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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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Quote of the Day by Millicent Motsoeri

March 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Millicent Motsoeri, founder, Heita Ngamla Holidays (South Africa)

Millicent Motsoeri, founder, Heita Ngamla Holidays (South Africa)

“Remember your dream is big and it won’t take a day to build, hence you must persevere and be patient. You are a winner!”

Millicent Motsoeri, founder, Heita Ngamla Holidays (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Dream
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Entrepreneur Advice from Nicole Magerman / Don’t wait for the perfect time to start

March 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Nicole Magerman, founder of Girl Spectrum (Mozambique)

Nicole Magerman, founder of Girl Spectrum (Mozambique)

Don’t wait for the perfect time to start!…

“Don’t wait on money or making time to kick start your journey. Start now and fuel your goals on the way! Remember, hesitation is the mind killer!”

Nicole Magerman, founder, Girl Spectrum (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Nondumiso Pikashe, a South African entrepreneur creating a proud indigenous wine brand (2021)

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

Exciting things are happening in South Africa’s winelands with a new generation of entrepreneurs making great wines for the local and global market place and building new brands to watch. Ses’fikile Wines, founded by Nondumiso Pikashe, is one such brand with high aspirations.

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In Startup Story, Lioness Content Lab Tags South Africa, Wine, Agri-business, absa
Comment

Risk Forward: Embrace the Unknown and Unlock Your Hidden Genius by Victoria Labalme

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Victoria Labalme

Victoria Labalme

Book Review

Every entrepreneur is in search of inspiration - an innovative idea to elevate their business. In Risk Forward: Embrace the Unknown and Unlock Your Hidden Genius by author Victoria Labalme, she helps you to discover how to embrace uncertainty, trust your intuition and achieve success.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Lioness Launch / Takora launches new professional CV writing platform in South Africa

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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Lioness Launch

In South Africa, a new professional CV writing online platform is launching - Takora, founded by entrepreneur Kabwe Gondo. Unlike other companies, Takora specializes in professional CV writing and CV training, and is focused on helping people to land their next job with a reputable organization. Kabwe believes that having a well written CV is like having a superpower under your sleeves. It is a well-known fact that the unemployment rate has risen to over 30% in South Africa, and having a well written CV can help someone land his/her dream job, an executive level position, or that internship position.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Lynda Aphing-Kouassi, a catalyst for human capital optimization in business

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Lynda Aphing-Kouassi, founder of Kaizene (Cote d’Ivoire/UK)

Lynda Aphing-Kouassi, founder of Kaizene (Cote d’Ivoire/UK)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Kaizene, a Cote d’Ivoire and UK based human capital development business shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

Lynda Aphing-Kouassi is a passionate believer in the development of human capital to create the leaders that Africa and the rest of the world need, both today and tomorrow. Her business, the international Kaizene Firm based in Abidjan and London, defines itself as a catalyst, allowing public and private companies, micro-businesses and SMEs to optimize their human capital, improve their services and their quality approach. The services on offer from Kaizene include capacity building, coaching, organization of institutional conferences, and VSE/SME support and shared services.

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In Cover Story Tags Cote d'Ivoire, Business Services, Lynda Aphing-Kouassi
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Sandra Mauricio Vuvu, an entrepreneur from the DRC, now building an organic beauty brand in South Africa

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Sandra Mauricio Vuvu, founder of Vuvu Organic Beauty (DRC/South Africa)

Sandra Mauricio Vuvu, founder of Vuvu Organic Beauty (DRC/South Africa)

Startup Story

The rapidly growing global market for organic beauty products is one that Vuvu Organic Beauty, founded by Sandra Mauricio Vuvu, is now tapping into. Born in Angola, originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo DRC, and growing up in South Africa, Sandra’s passion for beauty and skincare started when she was 17 years old. She watched her mother have such beautiful fashion sense and the beauty products that she used made her want to know more about beauty herself. Sandra qualified as a beauty therapist where she gained more insight in beauty before launching her business.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Haircare, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo
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Ijeoma Onuoha, a Nigerian fashion brand builder creating stylish yet affordable fashion for women 

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Ijeoma Onuoha, founder of Asoebigirl Limited (Nigeria)

Ijeoma Onuoha, founder of Asoebigirl Limited (Nigeria)

Startup Story

Every woman wants to feel and look good, and finding the right stylish clothing for any occasion plays such an important part in that process. In Nigeria, entrepreneur Ijeoma Onuoha, founder of fashion business Asoebigirl Limited and creator of the brand, Touchbyasoebigirl, is bringing her stylish designs within reach of every discerning woman.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Fashion
Comment

Now is the time to focus!

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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By the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

The world famous free solo (alone and with no rope!) climber Alex Honnold as pictured above (whilst climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock, the 3,200ft El Capitan in Yosemite National Park) yes, we’ll just say that again - with no rope, says that often his most dangerous moment on any climb is just before the end when the climb starts to level off towards the top of the mountain and he starts to relax. That is when he is far more likely to slip and fall than when he is vertical, clinging to a crack a thousand metres above the ground. See the terrifying trailer from National Geographic here of the film by Jimmy Chin of this amazing assent. The film, "Free Solo" even won an Oscar for best documentary.

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Crisis Strategy
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Levelling the playing field

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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By Usha Maharaj

Unemployment rates are on the rise, retrenchments are commonplace, the job market is transforming, and hope turns to despair everyday as graduates face the reality of a saturated job market. Levelling the playing field matters more today than it ever has before.

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In Guest Blog Tags Usha Maharaj, Skills Training & Development, Personal Development
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Digital Marketing 101

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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By Geraldine Eve

There are basic questions that you need to answer before you embark on your digital marketing journey, and in this article we shall go through them. You may need a pen and paper or better still just open your notes app on your device and answer the questions.

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In Guest Blog Tags Geraldine Eve, Digital Marketing
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Practicing Mindfulness in Entrepreneurship

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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By Zodidi Jewel Gaseb

Last week I almost quit because of exhaustion. My body and mind were operating in overdrive, a state all too familiar to many of us running a business. We strategize daily, from operation, marketing and financial opportunities to explore, as well as making your third cup of coffee to keep up with it all. Surviving a global pandemic in the midst of running a business can also be tiring.

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In Guest Blog Tags Zodidi Jewel Gaseb, Mindful Entrepreneur
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Beyond their day jobs in the world of Tech, 7 women unpack their private passions sharing their ‘how’ and their ‘why’

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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by Moyosola Kara

In celebration of International Women’s day this month, I spoke to 7 women holding senior positions in the Tech industry while concurrently running thriving side businesses and (or) social enterprises despite their incredibly demanding schedules.

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In Guest Blog Tags Moyosola Kara, Women in Tech
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Ahead Of Her Time: How A One Woman Startup Became A Global Publishing Brand by Judy Piatkus 

March 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Judy Piatkus

Judy Piatkus

Book Review

Ahead Of Her Time: How A One Woman Startup Became A Global Publishing Brand is the inspiring memoir of female entrepreneur Judy Piatkus, who acquired the book series that inspired the global #1 Netflix hit, Bridgerton. She founded her business, Piatkus Books, in her spare bedroom back in 1979. Determined to empower women’s voices as a single-mother with a child with learning disabilities at a time when being a self-made, female entrepreneur was rare, Judy defied expectations. Through her determination, Judy influenced, shaped, and gave rise to the cultural and professional perception of personal growth and mind, body spirit publishing.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Lioness Launch / Pristine Home Interiors launches its new showroom and interior design service for discerning clients in South Africa

March 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Samukelisiwe Moralo

Samukelisiwe Moralo

Lioness Launch

A South African black-owned small business since 2015, Pristine Home Interiors has had a singular goal since its inception; to create signature and statement pieces and spaces. Each design in its showroom has been personally selected by the company’s boutique team with the South African lifestyle and aesthetic in mind. Founder Samukelisiwe Moralo, together with her co-founders Sthembile Ndaba and Sphamandla Ndaba have carefully curated a selection of designs that reflect their incredible country and way of life. Pristine Home Interiors is launching its new showroom based in the trendy design district of Kramerville in South Africa, with an Interior Design service that offers custom made furniture at a reasonable price.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Furniture, Interior Design
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Itumeleng Tshikalaha, a South African art entrepreneur sparking curiosity in the visual arts

March 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Itumeleng Tshikalaha, founder of 132 Art Gallery (South Africa)

Itumeleng Tshikalaha, founder of 132 Art Gallery (South Africa)

Startup Story

If you have ever visited an art gallery in Africa, you will know that there is a vibrant and growing art scene on the continent and one that is exciting art collectors both at home and abroad. In South Africa, the 132 Art Gallery, founded by entrepreneur Itumeleng Tshikalaha, aims to promote the work of talented established and emerging African artists to discerning collectors.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Art-preneur, Business Services
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Millicent Motsoeri, a South African entrepreneur making vacations affordable for working people

March 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken
HEITA-Ngamla-Holidays-Collage.jpg

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Everyone loves to take a vacation during the year, but often when the time comes to stop work and take a trip, funds can be in short supply. In South Africa, entrepreneur Millicent Motsoeri, co-founder of Heita Ngamla Holidays, has created a vehicle for customers to pre-pay for their vacations over time, making them more accessible to everyone.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, Travel & Leisure
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Nicole Magerman, a Mozambican social entrepreneur passionate about gender equality and women empowerment 

March 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Girl-Spectrum-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

Girl Spectrum is a non-profit organization movement founded by Nicole Natasha Magerman. Nicole founded Girl Spectrum at the age of 25 running it as a labour of love and devotion for gender equality. Girl Spectrum was founded in 2021 and has a world scale vision of creating awareness around not only women empowerment but also building confidence in our women of today. "Self-Care is Health Care", believes Nicole Magerman. As she says, “Feminists, women activists, let us gather here and conquer!”

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Social Entrepreneur, Health & Wellbeing
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Christine Khasinah-Odero, a Kenyan entrepreneur on a mission to support new mums

March 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Christine Khasinah-Odero, founder of Supamamas (Kenya)

Christine Khasinah-Odero, founder of Supamamas (Kenya)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Every mum and mum-to-be knows how important it is to learn as much as possible about being a parent and caring for those precious little ones. Seeing a gap in the market for a focused online and event platform that would bring the best information, networking and support for mums in Kenya, led to entrepreneur Christine Khasinah Odero creating Supamamas, a destination of choice for discerning mums.

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In Cover Story Tags Media PR & Communications, Kenya, Christine Khasinah-Odero
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 ESG anyone?

March 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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By the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

March 10th was a big day in Europe. On that day the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulations came into force, requiring “…investment funds to show how sustainability risks are incorporated into their investment decisions. This applies not only to fund managers, financial advisers and many other regulated firms in the EU, but also to non-EU [finance] managers marketing into the EU.”

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Capital & Fundraising
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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 / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…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-
Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat
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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma
Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene
Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…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- Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat 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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
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

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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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