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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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Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, a South African agri-processor with a taste for chillies

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, founder of Chill-e Organics (South Africa)

Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, founder of Chill-e Organics (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Chilli relishes and sauces have long been a favourite with food lovers, and no more so than in South Africa where they often the accompaniment of choice at mealtimes. For entrepreneur Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, founder of Chill-e Organics, this love of the chilli presented an exciting business opportunity. Today, her brand and much loved range of chilli sauces, chutneys and mayos are exciting palettes around the country.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, Food & Drink
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Pitsi Ledwaba, a South African entrepreneur building a natural, organic beauty brand  

January 10, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Pitsi Ledwaba, founder of Bonolo Naturals (South Africa)

Pitsi Ledwaba, founder of Bonolo Naturals (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Pitsi Ledwaba is from Polokwane in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and the founder of Bonolo Naturals, a growing natural, organic beauty brand. For the past 12 years she has been in the retail industry managing both local and international brands. It is where she fell in love with beauty, fashion and everything that makes people look and feel good.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags South Africa, absa, Beauty & Wellness, Natural Wellness
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Charlene Shapiro, a South African entrepreneur supplying the hospitality industry with quality food products

January 3, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Charlene Shapiro, founder of CNC Products (South Africa)

Charlene Shapiro, founder of CNC Products (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Charlene Shapiro is the founder and Managing Member of CNC Products in South Africa. She is an all-rounder entrepreneur and has 29 years’ business experience working in the hospitality industry. Charlene's business is focused on providing high quality service and affordable food products to the hospitality industry, corporates and home users at large. Her experience in sales and marketing come from her years spent in the newspaper industry. She is proudly continuing a family legacy of service and is proud to have her daughter, Kerry, continuing with the same passion at CNC Products.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa
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Lucia Molefe, a South African entrepreneur baking her way to success

December 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lucia Molefe, founder of Mokgalaka Creations (South Africa)

Lucia Molefe, founder of Mokgalaka Creations (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Lucia Molefe is the founder of Mokgalaka Creations. She was always good with her hands and had a passion for making cakes and cooking, as she would make the occasional cake and platter for friends and family. In 2006, Lucia embraced this skillset and registered Mokgalaka Creations as a business. Immediately, she began taking cake designing and decoration classes after working hours to sharpen her God-given talent. During this time, she began growing her home-based business part-time. In 2008, Mokgalaka Creations had begun taking off. It was in this year that she resigned after 15 years of service with the Department of Social Development to focus full-time on her passion and her business.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
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Babalwa Fatyi, a South African entrepreneur providing solutions for the sustainable development value chain 

December 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Babalwa Fatyi, founder of Myezo Environmental Management Services (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Babalwa Fatyi, founder of Myezo Environmental Management Services (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

In South Africa, the need to help developers to run projects that are sustainable, whilst at the same time protecting the environment, is key. Myezo Environmental Management Services (Pty) Ltd, founded by entrepreneur Babalwa Fatyi, advises developers on how to remain profitable and respect the socio-economic environment in which they operate. The company provides a range of specialist environmental advisory services to developers across a variety of sectors.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa, Business Services
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Siwinile Khumalo, a South African engineering professional creating access to clean and healthy water

December 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Siwinile Khumalo, founder of Sucxeed Projects (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Siwinile Khumalo, founder of Sucxeed Projects (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

In South Africa, many people still do not have access to clean and healthy water supplies each day. For entrepreneur Siwinile Khumalo, founder of Sucxeed Projects (Pty) Ltd, addressing this challenge was the inspiration for her business building journey. Today she is a water solutions and services provider, changing lives and communities.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, South Africa, Manufacturing
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Lesego Mathate, a South African entrepreneur empowering women and girls with hygienic sanitary pads 

December 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lesego Mathate, founder of Nena (South Africa)

Lesego Mathate, founder of Nena (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

The problem of absenteeism of girls in South Africa’s schools due to the lack of sanitary pads is still a real challenge in the country. It is a challenge that inspired entrepreneur Lesego Mathate to start her business Nena in order to address. Her brand of hygienic and affordable sanitary pads is now retailing through major supermarket chains in the country, empowering women and girls to take control of their menstrual health and hygiene.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa, South Africa
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Get your business ready for the shopping season

November 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Boost With Facebook x Lionesses of Africa / Virtual Masterclass Series

With the busy season now just around the corner, and those all important sales to try and achieve, it could be time to brush up on those skills and tools you need to turn your online connections into customers. Lionesses of Africa has partnered with Boost With Facebook to show you how!

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Boost With Facebook x Lionesses of Africa, Virtual Masterclass
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Tailored Group Life Cover for SMEs. At the speed of Life

November 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa

Absa acknowledges the vital role that your employees play in the success of your business, particularly if you are a small and medium enterprise (SME). In the event of tragedy, businesses and employers often feel morally obliged, and rightly so, to support their employees’ and their families, which can put a financial and emotional strain on the business. By covering your employees for unforeseen events, you are not only insuring their financial futures if something happens but you are also covering your business too. As such, Absa developed the Employee Care Plan, an extremely affordable group life insurance offering for SME’s to address this need and is available only to Absa customers.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa, People Management
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Tanja Robinson, a wine industry entrepreneur growing the South African wine footprint globally

November 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tanja Robinson, founder of Robinson & Sinclair (South Africa)

Tanja Robinson, founder of Robinson & Sinclair (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content: Absa

For many of the smaller boutique wineries in South Africa, getting their wines distributed into global markets can be a challenge. Tanja Robinson, founder of Robinson & Sinclair, is taking her passion for South African wine and helping producers to manage their international sales, growing their global footprints.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa, South Africa, Wine
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Micro-insurance opportunity for the funeral industry

November 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa

The professionalization of the funeral industry is long overdue to rid itself from unscrupulous dealers who have tarnished its reputation. The industry is now in a transformational phase due to regulations that are being phased in.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa
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The 5 R's to achieve business agility

October 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Hwalani Mabaso, Provincial General Manager, WIMI Distribution, Absa RBB

Today we operate in a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA), therefore personal and business agility is increasingly important. Business agility refers to a business owner’s ability to adapt and thrive in a changing environment that demands constant adaptation.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Business Unusual Tags absa, BU Resilience
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The COVID Currency Survival Guide for Entrepreneurs and SMEs

October 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa / Absa Forex

Keep your business in balance with these foreign exchange (FX) strategies for COVID-19 and beyond. Right now, the only thing that’s certain is uncertainty. As any entrepreneur will tell you, the COVID-19 pandemic – with its lockdowns and downturns – has brought confusion and volatility to almost every aspect of doing business.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Business Unusual Tags absa, BU Finances
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The COVID-19 Currency Survival Guide for Individuals

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa / Absa Forex

Whether you’re sending or receiving money cross-border, investing offshore or planning a trip (post-lockdown, of course), here are the facts you need to know about foreign exchange (FX).

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In Lioness Content Lab, Business Unusual Tags absa, BU Finances
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Donna McCulloch - From would-be desktop publisher to dealer principal

October 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Donna McCulloch

Donna McCulloch

Impact Partner Content: Absa

About two decades have passed since automotive maven Donna McCulloch plunged headfirst into an illustrious career that started out as a fortuitous by-product rather than by design.

After completing her university studies, Donna McCulloch initially planned to venture into desktop publishing, but with almost zero experience, few employers were willing to give her an opportunity and without a fancy computer and the necessary software – which seemed to be requiring constant upgrades – it was difficult to get a foot in the door.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa
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Franchising - a formula for success

October 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa

Absa recognizes the vital role that entrepreneurs play in creating wealth and opportunities in the economy and is deeply committed to supporting them to foster growth and prosperity in South Africa and across the continent.

Franchising is a feasible option for the entrepreneur starting a new business, as potential pitfalls can be avoided with a proven business formula. Franchising is in the national interest as it is a business model that makes a meaningful contribution towards solving one of South Africa’s most pressing problems - job creation.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Franchising
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Why is my utility bill so high?

September 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Vishay Rabbipal, Head of Renewable Energy, Absa

As the Covid-19 crisis spread around the world, many people started working from home which required embracing life in a ‘new normal’ overnight. If you are working from home, it is important to feel comfortable in your space. It is natural that working from home means that you will be using more energy.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Renewable Energy
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How can you create wealth through residential property investment?

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Matthew Edwards

The idea of investing in residential property is considered so intimidating by some, it’s often avoided entirely as a vehicle for wealth creation. The thought of finding the perfect property, applying for a sizable loan, navigating taxes and transfer duties, and finding an acceptable tenant, is enough to make any aspiring new investor turn to easier options – with far lower barriers to entry and less commitment.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Wealth Management
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Changing the future of the energy sector

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa | by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors, Absa

In his fourth and final article, Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors at Absa, shares his views on the technologies that are changing the future of the energy sector, allowing for even greater adoption of renewable energy solutions.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Renewable Energy
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Unpacking renewable energy technologies - Part 3 Wind Energy

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa | by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors, Absa

In article three of a four-part series by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors at Absa, he will unpack Wind with next weeks final articles unpacking the technologies which are changing the future state of the industry. South Africa will see a large investment into generation from wind farms in the coming decade, with this source of energy equating to 23% of the total generation capacity by 2030. In other words, this will be the fastest growing energy source in South Africa in the coming decade. While this is promising you won’t be able to install a huge tower and wind turbine at your business premises. In this article, wind turbine solutions for households and businesses will be explored and although many of us would love to have a wind turbine producing energy at home, the practical implications are explored below.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Renewable Energy
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

MEET THE 10 FINALISTS — We look forward to announcing the winning women founders on 19 November 2025.


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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle
Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V
Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie
Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
Image of the Day / 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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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