Sarah Benken: Building Networks, Amplifying Women, Leading With Purpose
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
When Sarah Benken founded The KNOW Women, her vision extended far beyond building a business network. She wanted to create a global movement—a space where female entrepreneurs, executives, and visionaries could not only connect but also thrive together. Today, her work stands as a shining example of this October’s Boss Moves theme, “Leading With Purpose: Profit Meets Impact.” Through her entrepreneurial journey, Benken has proven that when women are empowered collectively, both wealth and impact expand exponentially.
Benken’s path to leadership was shaped by resilience and determination. Like many women who step into entrepreneurship, she navigated challenges of visibility, credibility, and balance. Rather than keeping her hard-earned lessons to herself, she transformed them into a platform that empowers others. The KNOW Women was born out of this spirit—a community where women could access mentorship, visibility, and opportunities to showcase their expertise. For Benken, it wasn’t enough to succeed personally; she wanted to make sure other women had the tools and networks to succeed alongside her.
At the core of The KNOW Women is a mission-driven approach: amplifying the voices and achievements of women who are often overlooked in traditional business circles. The organization publishes annual KNOW Books in various cities, spotlighting influential female leaders across industries. These collections not only celebrate success but also normalize the presence of women at the helm of powerful ventures. In doing so, Benken challenges the scarcity mindset, replacing it with one of abundance and collaboration.
What makes Benken’s leadership especially powerful is the way she ties profit to purpose. The KNOW Women is more than a directory or networking group—it is a movement that channels resources into women-focused initiatives, from professional development to charitable causes. By reinvesting success into initiatives that uplift women, she demonstrates that entrepreneurship can be a force for systemic change.
Her philosophy is rooted in community over competition. In her words, when women come together, they don’t just grow businesses—they change industries. This belief is reflected in the countless collaborations, partnerships, and ventures that have sprung from within The KNOW Women’s network. From scaling six- and seven-figure businesses to launching nonprofits and passion projects, members testify to how Benken’s model of intentional connection has transformed their trajectories.
Benken also emphasizes visibility as a form of empowerment. Too often, she notes, women hesitate to share their achievements, fearing they’ll appear boastful. The KNOW Women flips that script, teaching women that visibility is not vanity—it is leadership. By encouraging women to claim their accomplishments and tell their stories, Benken ensures that they inspire the next generation while attracting opportunities that match their worth.
Beyond her role as founder, Benken serves as a mentor and speaker, guiding women on how to scale their businesses strategically while maintaining authenticity. She shares candidly about the realities of entrepreneurship—the late nights, the doubts, and the perseverance required. Her authenticity has become one of her greatest strengths, allowing others to see that success is not about perfection but about persistence and purpose.
Looking ahead, Benken envisions The KNOW Women continuing to expand globally, creating ecosystems where women entrepreneurs have the support and visibility they need to rise. Her ultimate goal is to see women not only leading profitable ventures but also using their influence to fuel impact-driven change in their communities.
Sarah Benken’s journey illustrates that leadership is most powerful when it is shared. By building platforms that amplify others, she has created a ripple effect of empowerment, proving that profit and purpose are not opposing forces but complementary ones. In her world, success is multiplied, not divided—and when one woman rises, we all rise.
Comments