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Garbage in, Money Out: My Stroll With Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola

September 16, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, founder & CEO of Wecyclers

Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, founder & CEO of Wecyclers

Source: Huffington Post | by Ebenezar Wikina | 16 September 2014

When you think of garbage collectors, what comes to mind? Unfortunate poor illiterate men and women who are not certified enough for more 'honourable' jobs right? Yeah. This stroll is for you.

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In Lionesses Tags Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola
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Quote of the Day

September 15, 2014 Melanie Hawken

“Most people don't realize that leadership is fundamentally about service, about a dying to self and loving others into their true potential. It isn't about us personally. It isn't about what we can get, or consume. It isn't about elevating ourselves above others. It isn't about ego. Leadership is about lowering ourselves such that the people who work with us, and our organizations can thrive in ways that create value (economic and social).”

- Binta Niambi Brown is an American corporate lawyer and Mossavar-Rahmani senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School  who regularly advises early stage technology, media and entertainment companies. She is also a human rights advocate and nascent angel investor and regularly works on technology and internet IPOs and transactions. She also advises senior management and corporate boards of media, technology, telecom, and entertainment companies on corporate governance matters.

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In Quote of the Day Tags Binta Niambi Brown, Leadership
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Entrepreneur Advice from Rachel Sklar: Pay attention to what you are doing wrong

September 13, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Rachel Sklar, New York-based writer and social entrepreneur, on 'Leadership for Entrepreneurs'

Rachel Sklar, New York-based writer and social entrepreneur, on 'Leadership for Entrepreneurs'

If you want to keep learning and evolving as a leader - then pay attention to what you are doing wrong....

“There’s a lot of talk about being a born leader … having natural leadership. I think that’s a myth. My experience is that if you are not paying attention to the things you’re doing wrong, then you’re not evolving and learning. I would say that leadership is something that is learned. It can be learned and should be learned. Leadership is something you’re always honing and learning and reflecting to see ways you could have been better at it. Anyone who thinks they’re a natural leader is probably horrible to work with.”

- Rachel Sklar is a writer and social entrepreneur based in New York. She is the co-founder of Change The Ratio, which increases visibility and opportunity for women in tech & new media, and TheLi.st. A former lawyer who writes about media, politics, culture & technology, she was a founding editor at Mediaite and the Huffington Post. Rachel was named to the Silicon Alley 100 in 2009, 2010 and 2011, FastCompany’s “League of Extraordinary Women,” and listed on Forbes’ “Women Changing The World”.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Rachel Sklar, Leadership
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Entrepreneur Advice from Kathryn Finney: You don't have to have all the answers

September 12, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Trust your instincts to lead....

“Most people think leaders are some sort of ‘all-knowing-beings,’ but in reality we often don't know the answers. The difference is that leaders trust their instincts to lead them to an answer.”

- Kathryn Finney is an American entrepreneur and the founder and managing director of digitalundivided (DID), a social enterprise that develops programs that increase the participation of urban communities, especially women, in the digital space. DID’s programs have reached over 4 million people. In 2013, Kathryn received the Champions of Change Award from The White House for her working in increasing inclusiveness in tech. She was also named one of AOL’s Top Women in Money and Black Enterprise’s “40 Stars Under 40″.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Kathryn Finney, Leadership
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Entrepreneur Advice from Laura Vanderkam: Rejuvenate your work energy levels

September 10, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Laura Vanderkam, internationally recognised author, on 'Lifestyle Management for Entrepreneurs'

Laura Vanderkam, internationally recognised author, on 'Lifestyle Management for Entrepreneurs'

You need to find ways to rejuvenate yourself and your work energy levels....

“You need to hit Monday ready to go ... To do that, you need weekends that rejuvenate you, rather than exhaust or disappoint you. Cross-training makes you a better athlete, and likewise, exercise, volunteer work, and spiritual activities make you a better worker.”

- Laura Vanderkam is a internationally recognized writer who questions the status quo and helps her readers rediscover their true passions and beliefs in pursuit of more meaningful lives. She is the author of What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast, and 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think. She blogs at www.lauravanderkam.com.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Laura Vanderkam, Lifestyle Management
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Entrepreneur Advice from Sibongile Sambo: Want to be a successful entrepreneur? Then you must do these two things

September 9, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Two key things you must do to be successful as an entrepreneur.....

"One, you need to persevere on the business you’re running. Two, you need to network; you can’t stay in isolation. You need to network at conferences at the same level. This also gives you an opportunity to give input to other people and stay abreast of politics."

- Sibongile Sambo is a pioneering woman of South African aviation. She is founder and Chief Executive Officer of SRS Aviation Ltd., the first 100 percent black, female-owned aviation services company in South Africa. Launched in 2004, SRS is an integrated provider of private aviation services offering South African and international clients professional and personalized flight options including VIP Charter, tourist charter and helicopter services, to destinations around the world. Today, the company also provides maintenance, sales and fleet management services to private jet owners.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Sibongile Sambo
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Meet Dr. Victoria Kisyombe: Dedicated to creating business opportunities for Tanzania's rural widows

September 8, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Dr. Victoria Kisyombe, founder of SELFINA (Tanzania)

Dr. Victoria Kisyombe, founder of SELFINA (Tanzania)

SELFINA was developed out of a need to overcome the barriers that social norms and customary law often impose on women entrepreneurs in the East African country.Dr. Victoria's personal experiences along with her academic interests have inspired her to serve widows without land or significant assets. She was motivated to launch a business to provide women entrepreneurs, specifically micro-entrepreneurs in rural areas of Tanzania, with the financial support they needed to create and sustain their own business.

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In Social Impact Tags Victoria Kisyombe
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Entrepreneur Advice from Minda Zetlin: Want to beat procrastination? Here's how

September 3, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Minda Zetlin, author, speaker, and journalist on 'Productivity for Entrepreneurs'

Minda Zetlin, author, speaker, and journalist on 'Productivity for Entrepreneurs'

Here's how entrepreneurs can avoid procrastination when tackling that big project....

"Procrastination often happens when you feel flummoxed and overwhelmed. Breaking the project into manageable chunks, as well as getting help and advice, will get you over the hump." 

- Minda Zetlin is an American author, speaker, and journalist whose work has appeared in publications from Inc. to New York Magazine to Computerworld. She is the author or co-author of several books, most recently The Geek Gap: Why Business and Technology Professionals Don’t Understand Each Other and Why They Need Each Other to Survive. She is the president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Check out Minda’s blog Marriage & Other Adventures about life, love, long-term relationships, and relocating to the Pacific Northwest.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Minda Zetlin, Productivity Time & Energy
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Pam Golding - The startup story of an inspirational woman who became the icon of the property world in Africa and beyond

September 1, 2014 Melanie Hawken

This iconic woman opened the doors to her property business in the 1970's and went on to become one of the most admired and respected female entrepreneurs in the world. 

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In Startup Story Tags Pam Golding
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Video: Deola Sagoe the Queen of African Design

September 1, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: ARISE Entertainment 360, hosted by Lola Ogunnaike, published on Feb 14, 2014

Nigerian fashion pioneer Deola Sagoe celebrated 25 years in the business with a solo exhibition at the 2014 New York Fashion Show. ARISE Entertainment 360, hosted by Lola Ogunnaike sat down with her moments before the festivities began.

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In Videos Tags Deola Sagoe, 100 Lionesses
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Quote of the Day

August 31, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"If you talk about economic development, it is odd that we, the producers, the creators of employment, do not have access to credit and do not get the kind of tax breaks the traders get."

- Aïssa Dione, a renowned Senegalese painter and textile designer, founded the company that bears her name, Aissa Dione Tissus back in 1992. Her mission: to revive Senegal's traditional and unique fabric weaving craftsmanship and build a production chain that is truly '100% Made in Senegal'. Her approach is to combine unique design, know-how and artisan craftsmanship to transform African grown cotton into a valuable product. She has succeeded in this, building a high-end fabric brand underpinned by centuries old cotton processing and weaving skills. Today, Aissa has more than 100 employees whose traditional handwoven fabrics are delivered to the absolute top-end interior design brands across Africa, Europe and the United States. Aissa's designs and fabrics grace major design salons and brands such as Hermés, Fendi, Christian Liaigre and Peter Marino.

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In Quote of the Day Tags Aissa Dione
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Video: eNCA profiles Sibongile Sambo - Pioneering woman of aviation

August 29, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: eNCA | Published on Aug 29, 2014

eNCA profiles remarkable women in a series called August Women. Sibongile Sambo turned her dream of flight to reality by becoming the first black female to own an aviation company in South Africa.

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In Videos Tags Sibongile Sambo, 100 Lionesses
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Video: Gahaya Links connect global shoppers with quality handcrafted products

August 25, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: Walmart | Published on 7 March 2013

Walmart and Full Circle Exchange connect shoppers with quality products made by the network of women basket weavers in Rwanda, allowing customers to help the lives of their families and communities.

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In Videos Tags Joy Ndungutse & Janet Nkubana, 100 Lionesses
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Margaret Hirsch - The startup story of one of South Africa’s leading entrepreneurs who fearlessly built a retail power house

August 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken

This inspirational woman has risen from difficult beginnings in life to build along with her husband a major retail success story.

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In Startup Story Tags Margaret Hirsch, Retail, South Africa
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10 Stress Busters for Women Entrepreneurs

August 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken
7548029082_94a0bd03b9_z.jpg

Let’s face it, life as an entrepreneur can often be stressful.  From cash flow challenges to handling difficult clients, or managing impossibly long working hours and trying to find that elusive work-life balance, there are so many possible stress points that have to be dealt with each day.  The key to success is to manage stress, rather than letting it get the better of you.  So, here are 10 stress busters to help lighten the load....

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In Lifestyle Tags Stress Management
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Video: Top Billing features the launch of Khanyi Dhlomo's Luminance store

August 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: SABC Top Billing, published on August 3, 2013

SABC's Top Billing show brings you all the glamour of the launch of entrepreneur, Khanyi Dlomo's new department store, Luminance. Khanyi shares the background to what inspired her to take the leap into the high-end retail business.

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In Videos Tags Khanyi Dhlomo, 100 Lionesses
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Video: Khanyi Dhlomo shares her story, her philosophy and her advice to those who have big dreams and ambitions

August 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: Inspired Citizen, Anthony Berklich, published on Feb 17, 2014

Anthony Berklich sat down with Khanyi Dhlomo at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa in Johannesburg to discuss her entrepreneur story, her philosophy and her advice to those who have big dreams and ambitions.

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In Videos Tags Khanyi Dhlomo, 100 Lionesses
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Video: Khanyi Dhlomo introduces the Luminance retail concept

August 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: Destiny Magazine, published on March 13, 2013

Want to know more about Khanyi Dhlomo's new luxury retail venture Luminance? Then watch the behind-the-scenes cover shoot with DESTINY Founding Editor and Ndalo Media CEO, Khanyi Dhlomo, and businesswoman and Luminance investor, Dr Judy Dlamini on DestinyTV here!

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In Videos Tags Khanyi Dhlomo
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Quote of the Day

August 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Khanyi Dhlomo 3.jpg

"We are extremely entrepreneurial and adaptable in South Africa, qualities essential to success in a developing market. We have a lot to share with the world.”

- Khanyi Dhlomo is the Managing Director of Ndalo Media, which she founded in 2007. She is also the founder of DestinyConnect and the founding editor of Destiny Magazine. Before starting her own media company, Khanyi was editor of True Love magazine for eight years. In 2013, Khanyi ventured in retail and launched Luminance, a high-end fashion and lifestyle department store. Khanyi was named most influential woman in South African Media by The Media Magazine in 2003 and made the 2011 Forbes list of 20 Young Power Women in Africa.

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In Quote of the Day Tags Khanyi Dhlomo
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Entrepreneur Advice from Khanyi Dhlomo: What is the key to success?

August 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Khanyi Dhlomo.jpg

What is your key to success?....

"Focus, hard work and being good to others and to yourself.”

- Khanyi Dhlomo is the Managing Director of Ndalo Media, which she founded in 2007. She is also the founder of DestinyConnect and the founding editor of Destiny Magazine. Before starting her own media company, Khanyi was editor of True Love magazine for eight years. In 2013, Khanyi ventured in retail and launched Luminance, a high-end fashion and lifestyle department store. Khanyi was named most influential woman in South African Media by The Media Magazine in 2003 and made the 2011 Forbes list of 20 Young Power Women in Africa.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Khanyi Dhlomo, Top Advice
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…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™ fa
Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
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 / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…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™ fa Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found 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 / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
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

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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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