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Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
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(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Courageous conversations 101

May 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

Asking for a raise. Ending a relationship. Giving a critical performance review. Saying no to someone in need. Confronting disrespectful or hurtful behaviour. Disagreeing with the majority in a group. Apologizing. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Social Media and the Workplace 

May 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Kulani Shiluvane, Founder and Chief Consultant at Shiluvah

There is no doubt that social media has been a big part of our everyday lives both at a personal and professional level. However, the lines between the personal and professional when using social media can and have become blurred. We have seen people lose their jobs because of statements that they have made on social media; we have also seen organizations lose both business and credibility due to statements made by those associated with them on social media. We have also seen government departments like the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa ban the use of mobile phones for certain employees as it was hampering levels of productivity. It is therefore vital that the use of social media in the workplace has clear guidelines in order to avoid adverse situations for both parties. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Social Media, Kulani Shiluvane
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Cindy Leah, a South African photographer creating opportunities for other women photographers on the continent to thrive

April 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Cindy Leah, founder of The African Pictionary (South Africa)

Cindy Leah, founder of The African Pictionary (South Africa)

Take two challenges - one, the need to address the gender pay gap for Africa’s women entrepreneurs; and two, the need for consumers to source world-class images on Africa; and you have a recipe for a great business. The highly creative Cindy Leah, founder of The African Pictionary, is on a mission to create a business that provides an impactful solution to both challenges.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Liberian entrepreneur Lena Marshall launches new specialist Food Safety training programme for the country’s street food sellers

April 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lena Marshall, founder of Marshall and Nimene Group of Companies (Liberia)

Lena Marshall, founder of Marshall and Nimene Group of Companies (Liberia)

Across Liberia’s cities, women who make their living as street food sellers are about to get the opportunity to access critical basic food hygiene training because they are selling foodstuffs for public consumption. Lena Marshall, founder of Marshall and Nimene Group of Companies in Liberia has developed specialist food hygiene training courses specifically aimed at training these women food sellers. The course is being offered as part of Lena’s Women Empowerment Program.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Liberia, Women's Empowerment
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Grit & Grind: 10 Principles for Living An Extraordinary Life by Rhonda Vetere

April 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Rhonda Vetere

Rhonda Vetere

It's not WHAT challenges you face in life but HOW you face them that determines how fast you reach your goals. Rhonda Vetere, seasoned C-Suite technology veteran and author of the new book Grit & Grind, knows first-hand that there's no such thing as a perfect, struggle-free life. In her work as a Global Technology Executive, she's faced down some of the biggest financial crises of modern times, and she knows it's not WHAT challenges you face in life but HOW you face them that matters.

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In Essential Tags Books
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A Tool to Succeed Through Uncertain Circumstances

April 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Laura Camacho

If you work in public relations, probably you’ve written press releases (or at least drafts of them) even before the event took place. That’s a smart move as you have too much to do and it helps to stay on top of the work load.

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In Guest Blog Tags Laura Camacho
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Entrepreneur Advice from Joy Ndungutse: Passion can get you to where you want to be in business

April 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Joy Ndungutse and Janet Nkubana, co-founders of Gahaya Links Cooperatives (Rwanda)

Joy Ndungutse and Janet Nkubana, co-founders of Gahaya Links Cooperatives (Rwanda)

You need to be passionate about what you're doing....

“Something small can create an impact, .... You don’t have to have a lot of money to start a business. You can start small, but you must have a passion for what you’re doing.”

Joy Ndungutse and Janet Nkubana, co-founders of Gahaya Links Cooperatives (Rwanda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Joy Ndungutse & Janet Nkubana, Passion
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Quote of the Day by Swaady Martin

April 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Swaady Martin, founder and CEO of the SWAADY GROUP

Swaady Martin, founder and CEO of the SWAADY GROUP

"Our (African) artisans are not set-up to scale their activities and are often paralyzed by the prospect of growing their business beyond the “enough-to-live” stage."

Swaady Martin, founder and CEO of the SWAADY GROUP

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In Quote of the Day Tags Swaady Martin
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Nigeria’s Mo Abudu, founder of EbonyLife Media, receives 2019 Médailles d’Honneur at Cannes

April 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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The CEO of EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu, has been recognized for her significant contribution to the media industry and awarded the 2019 Médailles d’Honneur at the MIPTV ceremony in Cannes, France, on April 8, 2019. She makes history as the first African and Nigerian recipient of this prestigious award, given to senior executives who have made their mark in the global television industry, as well as contributed to the development of the international television community.

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In Lionesses, Award Winner Tags Mo Abudu
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Itweva Nogueira, an Angolan entrepreneur providing specialist legal advice to big and small businesses

April 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Itweva Nogueira, founder of law firm I. N sociedade de Advogados (Angola)

Itweva Nogueira, founder of law firm I. N sociedade de Advogados (Angola)

In business, having a good source of legal advice is essential in order to deal effectively with all the challenges that present themselves along the journey. In Angola, one woman entrepreneur lawyer is creating a highly successful business that is helping businesses large and small with their legal needs.  Itweva Nogueira, founder of law firm I. N sociedade de Advogados is just the legal advisor that entrepreneurs and business leaders need on their side.

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In Startup Story Tags Professional Services, Angola
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Dorothy Mofomme, a South African entrepreneur building innovative, specialist technology solutions for Africa’s railway sector

April 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 (South Africa)

Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 (South Africa)

The railway sector has always been a tough one, particularly for ambitious women entrepreneurs to enter. But for entrepreneur Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 in South Africa, she saw the railway sector as one filled with businesss opportunities and one that had the potential to create employment for young people. Her growing business is testimony to her tenacity and vast specialist experience. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Transport Logistics & Mobility
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Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses by Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur

April 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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When Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur met in college in 2002, they bonded instantly. Fast-forward to 2010, when they founded the popular fashion and design website Of a Kind. Now, in their first book, Work Wife, Cerulo and Mazur bring to light the unique power of female friendship to fuel successful businesses. Drawing on their own experiences, as well as the stories of other thriving “work wives,” they highlight the ways in which vulnerability, openness, and compassion — qualities central to so many women’s relationships — lend themselves to professional accomplishment and innovation.

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In Essential Tags Books
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Renowned South African spa product brand, Elim Spa Products, launches new UV Spritzer to protect delicate hands

April 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Shantelle Booysen, founder of Elim Spa Products (South Africa)

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

Customers who regularly use UV lights in salons will have a new product to help them protect the delicate skin on their hands during these sessions, thanks to a great new UV spritzer being launched by Elim Spa Products in South Africa. Founder Shantelle Booysen is not only creating greater awareness amongst women of the need to protect their skin when using UV lamps in salons, but is also now creating a specialist skincare solution with the launch of her new UV spritzer.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Beauty & Wellness, South Africa
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3 things to start doing today to be the best version of yourself

April 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu

We fear taking risks. We are told to focus on one thing! We maintain the status quo. We do not apply for our dream jobs because we do not tick all the boxes. We are scared of registering for that course that everyone says is difficult.  We are okay with blending in because no one will criticise us. But is this the way to live? Are we truly living if we are living in fear? I reckon not. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula
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A deeper look into our career journey

April 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner, author, entrepreneur, thought leader, and founder of Beyond the Dress

As entrepreneurs, we are always on the go. We are everything to everybody both in the business and in our personal lives. We know how demanding our roles are as women so it is vitally important we schedule what Essentialism author, Greg McKeown, calls a quarterly offsite meeting with yourself. This can be a half or full day that you schedule into the diary just for you to take a few hours and press pause. This allows us the space to reflect on our priorities and what is truly the most important thing we need to be focusing on for 2019. I can hear you thinking, ‘I could never take that time off’ but it will be the greatest investment for yourself. If we don’t have a clear view of our goals and priorities, we are making decisions with no road map. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner
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Johannesburg’s women entrepreneurs come out in force to share, inspire and connect at the Lioness Lean in event on 5 April

April 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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There is always incredible energy at a Lioness Lean In event in Johannesburg, and the latest event on 5 April was no exception. The focus of the morning was on celebrating women entrepreneurs in South Africa as the key drivers of socio-economic growth and impact. And, the women entrepreneurs on the speaker panel were truly inspirational examples of this.

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Johannesburg
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Celebrating women entrepreneur job creators at the 3rd Lioness Lean in event in Cote d’Ivoire

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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Lionesses of Africa’s key focus for 2019 on celebrating and acknowledging the power of Africa’s women entrepreneurs to create much needed jobs, continued and was the key topic for discussion at the 3rd Lioness Lean In Event in Cote d’Ivoire on 29 March. Women entrepreneurs who were looking to take their businesses to the next level and be the next job creators in the country, gathered in the city of Abidjan for a morning of sharing, inspiring and connecting for greater business success. The much-anticipated event was again hosted by Lionesses of Africa in partnership with Ambassade du Royaume des Pays-Bas.

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Cote d'Ivoire
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You Are a Mogul: How to Do the Impossible, Do It Yourself & Do It Now by Tiffany Pham

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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As the founder of Mogul, Tiffany Pham created a global technology and media empire by the age of twenty-seven and is living proof that the old rules of success no longer apply. In her book, You Are A Mogul, Tiffany writes the new rules for following your passions and forging your own path in an age of change and disruption.

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In Essential Tags Books
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LIONESS COLAB: Monalisa Productions x Dark Crown Productions

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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Two women-founded production companies in South Africa and Namibia celebrating the power of collaborative storytelling

Today, everyone knows the phrase ‘Content is King’, but creating really world-class content that consumers want to take time out of their busy working and personal lives to enjoy is tough. However, two women entrepreneur-led businesses are proving that collaboration can make really powerful content happen, and at scale, by harnessing the power of traditional and digital screens to reach audiences. Monalisa Productions in South Africa and Dark Crown Productions in Namibia are two businesses who are proof positive of going further, together.

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags South Africa, Media PR & Communications
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Chabana Farms launches Botswana’s first honey processing factory

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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Serial entrepreneur Mavis Nduchwa, founder of the successful agribusiness Chabana Farms in Botswana, is making news again this month with her launch of the first honey processing factory in the country. Her new business venture will be processing and packaging various types of honey including the rare white honey, yellow honey, as well as the black honey. Currently, the business is supplying honey to Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Namibia. 

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In Lioness Launch Tags Botswana, Agri-business
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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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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

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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