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Accelerate your Digital Transformation Journey, a must read for Board Members, C-level Executives and Business Owners 

April 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

“At least 40% of all businesses will die in the next 10 years… if they don’t figure out how to change their entire company to accommodate new technologies.” — John Chambers

Digital Transformation is often pigeonholed as an IT topic or project that only concerns the CIO or CTO….but it is much more than that. It is really all about rethinking your business in the Digital Age.

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In Guest Blog, 100 Lionesses Project, Lionesses Tags Nkemdilim Begho, Digital Transformation
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Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka receives prestigious St Andrews Prize for the Environment

March 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dr Gladys Kalema- Zikusoka

Dr Gladys Kalema- Zikusoka

Awards and Accolades

This week, Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), headed by social entrepreneur and renowned gorilla conservationist, Dr Gladys Zikusoka, has been announced the winner of the prestigious St Andrews Prize for the Environment 2020. The prize was set up by the University of St Andrews and ConocoPhillips in 1998 to recognize significant contributions to environmental conservation.

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In Award Winner, Lionesses, 100 Lionesses Project Tags Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda
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100 lionesses: Dr Ola Orekunrin's Flying Doctors Nigeria makes emergency air ambulance care a reality

January 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dr Ola Orekunrin

Dr Ola Orekunrin

On a global scale, Nigeria has some major health challenges to contend with, not least of which is that it has one of the worst health indices in the world, currently rated 187th out of 191 WHO member countries. Research has suggested that poor healthcare delivery and a lack of good emergency medical services are major contributing factors to the high morbidity and mortality rates. But one woman entrepreneur is making great strides to change these statistics. Dr Ola Orekunrin, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, has built an award winning air ambulance service that is saving lives every day.

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In 100 Lionesses Project, Lionesses Tags Ola Orekunrin
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100 LIONESSES: Teta Isibo, creative designer reinventing traditional crafts in Rwanda

January 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Teta Isibo is the founder and creative force behind Inzuki Designs a young Rwandan brand specializing in jewelry, accessories and interior decor. Teta's creations are hand-made using local craft skills and materials - she works with numerous local women's cooperatives to create vibrant, quality pieces. With no background in fashion or business, Teta quit her job as an urban planner in Kigali to launch Inzuki, which means 'bees' in the local language. This has grown into a popular Rwandan brand with a boutique located in the Heart of Kigali City. Teta is now targeting international markets including the rest of Africa, Europe, Asia and North America through distributors and an online store. 

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Teta Isibo
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Divine Ndhlukula, Africa's queen of security

January 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO (Zimbabwe)

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO (Zimbabwe)

100 Lionesses

This Zimbabwean woman tackled the previously male-dominated security industry head on, achieving remarkable success and becoming one of Africa's most inspiring women entrepreneurs. Meet Divine Ndhlukula, the founder of SECURICO, a 100% Zimbabwean and 100% Women owned company.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Divine Ndhlukula, Services, Zimbabwe, Business Services
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100 LIONESSES: Julian Adyeri Omalla - 'Mama Cheers' is Uganda's favourite juice maker

December 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Julian Adyeri Omalla, founder of Delight Uganda Limited

Julian Adyeri Omalla, founder of Delight Uganda Limited

Julian Adyeri Omalla is one of Uganda's top female entrepreneurs. She is founder, chairperson and managing director of Delight Uganda Limited, producing the country's most popular fruit drink sold under the brand name 'Cheers'. Julian has diversified into a range of other business activities, including egg and poultry farming, maize-feed production, a flour mill and bakery, a student hostel for 400, as well as coordinating women’s farmer cooperatives that provide food aid into Sudan. Today, Julian employs over 1,000 Ugandans and exports to countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Zaire.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Julian Omalla, Uganda
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The TOP 100 Women CEOs in Africa 2019 celebrates leading women entrepreneurs

December 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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100 Lionesses

Reset Global People in partnership with Pulse and Avance Media has announced the inaugural list of the Top 100 Women CEOs in Africa, a ranking which highlights and recognizes the accomplishments of women CEOs from across 24 countries across the continent. A number of leading women entrepreneurs from the Lionesses of Africa community have been recognised on this year’s list.

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In 100 Lionesses Project
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100 LIONESSES: Lorna Rutto leads a plastic recycling revolution in Kenya

December 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lorna Rutto resigned her comfortable banking job in 2009 to start EcoPost in Nairobi. Every month, her company uses approximately 20 tons of plastic waste. Utilising dirty plastic to make a product that saves wood is not just an environmental plus; it also boosts employment.

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In 100 Lionesses Project, Videos Tags Lorna Rutto
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DR. VICTORIA KISYOMBE '100 Lionesses' Profile - Meet Tanzania's trailblazing champion of women's financial empowerment

November 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Meet Dr. Victoria Kisyombe who is the founder and CEO of SELFINA, a company in Tanzania that provides micro-leasing to mostly widows and young girls. Victoria is a leader who has used innovation, initiative, and determination to empower women in Tanzania to become economically self-sufficient.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Victoria Kisyombe
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100 LIONESSES: Featuring Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of Africa's leading footwear brand soleRebels

November 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder and Managing Director of soleRebels (Ethiopia)

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder and Managing Director of soleRebels (Ethiopia)

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is founder and Managing Director of soleRebels, the world's fastest-growing African footwear brand and the only Fair Trade-certified footwear company in the world. Growing up in a poor suburb of Addis Ababa, Bethlehem decided that there was only one way to defeat poverty – use local craftsmanship to make products that can compete in the global marketplace. She decided on footwear and today 70,000 pairs of shoes leave her factory every year. 

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In 100 Lionesses Project
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Gorilla Conservation pioneer and social entrepreneur, Gladys Kalema Zikusoka, acknowledged in new National Geographic film

November 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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100 Lionesses

National Geographic's new documentary, which highlights mothers working in wildlife conservation and more. National Geographic has just launched a new documentary film, Women of Impact: Changing the World, which features prominent conservationists who discuss how they've shared their careers with their children and inspired them to be passionate about preserving wildlife, too. One of those featured is the inspirational Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, a wildlife veterinarian in Uganda, conservation biologist,  founder of Conservation Through Public Health and Gorilla Conservation Coffee. 

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In Lionesses, 100 Lionesses Project Tags Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka
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Deola Sagoe, leading Nigerian haute couture designer, discusses Africa’s potential as a global fashion manufacturing hub

October 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Deola Sagoe (file image Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference 2016)

Deola Sagoe (file image Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference 2016)

100 Lionesses

Coinciding with the launch of Paris Fashion Week, UNESCO hosted a round table discussion, entitled Made in Africa: The Next Global Manufacturing Hub?, at its Headquarters in Paris on 23 September. Focusing on the potential of Africa’s fashion industry, the event brought together leading experts on the Continent’s clothing and fashion sector, including renowned Nigerian couturier Deola Sagoe.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Deola Sagoe
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100 LIONESSES: Featuring Deola Sagoe, the leading lady of African haute couture

September 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Deola Sagoe is the founder of fashion brand Deola and the leading lady of African haute couture fashion from Ondo State in Nigeria. Deola has been at the cutting edge of high fashion since 1989 and became the first black woman to present a collection at AltaRoma, Rome’s celebrated fashion week, back in 2004. Her globally appealing style has earned her an enviable clientèle that ranges from Africa's first ladies, to society girls like Lydia Hearst, top model Alek Wek, and famous personalities such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Deola Sagoe
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100 LIONESSES: Featuring Susan Mashibe, a high-flying woman pioneer in aviation services

September 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Susan Mashibe, founder and executive director of VIA Aviation (Tanzania)

Susan Mashibe, founder and executive director of VIA Aviation (Tanzania)

Susan Mashibe is founder and executive director of VIA Aviation, an international fixed-base aircraft services operation and the first company of its kind in Tanzania. Susan is also the first woman in Tanzania to hold both a FAA certified commercial pilot and an aircraft maintenance engineering qualification. This passionate aviator left Tanzania at the tender age of 19 to learn to fly jetliners in the United States, later returning home to help reshape African private air travel. Today, VIA Aviation provides logistical support for corporate, diplomatic and private jets. Her clients include heads of state, monarchs, Fortune 500 executives, celebrities, and military flights. VIA was the first company to offer such services in Tanzania and East Africa as a whole. Susan was honored by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader in 2011.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Susan Mashibe
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100 LIONESSES: Ethel Cofie, a pioneering leader of Africa's 'Women-in-Tech'

September 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Ethel Cofie is a leading tech entrepreneur from Ghana and the founder and CEO of Edel Technology Consulting, a company that provides IT and software services as an enabler and catalyst for businesses to achieve their goals. Ethel is the founder of Women in Tech Africa, initiator of the 1st Pan African woman in tech meetup and was shortlisted for the UN GEM Tech Award for work supporting women in ICT. She has been featured by the BBC and CNN for her work in technology and promoting women's leadership. Ethel sits on numerous boards and is also a President Obama Washington Fellow for Leadership (YALI).

Read Ethel's full '100 Lionesses' profile here.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Ethel Cofie
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100 LIONESSES: Featuring Adenike Ogunlesi, designer to fashion conscious West-African youngsters

September 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Adenike Ogunlesi, founder and ceo of Ruff'n Tumble

Adenike Ogunlesi, founder and ceo of Ruff'n Tumble

This highly successful African designer went from selling her children’s clothing designs from the boot of her car at local markets and bazaars, to becoming one of the continent’s most recognisable children’s clothing brand builders.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Adenike Ogunlesi
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100 LIONESSES: Lorna Rutto, an inspirational eco-preneur recycling Kenya's waste

September 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lorna Rutto, founder of EcoPost (Kenya)

Lorna Rutto, founder of EcoPost (Kenya)

Lorna Rutto is a Kenyan eco-preneur, and the inspiring founder of EcoPost, a social enterprise created in response to the need to find alternative waste management solutions to Kenya's huge plastic waste problem. In 2009 she founded her company, which collects plastic waste and manufactures commercially viable, highly durable, and importantly environmentally friendly fencing posts, used widely across Kenya. In 2011, Lorna was recognised by the prestigious Cartier Women's Initiative Awards as their laureate for sub-Saharan Africa.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Lorna Rutto
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A tribute to Carrol Boyes, a Lioness of the African design world

August 18, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Carrol Boyes

Carrol Boyes

100 Lionesses

This past week saw the passing of Carrol Boyes, an iconic South African designer who built a truly unique global brand and business with an African heart. Her brand and the products she and her team created were quirky, distinctive and unmistakeable. Carrol was a true Lioness of Africa, an entrepreneur who believed in and always supported gender empowerment, both within and outside her company. She constantly invested in her staff to both develop them as creative individuals, and also to ensure the future growth of the business and its efforts to support community upliftment.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Carrol Boyes
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South African distillery Inverroche closes deal with French liquor giant Pernod Ricard

August 4, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lorna-Scott.jpg

The French liquor giant Pernod Ricard, which manufactures some of the world’s most popular liquor brands such as such as Absolut Vodka, Chivas, and Jameson, has acquired a majority stake in South African distillery Inverroche, founded by the pioneering entrepreneur Lorna Scott. 

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Lorna Scott, Food & Drink
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100 Lionesses: Bernie de Le Cuona, a renowned purveyor of luxury textiles building a truly global brand

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

It was a love of linen and an attention to detail that first fired Bernie de Le Cuona’s desire to create beautiful fabrics. Today, her company and brand, de Le Cuona, is a renowned purveyor of luxury textiles for interiors with a 25-year history. The company sources the finest fibres from around the world to create exquisitely understated linen, wool paisley, velvet, silk, cashmere and alpaca.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Bernie de Le Cuona
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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 / 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 / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing
Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing
Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq
Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f
Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t
Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo
Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h
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 / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h

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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