step in boldly: 6 pillars of a company culture that encourages women to grow

According to statistics, young women in the UK feel less supported in their careers than young men. What’s more, 60% of professional women in Germany believe there is a lack of gender equality in the workplace, not to mention that, based on a 2024 survey, 97% of women consider work-life balance important yet 1 in 4 rate their own balance as poor or very poor. It’s safe to say that there is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to professional women’s well-being. Fortunately, many companies lead by example, laying down foundations of equality, diversity, and respect in their company culture. 

But how can we create a supportive work environment in a startup from the get-go? Arta Istrefi, co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at Narwhal ARC and a valued member of the leaders circle, has shared with us what it’s like to build a company upon such values and what it is exactly that makes her feel supported, heard, and encouraged to own her voice.

1. diversity in the founding team is where the magic happens

Arta has co-founded Narwhal ARC alongside Ethan Mayers, a multiple startup founder whose wealth of experience complements Arta’s academic mindset and skills. Since this is her first time working on a joint business with an international team, transitioning into the business world from an academic environment has been a significant shift.

Besides Mayers’ support and collaboration, Arta explains that it is their sense of respect that she has appreciated most during this journey: “We’ve made it work by respecting each other’s roles and commitments while simultaneously aligning on our milestones and ensuring they are actionable.”

As a female co-founder, Arta appreciates that she has “the opportunity to bring a distinct perspective that helps us better understand and support diverse needs—perspectives that might not always be as visible to my colleagues, even unintentionally.” This open approach to diversity and an inherent sense of respect for all co-founding members is what sets such a stable foundation for an uplifting company culture.

2. diverse perspectives lead to inclusive solutions

From childcare to looking after elderly family members, many women shoulder personal responsibilities that make it more challenging for them to manage their time effectively. This is especially true in the case of fractionals (professionals providing expertise to companies on a fractional basis), who make up the community at Narwhal ARC. Thanks to the respectful and open-minded dynamic within the co-founding team, there is more space to create inclusive and tailored solutions to specific problems, which Arta finds deeply rewarding.

During a brainstorming session with her team, for instance, she raised the issue of female fractionals’ work-life balance, highlighting that women with important non-professional obligations should be engaged in a single, focused role to effectively balance all their responsibilities. “I was thrilled to see my idea not only acknowledged but also incorporated into our approach. It was incredibly fulfilling to contribute a solution that could make a meaningful difference for so many,” she shares.

3. both professional and personal development are celebrated

“One of the key values we share as a team is the belief in founders maintaining hobbies and lives beyond the business. It’s this balance that keeps us motivated, inspired, and grounded,” Arta says. This commitment to high-quality work-life balance encourages everyone to invest in both their professional and personal growth, creating a positive impact on professional women’s confidence and well-being. 

As Arta explains, it is important to have a team that “not only values your contributions but is deeply invested in your personal and professional development.” This can manifest in different ways, from helping women build their confidence in pricing their skills to teaching them how to craft their personal brand or offering enough support so that they can balance a fulfilling life outside of work.

4. a growth mindset is key

One of the reasons Arta and her co-founder are committed to supporting diverse needs and encouraging everyone to grow is that they cultivate a growth mindset themselves. For them, every day should feel like a masterclass in growth, innovation, and transformation. 

“Growth doesn’t come from staying in your comfort zone—it comes from pushing boundaries and embracing challenges.”

Arta highlights just how transformative it has been for her to foster a mindset of pivoting when necessary, deliberately sequencing a bold vision, and embracing change as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

“What truly makes this experience extraordinary is working alongside brilliant minds to build something that could redefine the future of work in a world where change is the only constant,” she notes. It is this openness to change that can help companies not only navigate the ever-changing landscape of business but also incorporate new values and strategies as part of their company culture in order to help their employees thrive.

5. female empowerment is about value, not “fulfilling a quota”

“For me, using my voice has never been about fulfilling a ‘quota’—it has always been about bringing value to the table,” Arta emphasizes. As a former journalist and a lecturer, speaking and sharing ideas come naturally to her, and she now has a lot of experience representing the company through podcasts, journal interviews, and speaking on EU market panel discussions. The fact that she feels encouraged to claim space and improve through constructive feedback is what’s helped her truly step into her role, showcasing just how vital a supportive team can be to one’s individual progress.

What’s more, the idea that female professionals aren’t there to “check a box” but rather to contribute ideas, skills, and knowledge is what ultimately creates a strategic advantage for the team – as shown throughout our interview with Arta, it is diversity that is at the root of such an empowering company culture, and the more women step forth to contribute valuable insights, the more the whole team benefits.

6. women are encouraged to step in boldly

When you mix all the above-mentioned five key ingredients together, you’ll arrive at a final result: a work environment where women are encouraged to recognize and advocate for their worth. Of course, there is always more to be done – Arta, for example, acknowledges just how crucial it is to embrace education and financial independence as powerful tools for supporting women’s growth.

“One critical area is helping women achieve pay equity by teaching them how to price their skills confidently and competitively, ensuring they are paid equally for the same work as their male counterparts,” she points out. “Another is personal branding—equipping women to present themselves effectively as fractionals, showcasing their expertise and value with confidence.”

“To every woman,” Arta says,  “step in boldly, own your voice, and know that your ideas have the power to shape the future.” Stressing that women’s skills, passions, and perspectives ought to be celebrated, Arta ends the interview on a powerful note: “You’re not here to check a box; you’re here to create, lead, and inspire.”

building a great company culture brick by brick

Company culture can make or break the deal for countless female employees and fractionals, playing a significant role in their daily lives and the state of their well-being. Thanks to Arta’s experience, it is clear that those who feel encouraged to grow, cultivate a good work-life balance, contribute diverse insights, and learn how to better advocate for themselves will ultimately find fulfillment in their work, leading to better results both for individual members of the team and for the company as a whole.

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about Arta

Arta Istrefi is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and a visionary in the future of work. Backed by a PhD in entrepreneurial marketing, she drives growth and innovation across industries. As Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Narwhal ARC, Arta empowers professionals embracing portfolio careers. She also serves as Country Program Officer at the Swiss Entrepreneurship Project—scaling startups globally—and lectures on Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Healthcare, inspiring the next generation of leaders.