fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
‘Tis the damn season
By: Olivia Pandora Stokes
Tags: Ambition, 100daysofcode, Year In Review, Women In Business, 2020

Photo by nichiiro on Unsplash

Whenever I feel a strong feeling, excitement, or stress, I imagine it as an egg. I see myself in the kitchen with a pan, holding the egg in my hand. I hit the egg against the pan once or twice, then I crack it and there goes the feeling. The egg sizzles and the beginnings of a fried egg takes shape.

I like to imagine frying eggs because it’s something I’ve done a lot since the pandemic has started. Eggs have been easy to find and can go with almost any meal. Accessible and flexible? Basically perfect.

At some point, I realized the pandemic is one of those things people will talk about in the future and never fully understand. “Look at the old lady wearing a mask, she must’ve lived during the pandemic” I may end up being the old lady in the mask, a lot of us maybe. I know vaccines are being distributed right now, but in no way do I want to dismiss the impact the pandemic has had on our lives and our society.

It’s the day after Christmas and I’ve told myself no emails and especially no LinkedIn. Do I need new clients? Probably. Do I want a new job? Absolutely. But, even I realize there is a point when I need to take a break and we all need to take a break. The opportunities will be there, the money will be there.

I have the brief privilege to relax, so I’m going to. I’m going to sleep more, talk to my family, watch Christmas movies, and eat too much sugar. My brain needs a break from my typical schedule, so that’s what I’m doing.

In the meantime, I also want to focus on what I want. That means writing more things for my blog and coding. These are things I’ve given myself permission to do during the holiday break and only if and when I enjoy them.

When you’re a little girl, they don’t tell you about how the world is going to react to your ambition. I wanted a lot and I still do. Nobody really tells you about how they treat ambitious girls and women. How being ambitious and being successful can be praised as much as they’re criticized. How your ambition can be your own demise. What it can do to your health and your livelihood. I don’t want anything that’s going to cost me myself. So, that means I have to listen to my instincts and my body.

2020 was my slow down year and I didn’t even know it. I’m looking forward to 2021 and also my 25th birthday on June 25th (lol). I feel stronger and cautiously optimistic.
Gidget Pugh, The Woman Behind the BRAND.
By: Gidget Powell - Pugh
Tags: Personal Branding, Women In Business, Public Speaking, Small Business Owner, Digital Marketing

Gidget Pugh, Digital Marketing and Personal Branding Strategist…

Meet Gidget Pugh, founder, and CEO of Socially Focused, LLC, a boutique digital marketing and personal branding agency based in Oakland, California.

A native of Oakland, California, Gidget Pugh started her sales and marketing career in Silicon Valley, successfully selling software for companies that included IBM, Oracle, JP Morgan Chase, and a number of startups. She brought her innate ability to build and foster profitable relationships, to which she quickly gained a deep understanding of sales and marketing methodology.

Throughout her career, Pugh consistently ranked in the top 5% of sales teams she joined. She created new revenue streams for her company and introduced sales metrics that ultimately increase the sales team’s productivity.

Pugh attributes her success in sales to excellent listening skills and putting her customers first. Soon customers associated the products she represented with her name and personality. Loyal clients dubbed her “The Real California Gidget.” Customers valued her honesty, commitment, and in-depth industry knowledge.

Developing her brand played a huge role in Pugh’s success. The more she learned about brand development and management, the more she discovered a passion for the branding industry.

In 2016, she took everything she learned from her sales and marketing years and founded Socially Focused LLC. The company focuses on helping local business owners compete with larger companies in their industries by leveraging emerging technologies at an affordable cost.

“I use my extensive connections and years of experience to give local businesses the tools they need not just to grow, but thrive online. In addition to my work as a marketing expert, I’m also a personal branding strategist. I use my knowledge to teach others through public speaking engagements and motivational content.” Pugh says.

In this capacity, she combines the roles of marketing strategist and brand building. Her philosophy is that her clients deserve to be happy AND successful, fulfilled personally AND professionally.
How the Pandemic Has Influenced Women in Leadership
By: Brie Neumann
Tags: Women In Business, Female Leadership, Brie Neumann, Leadership, Business

The coronavirus pandemic comes when women are excellently performing in leadership roles for numerous sectors. The pandemic has seen innumerable women take charge of companies well.

The following are the role played by women in the workforce during the pandemic:

Women enhance inclusivity.

According to a 2020 report by Women in the Workplace, women leaders always stand for racial and gender equity at work. Compared to men, women leaders do sponsor and mentor other women. Women tend to hire other women of different intersectionality.

Women contribute to higher Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the workforce.

Women have a higher EI than men in the same workforce. In fact, according to research, minority women have a higher EI compared to their White counterparts. The high EI is the reason why women are the ones associated with caregiving roles. Women from minority groups have to navigate leadership against the majority by taking advantage of their higher EQ skills.

The pandemic requires women, who have higher EI, to take up the leadership mantle and lead organizations through the pandemic. Companies with a robust financial base have a workforce comprising people with a heightened self-awareness level, high EI people.

Women have shown leadership prowess since the start of the pandemic.

Women have been excellent in leadership positions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jacinta Ardern of New Zealand, Tsai Ing-Wen of Taiwan, and Angela Merkel of Germany have shown strong leadership during the crisis. Women have been excellent in multi-tasking, organizing, decision making, absorbing pressure, and showing empathy to their teams.

Women are a source of cultural change.

Women’s leadership is associated with empathy, compassion, and support. Workers require managers who will be concerned about their welfare. Women leaders have provided the necessary physical, emotional, and psychological support to their teams during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite women’s leadership prowess during the pandemic, gender equality gains are reducing. More than 79% of employees who left the workforce by September are women. The most affected are Black and Latina women when compared with the White. There will be a long-term impact on the economy as very few of these women will re-enter the workforce.

The figure shows that the number of women leaders will be affected soon. The women have cited parental roles and burnout as the main reason for quitting. In case they decide to come back to the workforce, they will only get lower positions hence a slower path to career progression. Companies, therefore, need to support women leaders during and post COVID.
Meet Anne Fletcher and discover UnWined L.A. Studio : handcrafted eco-friendly artistic candles for wine lovers.
By: Joann B.C. Fay
Tags: Designer Art, Women In Business, Success Story, Wine Industry, Wine

Anne Fletcher is an inspiring and one-of-a-kind artist.

She started “UnWined L.A Studio.” all by herself in summer 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, when everybody thought it was the worst timing to launch a new project.

And against all odds, her little project became her very own success story.

“My children and I have always been strong environmental advocates, and this new venture represents everything that I am, what I strive for : eco-friendly high quality product, tasteful design and giving back to the community.”

Anne has a natural sense of design, a true passion for all arts, and of course, as a French woman, she is a wine and Champagne “connoisseur”.

“When I had this idea to create candles out of empty wine bottles, I engaged with my local community, neighbors, restaurants and friends for them to get involved in my new venture and donate their empty bottles of wine.”

With the precise idea she had of the entire concept, from the materials, the scents, to the design, she had to learn how to make the candles every step of the way.

It wasn’t as easy as she thought it would be, when she started to cut her first glass bottles. That’s why she contacted glass specialists for their advice, their guidance and techniques.

“I learnt from passionate and generous people and I hope that it shows in the candles that I craft!”

And yes, it does show! Her candles are not just any candles. Each one of them is a unique piece. When you order you can only choose the scent. The design is a surprise and depends on the empty bottles donated.

Each candle is tastefully made, carefully selected and crafted with care and attention. No detail was spared, up to the tags attached and the dust covers. It’s the work of a true artist.

It only took Anne a few months to master the art of turning wine bottles into sustainable home decor objects and to create her brand.

“I take pride in recycling bottles into one-of-a-kind wood wick vegan candles. We collect bottles from our local community, cut and polish them one at a time and hand pour a premium wax blend of natural soy and coconut in very small batches.”

Anne is always looking for more ways to reduce our impact on the environment with new sustainable options in order to grow her approach and open Unwined L.A. Studio to more territories.

“The candles can be shipped nationwide, and are also available for curbside pickup in the LA area. I love what I do and I hope to develop many relationships and partnerships!”

A true inspiration of a strong lady and a beautiful brand with amazing values.

Because if all of this wasn’t enough, ​Anne Fletcher is committed to donate 10% of her annual profits to a local non-profit organization that focuses on programs towards a zero-waste lifestyle.
My Pandemic Startup Failed
By: L.B. Lewis
Tags: Business Strategy, Pandemic, Women In Business, Technews, Startup Lessons

My Pandemic Startup Failed

Photo Credit: Tim Mossholder

Back in July, I launched Wisherie.co. It was a barter network rooted in the passion economy and improving mental health. My hypothesis, based on my own Great Recession experience, was that bartering during the Pandemic would provide the opportunity for professionals (mainly job seekers and freelancers) to help small businesses while at the same time offering networking and professional development.

I published “My Pandemic Startup Launch” outlining the motivation and strategy behind Wisherie.co. I used this to work towards my goal: 20 barter projects completed by Dec. 31. I built out the branding, website, marketing plan, and virtual event schedule as well as conducted all outreach. The initial enthusiasm was strong and virtual events had a good showing on LinkedIn.

As time went on, I heard that some people had gotten jobs and were no longer interested. I also heard that people were focusing on their own health and could not take on anything more. I also heard from businesses who were hesitant to barter because they were not sure of what the future held. On the flip side, I was grateful for the partnerships and donations Wisherie.co did receive which gave some hope that this could work.

However, the biggest challenge for me was attracting users. It could have been the networks I was marketing to were not a good fit. Or perhaps the value of bartering was not strong enough. Because, as someone pointed out, a very small number of people who were interested had actual experience in bartering. I also observed people talking about bartering at the virtual events but not signing up after the event.

By December, Wisherie.co completed two barter projects and I did both. I’m grateful for everyone who participated. I had invested my own time and money into this project and felt it was a good learning experiment while I continue to look for a full-time job and finish my fourth novel.

In conclusion, while I had hoped Wisherie.co would have helped more people and businesses, the six-month run is a little like Quibi’s. We just didn’t have subscribers. The Pandemic landscape continues to teach us what people will respond to, and when, quickly.
Women Helping Women Find the Right Franchise
By: Sierra Williamson
Tags: Franchising, Franchise Opportunities, Women In Business, Working Women

Julie Goldberg sought to invest in a franchise to start her own home-based business after she didn’t want to return to the office when her childcare leave ended. She started her career in the accounting department of a national retail franchise and knew first-hand that she would have a better chance at success if she invested in a proven business model rather than launch her own independent company.

During her process, she was not given much support from her network. She was told that stay-at-home moms would never be successful in this business, that she had been out of the workplace too long, and that her connections and experience were no longer relevant.

Goldberg was at a training seminar when she was first introduced to Alesia Visconti, CEO of FranServe, Inc. Meeting Alesia transformed Goldberg’s outlook on her career.

Visconti helped Goldberg find the opportunity to become a franchise consultant for FranServe, and it became the perfect match. Under FranServe, Goldberg helps women (and men) find and success on the path of franchise ownership while achieving professional success for herself at the same time.

“I’ll always be forever grateful to Alesia because she changed my life. She pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Goldberg said.

Read more about Golber’s story in the original article.
अपनी बेटीओं के लिए गुणवत्ता वाले शिशु देखभाल उत्पादों की खोज मे अंततः स्वयं का स्टार्टअप लॉन्च किया, जो अब अपने चौथे वर्ष में 100 करोड़ रुपये के टर्नओवर को छूने के लिए तैयार है।
By: Raddha Saini
Tags: Inspirational Women, Women Stories, Hindi Stories, Women In Business, Inspirational Stories

I am co-founder of Jagdisha. Jagdisha is a platform for women in India who is successfully enterprising successfully and inspiring everyone.
You should sleep. You need to take a break. You should get some rest tonight.
By: Michelle Belgau
Tags: Women In Business, Moms, Pandemic Diaries, Women In Tech, Life

You should sleep. You need to take a break. You should get some rest tonight.

These are all things told me constantly but being a single working mom supporting global teams, “good sleep” is the elusive goal that I can’t achieve. I don’t know how other professional women do it, but my batteries are running dry. My day normally starts at 6 am with meetings, then the before school rush, then more meetings, maybe food or gym if I’m lucky, more meetings, school pickup, dinner, bedtime, my homework and then meetings until 2 am. I adore bathroom breaks because that gives me time to read, catch up on the news, accomplish items on my to-do list and maybe be social (weird, I know). I don’t know if this insane way of life is pandemic induced or merely a cultural brainwash. One of these days, I’ll burnout and then have to really figure out the meaning to my life. We’ve been brought up with the mentality that hard work leads to success, after 20+ years of hard work, I’m starting to realize that it only leads to a caffeine addiction, high blood pressure and eventually an early grave.

Why, as women, do we constantly work ourselves to the point of exhaustion to prove our worth?

Life shouldn’t be this hard…
What Have You Been Putting Off Around Goal Achievement?
By: Amira Alvarez
Tags: Small Business, Women In Business, Entrepreneurship, Goals, Accountability

How as your goal achievement gone? Did you accomplish everything you set out to do this year?

It’s been a wild one, so maybe not.

I’m not trying to shame you, promise! The reason I’m asking is that, as we start to gear up for 2021, you’re probably setting some new goals for yourself.

This is the exciting part! You get to think about all you’re going to tackle in 2021!!

But there’s something just as essential as goal-setting… and that’s acknowledging what’s tripped you up in the past so you can correct it for the future.

The truth is… we all put stuff off (myself included at times!) We’ve all had a goal we’ve set out to achieve, only to find ourselves procrastinating by doing anything and everything else.

Holding yourself accountable to your goal achievement — consistently — is tricky to master.

But even though it takes hard work to maintain accountability, I have some good news. It’s not all your fault.

See, as you start to approach a new level in life and with your goal achievement, your subconscious plays a mind trick on you.

It steps in with all types of distractions, making you see other responsibilities as more important than going after your goal.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to listen to it.

This is where you can choose how you respond. There are two routes.

Option A: You can focus on what your subconscious is telling you to prioritize. You can go after all these secondary objectives… and put your goal on the backburner.

Your goal won’t be front and center in your mind anymore. Whenever you start to think about it again, you’ll probably feel a tinge of guilt… but your subconscious will eventually come up with (totally legit-sounding) justifications for why you’re concentrating on something else.

Eventually, when things start to calm down with whatever fire you were tending to, you realize: I haven’t made any progress towards my goal in six weeks! (or months, or years!)

Cue the shame spiral.

Yikes. Want to hear Option B?

You can choose not to let your thoughts control you.

You can acknowledge them, and you can even accept that they exist. But you don’t have to act on them.

How you respond to these thoughts is entirely up to you.

This is pivotal. Look at this as a source of power.
Teach Myself Entrepreneurship
Tags: Writing, Jaynepress, Women In Business, Entrepreneurship, Leadership

New Entrepreneur Things

Photo by sebastiaan stam on Unsplash

My new obsession is entrepreneurship. I’m new to this entire world. I have dabbled here and there in basic business ideas, but the idea of entrepreneurship is a lot more exciting. I like the idea of having a few things going on at one time. I like the idea of slowly carving away with hardwork to be successful.

Being a writer has disciplined me to do things daily, even if I don’t want to do them. I feel like I can continue these habits into building something bigger. I think writing is important and is my main purpose, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t work at other things as well. If anything, it will add to my experience as a writer.

For anyone else who’s just jumping into the world of entrepreneurship, I wanted to share four things that I’ve started doing.

I began to follow entrepreneurs on Instagram.

Instagram is my favorite platform right now. So I began searching and following today’s leaders in entrepreneurship. This way, I can get inspiration, clips, stories and follow their lead. I save the posts I like most so I can both watch them later and have these types of accounts in my algorithm. I don’t know much about algorithms but I assume the more you like and save certain types of hashtags, the more likely you’ll find those accounts and those accounts will find you.

Started watching YouTube Videos.

I feel like you’ll find everything you need to know on youtube. So I’ve looked up some different videos to keep me inspired and educate me.

Found Facebook groups to join

Facebook groups aren’t always easy to find but I started getting involved with different entrepreneur groups for women and bloggers. This gives me a community that understands the hard work that goes into this lifestyle and the support I need to move forward.

I talk about it and share what I’m learning with anyone who’s willing to listen.

I’ve been talking to different people about my new interest. Some people have information to share, some are super supportive, and some want to get on board with me. Talking about it with people has only been helpful and made it more exciting for me.

It’s only been a couple weeks but this is where I’ve started and I hope the momentum continues.

Here’s a list of people on Instagram I’ve begun to follow (with some help from my brother).

Robert Kiyosaki as therealkiyosaki

Grant Cardone as grantcardone

Tai Lopez as tailopez

Sara Blakely as sarablakely

Gerard Adams as gerardadams

Arvin as arvinsworld

Lewis Howes as lewishowes

Gabrielle Bernstein as gabbybernstein

Brene Brown as brenebrown

Tony Robbins as tonyrobbins

Gary Vaynerchuk as garyvee

If you have any leaders I haven’t listed that you enjoy following, please let me know.
Information Video - womenlotusstyle - Medium
Tags: Model, Women In Business, Women Fashion, Women, Fashion

About

Model Lindsey Pelas is used to melting down the internet every once and a while with her hot Instagram posts but in the most recent photo she shared with the world, the blond bombshell stunned everyone in a short mini-dress!

https://womenlotusstyle.blogspot.com/2020/12/lindsey-nicole-pelas-episode-3.html

In the latest picture, Pelas blew away her 9 Million Instagram followers with a sexy shot of herself laying on her bed reading a book. In the snap, she is sporting a supertight white mini-dress — and you guessed it, she is braless!

Born:

19 May 1991

Age

29 years

Loranger, Louisiana, United States

Height:

1.6 m

Full name:

Lindsey Nicole Pelas

Nationality:

American

Eye color:

Green

Movies:

Extraction, Englishman in L.A: The Movie
Information & Photos - womenlotusstyle - Medium
Tags: Women Health, Women Leaders, Women In Business, Women Fashion, Women

About

“As I go about my days, form new relationships, take on new challenges in my career, encounter obstacles and celebrate accomplishments in life. I take the time to remind myself of who I’ve come to be on my own terms, not who other people have deemed me to be.”

https://womenlotusstyle.blogspot.com/2020/12/mia-sand-missmiafit-episode-2.html

Name

Mia Sand

Date of Birth

October 11, 1987

Age

30

Weight

175–185lbs (79.4–83.9kg)

Height

5’7″ (170cm)

Nationality

Danish

Profession

Fitness Model, Social Media Personality

Era

2010
This Could Be Why You’re Not Getting The Results You Deserve — The Women In Business Radio Show
By: Sian Murphy
Tags: Imposter Syndrome, Successful Entrepreneurs, Women In Business, Coaching

In the show today, we welcomed coach and mentor, Bayo Igoh who brings his background in the public and private sectors to help people reach their professional goals.

We discuss what coaching and mentoring mean and how you can pick the right person to support you.

Along the way we explore the concept of success, working with women and how our belief systems affect our results.

There was one fab quote and concept to come out of this show, which can change the way you feel about your business and success in life.

Our host is Sian Murphy, Co-Host Laura Lawrence and a regular contributor to the show, Jackie Groundsell.

Our mission is to provide a platform where all women in business can shout about their business as well as broadcast the information women need to grow their business with confidence and joy.

Please support us buying us one coffee or getting monthly updates for £3 at https://ko-fi.com/women_in_business_radio_show

Listen to the show here:
Position yourself as the trusted advisor for your buyer
By: Roshni Baronia
Tags: Women In Business, Entrepreneurship, Business, Sales, Podcast

Conversation Catalyst series is a nine part series where the Podcast host Roshni Baronia is deconstructing the 9 elements of an impactful Sales Conversation which will help you convert your prospect into paying clients not with sleaze, but ease.

Part 3: Being the trusted advisor is a way of creating and winning sales opportunities, and driving change, with ideas that matter.

Show your love:

Leave your reviews/comments at http://bit.ly/ats-review or Apple itunes/Castbox

Follow and tag me on Instagram at roshni_baronia

Know me more at the website roshnibaronia.com

Get in touch at connect@roshnibaronia.com

Get answers:

What would you like to learn about when it comes to #SalesSuccess — Share your sales questions/challenges with me and I can make a podcast episode on the solution bit.ly/mysalesquery

Grab Free resources from Roshni:

If you are struggling with getting more clients, chances are that you are spending your efforts and energy on things that are not bringing in results and revenue. Get this tool to gain clarity on your business performance. KPI Cheatsheet and Evaluator here https://bit.ly/ca-kpi

Get past your limiting beliefs through a 5 step framework to revolutionize your Sales Mindset. Get the free ebook www.roshnibaronia.com/e-book

Learn all your strengths, weaknesses, fears and how to overcome them by knowing your selling style. Take the authentic selling style test at https://www.roshnibaronia.com/know-your-selling-style/

Subscribe to Sales Made Simple Letters for sales tips, small business insights and latest podcast releases to be delivered right in your Inbox http://bit.ly/sms-letters
Women and their Lead in Vaccine Development
By: Jesse Camacho
Tags: Science, Women In Business, Health, Technology, Coronavirus

So what lesson do we get about the allocation of talent? Consider the history of the mRNA vaccine, which is the technological basis of both the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines, the two leading vaccine contenders for the U.S.

mRNA vaccines teach cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune system response, rather than injecting live or dead virus material. If done properly, that makes the vaccine quicker to develop, safer to use, and easier to manufacture at scale.

In addition to its upcoming role in fighting Covid-19, the mRNA vaccine platform can probably be adapted to fight other viruses, and other mRNA products may have additional uses, such as helping to treat skin disorders.

Katalin Karikó, the mind behind the mRNA approach

Katalin Karikó is a Hungarian-born émigré who came to the U.S. to work on RNA-related issues.

Her career had its fits and starts, including problems with raising research money and a bout with cancer, but she persisted. She ended up working with Drew Weissman, and they figured out how to inject RNA material into humans without causing excess inflammation, which previously had been the critical barrier to making progress.

Karikó ended up working with BioNTech, a German start-up founded by Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci, a husband-and-wife team whose parents were Turkish guest workers in Germany.
Who are the two in the winner’s circle?
By: Joann Rolle
Tags: Small Business, Women In Business, Investment Banking, NYC, Ariel

The Economics Club of New York (ECNY) is to be commended for outstanding programming in its racial equity series. The program included leaders in diverse industries with powerful and compelling stories. Two of the recent interviews were with the new NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner and the Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments, LLC.

Jonnel Doris is the New Commissioner for the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS). His story is one of an entrepreneur, advocate, and public servant. Commissioner Doris shared how he and his team increased the number of minority and women-owned businesses that were certified. He discussed the challenge of minority business sustainability and the reasons why the strategies of the past will not serve us well in the future. He talked about the impact of predatory lending on the community of black businesses. The Commissioner talked about his own experiences with business loans and the unfavorable terms that need to be more flexible.

Commissioner Doris shared his hope for the future in public/ private collaborations. “ Commissioner Doris said, “When the government and the private sector work together you build public confidence.” Master Card, Goldman Sachs, & Ernst and Young are collaborating together with SBS to help sustain more minority businesses in the future.

Mellody Hobson is the Co-CEO president of Ariel Investment LLC. Mellody tells her story in an authentic voice of how she was poor and raised in a single-parent home. She was a high achiever and had her choice between two ivy league institutions — she chose Princeton and that choice led her to a journey of achievements and relationships of almost fairy tale proportions.

Mellody shared that she was identified as the next president of her company but was too young for the job — and how her mentor prepared her for 5 years. She shared how she “dripped” her way onto a board seat on Starbucks through persistence and maintaining connections. She also shared that she never felt like a token because she worked hard and was prepared. A memorable quote was, “My mom told me to become indispensable so that they couldn’t fire me.” Mellody’s mom helped her not only to survive — but to also thrive.
Intuitive Elements has premiered a gift box for enhancing meditation and inner growth
By: Michael Finney
Tags: Lifestyle, Mindfulness, Meditation, Michigan, Women In Business

The Intuitive Elements collective have premiered a new meditation gift box.

This first box includes six unique items to encourage growth in collaboration from three Grand Rapids-based female entrepreneurs. Each participant has pursued the goal of inner growth during their own life and offer this meditation box as an ode to healing, transformation and emerging from the ashes.

In the last few years, Shannon Underwood maker and massage therapist at Under the Woods has been on a spiritual growth journey, reevaluating practices and learned behaviors while deciding what fits her best. “I have finally started creating some rituals and practices that feel most aligned with who I was created to be. It’s an honor to work with Caitlin and Hannah as part of my sacred journey, to get to see what we can create together.”, Shannon said before adding, “I contributed the palo santo bundles with lavender flowers that I grew myself, with some sweet grass braids from the Winnebago Tribe and a healing lavender and frankincense anointing salve called ‘Love Yourself’ infused with some of my favorite flowers of chamomile, lavender, calendula and rose.”

Meditation and breathwork has deeply transformed Caitlin Grant’s life and it’s now her mission to guide others in their own growth and healing. “My contribution is a hand crafted natural mist made with an essential oil blend I have been using in my personal rituals. It’s become an anchor for my meditation practice, a truly calming aroma that instantly grounds me and connects me to self. Each bottle is infused with Reiki and a prayer for healing and connection for the recipient. I’m so excited to share this gift and support others in their quest for expansion.”, somatic practitioner Caitlin said.

“As I started integrating chakra meditation and affirmation, gratitude, and intention into my life, I found my mind quieting and a deeper knowledge of self and the universe began to unfold. This simple practice helped me find a peaceful space in my life that is always there to tap into. I hope these alter cards help others access this space as well.”, noted sound healer Hannah Laine.

Order now: https://www.underthewoodsgr.com/product/The-Meditation-Box/36
The rise of female entrepreneurship through Femtech
By: Njf Capital
Tags: Investors, Entrepreneur, Femtech, Women In Business, Entrepreneurship

For decades, women’s health products have been seen as a “niche” market, largely designed and sold by men. Now, in the wake of a new era, we are seeing an innovative wave of technology made by women, for women. Femtech is set to be the next big disruptor in the global healthcare market, estimated to become an industry worth US$50 billion by 2025. Crucially, it is female entrepreneurs who are at the forefront of this revolution.

It has been incredible to see the Femtech market boom, not only because of the enormous benefits this has on women’s health and their quality of life, but encouraged more women to enter the venture capital industry. As an international investor and principal of my own venture capital fund, it is vital that we continue to support this developing market that concerns more than 50% of the world population.

Within NJF Capital’s portfolio, I have invested in two interesting companies in the Femtech sector.

A Focus on Elvie

One great case study is Elvie. Elvie, one of the early pioneers of the Femtech sector. Its first two innovative products, the Elvie Trainer and the multi-award-winning Elvie Pump, the world’s first silent wearable breast pump, are capturing the imagination of female consumers everywhere and are reinventing healthcare as we know it by giving women back control and autonomy of their bodies.

Elvie has a long-term roadmap to develop effective, user-friendly products and smart technology capable of supporting women in many different aspects of their lives. As the Co-Founder, Tania Boler herself said, Elvie’s ambition is to become the ‘Apple of women’s tech’ and its mission is to improve women’s health outcomes globally.

The company has raised over $53 million in funding to date, backed by Sir Michael Spencer’s IPGL alongside Impact Ventures and NJF Capital, and has been featured in a range of high-profile media from Vogue to Forbes to Women’s Health. Its products have even found their way into Oscar Nominee Gift Bags and, impressively, the Elvie Pump sold out within five minutes of its U.S. market debut.

Elvie has recently secured funding from HSBC UK which it hopes to use to expand further and support more women globally.

We know that more needs to be done for female entrepreneurship. We have to work to improve the fact that only 1% of venture capital funding to new businesses is to female-led UK start-ups. FemTech can play a vital role in helping to change this and I look forwards to seeing how the industry develops.

Nicole Junkermann

Nicole Junkermann is an international entrepreneur and investor, and the founder of NJF Holdings, an international investment company with interests in venture capital, private equity, and real estate. Through NJF’s venture capital arm (NJF Capital), Nicole oversees a portfolio across Europe and the US similar in size to a small venture fund, including in healthcare, fintech, and deep tech.
How to Growth Hack, Build a Business, and Create an Awesome Meal In Less Time
By: Rachel Wilson Thibodeaux
Tags: Women In Business, Startup Marketing, Digital Marketing, Business Development, Brand Strategy

So I whipped up this quick meal a few nights ago, which was hella good (the hubs agreed). It consisted of blackened salmon, “pan roasted” broccoli, and wild rice with herbs. No baking and little prep needed. From the time I began, we were eating this SWAGtastic meal 30–35 minutes later (yes I have my own branded words).

You may be new to me, so you may not know I can find a lesson in just about anything. It can be a blessing and a curse — sort of. The lesson and reminder here, from preparing this delicious meal is that not all great things take a long time or require great effort.

I know, I know. That may be a real revelation for some! But alas (so cool to say “but alas” whether verbally or in writing, or maybe that’s just me), it is true. As entrepreneurs, experts, and marketers we constantly hear about the need for patience, for super hard work, the 7–10 year “overnight” success, who hustles day and night. Mannnnn listen…

That doesn’t always have to be your reality. Often it’s a matter of being strategic, fast-tracking your results by learning from others what NOT to do, and embracing planning (I planned this meal a couple days before based on our previous meal and what else I had to do yesterday).

I know you may have heard how important it is to be flexible and able to pivot (popular word in 2020). You may have been told God laughs at our plans. I think at times, He probably does, but investors don’t. Your ideal client doesn’t. Your referral and affiliate partners don’t. For these people, plans matter. Direction and strategy matter. Do not underestimate the power of planning. I’ve helped clients plan weeks worth of content in a day. I’ve planned events and launches with a pen and notebook.

If you want to know more about how working with SWAG Strategy Solutions can fast-track your results, take your #brandstrategy and marketing to another level, lets connect. You’re welcome to meet me in my DMs over on Instagram @rachel.theswagstrategist and connect with me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/brandstrategyexpert We work with impact-driven experts, women entrepreneurs, and service providers to curate their brands, better position their offers, and market twice as effectively — at least. My sweet spot is multichannel marketing, including content and live streaming.

You can also grab your Brand 2 Profit Bundle absolutely FREE at www.bit.ly/brand2profit

Now back to this slap your mama twice good food. Just know that if you slap your mother twice, you should probably run 🏃🏽‍♀️Who else loves salmon?
How Women Can Develop Tech Chops And Become More Valuable In Their Current Role
By: Paul Hickey
Tags: Entrepreneur, DIY, Women In Business, Women In Tech, Entrepreneurship

In an interview with Lady Lunch Club, based in Nashville, Tennessee, I was asked what women who may be intimidated by technology can do to develop DIY Skills and increase their value in the workplace.

I’ve seen many women get unfairly pigeonholed into “social media girl” roles at digital agencies and even on “the client side.”

I’ve been fortunate enough to work with many women who have learned skills on their own via the tools available to anyone interested in learning WordPress Web Development.

I elaborate deeply in this video.

Paul Hickey, Founder / CEO / Lead Strategist at Data Driven Design, LLC and founder of The Voice Event, and The Voice Designer, has created and grown businesses via digital strategy and internet marketing for more than 15 years. His sweet spot is using analytics to design and build websites and grow the audience and revenue of businesses via SEO/Blogging, Google Adwords, Bing Ads, Facebook and Instagram Ads, Social Media Content Marketing, Email Marketing and most recently, Voice App Design and Development — Alexa Skills and Google Actions. The part that he’s most passionate about is quantifying next marketing actions based on real data.
‘Go Grab It’
By: Becky Boughton
Tags: Ecommerce, Women In Business, Entrepreneurship, Business, Online Business

‘Go Grab It’

For the past couple of days, I had the privilege of joining a few others for a course — (online-obvs).

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, in partnership with the World Trade Centre Vancouver, offers a variety of programs for business owners who are interested in learning more about importing and/or exporting goods.

Whether you’ve been in the game for years or just starting out, there is something for everyone.

Through the decades of growing in business understanding and pivoting along the way to adjust to life circumstances, I’ve come across some positive individuals and groups of helpful people and others who, uh…have offered challenges for me to grow from.

Both are needed, both types are helpful.

In the last year, there have been a few organizations and people who have been extra helpful. To share with those who may not already know about these opportunities available, here are some: (note they may be Indigenous-ownership or women specific)

The Export Navigator program

T.A.P — Canada’s Trade Accelerator Program

I.C.E — Integrated E-Commerce Essentials

Community Futures Thompson Country

Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior *First Nations

All Nations Trust Co.

Women’s Enterprise Centre

While this list is not exhaustive, it’s a good start for the ever-growing and changing world we live in.

Businesses great or small, no matter where in B.C. you operate can benefit from the opportunities these organizations offer.

If you need some guidance on who to ask or where to turn, I’m happy to help.

Up and to the right.

-Becky
Women Influencers of 21st Century.
By: Insights Success
Tags: Female Entrepreneurs, Women In Business, Women Empowerment, Business Magazines, Women Business Leaders

It starts with you.

When did you last compliment a woman? Not for her dress sense or the latest lip color that she wore, but for her being the superwoman that she has to be every day, day-after-day. And if you are thinking, also think when did you say something nasty because she happens to be a woman? It might have been a casual remark, like ‘Oh! Why are you so tired, what did you do the whole day at home?’ But that question did hurt her when she looked up, smiled, and said, ‘Nothing’.

The reason behind taking this moment to reflect is that the change in the way women will be perceived tomorrow starts today and it starts with us. Yes, each one of us. Because each one of us is associated with a woman in our lives. The way we treat the woman in our lives today will be grasped by those around us who will treat them the same way we do. So, if we want a change, we should better start today.

Every day, we get a chance to improve ourselves. This includes the way we interact with others, especially women. It does not matter what position we hold, whether we are daily wage earners or CEOs at an MNC, we all get a chance to change. How we utilize that chance shapes our next day. If we grab that chance and improve on a day, the days that follow seem to be smooth and the transition of behavior, smoother. If we do not change, well, there’s always another day.

In this edition of Insights Success, we bring you stories of women who embody change and power. These “Women Influencers of 21st Century” (Edition 2) are change agents of the society who started with themselves and their surroundings. Today, at an influential position, they hope to create a ripple effect that would bring a change in the way women are perceived sooner than one would expect.
CHAIRING THE AUCTION
By: Jennifer Mcclung
Tags: Female Entrepreneurs, Women In Business, Women, Leadership, Work Life Balance

Chairing the Auction - A Lesson in Leading

Someone asked me once "what was one of your greatest management challenges?" They expected me to speak of a 100-person…
Ambition + Sensitive = Possible?
By: Alice Irving
Tags: Small Business, Self Care, Women In Business, Entrepreneurship, Neurodiversity

Are you pulling back from responsibility or growth in your working life because you still need something left for your kids or your own mental health at the end of the day?

Do you tell yourself your goals aren’t possible because you’re too shy, sensitive, anxious, disorganised, or because your health is too fragile?

Do you regularly find yourself fantasising about giving it all up and escaping to the beach (or handing your kids over for foster care) because it just feels impossible to keep everything going?

I’ve put together some of my favourite rule-breaking tools and practices for making it work as a highly sensitive, ambitious woman.

The information in this PDF will rewire your thinking and beliefs around success. It will also help you get started building systems that will support you over the long term.

These are the things I come back to again and again in my own life as a highly sensitive sensitive, neurodivergent single parent.

Sign up here to get your free copy of the PDF Ebook.
You’ve got this: How to Continue your Freelance Career When you Become a Mother | Dorota Pawlak
By: Khyati Gautam
Tags: Books, Freelancers, Women In Business, Book Recommendations, Book Review

Freelancing is not an easy business. Although the general opinion has been that freelancers have got an easy life, it is definitely not so. A freelancer has to have a certain discipline for completing multiple projects on time. They’ve got to deal with crests and troughs when it comes to financial stability. Freelancing calls for donning multiple hats, all at once.

You’ve Got This by Dorota Pawlak is a collection of interviews of 15 freelancer moms who reveal their secrets to continue with their business while expanding their brood. They talk about their challenges, their ways to get over them, and suggestions for other supermoms out there. In the second half of the book, the author gives us an insight into how she navigated her motherhood while handling a business.

The interviews of the women belonging to different industries gave me a refreshing look at how difficult it could be to be a mom and run a business. As each woman narrated her tale of discovering their pregnancies to birthing the baby, there were realizations and beautiful experiences titillating me. I believe that we can learn a lot from each other. Similarly, these stories, coming in from real-life experiences, are bound to help other women.

Along with the interviews, the author herself shared her journey. She got candid about what it takes to become a mother when you’re a businesswoman. The lessons included the importance of slowing down, analyzing the option of child care, how less is more, and taking a moment to take care of oneself.

This book essentially belongs to a specific niche — freelancer moms. However, it could easily help all the working women who are gearing up for assuming the role of a mother. The experiences and tips would surely provide the right direction.
“Sorry, he’s not home right now.”
By: Cristinella Bella
Tags: Women In Business, Womens Rights, Women In Tech, Woman Health, Election 2020

“Sorry, he’s not home right now.” If the phone rang in the evening at The Aloe Ranch, those were the words out of my Mother’s mouth. “Oh, ok, well, I’ll tell him to call you back.” meant it could wait, and “Oh, well he’s down the pizza shop, I can call him and have him call you.”

My Mother protected my Father. She didn’t just let anyone talk to him when the phone rang, and if the phone rang after hours, she did not just give whoever it was on the other end permission to call down the pizza shop. She knew he had been at school teaching all day, and that he had had two hours in between school and the pizza shop to eat dinner and maybe close his eyes for a few moments before going to sling pies for another five hours. So, she did her part and guarded the fort by turning the caller away unless it was necessary.

There is a concept in this world of “Gatekeepers.” That to get to the top, one must break through the money at the top, as those high up gates of any industry have been locked shut by the money of the old guard. As a “middle aged” Italian Princess, — I learned from a friend I am middle aged — I beg to differ about who the true gatekeepers in society are, as for too long we have mistaken those who have money to be holding the keys.

Mothers are the true gatekeepers. Mothers and wives and daughters whom men lean on and depend on in their weakest moments, we are the true gatekeepers. What is important about this not so revealing revelation is the truth of the adage that there is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women.

The only way that women can grab back the foothold that we once had, and Oh, yes, we once had it, a long, long time ago, in Bethlehem, the only way we can grab it back is by answering the phone and saying “Sorry, she’s not home right now, ” when another woman needs protection from the caller who is looking to take advantage or waste the precious time of a woman we care about and are able to protect when she is unable to defend herself.

Until we protect each other, until we, as women, stop serving the evil agendas of men who play God, we will never have the leverage to assume the true power we have inside us as the forces of nature we are, as woman.