Women who communicate effectively are statistically 1.5 times more likely to be perceived as leaders

Our April 9th session, co-hosted by the ESB Committee and the Women on the Move Committee, was a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of strong communication skills—especially for women in leadership and entrepreneurial spaces. We had the pleasureof participating in this session led by the dynamic Odile Bocande-Koffi, an executive coach whose work spans multiple continents. Odile brought a wealth of experience and insight, opening the session  with  a compelling message: communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a leadership imperative. She reminded us that many women struggle to effectively present themselves in professional settings, often due to subtle, yet significant communication gaps. The session quickly focused on how mastering both verbal and non-verbal communication is essential to building presence, negotiating confidently, and stepping into leadership roles with authenticity.

What made this session especially engaging was its interactive format. Odile skillfully guided us through personal reflections, encouraging participants to share real-life stories of miscommunication. Some of the tales were funny, others deeply relatable—but all illustrated how easily misunderstandings can occur when we aren’t mindful of our tone, body language, or the clarity of our message.

From written communication tips to active listening techniques, Odile provided a toolkit that participants could immediately apply. She also emphasized that women who communicate effectively are statistically 1.5 times more likely to be perceived as leaders—an empowering statistic that sparked discussion and motivation among everyone in the virtual room.

One of the most impactful segments centered around how we tailor our communication to different personality types. Whether dealing with assertive, passive, or aggressive clients or colleagues, Odile provided practical strategies for adjusting our approaches without losing authenticity. We were reminded that professionalism doesn’t mean stripping away who we are—it means amplifying our strengths with purpose and clarity. As we wrapped up, the takeaway was clear: strong communication is not just about being heard; it’s about being understood and respected. This collaboration between our two committees showcased not only the power of partnership but also the deep desire within our community to grow, lead, and lift others through our words and actions.

The outline for “Mastering the Art of Impactful Communication” included “Captivate Your Audience” Odile Bocande-Kofi did exactly that. We thank her for sharing her wisdom with us so effectively. 

Honoring Military Appreciation Month: The Strength Behind the Service from the ESB Committee May is Military Appreciation Month—a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who serve and have served in our Armed Forces, and to recognize the vital role they play not only in our nation's defense but also in our communities and economy. For the ESB Committee, this month is particularly meaningful, because among our members are veterans, military spouses, or strong supporters of military-affiliated entrepreneurs. Their stories, resilience, and values remind us that service doesn’t end with a uniform—it continues in boardrooms, home offices, and storefronts across the country.

Veteran-owned and military-affiliated businesses bring a unique perspective to the marketplace. Discipline, adaptability, leadership, and commitment—qualities honed through military service—translate well into entrepreneurial success. The SBA (Small Business Administration) says that one in ten small businesses in America is veteran- owned. These businesses generate billions in revenue each year and provide jobs to millions, creating ripple effects that strengthen our local and national economies.

We encourage our members to connect with the small business owners and women entrepreneurs. This month especially, we encourage our NFBPWC community to take a moment to connect with and support veteran-owned businesses. Whether through a purchase, a collaboration, or simply sharing their story,  your  support  honors  their  service  and contributes to a thriving, values-driven economy. Let’s also take time to express appreciation for military spouses, who often manage the dual challenges of supporting their servicemember while pursuing careers of their own. They, too, are an essential part of the military community—and their entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability are worth celebrating.

As we observe Military Appreciation Month, let us continue to uplift and empower those who have served, and those still serving in different ways.

Learn more through:

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee (2022-2026)

Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC) Chair

Barbara Bozeman (Virtual/NC)

Co-Chair

Contact us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org