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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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Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro, an innovator transforming aquatic weeds into natural fibre products

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro

Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

MitiMeth, tackling a growing Nigerian environmental challenge and creating sustainable jobs.

Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro is a Computer Scientist turned Social Entrepreneur. She is also the Founder and CEO of MitiMeth, an award-winning Social Enterprise transforming waste and building livelihoods through the transformation of invasive aquatic weeds and agricultural residues. To date, MitiMeth has trained over 400 women from communities across Nigeria and Ghana to make eco-friendly home décor and lifestyle products from these natural fibres. She is passionate about creating employment opportunities through sustainable textiles and accessories from renewable materials and working with multi-stakeholders to push these into the mainstream. Her story has been featured on TED, BBC, Deutsche Welle TV, CNBC Africa and CNN’s African Start-Up.

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Achenyo Idachaba, Social Entrepreneur
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Sarah Collins, an impact driven entrepreneur changing lives and communities

August 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sarah Collins, founder of Wonderbag (South Africa)

Sarah Collins, founder of Wonderbag (South Africa)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Wonderbag, a revolutionary product empowering Africa’s women, one home at a time.

Sarah Collins is an impact driven entrepreneur whose company manufactures, sells and subsidizes a revolutionary cooking product known as the Wonderbag. A Wonderbag is based on the oldest technology in the world – heat retention cooking. These non-electric bags are made up of lab tested chipped foam that is housed in colourful, African-inspired printed fabrics with a drawstring at the top to retain the heat. This simple but ingenious product allows for food to be brought to the boil by conventional cooking methods and once put into the Wonderbag will continue to cook the food for up to 12 hours.

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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Social Entrepreneur
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Lioness Launch / MitiMeth launches its new Concept Showroom in Lagos marking an exciting new milestone 

August 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro, founder of MitiMeth (Nigeria)

Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro, founder of MitiMeth (Nigeria)

Lioness Launch

MitiMeth is an award-winning, cause driven brand, transforming waste and building livelihoods in Nigeria via the Creative Economy. The company has just opened its new “All Things Water Hyacinth” Showroom in Lagos. The new retrofitted “for-purpose” Showroom and Production Hub will be a centre for the transformation of water hyacinth into Home Goods and Accessories.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Nigeria, Achenyo Idachaba, Social Entrepreneur
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Maria Baryamujura, an award-winning social entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable tourism

August 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Maria Baryamujura, founder of COBATI Uganda

Maria Baryamujura, founder of COBATI Uganda

Startup Story

Community tourism has long been recognised as a driver of local economic development, particularly for women. In East Africa, social entrepreneur Maria Baryamujura, founder of COBATI Uganda, knows just how to innovate and make tourism work for rural communities.

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In Startup Story Tags Uganda, Social Entrepreneur, Tourism
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Kristine Pearson, a social entrepreneur with a unique radio vision

June 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kristine Pearson, founder of Lifeline Energy

Kristine Pearson, founder of Lifeline Energy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Kristine Pearson, founder of Lifeline Energy, is a real impact driven social entrepreneur, on a mission to bring the power of radio to people in remote and under-resourced areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Her work is positively changing the lives of millions of people who would have little access to news and information without these innovative solar powered and wind-up radios. Lionesses of Africa chatted to Kristine this month to find out more.

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In Cover Story Tags Kristine Pearson, Social Entrepreneur
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Diana Sierra, a designer and social entrepreneur creating access to menstrual products for girls in Mozambique

May 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Diana Sierra, founder of Be Girl Inc. (Mozambique)

Diana Sierra, founder of Be Girl Inc. (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Girls in Mozambique have a number of challenges to overcome, and one of those is getting access to menstrual products, menstrual education and addressing social stigma around menstruation. But that is now changing, thanks to entrepreneurs like Diana Sierra, a Columbian designer and social entrepreneur who is the founder of Be Girl Inc. in Mozambique.

a around menstruation. But that is now changing, thanks to entrepreneurs like Diana Sierra, founder of Be Girl Inc.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Health & Wellbeing, Social Entrepreneur
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Mariam Lawani, a Nigerian entrepreneur tackling poverty and unemployment through recycling 

May 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mariam Lawani, founder of Greenhill Recycling (Nigeria)

Mariam Lawani, founder of Greenhill Recycling (Nigeria)

Startup Story

In Nigeria’s rural communities, poverty and unemployment are major challenges, as is the issue of waste management. For entrepreneur Mariam Lawani, finding solutions to all of these challenges was the motivation for her business, Greenhill Recycling.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Social Entrepreneur, Eco-preneur
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Entrepreneur Advice from Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka / Keep your goals in sight

April 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Keep your goals in sight…

“Being a social entrepreneur is often a journey of hills and valleys, and very fulfilling if you always keep your goals in sight.”

Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder, Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Goals, Social Entrepreneur
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Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, an entrepreneur from the DRC helping women to create sustainable businesses

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, founder of Cewon (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, founder of Cewon (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Startup Story

Many women in the Democratic Republic of Congo need to access key skills and resources in order to fulfil their potential, and that is where Cewon comes in. Founder Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio is creating a platform which empowers women to make the change they need in their lives.

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In Startup Story Tags Democratic Republic of Congo, Social Entrepreneur
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Lioness Launch / Water Access Rwanda launches four new water infrastructure service offerings

February 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda

Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda

Lioness Launch

Getting daily access to safe, clean, affordable water is a priority for many of Rwanda’s citizens. For entrepreneur Christelle Kwizera, providing a series of game-changing solutions to that challenge is what drives her business, Water Access Rwanda.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Water, Sustainable Industry, Social Entrepreneur, Rwanda
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Quote of the Day by Chinwe Ohajuruka

January 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder Comprehensive Design Services, Nigeria

Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder Comprehensive Design Services, Nigeria

"Social entrepreneurs are patient, sensitive and they have a strong sense of doing what is right to fix the problem. So, hang in there, your work is needed."

Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder of Comprehensive Design Services (Nigeria)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Social Entrepreneur
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Tadziripa Madzima, a Zimbabwean social entrepreneur with a passion for helping the country’s youth to fulfill their potential 

December 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth (Zimbabwe)

Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth (Zimbabwe)

Startup Story

Africa is a young continent with millions of young people with vast potential ready to make their contributions to its future economic development and prosperity. But those young people need support, encouragement and the right environment to thrive. In Zimbabwe, social entrepreneur Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth, has created an enterprise committed to empowering young people to fulfill that potential.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Zimbabwe
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Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, a high flying social entrepreneur advancing opportunities for women in STEM in Botswana

September 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, founder of Dare to Dream (Botswana)

Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, founder of Dare to Dream (Botswana)

Startup Story

They say that to make a difference in the world you need to dream big, and for one truly inspirational woman social entrepreneur and aviator in Botswana, she is demonstrating that if your dreams are big enough you can make big change happen. Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, founder of Dare to Dream, is inspiring a new generation of young women to follow in her footsteps and carve out careers and businesses in the exciting world of aviation and aerospace.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Botswana, Aviation
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Mozambique’s leading artisan handmade soap company launches new environmentally friendly gift product 

May 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Daisy-Handmade-Collage.jpg

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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Dawn Close, a social entrepreneur in Zambia empowering women through the business of jewellery making

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Dawn Close, founder of F.R.E.E (the Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) (Zambia)

Dawn Close, founder of F.R.E.E (the Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) (Zambia)

Making jewellery and making a difference to women’s lives is the mission behind F.R.E.E (the Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment). Created by entrepreneur Dawn Close in Zambia, the goal is to empower highly skilled craftswomen in the country to create high quality, handcrafted jewellery for sale around the world.

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In Startup Story Tags Zambia, Social Entrepreneur, Jewellery
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Ezlyn Olivia Barends, a South African social entrepreneur on a mission to empower a new generation of young women in the country

October 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ezlyn Olivia Barends, co-founder of DreamGirls Academy (South Africa)

Ezlyn Olivia Barends, co-founder of DreamGirls Academy (South Africa)

Making a difference to the lives of others is something that drives the passionate social entrepreneur and co-founder of DreamGirls Academy, Ezlyn Olivia Barends. She believes that by harnessing the power of community and mentorship, young women can equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to fulfill their potential in life and become change-makers in their own right.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Social Entrepreneur
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Afia Bobia Amanfo, a Ghanaian social entrepreneur committed to educating and mentoring the next generation

September 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Afia Bobia Amanfo, founder of Studentshubgh (Ghana)

Afia Bobia Amanfo, founder of Studentshubgh (Ghana)

Young people are the economic future of Ghana, and it is critical that they are given the opportunity to fulfill their true potential if they are going to make their contributions to the country. Helping them to achieve this is a young social enterprise, Studentshubgh, driven by a social entrepreneur, Afia Bobia Amanfo, with a big vision and the passion to match.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Ghana
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Melissa Bime, an impact driven entrepreneur saving lives in Cameroon with her online blood bank

August 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Melissa Bime, founder of Infiuss (Cameroon)

Melissa Bime, founder of Infiuss (Cameroon)

As a nurse, Melissa Bime saw a huge challenge in her country’s hospitals - getting essential blood supplies to those in need in order to save lives. So she became an impact entrepreneur, choosing to change the situation rather than being part of it, launching her online blood bank Infiuss as a solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Cameroon, Healthcare, Social Entrepreneur
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Andra Massamba, a Mozambican social entrepreneur on a mission to change attitudes in society

August 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Andra Massamba, founder of Uabalika (Mozambique)

Andra Massamba, founder of Uabalika (Mozambique)

As human beings, celebrating and embracing our differences is what makes for a tolerant society, and for Andra Massamba, founder of Uabalika, this was the inspiration for starting her social entrepreneurship venture.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Social Entrepreneur
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Carrie Leaver and Shona McDonald, two social entrepreneurs creating a unique new co-working space for startups in Cape Town

April 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Carrie Leaver and Shona McDonald, founders of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)

Carrie Leaver and Shona McDonald, founders of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)

One of the biggest challenges for many startup entrepreneurs who work from home is connecting with other like-minded people in an environment which is supportive and creative. In Cape Town, social entrepreneurs Carrie Leaver and Shona McDonald have created the answer with their Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay business venture.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Social Entrepreneur, Co-working
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

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LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak Big bold 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 brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
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 / Adèle Dejak Big bold 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 brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf

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