Woman. Near the revolving doors, I spot two women chatting and ask how they enjoyed the evening. “Much more than I expected,” one says. The other adds, “Meeting women with dreams and aspirations inspired me. This kind of encouragement is usually reserved for men, not women.”

I reflect on this and recall the book one woman mentioned instead of a movie: Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. I read it in 2008, and it changed my life. As a child, I was warned about the “big, bad wolf,” but this book taught me how to be one. Through myths, fairy tales, and stories from diverse cultures, the author awakened a sense of strength and entrepreneurial spirit in me. I am so thankful that I was reminded of this world bestseller and can highly recommend it for ladies and gentlemen alike.

Dr. Estés, a psychoanalyst and storyteller (cantadora), studied wolves and drew parallels to women: instinctual, powerful, creative, and wise. “What a wonderful pack of wolves,” I think to myself. Many of the women present made aliyah alone, without family or friends. They’ve faced self-doubt, stress, isolation, and language barriers—and all of this in times of war. Yet, here we are, not in competition but collaboration.

Thank you, HER and KEHILA, for creating a space where we can share stories and attack business with shared wolf power. As I walk into the night, I feel like howling and calling more women to join the pack.