What if hard work isn’t enough and connection is the real key to success? In this powerful episode of Femme Force, Rachael sits down with Gisele Marcus, corporate leader, educator, TEDx speaker, and DEI advocate, to explore how networking, sponsorship, and inclusive leadership transform careers. From her early lessons as a New Yorker raised to “just work hard” to her awakening that who you know matters just as much as what you do, Gisele shares real-world strategies for building authentic relationships that open doors. Together, they dive into why women and minorities often hesitate to network, the crucial difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and how true leaders bridge differences to create workplaces where everyone thrives.