Jessica Sharp 
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the journey we’ve taken since founding Maven Communications back in 2006. What started in the spare bedroom of Rebecca’s condo has grown into a thriving agency with an incredible team of talented professionals and clients we genuinely love working with.
Nineteen years later, through economic ups and downs, industry shifts, and personal growth, we’ve learned a few things that feel especially relevant to share during this month of celebrating women’s achievements. Here are five lessons that have shaped us—and our business—along the way.
1. Networking Is a Lifestyle, Not an Event
One of the first things we learned as business owners is that networking isn’t something you check off your to-do list—it’s an ongoing part of life. Whether it’s on the sidelines of a soccer game, at your neighborhood book club, or over dinner with friends, networking is about building relationships, and that can happen anywhere. In professional services, people hire people. They hire individuals they connect with and want to work alongside.
Women often lean into personal conversations more naturally, which can make those connections easier to build. But the real key is shifting your mindset: Instead of asking yourself how can this person help me?, focus on how can I help them? Genuine connections come from a place of service, not self-interest.
In fact, Maven’s very first client came through a friend of a friend who introduced us—not because he wanted something in return but because he thought we could help each other. That mindset has stayed with us ever since and continues to shape how we approach relationships today.
We’re also fortune to own a business in Philadelphia where there are also a plethora of women-focused networking opportunities and groups, such as The Forum for Executive Women. These types of organizations, while designed for more formal networking, are inclusive spaces where women can connect, learn, and growth together.
2. Values Aren’t Just Words on a Wall
Our values weren’t something we sat down and defined on Day One or even Year One—they evolved organically as we grew the business and navigated challenges as women entrepreneurs.
At Maven, we’re committed to supporting one another and fostering an environment where every employee and client feels respected and appreciated. We believe that when people feel valued, they produce their best work—and that translates directly into better outcomes for our clients.
Collaboration is another cornerstone of our values. It’s not just about working together—it’s about leveraging the diverse skills and perspectives each team member brings to the table. That collaborative spirit also makes us more adaptable when circumstances change (because let’s face it—they always do).
Community service is equally important to us. Through our Maven Gives Back program, employees can use work hours to volunteer for causes they care about, and we organize group volunteer activities throughout the year. Not only does this allow us to give back in meaningful ways, but it also gives us fresh perspectives—and frankly, stepping away from client work for a bit can be incredibly energizing!
In today’s climate, where many organizations are adjusting their values under external pressure, understanding why your values matter makes it much easier to stay true to them—even when it’s hard.
3. Send the Elevator Back Down
Mentorship has been invaluable throughout our careers—not just for us but for those we’ve had the privilege of mentoring along the way. At Maven, we’ve formalized this through an internal mentor program that pairs senior staff with junior team members, but mentorship doesn’t have to be formal to be impactful.
“Lift as you lead” is a mantra we hold close because success isn’t just about climbing higher—it’s about creating opportunities for others to rise alongside you. And here’s the thing: Mentoring relationships often benefit both parties equally. As mentors, we gain fresh perspectives and renewed energy from those we’re guiding—it’s truly a two-way street.
We’ve seen firsthand how critical supportive professional relationships can be—whether it’s someone advocating for you behind closed doors or simply believing in your potential when you’re doubting yourself. It’s a role we strive to play for our team and for others in our network because none of us succeed alone.
4. You Won’t Know Unless You Ask
If there’s one lesson that took us longer than it should have to learn, it’s this: Opportunities rarely just fall into your lap—you have to ask for them directly. Whether it’s pitching new business, requesting a higher project budget, or asking someone for an introduction, clear and confident direct asks often lead to surprising results.
Early on, we hesitated to ask for referrals or testimonials because we worried about coming across as pushy or unprofessional—but we quickly realized that most people want to help. They just might not think of it on their own. The worst-case scenario? They say no—and you’re right back where you started anyway!
This applies beyond business development too—we’ve grown tremendously by asking successful people how they achieved specific results or overcame challenges. Most people are flattered when you recognize their expertise and are surprisingly generous with their insights when asked directly.
5. There’s Always a Seat at the Table—Sometimes You Just Need to Bring it Yourself
If you’re waiting for an invitation to join the conversation or take your place at the table, it might never come—and that’s especially true for women in business today. Good work doesn’t always speak for itself; sometimes you need an advocate—or sometimes you need to be your own advocate!
We don’t love the term “imposter syndrome,” but we acknowledge it’s real—and it holds many women back from claiming their rightful place at the table. Building confidence takes time (trust us—we’re still working on it), but if there’s one thing we know for sure: If you bring value to the conversation, you absolutely deserve that seat!
In today’s environment—where seats for women are being removed rather than added—it’s more important than ever to claim your spot and hold onto it fiercely because you’ve earned it through your expertise and hard work.
Reflecting on Our Journey
Nineteen years into building Maven, we remain deeply grateful—for the lessons learned, relationships built, and growth experienced along the way. Entrepreneurship is never easy (for anyone), but as women business owners, there are unique challenges that have shaped us into stronger leaders—and better communicators.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor those who paved the way before us while committing ourselves to creating paths for those who will follow after us.
Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your career journey, remember: Your voice matters; your leadership matters; you matter! Don’t wait for permission: pull up a chair, ask for help when you need it, and above all, surround yourself with great people who value what only you can bring.
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