20 Lessons in 20 Years: Lesson 5 – Women Supporting Women Changes Everything

As we continue Channel Impact’s 20th anniversary blog series, we’re sharing the lessons that have shaped our journey over two decades. Each lesson comes from our CEO Laura Koob’s perspective, drawing from real-world experience in building and evolving our company.

In our previous lessons, we’ve explored staying organic to opportunities, valuing employees, paying it forward, and knowing your niche. Today, we dive into a lesson that’s both deeply personal and profoundly business-relevant: the transformative power of women supporting women in business.

Being a woman in business can be lonely—much like being a woman in high tech in the early 2000s. But as I look back on my career, one thing is clear: women helping women makes all the difference.

It was a woman who opened the door to my very first role in high tech.

It was a woman who encouraged me to leave that role and follow my dream of starting Channel Impact.

It was a woman who became my very first client, taking a chance on me when I was just starting out.

And throughout my journey, women have continued to lift me up. When I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, Sandra James—an incredible entrepreneur—welcomed me into her network and introduced me to other women business owners. Even those who might be seen as “competitors” were generous with their time and advice. They shared their stories, connected me to resources, and even brainstormed solutions to challenges in my business.

That generosity shaped how I run my company. Whenever possible, I choose to work with female-owned businesses—whether it’s creative services, background checks, or project management. I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration over competition creates stronger businesses and stronger communities.

Some of my most meaningful friendships in business have come from this mindset. I’ll never forget when Sara Menke, who runs a staffing firm many might call a “direct competitor,” and Sandra James sat down with me over lunch to help me work through a challenge in my company. That’s the power of women supporting women.

The lesson is simple: there’s enough opportunity for all of us. When women open doors for one another, cheer each other on, and even collaborate across competitive lines, we all rise higher.