afternoon tea - the shard
Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural Pearls of Wisdom event in 2021, the second edition is taking place on a larger scale…
Having ignited a much-needed conversation about the unique challenges faced by women in yachting, the next Pearls of Wisdom event will be hosted by Reedman Wealth Management in April at The Shard, London. Sponsored by Döhle Yachts, Luxury Hospitality Management, Marine Accounts, MIMO Connect and Pinpoint Works, the event will bring together over 50 women – including current crew, former crew and land-based industry professionals – for an afternoon of conversations with purpose.
As women in yachting typically leave on-board roles earlier than their male counterparts, they are faced with numerous financial, career and emotional implications as they transition ashore. Having had first-hand experience of this period of uncertainty and upheaval, former chief stewardess Cherise Reedman started Pearls of Wisdom with the aim of making the transition easier for other women. By creating a space where both current and former female crew can share personal experiences and lessons learned, the Pearls of Wisdom events are forging a community of mentorship and support to help women in similar situations
Having been overwhelmed by the response of those in attendance at the inaugural event, Cherise Reedman is now more determined than ever to do the cause justice. “I was really touched by how open everyone was and fully realised the value of connecting current stews and former stews from both perspectives,” says Cherise. “Once you start having these conversations, that’s when ideas happen and opportunities present themselves, and that was one of my favourite parts of the last event. That is why we have decided to make Pearls of Wisdom its own entity with its own website and purpose.”
Another element to April’s event will be a partnership with Gemma Hulbert, founder of The Yacht Stew Academy, who strongly resonated with the Pearls of Wisdom mission when she first heard about it. “I loved being part of a large interior team and, when I left yachting in July 2020, I felt so ill equipped to transition ashore,” Gemma explains. “I really missed the connection and support, and it was only when I spoke to Cherise that I realised there must be so many more women like me also looking for direction and community. Once women leave yachting, there’s still so much more we can do together – Pearls of Wisdom is opening us up to those opportunities by creating a focal point where we can all come together.”
Gemma’s involvement will also enhance the participation of stewardesses currently working on board yachts. Cherise adds, “There is great synergy between the two of us because Gemma has the connections to the current stewardesses and I’m re-engaging the ex-stewardesses. We complement each other well in what we’re trying to achieve, which is to create a space to champion women in the industry, promote discussions and make the transition ashore smoother.”
A delicious spread of British Afternoon Tea overlooking the City of London will be complemented by invaluable insight from guest speakers covering pertinent topics for women in yachting, such as financial considerations and career development. Furthermore, the event will showcase the work of former stewardesses who have gone on to create businesses to raise awareness of what women are doing after yachting. There will also be an opportunity for an open debate to reflect on the day’s revelations.
The event will coincide with the launch of the Pearls of Wisdom website. The new website will act as an accessible library of stories and experiences of women in yachting to help inspire other women and reengage former female crew with the community they have lost.