143. Women Leading Together: The dynamics of women working together explored with Francine & Sophie

In this episode of the Podcast, Julia is joined by Sophie Kwasny and Francine Hetherington Raveney, who reflect on their experiences working together in leadership roles at the Council of Europe. Their collaboration demonstrates how shared values, trust, and adaptability can redefine traditional leadership models. In theory Sophie heads the team and that makes her Francine’s boss, but the duo explains how their complementary approaches to decision-making and their ability to navigate hierarchical systems has redefined leading for them. 

"It’s not just about hierarchy; it’s about our collective input and how we achieve things together." said Sophie. 

Listen to this episode to explore how women working together challenge gender norms and stereotypes, offering a fresh perspective on collaborative leadership while providing practical takeaways for fostering synergy, overcoming biases, and leading with inclusivity. 

About the Guests:  

Sophie Kwasny has over 25 years of experience in intergovernmental work, focusing on human rights, data protection, and sport governance. She is the Head of the Sport Division at the Council of Europe and Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS). Her work supports ethical, inclusive, and safe practices in sport through cooperation between public authorities, sports federations, and NGOs. Previously, she led the Data Protection Unit, managing the modernization of Convention 108, a key international framework for privacy and data protection. Sophie holds a master's degree in law from the University of Strasbourg. 

Francine Hetherington Raveney is an experienced professional with expertise in international consultancy, sport governance, gender equality, and fitness instruction. As Deputy Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) at the Council of Europe, she leads initiatives focused on diversity, integrity, and human rights in sport. Her career includes roles in film finance, communications, and anti-discrimination advocacy, as well as the development of gender equality strategies for the audiovisual sector. An Oxford graduate and certified Pilates instructor, she integrates her diverse skills to foster growth and well-being in various sectors.