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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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Entrepreneur Advice from Angela Dick: Find your purpose

November 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Angela Dick, co-founder and CEO of Transman

Angela Dick, co-founder and CEO of Transman

Women need to find their purpose....

"You need to ask the question of what am I actually here for? What can I actually do that will make a positive difference? What ever it is, do it. Keep doing it and be steady and determined to make it happen in your own environment. Trust yourself and instincts. And don’t let anyone tell you – you are not good enough because you are."

- Angela Dick, co-founder and CEO of Transman (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Angela Dick
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Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

November 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings and founder of My Republik Brand

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings and founder of My Republik Brand

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

- Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Ally Angula
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Quote of the Day by Ayoronke Tosin-Yeye

November 23, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Ayoronke Tosin-Yeye, founder of IMentorAfrica (Nigeria)

Ayoronke Tosin-Yeye, founder of IMentorAfrica (Nigeria)

"I eagerly look forward to the concept of Mentorship becoming not just a buzzword but a way of life across Africa. I look forward to that day when every successful African will willingly reach out to walk others through their path, and thereby work together to develop Africa and end poverty."

- Ayoronke Tosin-Yeye, founder of IMentorAfrica (Nigeria)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Mentoring
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Entrepreneur Advice from Evylin Munyi: You will overcome obstacles

November 23, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Evylin Munyi, co-founder of KOFAR Kenya

Evylin Munyi, co-founder of KOFAR Kenya

You will overcome obstacles....

"There are unique obstacles you will meet on your entrepreneurial journey as a woman -  they will slow you down but believe it or not you will overcome them."

- Evylin Munyi is the co-founder of KOFAR Kenya, a company that supplies farmers, especially small-holder farmers, with Organic and Natural inputs to use on their farms so as to restore the soil back to health from overuse and abuse from conventional inputs. Evylin started doing research on Organic inputs and Organic Agriculture back in 2009-2010 and registered a company in 2011. She teamed up with local and international scientists and came up with the KOFAr soil repair package suitable for all soil types in Kenya and beyond. This changemaker has come up with a business concept that can change farming across Africa.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Quote of the Day by Divine Ndhlukula

November 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO

Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO

"Conquer your fears as that is what enslaves most women."

- Divine Ndhlukula founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Fear
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Entrepreneur Advice from Lilian Muhammed: Know your purpose

November 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Lilian Muhammed, founder of LONDRÉ TAN (South Africa)

Lilian Muhammed, founder of LONDRÉ TAN (South Africa)

Know your purpose....

"Know your purpose and always stay focused on your passion. Many other thoughts and obsessions will come your way as you plan your great journey, but lean on your first love - PLAN A."

- Lilian Muhammed is the founder of LONDRÉ TAN, a company that designs and manufactures handcrafted leather bags, purses and precious stone jewellery in their studio in Johannesburg, South Africa. The brand was created with the aim of producing great quality, locally made fashion accessories with exceptional craftsmanship, and a modern look and feel.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Fashion
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Credit: know your score and keep tabs on it!

November 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken
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by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

Most of us will all need to apply for credit at some time in our lives, and as an entrepreneur, this is almost a certainty. By taking ownership and being pro-active in managing your credit, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises and make sure that financial support will be there when you need it most.

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In Guest Blog Tags Sylvia Walker
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Top 7 Lessons to Help You for Maximize the App-ortunity in South Africa - What brands can learn from the country’s most successful apps

November 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken
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We love mobile and have been fortunate enough to work on the initial versions of many of South Africa’s leading apps over the last 7 years. In some cases, we have continued working with these brands throughout the course of their app journeys and these are some of the fundamental (as well as subtler) learnings anyone looking to make a dent in the space can take from this experience.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lynette Hundermark
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The power of listening

November 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken
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It happens often: we appear to be listening but in fact we are so distracted by other thoughts, other people, and other things we have to do, that we’re not really actively listening. Or we’re thinking about what we’re going to say next and how we can say it so that we sound fabulously articulate and intelligent. We don’t entirely hear what the person in front of us is saying. We’re not getting the whole message. In our careers, it’s critical that we are heard. But it’s just as critical that we hear, that we truly hear. Our ability to really listen to others is as vital to our overall presence.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner
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Quote of the Day by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

November 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is founder and Managing Director of soleRebels

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is founder and Managing Director of soleRebels

"You’re not in a dynamic business if you’re not experiencing challenges."

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

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In Quote of the Day
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Margaret Hirsch: Turn stress on its head

November 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken

You need to learn to turn stress on its head....

"I believe stress is a figment of imagination; a way of thinking about what you don’t want to happen. You turn this around and think about what you do want to happen‚ and amazingly enough it actually happens.”

- Margaret Hirsch is one half of a dynamic husband and wife duo that founded Hirsch's Homestores. Back in 1979, as a secretary, together with her husband Allan, then an appliance repair man, they unwittingly became entrepreneurs who went on to build an appliance, electronics and furnishing retail empire. Today, Hirsch's Homestores is the largest independently owned appliance and electronics business in Southern Africa, with 18 Hirsch stores and four Samsung concept stores.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Margaret Hirsch, Lifestyle Management
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The art of managing your finances as an entrepreneur

November 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken
managing-your-finances.jpg

Have you ever asked an entrepreneur how much they make? And they respond with a ‘million from last month’ but no smile coming with it?  Or any triumphant fist in the air? Yep. It is because it is deeper than that.  Revenue is the easiest part of operations; if you have built a good brand and something people want/need; you will have sales easily.  The trick is ‘where are those sales going’? 

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
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Quote of the Day by Farai Simoyi

November 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Farai Simoyi, founder of Farai Inc.

Farai Simoyi, founder of Farai Inc.

"Live your life with an open mind, open heart, and open arms; you’ll be amazed at what gifts life has to offer.”

Farai Simoyi, founder of Farai Inc. 

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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100 LIONESSES: Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, the shoemaker with a deep social conscience

November 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Bethlehem Tilahun Collage 1.jpg

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.  soleRebels has been expanding rapidly and has 18 stores around the world, including in Silicon Valley (USA), Japan, Singapore, Austria, Greece, Spain and Switzerland, along with an aggressive e-commerce marketing strategy. in 2015, Bethlehem launched a new venture, Republic of Leather, offering bespoke, hand crafted Leather wear and accessories; and in 2016 she launched an equally ambitious new coffee venture called Garden of Coffee with the objective of taking Ethiopia's ancient coffee culture to the world.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu
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Roomila Roothoorodoo, a Mauritian entrepreneur building a business that captures special moments for its clients

November 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Roomila Roothoorodoo, founder of Focus Events (Mauritius)

Roomila Roothoorodoo, founder of Focus Events (Mauritius)

Whether you are staging a major conference or special event such a wedding, or you need to produce a video that tells your corporate story, it’s essential to bring in the specialists. In Mauritius, one passionate photographer, Roomila Roothoorodoo, founder of Focus Events, is bringing her creative talents to the table.

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In Startup Story Tags Mauritius, Media PR & Communications
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Nondumiso Pikashe, a South African entrepreneur creating a proud indigenous wine brand

November 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

Exciting things are happening in South Africa’s winelands with a new generation of entrepreneurs making great wines for the local and global market place and building new brands to watch. Ses’fikile Wines, founded by Nondumiso Pikashe, is one such brand with high aspirations.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Wine, Agri-business
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African Entrepreneurship Award announces 15 women finalists

November 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Final-LogoAEA2.jpg

The African Entrepreneurship Award, a $1million prize sponsored by BMCE Bank of Africa for African entrepreneurs with for-profit business ideas that create jobs and improve lives, has just announced the finalists for the 2017 awards. At the start of 2017, 5,349 entrepreneurs from all 54 countries in Africa, and 45 in the diaspora, applied for the Award. Now, one month before the winners are announced, a panel of mentors has selected 41 finalists from 19 African countries, and 39% are women entrepreneurs (15 in total). 

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In Award Programme
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ESSENTIAL READ: Clay Water Brick: Finding Inspiration from Entrepreneurs Who Do the Most with the Least by Jessica Jackley

November 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Jessica Jackley, co-founder of Kiva

Jessica Jackley, co-founder of Kiva

In the tradition of Kabul Beauty School and Start Something That Matters comes an inspiring story of social entrepreneurship from Jessica Jackley, the co-founder of Kiva, the first online microlending platform for the working poor. Featuring lessons learned from successful businesses in the world’s poorest countries, Jessica Jackley’s book, Clay Water Brick, will motivate readers to more deeply appreciate the incredible entrepreneurial potential that exists in every human being on this planet, especially themselves.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Cape Town’s women entrepreneurs lean in for inspiration and great business networking

November 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Kgotso Masekwameng, Simone Musgrave, Melanie Hawken, Jesslyn Schlamm, Vicki Bain

L-R: Kgotso Masekwameng, Simone Musgrave, Melanie Hawken, Jesslyn Schlamm, Vicki Bain

On a beautiful sunshine filled day on 10th November, in the shadow of Table Mountain, 80 women entrepreneurs from across the Western Cape gathered together for the last Lioness Lean In Breakfast event of the year in the city. The venue was once again Workshop 17 in Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront area. In prospect was a morning filled with inspirational startup story sharing from successful women business owners, and great business networking.

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In
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Quote of the Day by Johanna Mukoki

November 17, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Johanna Mukoki, co-founder and group CEO of Travel With Flair Travel (South Africa)

Johanna Mukoki, co-founder and group CEO of Travel With Flair Travel (South Africa)

"I am an entrepreneur. I was born a free spirit and I cannot think of any other way to work or live."

- Johanna Mukoki, co-founder & CEO of Travel With Flair (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Johanna Mukoki
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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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