Natalie Turner, founder of Women Who Lead (WWL), is on a mission to inspire and uplift Portuguese and international women living and working in Portugal. Whether rethinking career paths, launching new ventures, or stepping into higher leadership roles, WWL events are designed to unlock potential and create connections for growth amongst a community of like-minded women.

With an international background in leadership, innovation, and organisational development, Natalie founded WWL while living in Singapore to address a critical professional development gap that not only enhances skills but also prioritises well-being and peer-to-peer learning. She shared with The Portugal News that her vision was to create “spaces for deeper learning and development, where women could retreat from their busy lives and focus on what they want next in their professional journeys.”

For professional women based in Portugal, particularly those navigating career changes or launching new projects, WWL provides essential support. Through masterclasses, coaching, social gatherings, and retreats, it creates a community where women can grow professionally and personally.

What sets WWL apart is its emphasis on peer-to-peer learning. Rather than the traditional top-down, teacher-driven approach, WWL cultivates environments where women learn as much from each other as they do from experts. Turner aims to help women “expand their horizons and elevate their careers” through rich dialogue and shared experiences.

After an initial exploratory event in July, it became apparent that there was a strong demand for spaces where women could connect, share insights, and spark new ideas.

Turner’s events go beyond simple networking—they foster collaboration, growth, and meaningful conversations. These are opportunities for women in Portugal to build not just their careers but their confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.

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Upcoming Events

On 9 October, at the Oriente Tivoli Hotel in Lisbon, professional women are invited to attend the Crafting Connections for Growth in Portugal, a new event promoted by WWL. Turner told The Portugal News that “these gatherings aim to continue to gauge interest in establishing a women’s network in Portugal dedicated to fostering learning, collaboration and friendship.” Participants will be invited to share their expertise, talents, and experiences, with a collaborative and creative approach to facilitate discussions, promote connections, and spark ideas, while enjoying some Portuguese food and wine.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Natalie is also hosting an exclusive weekend retreat at Hotel Casa Palmela in Setúbal on the 9th and 10th of November. This two-day escape offers women leaders a chance to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with their purpose in an intimate, luxurious setting.

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“The retreat is designed to give women the space and time to dive deep into their leadership journey,” Natalie explains. Attendees will leave with clarity, actionable strategies, and the tools needed to bring their ideas to life. “Set in the beautiful Arrábida mountains, it’s a rare opportunity to step back and focus on what truly matters for your future.”

Both events are part of Natalie’s vision to build a strong community of international and Portuguese female leaders based in Portugal—women ready to take their careers to the next level and support one another. Whether you attend the October evening event or the November retreat, you’ll leave with newfound confidence, fresh perspectives, and valuable connections that could transform your professional life.


How can women sign up for these events?

For the 9 October Crafting Connections for Growth in Portugal, register at www.womenwholead.net/lisbon_event

For the Hotel Casa Palmela Retreat on 9-10 November, sign up at www.womenwholead.net/casa_palmela_retreat

Alternatively, contact Natalie directly at natalie.turner@womenwholead.net.

Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos