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Lionesses of Africa

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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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The Habit of Leading Yourself - a One Year Guide to Becoming Unstoppable by Cayla Craft

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Cayla Craft

Cayla Craft

If you are one of those people who feel like life is just happening to them, and you are doing the same thing day in and day out, counting down the days to your next vacation? Then Cayla Craft, author of the new book The Habit of Leading Yourself - a One Year Guide to Becoming Unstoppable, could be the life coach in book form that you are looking for to change your approach to life.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Lusaka’s women entrepreneurs get the opportunity to learn about the Stanford Seed Transformation Programme

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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Getting access to world-class developmental support is the foundation for achieving  success for so many high growth potential women entrepreneurs in Africa. So, an exciting new initiative, the Stanford Seed programme, created by the Stanford Graduate School of Business, could be the key to that success. On Friday 10 May, a special event was organised by Lionesses of Africa in Lusaka, Zambia, hosted by NATSAVE, our impact partner in the country, in conjunction with Stanford Seed. The aim of the event was to introduce the Stanford Seed programme to potential women entrepreneur candidates from Zambia who are looking to grow their businesses and take their leadership expertise to the next level. 

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In Events Tags Academic Partner Event
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Samantha Collen, a South African entrepreneur and her co-founder mom Jenny, creating quirky, loveable African print clothing for trendy kids

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Samantha Collen and mom Jenny, co-founders of JenniDezigns (South Africa)

Samantha Collen and mom Jenny, co-founders of JenniDezigns (South Africa)

As any parent knows, young kids love to wear clothes that reflect their personalities and which make them feel and look good whilst they are enjoying their active lives. But finding kids clothing that not only looks great but is also affordable can be challenging. Samantha Collen and mom Jenny, co-founders of growing, trendy kids clothing brand JenniDezigns has the answer.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion
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Ifeoma Dike, a Nigerian entrepreneur connecting African contemporary art and artists with the global marketplace

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD

Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD

Anyone working in the fine art sector, particularly in Africa, knows only too well how difficult it is to find the right platforms to showcase work and connect with potential buyers, both private and corporate. That’s where passionate art entrepreneur, Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD comes in. Her specialist art agency identifies talented artists and showcases their work to the right people in the right places.

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, Art-preneur
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Unaiza Suliman, founder of UniqBrows by Unaiza in South Africa launches a new growth serum to stimulate lash and brow growth

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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For all those people who want great brows but suffer from thinning, weak or poorly defined brows and eyelashes, then specialist help is at hand. This month, South Africa’s renowned brow queen, Unaiza Suliman, founder of UniqBrows, has launched an exciting new growth serum specially formulated to make those brows and lashes grow.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness
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Finding your Ikigai. And, why it is so important as an entrepreneur.

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Claudia Castellanos, ceo, Black Mamba Chilli

Being an entrepreneur is very hard (I usually use a stronger word to describe how hard it is, but for decorum’s sake I will revert to the word “very” this once!). It is so hard, and in so many ways, that you must have a great reason to become one, or a great motivation to keep pushing when things get tough. Finding that reason, that deep purpose, is crucial to succeed.  

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In Guest Blog Tags Claudia Castellanos
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The value of kindness and generosity in all relationships

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Marjón Meyer

Over the past few months I have been on the receiving end of a lot of kindness and generosity from the various "tribes" I belong to - family, my book (and wine) club, fellow trail runners, friends living far and wide across the globe, fellow students, clients and colleagues. Because sometimes we are in a season of giving and later again in the season of receiving.

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In Guest Blog Tags Marjón Meyer
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Kofo Akinkugbe '100 Lionesses' Profile - Meet Nigeria's trailblazing innovator in smart card manufacturing

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Kofo Akinkugbe, founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd (Nigeria)

Kofo Akinkugbe, founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd (Nigeria)

Kofo Akinkugbe is recognised globally for her entrepreneurial success story and strong business track record. She is founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd a market leader in smart card technology and digital security. SecureID is a world-class manufacturing facility with the only smart card production plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent. This company serves 16 countries across Africa and is fully certified by VISA, Verve and MasterCard. In 2012, Kofo won the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship Mature Business Award.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Kofo Akinkugbe
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Quote of the Day by Monica Musonda

May 16, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Monica Musonda, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods (Zambia)

Monica Musonda, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods (Zambia)

It's okay to start small....

“It’s always good to take baby steps and grow with time. There is no rushed success that lasts.”

Monica Musonda, founder & CEO of Java Foods (Zambia)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Monica Musonda, Management Advice
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It’s the big Pitch Day for Johannesburg’s high growth potential women entrepreneurs on the Lionesses of Africa & Siemens Accelerator

May 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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It is always an exciting moment when a new cohort of high growth potential women entrepreneurs graduate from the Lionesses of Africa Accelerator programme. On 6 May, 29 women entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase their businesses at a very special Lionesses of Africa & Siemens Accelerator Pitch Day. The event took place at Siemens Africa offices in Midrand, South Africa, with invited guests including decision-makers from the Siemen’s supply chain management team and other divisions of the company. It was a morning designed to connect the Accelerator cohort members with future potential business to help them take their businesses to the next level of success.

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In Events Tags Lioness Accelerator Pitch Day
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Women entrepreneurs gather in Centurion, South Africa, for another great Lioness Lean In event on 3 May

May 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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On a beautiful morning in Centurion, South Africa, on Friday 3 May, 130 women entrepreneurs with businesses ranging across a wide variety of sectors, came together to be inspired and to network. The occasion, the latest Lioness Lean In event, always a great occasion to bring together established and new women business builders to share their experiences and to connect for greater business success. Once again, the event was co-hosted between Lionesses of Africa and Volkswagen Group in South Africa, and took place at the VW Training Academy in Centurion.

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, South Africa
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Sanele Dlamini, an entrepreneur from Swaziland creating a successful retail business and empowering others at the same time

May 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Sanele Dlamini, founder of Flexy (eSwatini)

Sanele Dlamini, founder of Flexy (eSwatini)

The inspiration for entrepreneur Sanele Dlamini to establish her clothing retail and beauty business, Flexy, came from the need to create an economic future for herself. Today she is doing much more, creating future career paths for other young women in her country.

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In Startup Story Tags Eswatini, Fashion, Beauty & Wellness
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Ntsoaki Kortjass, a South African entrepreneur building a specialist security business to be reckoned with

May 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions (South Africa)

Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions (South Africa)

For many companies and individuals alike, security is a key concern and one that needs addressing by experienced professionals. In South Africa, one woman entrepreneur is building a business that brings peace of mind together with a highly experienced approach to risk management. Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions, is putting people and property first, and building a reputation for great service at the same time.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Security Services
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LIONESS LAUNCH: New essential finance handbook for entrepreneurs launches this month

May 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Precious Mvulane, founder of GAD Consulting Services Inc (South Africa)

Precious Mvulane, founder of GAD Consulting Services Inc (South Africa)

Effectively managing your business finances and setting a strong foundation for growth is key to success, but many entrepreneurs struggle with this concept in practice. But help is at hand with the launch of a new edition of The Essential Finance Handbook for Entrepreneurs, authored by finance expert Precious Mvulane, founder of GAD Consulting Services Inc in South Africa. She is well known for providing specialist business training to entrepreneurs, focusing on financial literacy, but now is providing essential advice and guidance on implementing successful growth strategies in business. 

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa
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The Ultimate Guide For Women Entrepreneurs: Dream it. Build it in 2019 by Cecelia Nowlin 

May 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Cecilia Nowlin

Cecilia Nowlin

As a woman entrepreneur do you feel like you’re in a man’s world? Do you have fear regarding starting your business as a woman? Then you need to read The Ultimate Guide for Women Entrepreneurs by Cecilia Nowlin.

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In Essential Tags Books
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My ABC of business: The dynamics of diversifying in business

May 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Lizl Naude, founder of Lily Loompa

One would think that the longer you are in business, the less you need to learn, but in fact, quite the opposite is true. None of us can ever say we know it all!

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In Guest Blog Tags Lizl Naude
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Working Moms’ Club Call to Action

May 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Tapula, founder & director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

Working mommies, how do we celebrate Mother’s Day? Do we spend time with our families and just do what we do every day – be mothers by cleaning after everyone and making sure everyone is eating healthy food? Do we appreciate a night out and a candle lit dinner with our partners? Do we stay in our bubble of being a mother or do we reach out to other mothers and celebrate the day together?  I propose this day can be used to chat to other working mothers, advising each other on our businesses and sharing stories.

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In Guest Blog Tags Entrepreneur Support
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Kabwe Mulolo, a South African recruitment entrepreneur helping the construction and engineering industry to find the right people

May 5, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Kabwe Mulolo, founder of Construct Executive Search (CES) (South Africa)

Kabwe Mulolo, founder of Construct Executive Search (CES) (South Africa)

A company is only ever as good as its people, and that’s why it is so important to hire the right people with the right skills in order to grow and thrive. In South Africa, one company, Construct Executive Search founded by Kabwe Mulolo, is building a great reputation for specialized recruitment, helping businesses in the construction, technical and engineering sectors find the professional staff they need. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Mozambique’s women entrepreneurs shine at the country’s first Lioness Lean In event of the year

May 5, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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On a perfect, blue sky morning in Maputo, Mozambique, over 120 women entrepreneurs gathered together for the first Lioness Lean In of the year in the country. The aim was to inspire one another, to connect for business, and to listen to successful women business builders and product creators share their stories. As always, it was an unforgettable morning, with business done, new relationships formed, and a significant amount of entrepreneurial energy in the air. 

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Mozambique
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Quote of the Day by Karen Wessels

May 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Karen Wessels, co-founder of SnappSales and VA Connect (South Africa)

Karen Wessels, co-founder of SnappSales and VA Connect (South Africa)

“I believe in the power of reciprocity. First add value and then ask for assistance or help with whatever it is that you require.”

Karen Wessels, co-founder of SnappSales and VA Connect (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day
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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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