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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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5 Tips to reducing the stress of being “Always On”

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Deborah Hartung founder of Pivot PeopleTech (South Africa)

I recently read an article about the increased levels of stress and anxiety being experienced by Millennials, especially, due to the fact that we are always ’on’ and always connected to absolutely everything that is happening in the world and at work.

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In Guest Blog Tags Deborah Hartung
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100 LIONESSES: Featuring Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO a market leader in the Zimbabwean security services industry

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO (Zimbabwe)

Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO (Zimbabwe)

Divine Ndhlukula founded SECURICO Security Services from humble beginnings in Zimbabwe in 1998. Divine identified a need in the market for a quality oriented security company and she has driven SECURICO to become the market leader in Zimbabwe. She has tackled a previously male-dominated industry head on and her business success story is nothing short of remarkable - marking her as one of Africa's most tenacious and inspiring women entrepreneurs.

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In 100 Lionesses Project
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Quote of the Day by Magda Wierzycka

May 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Magda Wierzycka, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sygnia Asset Management (South Africa)

Magda Wierzycka, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sygnia Asset Management (South Africa)

“Work hard, take on tasks that no one else wants to do, and stand up for what you believe in.” 

Magda Wierzycka, founder & CEO, Sygnia Asset Management (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Magda Wierzycka
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Jamilla and Fierdowsah Jacobs, two women entrepreneurs bringing world-class kids accessories to Namibia’s trend conscious parents 

May 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Jamilla and Fierdowsah Jacobs, founders of Kids Emporium Namibia

Jamilla and Fierdowsah Jacobs, founders of Kids Emporium Namibia

Every proud parent knows how exciting it is to shop for their children, but it is often hard to find just the right item of clothing or furniture that is both practical and trendy. In Windhoek, Namibia, two sister entrepreneurs have filled the gap with their beautiful retail store, Kids Emporium Namibia. It stocks a wealth of must-have products to suit the needs of babies and toddlers, whilst fulfilling the needs of moms and parents to be.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Children's Clothing, Children's Toys, Namibia
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Mozambique’s leading artisan handmade soap company launches new environmentally friendly gift product 

May 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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DAISY Handmade Soap, the inspirational social entrepreneurship project in Mozambique that aims to empower people with skills to produce low cost hand-made soap by reusing ingredients and materials, to create jobs and protect the environment, is launching an exciting new product to add its popular range. The company’s new soap dish gift product is aligned with the company’s environmental awareness purpose. It is made of recycled coconut shell, handmade by Isaura, that accompanies the highly popular soaps made of coconut oil or recycled sunflower oil with citronella and lemongrass aroma. Each gift product is wrapped in cellophane bags (a plant based product which is also environmental friendly).

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In Lioness Launch Tags Artisan Enterprise, Social Entrepreneur, Mozambique
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20 Beautiful Women: Africa Edition: 20 More Stories That Will Heal Your Soul, Ignite Your Passion And Inspire Your Divine Purpose by Saba Tekle and Lelanie Basson

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Saba Tekle and Lelanie Basson

Saba Tekle and Lelanie Basson

"20 Beautiful Women: 20 More Stories That Will Heal Your Soul, Ignite Your Passion And Inspire Your Divine Purpose" Africa Edition by Saba Tekle and Lelanie Basson is a collection of personal short stories from 20 more authors, speakers, and life coaches from all over the world who are bonding together for the common goal of sisterhood and to transform women from the inside-out.

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In Essential Tags Books, Namibia
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Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, a serial entrepreneur creating unique leather accessories for the Namibian marketplace 

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, founder of KOVA (Namibia)

Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, founder of KOVA (Namibia)

Lovers of fine leather accessories in Namibia are now able to shop locally to buy beautifully designed and handcrafted handbags and other specialist products, thanks to the talented entrepreneur Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, founder of KOVA. She has created a premium leather accessory brand specially for the local Namibian market, and her customers are loving the end result.

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In Startup Story Tags Artisan Enterprise, Fashion, Namibia, Handbags
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Trying to Hire

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

A month ago I decided it was probably time to look for help again. This was driven by the fact that I had been off work for a few weeks due to personal struggles and was more than just behind on everything.  Plus this, I had a wedding coming up. So the panic and anxiety and my friends made me do it! Well, great advice from them, though I was in no space to be my 100% self. I needed help, as any other human being does on this earth. I needed to hire.

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
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You are exactly where you want to be!

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation 

Confession time. What is it that you do that stops you from being the best version of yourself? Let’s cut out the buzzwords and be real - what are doing to stop you from living the life you want? 

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula
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Namibia’s women entrepreneurs inspire each other to greater success at the 2nd Lioness Lean In event in Windhoek

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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A packed audience of Namibia’s leading women entrepreneurs gathered together in Windhoek on the morning of Wednesday 22 May for the second Lioness Lean In event in the country. The much-anticipated event was once again hosted by Lionesses of Africa (the fastest growing network of women entrepreneurs on the African continent with over 750,000 women business owners in all 54 African countries) in partnership with Nedbank Namibia. One again, the event lived up to all the expectations, as it delivered a morning of inspiration and great business networking. 

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Namibia
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Entrepreneur Advice from Christine Wanjiru: Your heart needs to be in the right place

May 23, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Christine Wanjiru, founder of Ayari Ani Cosmetics (Kenya)

Christine Wanjiru, founder of Ayari Ani Cosmetics (Kenya)

Your heart needs to be in the right place…

“Question your reasons for why you want to start a venture, ensure that your heart is in the right place, do your research, and brace yourself for what may come. Finally just do it.”

Christine Wanjiru, founder of Ayari Ani Cosmetics (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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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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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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