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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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Your Business, Your Rules by Cat LeBlanc

August 4, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Cat LeBlanc

Cat LeBlanc

For all those women who are considering escaping from the corporate grind and embarking on an entrepreneurial journey but don’t know how to make it happen, Your Business Your Rules by author and business coach Cat LeBlanc, could be a great read. Your Business, Your Rules shows you how to cut through the noise of generalized business advice and craft a business suited to the lifestyle you want to live.

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In Essential Tags Books
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August kickstarts with the launch of the new Lioness Lean In Enterprise series of events in South Africa

August 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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What better way to kickstart Women’s Month in South Africa than with the launch of a new series of Lioness Lean In Enterprise events in partnership with Absa? On 1 August, 100 high growth potential women entrepreneurs from the Lionesses of Africa community gathered together with specialist banking advisors from Absa for a morning of inspiration, networking and business consulting, at the prestigious new Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg. The aim, to help them to take their businesses to the next level.

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In Enterprise, South Africa
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Nalydia Foods launches in South Africa to produce a natural food solution for the young, elderly and sick consumer

August 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Dorothy Dolly Fatima Mofomme, co-founder of Nalydia Foods (South Africa)

Dorothy Dolly Fatima Mofomme, co-founder of Nalydia Foods (South Africa)

In South Africa, a new natural food product specifically formulated to meet the needs of young babies and children, and also the elderly and sick, has been launched by serial entrepreneur, Dorothy Dolly Fatima Mofomme and her co-founders. Nalydia Foods is addressing a gap in the market for nutritious, easy to digest, completely natural and health food for the young, elderly and sick consumer.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Food & Drink, South Africa
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Amanda Aminah Masire, an entrepreneur in Botswana creating a turnkey model for local horticultural farming

August 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Amanda Aminah Masire, founder of Greenhouse Technologies (Botswana)

Amanda Aminah Masire, founder of Greenhouse Technologies (Botswana)

Many entrepreneurs are inspired to start their businesses by seeing a gap in the market or a need in their communities. In the case of Amanda Aminah Masire from Botswana, she started her business, Greenhouse Technologies, in response to the gap between government and local people in the agricultural value chain. 

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In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Agri-Tech, Agri-business
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Neema Nkatha Kinoti, a Kenyan entrepreneur celebrating African culture through her unique designer swimwear 

August 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Neema Nkatha Kinoti, founder of Ohana Family Wear Limited (Kenya)

Neema Nkatha Kinoti, founder of Ohana Family Wear Limited (Kenya)

Whether relaxing in the pool or at the beach, everyone loves to look stylish. Ohana Family Wear Limited, the brainchild of Kenyan entrepreneur Neema Nkatha Kinoti, has just the answer, with her uber stylish range of swimwear. It celebrates African textiles and prints whilst at the same time providing comfort and chic.

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Fashion, Swimwear
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Entrepreneur Advice from Carrie Leaver: Find your people

August 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Carrie Leaver, co-founder of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)

Carrie Leaver, co-founder of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)

Find your people.….

"As a start-up, support, understanding and some extra love make the difficult days much easier. Being an entrepreneur can be lonely and it's easy to doubt and question one’s decisions and journey. Being part of a community of like-minded people brings strength, new ideas and also an eco-system of services and potential clients. We're stronger together!”

Carrie Leaver, co-founder of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneur Support
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Top 3 Yes Blockers …  

July 31, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Laura Camacho

You probably were not aware of this when you started your business but now you know. Thriving businesses must sell. A lot. Ideas. Solutions. Products. Services. Add ons. Contracts. Upgrades. ROI…

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In Guest Blog Tags Laura Camacho, Sales
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My ABC of business: How pursuing a client is similar to a romantic relationship

July 31, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa 

Do you remember the first time you fell in-love? Do you remember the excitement and the thrill of the “chase”? It could be compared to a pursuit and it usually begins when a person shows interest in another and is incredibly attracted to him/her. A thrilling period then starts, when traditionally the man starts showing his intentions for a romantic relationship by flirting, bringing gifts or verbally expressing his intentions to the woman. Depending on their compatibility or her level of attraction, she will respond eagerly, or she might play hard-to-get. Depending on his level of interest, he will keep romancing her, and if he does and says the right things, he might persuade her to take him seriously and commence a romantic relationship. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Lizl Naude, Marketing
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Things Smart Women Don’t Do When Opportunity Knocks

July 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Saajidah Esat

Women have instinctively and deeply nurturing characteristics. Unlike men, they take pride in the process vs being solely focused on the result. They strive to develop people along the way and want to know that they are making a real and positive difference in the world. So when the next big company comes along to sign a contract that could potentially change the entire trajectory of her business, she may appear slightly hesitant and need some time to weigh out the pros and cons. Although this may be a good thing, there are some things that smart women just don’t do when opportunity knocks.

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In Guest Blog Tags Saajidah Esat, Opportunity
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The Value of Interpreting Your Financial Statements

July 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Thandekile Moloko

If you own a business, or are part of a business, the compliance process of documenting the finances of the business may be a bit tedious, especially if your main intent is to make money and create an empire in the process. However, there are jewels of wisdom in financial statements that can help you best run your business and help you make better business decisions. Thus, it is important to understand the basic techniques of interpreting financial statements.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thandekile Moloko, Financial Management
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It's too late, the Robots are here!

July 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Paula Quinsee

There is a lot of talk going on about the 4th Industrial Revolution and Robots taking over the World...ok not really the world but our jobs and leaving us redundant. Whilst there may be some truth in this, it is not entirely true. Yes, the Robots are here, and work streams are being automated, so we need to constantly up-skill ourselves to remain relevant in the job landscape of the future. This doesn't only apply to individuals but also to organizations.

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In Guest Blog Tags Paula Quinsee, Personal Development
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Where There’s a Will, there’s a Relative

July 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

No one likes to think about dying, let’s face it, but it is one of those life certainties, like taxes, that’s impossible to avoid! And while you can’t dodge the tax man, many people neglect to draw up a will, either because they have more pressing priorities, or because they want to avoid thoughts around death. As a woman once said to me, “If I draw up a will, I will die!”

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In Guest Blog Tags Sylvia Walker, Wealth Management
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Who really am I?  

July 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Thozama Ponti 

It’s very funny how others can describe and say a lot about us, better than we can. Because people are very good at calling other people names, labelling, defining and describing. Unfortunately most often because we don’t know ourselves, we often fall within their descriptions and labels (we accept the things they call us as the best description of ourselves, the clothes they recommend for us, the hairstyles they suggest, and even the careers we must follow, etc.. ) Not knowing yourself can be very harmful for you and your career.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thozama Ponti, Self Belief
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Gaborone's leading women entrepreneurs gathered to share experiences and connect for success

July 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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Gaborone’s leading women entrepreneurs turned out in force on Friday 19 July to be part of the first Lioness Lean In event in Botswana this year. It was great to be back and the event marked the first of a series of Lioness Lean In collaborations between Lionesses of Africa, Stanbic Bank and Liberty Life Botswana in the country. Over 100 women entrepreneurs in the audience got to experience a great morning of inspirational startup story sharing, connecting for business success, and networking with like-minded women entrepreneurs to share experiences and gain support.

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Botswana, Gaborone
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Cátia Mondlane, a Mozambican beauty entrepreneur building an organic skincare brand to help those with sensitive skins 

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Cátia Mondlane, founder of Isabella Estética & Cosméticos (Mozambique)

Cátia Mondlane, founder of Isabella Estética & Cosméticos (Mozambique)

Increasingly today, people suffer from skin irritations caused by the environment, food allergies, lifestyle challenges, and medical conditions. It can be hard to find skincare solutions for those consumers who find the big, globally produced, mainstream beauty brands just to harsh. Well now, help is at hand from Mozambican organic skincare company, Isabella - Estética & Cosméticos, founded by Cátia Mondlane. She is on a mission to bring natural, locally produced skincare solutions to her customers who want to be kind to their skins and to the planet.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Beauty & Wellness
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Malawian luxury fashionpreneur Lilly Alfonso launches her LA Sport Brand

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lilly Alfonso

Lilly Alfonso

Successful Malawian fashion designer and entrepreneur, Lilly Alfonso, best known for her globally recognised and award-winning couture collections that regularly grace the world’s top fashion runways, is launching an exciting and very different collection this month. Her LA Sport brand is an uber trendy designer sportswear brand, featuring a range of gym attire, hoodies and sports jerseys, and can be worn both to the gym and also as stylish leisurewear. 

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In Lioness Launch Tags Malawi, Fashion
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What It Takes: How I Built a $100 Million Business from My Kitchen Table by Raegan Moya-Jones

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Raegen Moya-Jones

Raegen Moya-Jones

The founder of global baby brand aden + anais, Raegen Moya-Jones tells the story of how she built a $100 million business that started at her kitchen table. She never thought of herself as an entrepreneur. She was a wife, a mother, and a full-time corporate cog in her thirties. But she was sick and tired of her micromanaging boss, so she quietly started a company in the wee hours of the morning while her daughters were asleep. She finally quit her 9-5 when her side hustle, boutique baby swaddle brand aden + anais, hit the $1 million revenue mark. It now generates over $100 million a year in revenue.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Lindalva Mulembwe, a Mozambican entrepreneur turning a passion for flower arrangements into a thriving business

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lindalva Mulembwe, founder of LM Flowers On The Go (Mozambique)

Lindalva Mulembwe, founder of LM Flowers On The Go (Mozambique)

Leveraging her many years of experience in the events business led Mozambican entrepreneur Lindalva Mulembwe, founder of LM Flowers On The Go, to identify a niche in the market - the creation of simple yet elegant flower arrangements. Today, she is building a successful business that brings flower celebrations to any special occasion.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
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Be your own permission agent 

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

Back in 2012, I knew I wanted to write a book that included interviews of amazing women to share their stories and insights. I didn’t know where to begin so I called Mandy Wiener, a well-known journalist. I had worked with her earlier that year on an event and reached out to her for advice. She was extremely helpful and at the end of coffee, I asked her which voice recorder she uses for her interviews. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Fear
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15 Essential Tips for Women Franchisees

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Kabira Dewan

As a new franchisee, I discovered that women are particularly under-represented in the fast food franchise world. So, if, as a women, you have ever wondered if a fast food franchise is for you, the following are my tips to help you with your entrepreneurial journey. These are not in any order of preference but more aligned to my personal exposure in the Franchise World.

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In Guest Blog Tags Kabira Dewan, Franchising
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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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