Jenny Hochenberg on 'Connection' for International Women's Day 2024

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?  

To me, IWD is a reminder that we have come a long way in terms of achieving parity for women, but there is still a long (and hard) way to go.  

This year, the theme of IWD is #InspiringInclusion. At Freshfields we are focusing on the theme of ‘Connection’ and there are a number of events around our network taking place in support of this. How important is IWD to you and how do we ensure that the meaningful connections we build through our IWD events and initiatives are maintained? 

It is very important to me that we all view one another for who we are, and not through the lens of preconceptions about gender or other characteristics over which we have no control.  IWD is an opportunity for all of us to renew our efforts to strive for a world that works that way, and to keep striving each day - which I believe will make the connections we form through IWD more meaningful and enduring. 

How do you build connections with colleagues and clients?

I do my best to learn about the person, while not playing 21 questions.  I also try to find time to meet with people in person; and, where possible, not solely in the context of getting together to work on a deal.  I find this enriching and indeed I often learn about myself as I get to know others.  

A particular connection I am especially grateful for is the one with my husband. He has been my biggest cheerleader over the years, the one who always supported me throughout my career and who has told me to believe in myself and to keep fighting on.  

One of our favourite TV shows is La Piovra (or The Octopus), an Italian show from the 80s in which a male police inspector and a female judge are fighting the mafia. And there is a very poignant scene where the inspector tells her, “Fuerza, Sylvia [(that’s her name)]. Just a little bit more”.  In what is a very challenging and male-dominated profession, words like that have carried me through for almost 15 years now and will continue to keep me going.  Without my husband’s support in my personal life, I do not think I would have been able to achieve what I have professionally. 

What are the barriers that exist for women in making and maintaining connections - and how do you tackle them? 

You have to keep trying. Unfortunately it is still the case that characteristics can be perceived differently depending on who embodies them. A man may be widely regard as strong and charismatic. Some still dismiss or even deride as pushy a woman who behaves similarly. It is not uncommon that women are still paid less than men, even when they are equally or more successful. Similarly, when women reach the cusp of leadership positions, it is not uncommon that they are told to effectively pull back. I don’t like people talking about a “glass ceiling” because this implies there is just a ceiling, at the top, that you need to break through. What needs to get recognized is that, for women, it is still a very hard journey every step of the way to even get to the proverbial “glass ceiling” and there are still so many structural impediments along the way that we need to contend with.  

Describe the importance of mentoring and sponsorship to building professional connections, as well as to the development of female talent. 

Truly, I believe everyone who wants to succeed needs this. Even when starting out, one should think about how they can take on a mentor role - just about all of us would benefit from being a mentor and mentee. 

How can we create more opportunities for women to connect and collaborate on projects and initiatives?

This is a tough one. I think it is about asking yourself each day whether you are letting gravity (or force of habit) take you in a particular direction. Try something a little different each day, whether it is seeking someone out who you haven’t seen in a while or learning about what others at the firm do. This can also have the effect of your facilitating connections for others - not every connection has to (or should) be between you and someone else. Most people also tend to remember when you have made an introduction or given someone an opportunity.   

Thinking back to earlier in your career, what piece of advice would you give yourself on building connections?

It is not just about trying to make connections but also about your time between interactions with other people . Putting the time in to hone your craft as a lawyer and showing that you are engaged (by actually being engaged) is necessary and pays dividends. 

Jenny Hochenberg is a Partner in our New York office.