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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Thanthi Sepeng - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur on a mission to change lives for the better in her country through her work

May 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Thanthi Sepeng, founder of Reve Productions (South Africa)

Thanthi Sepeng, founder of Reve Productions (South Africa)

Reve Productions is the brainchild of Thanthi Sepeng, one of an exciting new breed of entrepreneurs in South Africa who are finding solutions to key challenges. Her company is geared up to provide clients with a comprehensive, professional and unforgettable service, be it in Event Management, Marketing, Event Logistics Management or CSI Projects.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Joselyne Umutoniwase - The startup story of a Rwandan fashionpreneur with a passion for custom-made fashion clothing and the art of tailoring

May 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Joselyne Umutoniwase, founder of Rwanda Clothing Home Ltd (Rwanda)

Joselyne Umutoniwase, founder of Rwanda Clothing Home Ltd (Rwanda)

For many fashion conscious buyers in Africa, there is nothing quite like the experience of having a piece of clothing tailor-made by a professional with an eye for both design and detail. Joselyne Umutoniwase, founder of Rwanda Clothing Home Ltd, is an entrepreneur who understands this need only too well, and has created a successful business providing custom-made clothes to discerning buyers who want the personal creative touch.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
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Basadi Ohimile - The startup story of an entrepreneur from Botswana with a passion for communication and creativity

May 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Basadi Ohimile, founder of The Concept King (Botswana)

Basadi Ohimile, founder of The Concept King (Botswana)

Understanding the power of an integrated communication approach to help businesses to grow and connect with their audiences is something that entrepreneur Basadi Ohimile knows only too well. Her business, The Concept King, is leveraging her own experience and that of her team, to provide an end-to-end communications solution to her clients, both at home and across the continent.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications, Botswana
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Fulufhelo Ramulifho - The startup story of a South African edupreneur creating high school learner conversations about careers

May 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Fulufhelo Ramulifho, founder of Careers For A Powerful You (South Africa)

Fulufhelo Ramulifho, founder of Careers For A Powerful You (South Africa)

The critical period of time for young people to open their minds to possibilities and to prepare for their futures is during their schoolyears - but, they need the right kind of support to help them on their journeys. Careers For A Powerful You is the brainchild of South African edupreneur Fulufhelo Ramulifho, a business focused on providing high quality career guidance, coaching and mentoring to help a new generation of young people to fulfil their potential.

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In Startup Story Tags Edupreneur, South Africa
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Ngozi Opara - The startup story of an entrepreneur in Nigeria on a mission to create a movement inspiring women to embrace their natural hair textures

May 9, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Ngozi Opara, founder of Heat Free Hair

Ngozi Opara, founder of Heat Free Hair

Heat Free Hair is the story of a woman with a passion for natural hair combined with the entrepreneurial drive to start a business providing natural hair extensions, plus a movement to educate and inform women on how to care for their natural hair.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Beth Malatji - The startup story of a South African publishing entrepreneur passionate about creating great magazine content for others in business

May 9, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Beth Malatji, founder of Wealth Ladder Magazine (South Africa)

Beth Malatji, founder of Wealth Ladder Magazine (South Africa)

As part of their day-to day business development, entrepreneurs need access to great information, insight and advice, and Wealth Ladder Magazine looks to provide all those things and more. Entrepreneur Beth Malatji is creating not just an informative and engaging published resource but she is also creating networking events that bring entrepreneurs together.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Baitse Phejane - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur with a passion for problem solving and the development of other entrepreneurs

May 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Baitse Phejane, founder of Akili Communications (South Africa)

Baitse Phejane, founder of Akili Communications (South Africa)

Understanding the power of scalable business is critical for entrepreneurs who are looking to grow successful enterprises of the future. South African entrepreneur Baitse Phejane, founder of Akili Communications, is looking to provide help and guidance in this regard, and her company is poised to develop entrepreneurs who have a passion for what they do, but need assistance in scaling those ideas.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
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BusaBuntu Roaring - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and a love of film, television and theatre to reach her audiences

May 3, 2016 Melanie Hawken
BusaBuntu Roaring, founder of BusaBuntu Pictures (South Africa)

BusaBuntu Roaring, founder of BusaBuntu Pictures (South Africa)

Africa has always had a strong tradition of storytelling, but today stories need to harness the power of all types of media, both traditional and digital, to reach and connect with every type of audience. The talented South African media entrepreneur, BusaBuntu Roaring, founder of BusaBuntu Pictures, knows and understands this dynamic all too well and is leveraging her extensive knowledge and experience of all aspects of the media to tell powerful stories that resonate.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Charlotte Steenekamp - The startup story of a passionately committed South African entrepreneur creating a pure, organic, botanical skincare revolution in Africa

May 1, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Charlotte Steenekamp, founder of Africa Grace Botanical Skincare (South Africa)

Charlotte Steenekamp, founder of Africa Grace Botanical Skincare (South Africa)

Today, more and more consumers are making ethical and responsible decisions about the products they purchase, their sustainable footprint, and their community backstory. As a result, the marketplace for pure, organic and sustainable products, particularly in sectors such as beauty and skincare, is growing. Africa Grace Botanical Skincare, the brainchild of entrepreneur Charlotte Steenekamp, is a great example of a socially and environmentally responsible company and brand being created in Africa that is making a difference. 

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Leslie Okoye - The startup story of a Nigerian entrepreneur dedicated to redefining traditional notions of beauty through a holistic approach to skincare

April 29, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Leslie Okoye, founder of L’Okoye Cosmetics Inc.

Leslie Okoye, founder of L’Okoye Cosmetics Inc.

A personal mission to find a simplified skin care regime for women of African descent, led to entrepreneur Leslie Okoye launching her own line of holistic skincare products specifically created for women of colour. Today, her company, L’Okoye Cosmetics Inc. and her CookieSkin specialist skincare range, is providing a way for women to build confidence in their skin and to create flawless complexions.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Jacqueline Rogers - The startup story of a South African fashionpreneur on a mission to make maternity wear both chic and comfortable for mums-to-be

April 28, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Jacqueline Rogers, founder of Label of Love (South Africa)

Jacqueline Rogers, founder of Label of Love (South Africa)

Tenacity, determination and passion are all unique attributes that to towards describing entrepreneur Jacqueline Rogers, the founder of the exciting maternity wear company, Label of Love. She is genuinely on a mission to create the most beautiful clothes that make any mum-to-be feel special during this important time in their lives, whilst at the same time designing each garment to be comfortable, practical and long-lasting. Her brand is winning fans in large numbers who have been on the look out for maternity chic wardrobes that make them feel and look great.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
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Kristine Pearson - The startup story of a social entrepreneur with a passion for bringing the power of radio and media to Africa’s communities through solar power

April 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Kristine Pearson, founder of Lifeline Energy

Kristine Pearson, founder of Lifeline Energy

Women entrepreneurs understand the power of the media to reach communities and to provide essential communication and education to both adults and children alike, in particular to women in remote communities. Kristine Pearson, the founder of Lifeline Energy, knows only too well how much of a lifeline radio can be, hence the name of the enterprise. By harnessing the power of solar, she is creating access to radio to millions of listeners who would previously be denied the opportunity - she is a real game-changer on the African continent.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, South Africa
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Thabisa Mjo - The startup story of a talented creative entrepreneur with an eye on building an exciting new lifestyle brand in Africa

April 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash.T Design Studio (South Africa)

Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash.T Design Studio (South Africa)

Interior design company, Mash.T Design Studio, is on a mission - to create beautiful spaces. Inspired by its creative founder, Thabisa Mjo, the company prides itself by continuously providing its clients with highly creative solutions to their spatial challenges. The company is constantly working to solidify its status as a design company synonymous with cutting edge, inspired design.

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In Startup Story Tags Design, Interior Design
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Nana and Afua Dabanka - The startup story of a luxury footwear label, proudly made in Ghana, and inspired by a powerful Ashanti heritage

April 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Nana & Afua Dabanka, founders of MONAA (Ghana)

Nana & Afua Dabanka, founders of MONAA (Ghana)

In the world of design, particularly luxury footwear, there is something truly inspirational about working with the finest leathers, fabrics and decorative elements that are reflective of a country’s design aesthetic. Nana and Afua Dabanka, the creative duo behind the incredibly beautiful MONAA brand, are taking the world by storm with their luxury footwear label that takes its inspiration from their proud Ashanti heritage.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Artisans, Ghana
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Nikki Davies - The start up story of a mom’s quest to serve wholesome real food to babies and toddlers

April 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Nikki Davies, co-founder of Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods (South Africa)

Nikki Davies, co-founder of Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods (South Africa)

Every parent knows how crucial it is to give their babies and toddlers the best start in life through a healthy diet, and yet in our increasingly busy lives, the convenience of a ready-made baby food makes all the difference. Finding options that are fresh and healthy, however, is a challenge. However, one South African company is changing all that. Nikki Davies, the inspiration and co-founder of the Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods company and brand is producing real food that both parents and babies will love.

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In Startup Story Tags Food & Drink
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Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera - The startup story of a rising star of the Rwandan design and interior decor scene, putting the country’s design talent on the global map

April 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera, founder of Glo Creations (Rwanda)

Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera, founder of Glo Creations (Rwanda)

Tapping into the growing global interest in African design, entrepreneur Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera is building an award-winning company, Glo Creations, that is celebrating traditional batik printing techniques but with a contemporary twist.

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In Startup Story Tags Artisans, Rwanda, Fashion
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Pascale Bukize - The startup story of a Rwandan TV production company lighting up the country’s TV screens with great content for women

April 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Pascale Bukize, founder of Nawel Company Ltd (Rwanda)

Pascale Bukize, founder of Nawel Company Ltd (Rwanda)

There is something truly inspirational about women entrepreneurs who harness the real power of the media, in particularly TV and Radio, to empower women in their countries through positive messaging, great storytelling, and powerful women role-models. Rwandan entrepreneur, Pascale Bukize, and her fellow team members founded Nawel Company Ltd to produce not only great content and TV shows, but also to launch a pioneering show The Real Women Show, to uplift and inspire other women in the country. 

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications, Rwanda
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Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza - The startup story of a Rwandan talent management company that believes in the power of tapping potential

April 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda)

Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda)

The challenge for any company or organisation is finding the right people and building great teams, and one entrepreneurial team is making this process a whole lot easier. Right Seat is a specialist talent management company in Rwanda, spearheaded by two young women entrepreneurs, Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, who are focused on building a strong HR pipeline in the country.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Rwanda
1 Comment

Thokoza Mjo - The startup story of a social entrepreneur with a passion for providing economic opportunities for South Africa’s teenagers

April 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Thokoza Mjo, founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand (South Africa)

Thokoza Mjo, founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand (South Africa)

South Africa’s future economic prosperity depends on its young people making active contributions to the socio-economic development of the country. Yet with unemployment being a major challenge, the future lies in creating a new generation of entrepreneurs who can make a difference. Beyond the Lemonade Stand, the brainchild of founder Thokoza Mjo, is a social venture looking to do just that!

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, South Africa
1 Comment

Roxanne Edson - The startup story of a social entrepreneur inspired to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and in foster care in South Africa

April 8, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Roxanne Edson, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa)

Roxanne Edson, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa)

The challenge of dealing with the effects of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and the devastating impact it can have on the lives of innocent children, is a major one in South Africa. Social entrepreneur Roxanne Edson, and her team of supporters at Hidden Halos, are working tirelessly to champion foster care advocacy and support for those children affected by the syndrome. 

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adele’s Mohair

Mohair magic….Lovers of fine mohair will adore these beautiful, luxury yarns, courtesy of Adele’s Mohair, founded by Adele Cutten in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. She has built a highly succes
Image of the Day / Kwesh

Relaxed style…We love these stylish yet relaxed Kwanza pants and matching tops from Juliana Nasasira, the Ugandan fashion designer and founder of Kwesh. Juliana launched Kwesh in 2012, a fashion brand focused on creat
Image of the Day / Dvyn Treat Batamba’s

Premium Coffee Experience…We love a great cup of coffee in a morning at Lionesses of Africa, and so we are fans of Dvyn Treat Batamba’s great coffee brand in Mozambique, co-founded by Emilia
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
Image of the Day / Yococo

Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t
Image of the Day / The Joinery

Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con
Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found
Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
Image of the Day / Marabou Essentials

African print accessories…We love the celebration of African printed cloth in these handmade fashion accessories created by South African brand Marabou Essentials, founded by Fentse Mokale. This passion-f
Image of the Day / Adele’s Mohair

Mohair magic….Lovers of fine mohair will adore these beautiful, luxury yarns, courtesy of Adele’s Mohair, founded by Adele Cutten in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. She has built a highly succes Image of the Day / Kwesh

Relaxed style…We love these stylish yet relaxed Kwanza pants and matching tops from Juliana Nasasira, the Ugandan fashion designer and founder of Kwesh. Juliana launched Kwesh in 2012, a fashion brand focused on creat Image of the Day / Dvyn Treat Batamba’s

Premium Coffee Experience…We love a great cup of coffee in a morning at Lionesses of Africa, and so we are fans of Dvyn Treat Batamba’s great coffee brand in Mozambique, co-founded by Emilia Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Yococo

Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t Image of the Day / The Joinery

Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / Marabou Essentials

African print accessories…We love the celebration of African printed cloth in these handmade fashion accessories created by South African brand Marabou Essentials, founded by Fentse Mokale. This passion-f

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan

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