The Power of Community: together, we're not just stronger – we're unstoppable.
by Marijn Wiersma
Director, Community & Innovation, 2X Global
In today's rapidly changing world, the concept of community has never been more crucial. When we talk about community, we're not just discussing casual connections – we seek the profound impact of genuine collaboration and coordination.
At 2X Global, we've witnessed firsthand how unity, solidarity and a joint vision for gender equity in the financial sector can transform individual potential into collective action, creating ripples of change across the industry globally. Through our network, we've seen how amplifying diverse voices creates powerful innovation and change. Each member brings unique perspectives and experiences, invigorating the collective with fresh ideas and challenging conventional wisdom.
The old African proverb rings especially true in our experience: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This wisdom perfectly encapsulates the essence of what we've built at 2X Global. As a positive provocateur in the financial space, we understand that true transformation doesn't happen in isolation. It requires the activation of networks, fostering deep connections, and the courage to share challenges.
An example of the power of community in action is the 2X Challenge, which has long surpassed its initial goal of mobilising $3 billion for women’s economic empowerment, mobilising over $33 billion since its launch in 2018, demonstrating what is possible when you go together.
What makes our community particularly powerful is its collaborative spirit. When our members come together, sharing insights and supporting each other, we witness the emergence of something greater than the sum of our parts. This solidarity creates a foundation for meaningful advocacy, enabling us to address industry-wide challenges with a unified voice. For instance, Suzanne Biegel's pioneering work with and vision for the GenderSmart Investing Summit transformed into the 2X Global Summit, creating space for our community to meet, transact and learn, leading to the adoption and strengthening of gender-smart investing practices by the over 150 organisations in our network.
The magic happens in such moments of connection – whether it's during our 2X Global Summit, our 2X Investor Meet-ups, or our virtual Gender Lens Investing Deep Dives. These interactions spark innovation, foster resilience, and create lasting bonds that bridge geographical boundaries.
Our members don't just network; they build relationships that catalyse personal and professional growth. Through our 2X Ignite GP Sprints, we've seen remarkable successes like Samantha Pokroy from Sanari Capital, who secured $80M in funding for her first institutional fund while being paired with her strategic advisor, Hany Assaad. This demonstrates the tangible impact of our community connections.
As 2X Global continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains clear: the power of community is not just in numbers, but in the quality of relationships we forge. Through collective action and shared purpose, we're not just building a network – we're creating a movement that empowers each member to mature their gender lens investing practice while contributing to the greater good of scaling gender smart capital at scale.
The future of finance isn't just about individual success; it's about creating sustainable, inclusive growth for generations to come. At 2X Global, we're proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, proving daily that our potential knows no bounds when we stand together.
Together, we're not just stronger—we're unstoppable. Join us in building a future where collaboration trumps competition and collective success drives industry-wide change and progress.
