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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Cindy Maleombho-Codo, an entrepreneur from Cote d’Ivoire helping women-owned businesses stand out from the crowd

November 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Cindy Maleombho-Codo, founder of Indoka Creative (Cote d’Ivoire)

Cindy Maleombho-Codo, founder of Indoka Creative (Cote d’Ivoire)

In today’s highly competitive and crowded marketplaces, it can be difficult to get your business and brand noticed in Africa. But help is at hand. Cindy Maleombho-Codo, founder of Indoka Creative, knows just what it takes to get your brand and products seen, and importantly, to connect them to those all important customers.

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In Startup Story Tags Cote d'Ivoire, Business Services
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Laurettah Sibanda, an entrepreneur in Botswana building a successful construction and real estate development company

November 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Laurettah Sibanda, founder of Atlantis Construction Group and Developments (Botswana)

Laurettah Sibanda, founder of Atlantis Construction Group and Developments (Botswana)

The world of building and construction is a tough one to break into, but one entrepreneur in Botswana is doing just that. Laurettah Sibanda, founder of Atlantis Construction Group and Developments (Pty) Ltd, is building a reputation for quality project delivery and a great approach to service. 

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In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Construction
1 Comment

Mavis Nduchwa, a serial, impact driven agripreneur in Botswana empowering local farmers to be the solution to hunger and poverty

November 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mavis Nduchwa, founder of Chabana Farms (Botswana)

Mavis Nduchwa, founder of Chabana Farms (Botswana)

A growing interest from consumers in knowing where their food comes from, how it is produced, and who is producing it, inspired serial agripreneur Mavis Nduchwa, founder of Chabana Farms, to create a solution. Today, her endeavours in agribusiness are making a real difference to people and lives all along the value chain.

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In Startup Story Tags Agri-business, Botswana, Food & Drink
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Michelle Smith, a South African entrepreneur creating the perfect gifting service for all occasions

November 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Michelle Smith, founder of Woven Bark Studios (South Africa)

Michelle Smith, founder of Woven Bark Studios (South Africa)

If you have ever struggled to find the perfect, personalized gift for your corporate clients or loved ones, then help is at hand. Michelle Smith, founder of Woven Bark Studios, is creating beautiful, thoughtfully curated gift boxes and gifting experiences that leave lasting feel-good memories. The added bonus is that each of the gift products is sourced from local artisans in South Africa, creating business opportunities that really make a difference to other entrepreneurs’ lives. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Brand, Packaging
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Victorine SARR, a tenacious entrepreneur building an organic beauty brand for women of colour in Senegal

October 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Victorine Sarr, founder of Lyvv Cosmetics (Senegal)

Victorine Sarr, founder of Lyvv Cosmetics (Senegal)

For many women, putting a splash of colour onto their lips gives an instant feeling of confidence and glamour. In Senegal, one woman entrepreneur is building a proudly African beauty brand that is creating beautiful organic lipsticks specially designed for women of colour. Victorine Sarr, founder of Lyvv Cosmetics, is making women feel and look good, whilst also being kind to the environment.

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In Startup Story Tags Senegal, Beauty & Wellness
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Thembe Khumalo, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur helping small businesses to grow their brands through great communication.

October 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Thembe Khumalo, founder of Brandbuilder (Zimbabwe)

Thembe Khumalo, founder of Brandbuilder (Zimbabwe)

Behind every successful business is a great brand that connects products and services to those all important customers. But building a great brand takes hard work and specialist expertise, and in Zimbabwe, that’s where Thembe Khumalo and her company Brandbuilder come in. They bring 20 years of specialist expertise to any client brief and make the process of brand building a whole lot easier.

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In Startup Story Tags Zimbabwe, Business Services, Media PR & Communications
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Ntsoaki Kortjass, a South African entrepreneur putting the security of others at the heart of her business

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions (South Africa)

Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions (South Africa)

For many companies and individuals alike, security is a key concern and one that needs addressing by experienced professionals. In South Africa, one woman entrepreneur is building a business that brings peace of mind together with a highly experienced approach to risk management. Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions, is putting people and property first, and building a reputation for great service at the same time.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Security Services
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African City Guide, the story of three friends, Megan Bowren, Eva Shuman, and Frances van Hasselt, whose love of travel led them to create the African City Guide

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Megan Bowren, Eva Shuman, and Frances van Hasselt, co-founders of African City Guide

Megan Bowren, Eva Shuman, and Frances van Hasselt, co-founders of African City Guide

It can be daunting for even the most experienced traveller to visit a new city on the African continent without practical knowledge or experience of what to expect on the ground. That’s where the African City Guide comes in. The brainchild of three enterprising entrepreneurs and passionate travellers, Megan Bowren, Eva Shuman, and Frances van Hasselt, their website is packed with information and recommendations provided by travelers who have been there and done it!

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Online Service, Travel & Leisure, Tourism
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Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, a Nigerian entrepreneur helping a new generation of writers to turn their passion for words into profits

October 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub (Nigeria)

Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub (Nigeria)

Many people have a natural talent for words, but turning that talent into a business is not always so easy. One woman entrepreneur, Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub in Nigeria, is providing a supporting learning environment for aspirant writers to develop that talent and pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications, Nigeria
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Charlene Van Riet-Lowe, an entrepreneur bringing a new approach to dispute resolution to Botswana

October 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Charlene Van Riet-Lowe, founder of Mediation Mechanics (Botswana)

Charlene Van Riet-Lowe, founder of Mediation Mechanics (Botswana)

Resolving disputes between communities, individuals and businesses can be a difficult process, and one that requires specialist advice and skills. In Botswana, Mediation Mechanics, founded by entrepreneur Charlene Van Riet-Lowe, is one company bringing its wealth of experience and expertise to help its clients to find solutions to their disputes. 

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In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Business Services
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Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, a Zambian agripreneur turning her passion for strawberry growing into a thriving business in the country

October 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, founder of Farm23 Strawberry (Zambia)

Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, founder of Farm23 Strawberry (Zambia)

Inspiration to start a business comes in many forms, and for successful agripreneur Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, founder of Farm23 Strawberry in Zambia, her inspiration came from a fellow woman farmer across the other side of the world. 

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In Startup Story Tags Zambia, Agri-business, Farming
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Ezlyn Olivia Barends, a South African social entrepreneur on a mission to empower a new generation of young women in the country

October 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ezlyn Olivia Barends, co-founder of DreamGirls Academy (South Africa)

Ezlyn Olivia Barends, co-founder of DreamGirls Academy (South Africa)

Making a difference to the lives of others is something that drives the passionate social entrepreneur and co-founder of DreamGirls Academy, Ezlyn Olivia Barends. She believes that by harnessing the power of community and mentorship, young women can equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to fulfill their potential in life and become change-makers in their own right.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Social Entrepreneur
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Marta Mulungo, a Mozambican entrepreneur helping her business clients transform their ideas into results

October 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Marta Mulongo, founder of MMCoaching (Mozambique)

Marta Mulongo, founder of MMCoaching (Mozambique)

Many people have great ideas, but very few develop them into actual businesses or products. What is often needed is a great business coach to advise on how to create the right business habits from the start. That is where MMCoaching comes in, a niche coaching business in Mozambique created by founder Marta Mulongo who is on a mission to help her clients to succeed.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services, Consulting Services
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Bame Mabuse, a South African entrepreneur taking away the administrative burden for her clients 

September 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Bame Mabuse, founder of Amara Consulting Solutions (South Africa)

Bame Mabuse, founder of Amara Consulting Solutions (South Africa)

Many small businesses struggle with administration, and often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that need to be done. In South Africa, one company is providing an efficient answer for its clients. Amara Consulting Solutions, founded by Bame Mabuse, is providing a range of Virtual Administrative Support to take away the stress and the hassle of routine admin.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
1 Comment

Shantelle Booysen, a pioneer of the spa product industry in South Africa

September 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Shantelle Booysen, founder of Elim Spa Products (South Africa)

Shantelle Booysen, founder of Elim Spa Products (South Africa)

For all those who love the experience of visiting a spa for some much needed pampering, you know how important it is to have the best quality, specialist products and treatments. For one entrepreneur in South Africa, Shantelle Booysen, founder of Elim Spa Products, she saw this as an opportunity to build a successful global business creating world class products for the spa industry.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness
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Afia Bobia Amanfo, a Ghanaian social entrepreneur committed to educating and mentoring the next generation

September 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Afia Bobia Amanfo, founder of Studentshubgh (Ghana)

Afia Bobia Amanfo, founder of Studentshubgh (Ghana)

Young people are the economic future of Ghana, and it is critical that they are given the opportunity to fulfill their true potential if they are going to make their contributions to the country. Helping them to achieve this is a young social enterprise, Studentshubgh, driven by a social entrepreneur, Afia Bobia Amanfo, with a big vision and the passion to match.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Ghana
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Mignionette Fair, a talented wordsmith growing a world-class language shop in Africa

September 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mignionette Fair, founder of Edita Services (South Africa)

Mignionette Fair, founder of Edita Services (South Africa)

Every company and organisation needs specialist help to ensure their content development and language translation needs are met to the highest standards. One South African company, Edita Services, is rapidly building a reputation for itself as a leader in this field, providing a world-class service and creative written content to make any company stand-out in the marketplace.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Media PR & Communications
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Thabiso Mahlape, a publishing entrepreneur giving voice to South Africa’s exciting new black authors

September 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Thabiso Mahlape, founder of Blackbird Books (South Africa)

Thabiso Mahlape, founder of Blackbird Books (South Africa)

To change the literary landscape of a country and a continent takes passionate and pioneering publishing champions, and South Africa has found one such champion in Thabiso Mahlape, founder of Blackbird Books. She is establishing a new and exciting framework for South African narratives and is winning author and readers fans alike with her business.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Media PR & Communications
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Kehinde Falade, a Nigerian entrepreneur creating a natural solution to hair growth and scalp problems

September 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Kehinde Falade, founder of Osteena Range of Cosmetics (Nigeria)

Kehinde Falade, founder of Osteena Range of Cosmetics (Nigeria)

For many people, maintaining healthy hair and scalps can be a challenge, particularly for those trying to avoid products that use harsh chemicals. And that’s where Kehinde Falade and her company, Osteena Range of Cosmetics, come to the rescue, using organic natural ingredients to encourage new and healthy hair growth for clients.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Nigeria
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Maneo Mapharisa, an entrepreneur on a mission to get Lesotho girls coding to bridge the STEM gender gap

September 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Maneo Mapharisa, Co-founder of Girls Coding Academy (Lesotho)

Maneo Mapharisa, Co-founder of Girls Coding Academy (Lesotho)

Giving young women and girls access to opportunities and stimulating careers in the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), is the mission of Girls Coding Academy. By doing so, the organisation’s 7 co-founders are making a tangible and lasting contribution to the reduction of the gender gap in Lesotho.

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In Startup Story Tags Lesotho, Technology, Women in Tech
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

MEET THE 10 FINALISTS — We look forward to announcing the winning women founders on 19 November 2025.


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
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

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle
Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V
Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie
Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
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

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