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Lionesses of Africa

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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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LIONESS LAUNCH: An exciting new natural skincare brand launches in Mozambique this month

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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In Mozambique this month, there is an exciting buzz in the air as a new natural skincare brand gets set to help customers to have great looking skin whilst at the same time taking care of the planet. Muthiana Orera is a specialist Mozambican skincare brand specialising in the production of natural cosmetics for the skin. The aim of the company and its founder, Marla Taquidir, is to encourage people to stop using chemicals on their skin and instead choose natural ones. For the customer, this means cheaper products, but above all, better quality products, helping them to avoid skin diseases and allergies, etc.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Mozambique, Beauty & Wellness
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100 Lionesses: Malawian fashion designer, Lilly Alfonso, recognized at the Summer 2019 International Fashion Awards in Cairo, Egypt

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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The globally renowned and multi-award winning Malawian fashion designer, Lilly Alfonso, founder of the luxury fashion brand that carries her name, has just been globally recognized for her work once again. This week, Lilly was invited to attend the 5th Edition Summer 2019 International Fashion Awards in Cairo, Egypt where she was honoured for her work and her luxury fashion brand.  

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In Lionesses, Award Winner Tags Lilly Alfonso
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The 4 Stages of Learning

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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By Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds

Have you ever watched a highly skilled person excel at something and thought “That looks easy! I’m sure I can do that!”? Maybe it was somebody you saw on television, perhaps Roger Federer effortlessly hitting a winning forehand, a Masterchef contestant whipping up a delicious dish without a recipe or a skilled public speaker holding an audience enraptured. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Clare Appleyard
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Lessons from doing a TEDx talk: Part 2 

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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By Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

Welcome to part 2 of Lessons from doing a TEDx talk! - [Read part 1] I am a professional speaker/trainer/teacher who does talks and workshops to a corporate audience for a living. So when the opportunity to do a TEDx Women talk came along, I was thrilled. Firstly, it’s been on my bucket list for over 10 years and secondly, I was sure having this public speaking background would make the process that much easier. Quite the contrary! It was the most amazing 8 weeks for me, I have not been pushed out of my comfort zone and beyond for a long time. It tested me on every level and the process has been my greatest reward. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner
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ESSENTIAL READ: Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More, and Live Bolder by Reshma Saujani

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code

Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code

In her new book, Brave, Not Perfect, inspired by her popular TED talk, New York Times bestselling author Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, empowers women to embrace imperfection and bravery in their business and personal lives. Imagine if you lived without the fear of not being good enough. If you didn't care how your life looked on Instagram, or worry about what total strangers thought of you. Imagine if you could let go of the guilt, and stop beating yourself up for tiny mistakes. What if, in every decision you faced, you took the bolder path?

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In Essential Tags Books
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Eswatini’s women entrepreneurs Lean In for greater business success with Lionesses of Africa and Standard Bank

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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Eswatini has a growing environment for women entrepreneurs to realize their business building ambitions. So, it was good to see over 100 of the country’s leading women entrepreneurs gathering at the Royal Villas for the first Lioness Lean In event to be held in the country on 21 March. The event aimed to give women entrepreneurs in the country the opportunity to share their business building stories, inspire one another, and connect for greater business success. 

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Eswatini
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Zoe Dlamini-Sas, an entrepreneur from eSwatini now sharing knowledge of African culture in the Netherlands

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Zoe Dlamini-Sas, founder of Zoe Zulu Productions

Zoe Dlamini-Sas, founder of Zoe Zulu Productions

In such a global economic environment with countries that are increasingly multi-cultural, it is important to learn more about the different cultures that create such dynamic cities and communities. For entrepreneur Zoe Dlamini-Sas, her inspiration for starting her business, Zoe Zulu Productions, came from her passion for African culture and teaching others in Europe about the traditions that make Africa so unique.

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In Startup Story Tags Netherlands, Media PR & Communications
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Leah Kitoloh, a South African entrepreneur making a positive impact on the business journeys of her clients

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Leah Kitoloh, founder of LeahK Pty Ltd (South Africa)

Leah Kitoloh, founder of LeahK Pty Ltd (South Africa)

For a country’s economy to grow, it requires the development and harnessing of skills on the part of the population to fulfill their potential and make meaningful contributions to society and the economy. For South African entrepreneur, Leah Kitoloh, founder of specialist business consultancy, LeahK Pty Ltd, that was the starting point for building a niche business model.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Gugu Intimates introduces the first skin coloured underwear brand in Africa

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Gugu Nkabinde, founder of Gugu Intimates (South Africa)

Gugu Nkabinde, founder of Gugu Intimates (South Africa)

Gugu Intimates introduces the FIRST skin coloured underwear brand in Africa specialising in affordable luxury undergarments to match your skin tone (across 5 shades). Founded by entrepreneur Gugu Nkabinde, Gugu Intimates aims to create beautiful underwear in nude shades more representative of the African skin palette.

Read more
In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Fashion
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Lessons from doing a TEDx talk: Part 1

March 23, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lor-Milner-TedX-Collage.jpg

by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

I am a professional speaker/trainer/teacher who does talks and workshops to a corporate audience for a living. So when the opportunity to do a TEDx Women talk came along, I was thrilled. Firstly, it’s been on my bucket list for over 10 years and secondly, I was sure having this public speaking background would make the process that much easier. Quite the contrary! It was the most amazing 8 weeks for me, I have not been pushed out of my comfort zone and beyond for a long time. It tested me on every level and the process has been my greatest reward. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner
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Fellow travellers and their influence on your wealth

March 23, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Eldari Visser, founder of PicketFence Life

On our journey through life we meet an array of interesting people. Some fascinating  and others unique. We learn a great deal about ourselves on how we interact with these personalities. In our financial wealth world we often find that our behavior reflects some typical personality and behavioral patterns.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, Wealth Management
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Creating a marketing strategy that enhances your business

March 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions

For a business to be competitive, what is mainly required is a good strategy, a practical road map, and a sustainable marketing strategy. When trying to penetrate a certain industry sector, it’s essential to make a mark and become sustainable. One way to ensure this is to engage as many clients as possible in the business through effective marketing, by ensuring customer service is top notch, and being able to retain those customers for the long term. So how does one achieve all this? The answer can be found in creating a well defined and aligned marketing strategy.

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In Guest Blog Tags Tatenda Rungisa, Marketing
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Quote of the Day by Deborah Hartung

March 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech (South Africa)

Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech (South Africa)

“Your self-esteem is the reputation you have with yourself. Make sure it’s a good one!”

Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Tabitha Karanja

March 20, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Tabitha Karanja, founder of Keroche Breweries (Kenya)

Tabitha Karanja, founder of Keroche Breweries (Kenya)

"For me the customer is always king. They are and always will be my number one priority.”

Tabitha Karanja, founder of Keroche Breweries (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Tabitha Karanja
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Eswatini’s women entrepreneurs get ready to experience their first Lioness Lean In event in the country

March 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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This week, on Thursday 21 March, the hugely popular Lioness Lean In events are heading to Eswatini for the first time, giving women entrepreneurs in the country the opportunity to share their business building stories, inspire one another, and connect for greater business success. The Lioness Lean In Eswatini events are being hosted in partnership with Standard Bank. True to the bank’s Brand Philosophy in the country -   “Eswatini is our Home, We Drive Her Growth” - Standard Bank is encouraging the leading women entrepreneurs in its network to connect with fellow women in business from the Lionesses of Africa community at this first Lioness Lean In event to be held at the Royal Villas.

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In
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Celebrating Africa’s Women Entrepreneur Changemakers in South Africa to commemorate International Women’s Day

March 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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As International Women’s Day celebrations finally came to a close, Lionesses of Africa and Facebook collaborated on a very special Changemakers Breakfast event in Hyde Park, Johannesburg on the morning of 11 March. The event brought together around 100 leading women entrepreneurs from the city to network and to hear from inspirational fellow women business and brand builders. The highlight of the morning was hearing from Carolyn Everson, Facebook’s Vice President of Global Marketing Solutions, who flew into the city as a very special guest speaker for the morning. It was a truly inspirational, change-making morning for everyone there.

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In Events Tags Partner Events
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Bitania Amare, an entrepreneur in Ethiopia helping her clients to keep their businesses and finances in good order

March 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Bitania Amare, founder of Orbit Consulting PLC (Ethiopia)

Bitania Amare, founder of Orbit Consulting PLC (Ethiopia)

Every successful business needs great advice and support in order to be sustainable and to grow. In Ethiopia, that’s where specialist consulting firm Orbit Consulting PLC, founded by local entrepreneur Bitania Amare, comes in.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Ethiopia
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Ncheta Dasilva, a Nigerian entrepreneur creating an exciting global activewear brand that is both eye-catching and sustainable

March 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ncheta Dasilva, founder of Zola Eve

Ncheta Dasilva, founder of Zola Eve

The rapidly growing activewear market is constantly looking for new clothing that is not only practical and beautiful, but also increasingly more sustainable. Zola Eve, an exciting activewear brand inspired by Africa and created by entrepreneur Ncheta Dasilva, harnesses her Nigerian heritage to produce a memorable, eco-driven clothing range.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Fashion
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Star Reflexion launches its new range of bespoke leather boots

March 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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South African leather accessory manufacturing brand, Star Reflexion, founded by entrepreneur Olaotse Disipi, launches its new range of bespoke leather knee-high boots this month, made to fit the shape and size of any customer’s legs.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Fashion
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Essential Read: Heart and Hustle - Use your passion. Build your brand. Achieve your dreams. By Patricia Bright

March 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Patricia Bright

Patricia Bright

In her new book, Heart and Hustle, author, vlogger and award winning content creator, Patricia Bright, shows her readers how to hustle in business and in life in order to achieve personal goals and ambitions. And she brings all her personal experience, practical tips, and advice to the table.

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In Essential Tags Books
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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 / Khokho Collection

Summer Tote Bag…We love this super stylish woven summer tote bag, perfect for the weekend from Khokho Collection, founded by social entrepreneurs Philippa Thorne, Sapna Shah and master weaver Zinhle Vilaka
Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
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 / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
Image of the Day / 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 / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka
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 / Khokho Collection

Summer Tote Bag…We love this super stylish woven summer tote bag, perfect for the weekend from Khokho Collection, founded by social entrepreneurs Philippa Thorne, Sapna Shah and master weaver Zinhle Vilaka Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map 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 / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / 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 / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka 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.

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
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

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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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