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Nkem Okocha - The startup story of a Nigerian social entrepreneur empowering poor rural and urban women with free vocational skills and mobile loans

March 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Nkem Okocha, founder of Mamamoni Limited (Nigeria)

Nkem Okocha, founder of Mamamoni Limited (Nigeria)

Empowering women who come from low-income rural and urban backgrounds, but who have the potential to become independent micro-entrepreneurs, is the mission of Mamamoni Limited, a social enterprise founded by Nkem Okocha. She is providing a powerful combination of free vocational skills and mobile loans to help them on their way to becoming financially independent.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur
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Video: Tabitha Karanja - If women are empowered they will go places and can play an important role in growing the economy of their country

March 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Tabitha Karanja, founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries in Kenya, talks about the importance of empowering women and allowing them to play a key role in growing the economy in their country.

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In Videos Tags Tabitha Karanja
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Lionesses of Africa participates in Twitter Chat on 'Empowering Women Social Entrepreneurs in the World'

March 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lionesses of Africa Founder and CEO, Melanie Hawken, took part in the Twitter Chat on 17 March coordinated by Ogunte, together with other guest contributors from around the world, to talk about how unleashing the power of women’s social  entrepreneurship can help to make our economies and societies stronger.

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In LoA Making News Tags Social Entrepreneur
Comment

Quote of the Day by Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe

March 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe, co-founders of Uzuri K&Y (Rwanda)

Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe, co-founders of Uzuri K&Y (Rwanda)

"Don't have fear - no matter who you are and where you are from, your dreams are real and you should make it your business to achieve them."

- Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe are co-founders of Uzuri K&Y in Rwanda, a company creating beautiful handcrafted shoes with a unique Rwandan aesthetic. These two former college classmates shared a passion for fashion and a desire to start a business venture that would create much needed jobs for their community. Despite little means, they decided to kickstart their business whilst still studying, launching Uzuri K&Y back in 2013.

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In Quote of the Day Tags Fear
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Quote of the Day by Tabitha Karanja

March 22, 2016 Melanie Hawken

“We have fought countless battles and we seemed to have sunk at times, but true to the word we believed we could make it, we rose above the barricades and the story is now told of how we made it and won the war.”

- Tabitha Karanja is founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries. She is one of Kenya's leading entrepreneurs, a remarkable trailblazer and an example of a woman made good against all the odds. Tabitha chose to venture where none before her had dared. She took on an 87-year-old business monopoly and entered an industry with a deeply entrenched male gender stereotype. Tabitha broke the mould to become Kenya’s first home-grown beer and alcoholic drink manufacturer. Today, her company's state-of-the-art factory produces 10,000 bottles of gin and ready-to-drink vodka, as well as 15,000 bottles of beer per hour.

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In Quote of the Day Tags Tabitha Karanja
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Quote of the Day from Lindiwe Zulu

March 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Lindiwe Zulu, Small Business Development Minister, South Africa

Lindiwe Zulu, Small Business Development Minister, South Africa

"Small and Medium enterprises have got an important role to play in the economic transformation of our economy and in particular for women because once women have economic independence then they are able to take the right decisions even more for their families and for society in general,”

- Lindiwe Zulu is the Small Business Development Minister in South Africa. She is Member of the ANC Women's League NEC. Zulu returned from exile in 1992 having lived in Tanzania, Uganda and Angola. She did military training in Angola while with the Pan Africanist Women's Organisation. She holds a Master of Arts degree.

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In Quote of the Day
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PODCAST: Shingai Nyagweta, founder of KuNa Kids, talks about her children’s clothing company in South Africa celebrating local textiles

March 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Shingai Nyagweta, founder of KuNa Kids

Shingai Nyagweta, founder of KuNa Kids

Listen to LoA’s interview with Shingai Nyagweta, founder of KuNa Kids, recorded at the Lioness Lean In Breakfast event in Johannesburg on 17 March where she was sharing her startup story with the audience. 

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In Podcast
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Essential Read: 'Count Me In!: Connection, Collaboration and Community in Business Networking & Female Entrepreneurship' by Shari Reinhart

March 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Count Me In! is a great read for the wannabe, emerging, steady-on-her-feet female entrepreneur doing something to turn her dreams into reality. It is filled with practical advice and wisdom, with exercises to help readers to develop their networking skills, at the same time as developing their personal and social brands, their websites and their infomercials.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Uche Pedro wins the award for ‘Best Blogger – Africa’ at the 2016 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards

March 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Bella Naija founder, Uche Pedro won the award for ‘Best Blogger – Africa’ at the 2016 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards on Saturday, 12 March at The Forum in Inglewood, California. This talented Nigerian blogger and online media entrepreneur won the award ahead of other African bloggers including, Sylvia Kamau (Kenya), Aisha Baker (South Africa), and Theodora Lee(South Africa). 

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In Award Winner, Lionesses Tags Uche Pedro
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Leading Ugandan entrepreneur Alice Karugaba wins CEO of the Year Award at the MTN Uganda Women in Business Awards

March 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Alice Karugaba, founder of Nina Interiors receives her award

Alice Karugaba, founder of Nina Interiors receives her award

On 18th March, MTN Uganda announced the winners of the 2016 edition of the annual MTN Women In Business Awards which were established to honour outstanding women who are leveraging the power of technology to better manage their businesses. This year, MTN gave women in business an opportunity to not only profile their businesses on a grand platform but also to showcase innovative ICT solutions working in businesses in Uganda.

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In Award Winner
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REVISITED - Thokozile Mangwiro - The startup story of a South African skin care entrepreneur, launching a new natural hair care company

March 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Thokozile Mangwiro, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa)

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa)

In 2015, Lionesses of Africa featured a wonderful young startup company, Nyla Naturals, the brainchild of creative entrepreneur Thokozile Mangwiro. Today, one year on, so much has happened in the life of this great young company and entrepreneur, and a new natural hair care product line, Nilotiqua, has been launched which is just as exciting. 

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Natural Wellness, South Africa
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Jozi’s top tech-preneurs to win R5 million in startup support for great ideas

March 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Potential tech-preneurs who come up with technology solutions to everyday Jozi problems stand the chance of turning their digital ideas into viable business opportunities. 

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In Competition Tags Women in Tech
Comment

How to remain motivated when the going gets tough

March 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Business can be tough – maybe you’re having a rough day, things aren’t going your way, a client is giving you a hard time, a staff member didn’t pitch for work again, deadlines are looming and projects aren’t being signed off.

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In Guest Blog Tags Karen Wessels
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Quote of the Day by Deola Sagoe

March 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

"We don't need aid, we need partnerships. We cannot continue to be a beggar nation. I have always believed you shouldn't give the man the fish, but teach the man how to fish and he will be able to take care of himself and others."

- Deola Sagoe, leading lady of African fashion, is a haute couture fashion designer 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 Quote of the Day Tags Deola Sagoe
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Entrepreneur Advice from Liz Forkin-Bohannon: It’s critical to build a team as you grow

March 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Liz Forkin-Bohannon, founder Sseko Designs, Uganda

Liz Forkin-Bohannon, founder Sseko Designs, Uganda

It’s critical to build a team as you grow....

"You need to be clear about what you are good at and find people who are awesome to do the rest and let them run with it. I don’t want to be the bottleneck that keeps our company from growing and flourishing. So I have really focused on sharing decision-making and building a team that will take ownership and challenge me. While I have a pretty specific vision for the way I want things to go, it’s crucial to create a culture where questions can be asked­—the really hard questions—that might push and change and kind of mold your vision."

- Liz Forkin-Bohannon is an American social entrepreneur and founder of Sseko Designs, an ethical fashion brand based in Uganda. In addition to handbags and accessories, Sseko makes beautiful leather sandals with interchangeable fabric straps that can be styled in hundreds of ways. The line began as a way to generate income for high potential, talented young women to continue on to university. By creating an environment of dignity, honor and dedication, Sseko Designs provides the opportunity for marginalized women in East Africa to end the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable society.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Liz Forkin-Bohannon
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Sarah Nakisanze - The startup story of an entrepreneur in Uganda celebrating traditional barkcloth fabric and reinventing it in great new design pieces

March 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Sarah Nakisanze, founder of Easy Afric Design (Uganda)

Sarah Nakisanze, founder of Easy Afric Design (Uganda)

The world is becoming increasingly more enamoured by the wonderful traditional designs and fabrics of Africa, particularly when they are incorporated into contemporary fashion and decor pieces. Entrepreneur Sarah Nakisanze and her business Easy Afric Design, is harnessing the inspiration of the wonderful Ugandan traditional fabric of Barkcloth for her collections of fashion and art.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Artisans
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Entrepreneur Advice from Sibongile Sambo: My top advice for any aspiring entrepreneur

March 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Sibongile Sambo, founder SRS Aviation Ltd., South Africa

Sibongile Sambo, founder SRS Aviation Ltd., South Africa

Top advice for any aspiring entrepreneur....

"Go into business with an open mind. Know you can have a very good business idea, but be prepared that sometimes the environment will not allow you to achieve it. Be flexible. Think out of the box. Think about ways to diversify. Think of ways to be profitable at all times. Once you are in business it does come down to profitability. It doesn't help to be so passionate about something that is not bringing in money for you. You should be able to realize profits. If you can’t make money from the initial idea, then alter it to help keep you afloat."

- 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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Irisha Luhanga - The startup story of an entrepreneur with a passion for helping organisations and people to reach their potential

March 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Irisha Luhanga, founder Redefine Human Capital (South Africa)

Irisha Luhanga, founder Redefine Human Capital (South Africa)

In today’s increasingly competitive world, companies and organisations are becoming more focused on empowering their people in order to help them fulfil their full potential in their careers and in the workplace generally. Irisha Luhanga is one entrepreneur with a passion for human capital and with her company, Redefine Human Capital, she is redefining the way people view their work and helping them to align it to their true purpose.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, South Africa
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Entrepreneur Advice from Evashnee Naidu: You'll learn as you go along

March 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Evashnee Naidu, founder of EnablED (South Africa)

Evashnee Naidu, founder of EnablED (South Africa)

You'll learn as you go along....

"If you feel you have it in you to start your own business, then follow that dream. It is not the easiest path to take. Being your own boss and a boss to other people takes a lot of passion and commitment. When you make the decision go all in, don't expect to know it all right from the start. You learn as you go along, no one can prepare you - its subject to change, your industry and your personality. But it is a journey that will provide you with the most satisfying results."

- Evashnee Naidu is the founder of EnablED in South Africa. After gaining more than a decades worth of marketing and advertising experience in the corporate world she was inspired to start her own company in the enterprise development space. Today, her company is playing a key role in managing enterprise and supplier development solutions for SMMEs.

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In Entrepreneur Advice
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Olubukola Asafa - The startup story of a Nigerian entrepreneur with a passion for fine craftsmanship and building a bespoke luxury leathergoods brand

March 14, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Olubukola Asafa, founder of Oba Couture (Nigeria)

Olubukola Asafa, founder of Oba Couture (Nigeria)

There is a growing interest right now in AfroLuxe, bespoke finely crafted luxury items all proudly designed and created here in Africa. Oba Couture, the brand created by Nigerian entrepreneur Olubukola Asafa, is a new name in the world of luxury leather accessory brands emerging from the African continent, to add to the list of those brands currently winning legions of fans around the world with their high-end, luxury products. 

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Artisans, African Luxury, Handbags
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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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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

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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