As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Marissa Rodriguez.

Corporate life was not enough for Marissa Rodriguez. After losing her job ten years ago, Marissa chose freedom and a highly unorthodox path to success. That leap of faith took her from being a Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer for eCommerce brands to building a business that’s helped her clients generate over $100 million+ in eCommerce revenue. 

This is how she did it. A solo trip in 2021, turned into a life-changing move by December. Marissa planned a vacation to Greece to visit for a friend’s birthday and then never left. She applied for her visa and moved permanently to Greece after growing to appreciate the slower, more relaxed pace of life. Now she has the advantage of being 7-10 hours ahead of her clients in North America, proving that you don’t need to be in the same room or even the same continent to make an impact. She lives life on her own terms while putting others on the right path to do the same.

In 2024, Marissa launched Through Experience®, an online platform where she shares the wisdom that shaped her success. Through Experience® is about helping entrepreneurs break free from traditional paths and achieve freedom by mastering eCommerce like she did. For Marissa, success isn’t just about numbers, it’s about being in control of your own life and your own destiny. She’s created an online community of entrepreneurs who she’s helping achieve freedom on a daily basis. 

Her mission is simple: help entrepreneurs build online businesses that support their lives. She believes that with the right mindset and tools, anyone can create their own path to success. If you’re looking for real growth and guidance to live life on your terms, Marissa’s the mentor to get you there.

In this interview, she reveals the mindset shifts, bold moves, and lessons that helped her turn ideas into impactful online businesses.

What inspired you to start your business, and what problem were you passionate about solving?

I wanted to support more entrepreneurs and founders in finding success in eCommerce (specifically direct to consumer) so they could experience greater levels of agency in their lives. For 10 years, I operated as a fractional chief marketing officer and chief operating officer, and then I decided to create something that could impact more people and support them in achieving their goals. 

How has your business evolved since its launch, and what key decisions have helped drive that growth?

Initially, I thought that if I could give people my knowledge, tools, and methodology, then they could take all of that experience and use it in their businesses. What I learned was that the bridge between information and implementation is simply too big for most of us. Founders and business owners need personalized help to both implement and execute new systems and processes into their business. And this is where the concept for mentorship was born. 

In your view, what truly sets your brand apart in today’s competitive market?

eCommerce is a very silo’d landscape with subject matter experts who have domain expertise and knowledge but a limited understanding of the entire ecosystem. There are not many people who have both launched and scaled businesses and have such an intimate understanding of all the parts required from tech, data, people, marketing, operations, and finance. 

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to date, and why do you think it worked so well?

I think that one of the most important marketing strategies is understanding the role of direct response marketing online. Brands need to focus on the value they provide to people. They need to position their products as solutions, tools, and vehicles that impact someone else in a positive way. When you make it about a real person, you get them to respond to you immediately. The trap so many fall into is forgetting that at the end of the day we create products that are used by real people who lead real lives. And the more clearly you can articulate your use case and attributes the stronger your business will become. 

How do you stay connected to your ideal audience and understand their needs or behaviors?

I’m fortunate to meet so many great business owners, founders, and solopreneurs from the eComm landscape globally. I would say that there are broad elements that we all share in common. The goal of greater levels of personal agency and freedom. The fear of failure. And the desire to see our efforts bloom fruitfully. 

What’s one branding move or campaign that helped elevate your business to the next level?

I don’t think it’s about one branding move or campaign. The same way that I don’t think it’s about tactics, hacks, or shiny objects. Growth is truly rooted in mastering the fundamentals. It’s about how you show up daily. It’s about consistency and discipline. And it’s far more mundane than people imagine. 

What does success look like for you, not just in numbers, but in purpose or impact?

Success for me is about unlocking opportunities, having a greater sense of personal agency and freedom, and showing others how they too can design a life on their terms. We live in one of the greatest periods in human history. The access that exists today, the way that eCommerce has democratized commerce for regular people, and the possibilities available, as a result of online businesses are incredible and immersive. My goal is to bring that awareness and to provide the resources so that more people can enjoy the benefits of this moment in history. 

Can you share a challenge or setback that ultimately became a turning point for your brand?

Every single challenge and setback has set me up for greater things, and it is in those moments that we often face the greatest opportunities for expansion in our lives. Losing my job in 2015 gave me the space to truly question whether or not I wanted to remain on my current path. And having that loss is what made me realize that I did not want to continue climbing the corporate ladder and that instead I wanted to dive into the world of eCommerce. In the end, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. 

What daily habits or rituals keep you focused, creative, and grounded as a leader?

The best habit that I developed has been reading. I aim for 10-20 pages a day. And quite honestly, it has been the most expansive habit that I could have ever developed. Sometimes you don’t have a network of people in your life that can inspire you, but you sure can find them in books. 

How do you approach innovation and risk in your business strategy?

I prefer to think about calculated risk. What is the cost of inaction? What happens if we do not evolve, reinvest, and push forward? I believe that innovation and risk are built-in factors whenever you want to level up in life and in business. There is no other way. 

What advice would you give to someone starting a business in today’s fast-changing digital world?

Make sure you really learn and understand the online realm that you take time to surround yourself with experts and mentors, and those who have done what you want to do yourself. This will save you time, money, and mental bandwidth. 

Where can our audience connect with you and learn more about your work or offerings?

People can find me Through Experience or on LinkedIn and Instagram

As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shana Greenbaum.

Shana Greenbaum is the founder and CEO of Healthy Fresh Meals, a thriving home delivery meal prep and catering business based in Annapolis. A mom of two and wife, Shana combines her lifelong passion for health with her entrepreneurial spirit to make nutritious eating simple and stress-free for busy families.

Her commitment to wellness began early, inspired by her professional bodybuilder mother and an active lifestyle rooted in sports. After college, Shana’s background in restaurants and catering, paired with her personal fitness journey, sparked the idea for Healthy Fresh Meals. What started as her own meal-prepping habit quickly grew into a full-fledged business designed to take the guilt, frustration, and overwhelm out of family mealtimes.

Today, Shana leads a team of professionally trained chefs who prepare fresh, balanced meals for adults and children with menus that change weekly—requiring no minimum orders or subscriptions. Her mission is clear: to help every family enjoy healthy, delicious meals together without the stress of cooking.

A firm believer in growing a little every day, Shana also speaks candidly about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. Her journey inspires other women to pursue their passions while creating solutions that truly make a difference in people’s lives.

In this interview, she reveals the mindset shifts, bold moves, and lessons that helped her turn ideas into impactful online businesses.

What inspired you to start your business, and what problem were you passionate about solving?

I grew up in a household where eating healthy and staying active were second nature—my mom was a professional bodybuilder, and I competed in sports and fitness competitions myself. After college, I found myself back in restaurants and realized that while people wanted to eat healthier, there weren’t many convenient, truly scratch-made options available. I started prepping meals for myself, then for friends and family, and quickly saw the bigger problem: busy people and vulnerable populations alike needed access to nourishing food they could trust. That passion for solving the “healthy, convenient, and high-quality meals” gap became the heart of Healthy Fresh Meals.

How has your business evolved since its launch, and what key decisions have helped drive that growth?

What started in my parents’ basement with my mom, dad, and brother helping me cook and deliver has grown into a thriving company serving thousands of meals weekly across the DC-Maryland-Virginia region. The most important decisions along the way were investing in logistics (managing our own delivery structure) and purchasing my own building with a commercial kitchen.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to date, and why do you think it worked so well?

Storytelling. From being featured in the Washington Post to NBC4 coverage of us providing meals during the federal shutdown, every major marketing win came from authentically sharing our journey and impact. People connect to stories of a family-run business that grew with heart, resilience, and a real commitment to community. It’s never been about polished ads—it’s about real food and real people.  Also, cultivating a team that feels like family. Each step allowed us to scale without sacrificing the quality and care that made people fall in love with our meals in the first place.

How do you stay connected to your ideal audience and understand their needs or behaviors?

We stay close to our customers and communities—whether through daily touchpoints with seniors, regular feedback from meal-prep customers, or ongoing conversations with county officials and partners. I personally review feedback and talk with customers because staying grounded in their experience allows us to innovate in meaningful ways.

What’s one branding move or campaign that helped elevate your business to the next level?

Rebranding from Strong Fit Meals to Healthy Fresh Meals was a pivotal moment. It broadened our identity beyond fitness to reflect our mission of serving healthy, high-quality meals for everyone—from busy parents to seniors aging in place. That shift opened doors for new contracts, community partnerships, and a much wider audience.

What does success look like for you, not just in numbers, but in purpose or impact?

Success is when I know our meals are improving lives. It’s seeing a senior smile because they feel cared for, or hearing from a busy parent who says our meals give them time back with their family. Numbers matter for sustainability, but the true measure is impact.

How do you personally define success, beyond revenue and growth metrics?

For me, success means balance—being able to grow a company that maintains high quality and high standards while still giving me time to be present with my children, my family, and my team. It’s building something lasting that reflects my values and leaves a positive mark on the community.

Can you share a challenge or setback that ultimately became a turning point for your brand?

In the early days, my family’s health struggles—my father’s cancer, my brother’s autoimmune disease—were incredibly difficult. But they sharpened my sense of purpose. Those experiences made me realize how important access to nourishing meals is, especially for people facing health challenges, and they pushed me to build a business that could deliver that care on a larger scale.

What daily habits or rituals keep you focused, creative, and grounded as a leader?

I wake up early—often around 4 am—to tackle my most important work before the day gets busy. I also carve out time to be hands-on with my team, whether it’s in the kitchen or during deliveries. Staying close to both the people and the process keeps me creative and grounded.

How do you approach innovation and risk in your business strategy?

I’ve learned to balance boldness with responsibility. We’ve taken risks—like investing in refrigerated trucks and entering senior nutrition contracts—that required upfront resources, but each move was calculated to align with our long-term vision. For me, innovation always has to serve both our customers and our mission.

What advice would you give to someone starting a business in today’s fast-changing digital world?

Start with purpose. The digital tools are powerful, but they can’t replace authenticity. Focus on solving a real problem for people, stay close to your customers, and don’t be afraid to share your story openly. Growth comes when people believe in both your product and your mission.

Where can our audience connect with you and learn more about your work or offerings?

You can find us at Healthy Fresh Meals, where we share our weekly menus and programs. We’re also active on Instagram and Facebook, and I personally love connecting with people who are passionate about healthy food and community impact.

As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Luana Ribeira.

Bestselling author, speaker, actress, and founder of Dauntless PR, Luana Ribeira, helps personal brands secure features on TV, radio, podcasts, magazines, and major news outlets. Through her work, she empowers experts to boost brand awareness, build credibility, and establish themselves as leading voices in their fields. Luana Ribeira has been featured in Forbes, OK! Magazine, FOX TV, ITV, BBC, Channel 4, Teen Vogue, Insider, and many more.

What inspired your leap into entrepreneurship, and what personal experiences sparked the idea behind your current venture?

I’ve always been an entrepreneurial spirit  – the idea of a conventional 9-5 has never really excited me. My parents were both entrepreneurs so I always knew there was another option to just getting a job and working my way up the career ladder. 

My journey in the business world hasn’t always been an easy one but I’ve always found a way to bounce back and move forward. 

One experience which really changed me was when I signed a contract I didn’t fully understand and ended up losing one of my businesses to my partner. I hit rock bottom and wanted to hide from the world.

While my self-esteem was at an all-time low. I read the Divergent trilogy by novelist Veronica Roth. The book is set in a dystopian society where society is divided into factions according to their personality traits and the plot really captured my imagination. In the novels, those considered brave belong to the faction known as Dauntless and I decided that what I needed to do to not just survive but thrive was to become dauntless myself.

At first, the only way I could deal with things was to channel my acting skills, get into character and become dauntless. Then one day, I woke up and realised I didn’t need to get into character any more, I already was dauntless and always had been.

This helped me put my fears behind me and start a new business – an acting school – with just £500. It also inspired the name of my current business – Dauntless PR. I started Dauntless PR, a PR agency which specialises in helping people build personal brands, because I wanted to create the kind of company I wished had existed when I started to build my own brand and become more visible.

Through Dauntless, I advise my clients to show up consistently as their true selves and share their own truths, which is exactly how I built my own personal brand. When I launched Dauntless PR, I knew I didn’t want to blend in with the norm. I wasn’t interested in safe, corporate messaging or playing the fake-perfect expert game. I wanted to work with other rebels, disruptors and badasses who wanted to be bold and authentic in their approach while creating a real positive impact in the world. 

What core problem does your business solve, particularly for women or underserved communities—and how does your approach stand out in today’s competitive space?

Dauntless PR helps amplify important messages that people need to hear. We work with experts, coaches and disruptors who want to change the world for the better and need more people to know they exist and hear what they have to say.

The work we do at Dauntless shines a spotlight on amazing people and the work they do. Many of our clients are women who are doing their bit to help underserved communities. We help them make their voice louder so they can be heard all over the world and reach new audiences who need to hear what they have to say.

Our approach is different to many other PR companies – we don’t believe in sharing negative messages and only work with clients who want to make the world a better place. We don’t have to agree with everything our clients say but we do have to believe in them, their mission, their vision and their expertise.

We also never tell our clients to tone things down or adapt their approach, we want everyone we work with to show up as their authentic selves. We amplify who they really are in such a way that the media creates space for them.

What were some of the toughest obstacles you faced early in your journey as a woman entrepreneur, and how did you navigate through them?

As I mentioned earlier, I was tricked out of one of my businesses when I didn’t fully understand a contract I was signing. It would have been easy at that point to just give up and decide being an entrepreneur wasn’t for me. And believe me I was tempted at times to just give up my dreams and get a nice safe job working as a supermarket cashier or something similar.

In the end, I realised that while that decision might keep me safe, it would also be selfish. People needed my help and I needed to find the strength to push through and keep going. Reading the Divergent books was a life-changing time for me as they gave me exactly the message I needed to hear at the time. I knew I needed to become dauntless and run towards challenges instead of away from them. 

I have three tattoos which are inspired by the Divergent trilogy and if I am ever feeling unsure, I look at them and they remind me I need to be dauntless, just like my business.

When the going gets tough, what keeps you grounded and motivated to keep pushing forward?

When things are really tough and I am wondering whether I can keep going, I stop and I lean into those emotions. I don’t try and push it away, I allow myself to fully feel the emotions and stay there for as long as is needed until the feelings become less intense. 

When the intensity has dropped, I think about what the worst case scenario is and plan what I will do if it happens. That usually lessens the intensity and puts me in a better mindset so I can move on to fixing what is actually going on. 

I start thinking of solutions and do some brainstorming and really focus on reminding myself why I started, what I am here to achieve and what the alternative is. I ask myself ‘If this became too hard, what is the alternative?’ I think of some other things I might do and every one of them will be something my whole body is saying no to and this gives me the motivation to do whatever it takes to make it work.

What daily habits or non-negotiable routines help you stay focused, creatively energized, and balanced as a founder?

I always used to say that I didn’t have a morning routine but I now do three things which really help me feel energized, focused and balanced. Every morning, I do Martin Sharp’s Sharp Fit for Life morning workouts at 6am and they get me really focused for the day – he is a ray of sunshine. I can wake up really grumpy and by the end of the 30-minute session, I am buzzing. I also do Christopher Richard’s guided meditation for abundance – I have found that to be really powerful. Once I have done those two things, I go for a long walk for about two hours. I give myself space and that is where a lot of my ideas come in. I don’t overstructure my days – sometimes I will stop and write content while I am out on my walk. The afternoons are more free-flowing but when I feel myself start to slump, I will go for a swim to get my energy levels back up.

What’s been the most effective growth lever for acquiring new clients or expanding your customer base?

It probably won’t surprise you to hear the founder of a PR agency say PR, but it absolutely is the most effective way I have found for sharing my messages, reaching new people and getting new clients to come and work with me. 

One thing I have found with PR is that it doesn’t have to be business-focused to boost your business. I often find if I have been in the media sharing a personal story, I get a lot of people reaching out, following me on social media or wanting to discuss their own PR needs.

What branding or marketing decision had the biggest impact in elevating your business and building trust with your audience?

I made a conscious decision not to overpolish or overscript when it came to my marketing and it has worked wonders in building trust with my audience. I decided not to censor myself too much but to be real and raw and keep showing up with honesty. Any time I listened to other people tell me how I should be doing things and it led to being too careful with my wording or making sure my videos had all the bells and whistles, it was a mistake. 

How do you personally define success—not just as a business owner, but as a woman living a purpose-driven life?

Being able to live life on my terms. I recently moved to Portugal and I have the freedom to enjoy my life here. I swim, I go for long walks, I spend time looking after my little boy and going on adventures. Being able to design my life so it works for me, in addition to making a positive impact with my business and helping others share their important messages and wisdom is the definition of success to me. 

Can you share a mistake or misstep that taught you a lesson you still carry with you today?

The mistakes I have made have always been to ignore my own intuition and trust other people over myself. In the past, I have chosen to trust other people’s opinions over what I knew to be right because I viewed that person as an expert. Whenever this has happened and I ignored a feeling that it wasn’t right, it has been the wrong decision. In contrast, every time I have trusted my own intuition even though it seems to go against all logic, it has been the right decision. Now I trust my own instincts above all else and while I might listen to what other people say, I never let them drown out my own inner voice.

What’s your best advice for women just starting out—especially first-time entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or unsure of their next steps?

My best advice is to be authentic. Women sometimes think they need to pretend to be someone else to be successful – this isn’t the case at all. Don’t be afraid to show up as who you are – you don’t have to be liked by everyone. For your people, you will be enough. 

Think about what you really want to achieve and how you can help others with your business. When you focus on the impact you can make rather than thinking solely about money, good things will happen.

How do you approach risk and innovation, especially when breaking new ground in a male-dominated or fast-changing industry?

I have always been someone who has run towards the things that scare me rather than away from them. Things are constantly changing and it is important to move with the times rather than trying to resist them. 

For example, we are now having to adapt the way we work to suit a world where AI is an important tool. One of our aims now is for our clients and what they do to be recognised by generative AI engines like ChatGPT as well as search engines like Google. More and more people are getting their information from AI now rather than visiting websites and it is important to always keep tweaking your approach so it fits the world you are in.

If you lead a team, how do you foster a culture of trust, inclusivity, collaboration, and growth?

I’m a great believer in radical honesty and transparency and this applies to my team as well as my clients. I’d like to think I have created a culture of openness where my team members feel they can tell me if they have made a mistake or they need help or support.

As a leader, I value accountability but don’t believe in blame. We are all working together towards the same goals and it is important that we enjoy doing it. It’s taken a little while to get there but I have built a team where we all really enjoy working with each other. 

Most days are a lot of fun and we make each other laugh and celebrate each other’s achievements. 

What are the top 5 mindset shifts or personal practices that helped you overcome self-doubt and grow your confidence as a woman entrepreneur?

Whenever I experience doubts or I’m not sure whether to do something, I ask myself four questions – what’s the worst that can happen? If the worst happens, what will I do about it? What’s the best that can happen? And finally, is it worth it? If the answer to that final question is yes, then I take action straight away and run towards it before fear has a chance to catch up.

If I am not active for a couple of days, I really start to feel it in my mindset so I make exercise a priority. I love wakeboarding, it is such an adrenalin rush. If I have an afternoon slump, I go for a walk around the lake and often go for a swim in there. I also love combat, yoga and dancing.

I always start my day with exercise and guided meditation to make sure my mornings get off to a good start.

Immersing myself in nature is really important to me. I love wandering into the woods, preferably barefoot as it is really grounding.

I will only surround myself by people who lift me up and want me to succeed and I will always offer the same in return. I am not available for any kind of relationship whether that is personal or professional which is less than that in anyway.

If you could spark a global movement through your work, what would it be—and why is that mission meaningful to you?

The heart of Dauntless PR is visibility, authenticity and amplifying voices that need to be heard. I love shining a spotlight on the amazing things people are doing to make the world a better place. If I could spark a global movement, I’d love it to be one where people feel happy showing up as they are and sharing their messages with others.

When I was young, I was incredibly shy and often felt too anxious to speak at all so helping others to speak out and have their voices heard by millions all over the world is incredibly meaningful to me.

What’s a quote, philosophy, or guiding belief that shapes how you lead, create, and live every day?

The guiding philosophy I live my life by is to keep showing up fully as myself. And to show up every day, even when things are hard and I might not feel like it. Authenticity is extremely important to me and I keep things real and raw. Sometimes that might not be pretty but I share the whole journey, even the messy bits rather than a carefully curated highlights reel of my life and business.

Where can our audience connect with you, explore your work, or follow your entrepreneurial journey online?

You can find out more about me at Dauntless PR or by following me on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chantelle Botha.

Known globally as The Catalyst, Chantelle is an unapologetic force for transformation and authenticity. Far from the typical motivational speaker, she’s an Identity Architect who dismantles outdated paradigms and awakens audiences to their truth—from the bedroom to the boardroom and beyond.

Her journey from the depths of addiction and self-abandonment to radical reinvention makes her living proof of what’s possible when we stop hiding and start living unapologetically. Chantelle’s signature framework, the (se)X-Factor, flips the script on confidence and leadership—not about sex, but about self. For her, authenticity isn’t something you learn; it’s something you remember beneath the conditioning and roles you’ve been performing.

As the founder of Phoenix and author of Phoenix Rising, Chantelle leads a global movement of personal reinvention. With her fiery, straight-shooting style, she blends provocative truths with deep compassion—delivering the “kick in the butt with loads of love” that sparks lasting change.

When she’s not on stage or coaching, you’ll likely find her chasing adventure around the globe. And one thing’s certain—her ever-changing hairstyles are as bold and dynamic as the message she carries.

In this interview, she talks about the obstacles she’s overcome, the milestones she’s achieved, and the wisdom she’s gained along the way.

What inspired your leap into entrepreneurship, and what personal experiences sparked the idea behind your current venture?

After twenty years of trying to fit the corporate mould I was done. I had dabbled in entrepreneurship several times and my CV looked like a hop scotch course. I finally got to the point where I knew I had to make it work – there was no plan B. I made a decision that I will never work for a corporate again.

Of course it really helped that the last job I held was the most challenging. I worked for a young arrogant guy who had just been promoted into management, and him and I clashed horribly. There wasn’t a day that we didn’t butt heads, that he didn’t tell me how incompetent I was, that he tried to wrestle me into submission to HIS way of doing things. It was really tough starting a business from a place of shattered confidence, but the desire not to ever experience that again was the thing that fuelled me then, and continues to fuel me today.

Personally, my life had been characterised by transformation. Twice recovered addict, single mom, several different addresses – by the time I cleaned up from my second addiction I started studying personal growth and development. I couldn’t lead the transformations I now lead without having first done the work myself.

And that’s not to say “the work” is ever done… that’s what I love about growth – there are always new layers to uncover and new territories to explore.

What core problem does your business solve, particularly for women or underserved communities—and how does your approach stand out in today’s competitive space?

I help people navigate transformation from the inside out by building integrity – wholeness. This means that my clients go on to achieve the things they never thought possible – whether it’s a career pivot, starting their own business, or just becoming the best version of themselves.

Although I work with organisations, I have a heart for women and run several programmes aimed at helping women get out of their own way, eradicate the shame that has held them back and step into the feminine power.

My approach is unique since it was founded through my sexual awakening. I learnt that our life force is the most creative and courageous energy we possess, yet we stifle it and bury it under a cloak of shame. There is incredible power and creativity locked beneath this cloak – if only we’d dare to lift the covers.

What were some of the toughest obstacles you faced early in your journey as a woman entrepreneur, and how did you navigate through them?

I’ve never liked the “women” movement, so I never considered the challenges I faced in the early days as being due to the fact that I am a WOMAN entrepreneur. But having gone through my personal Phoenix moment, I now see that my challenges were indeed about my being a woman.

You see, us gals tend to second guess ourselves a whole lot! Because of our innate nurturing nature, we sacrifice our needs and desires for our children, our families, and by extension – our vocations. I was no different. It took a confrontation with my sensuality to acknowledge that my whole life had been about performance, as opposed to my pleasure.

Today, the more I lean into my pleasure, the more life and business flows with ease. And I get to empower other women to do the same – how cool is that?

When the going gets tough, what keeps you grounded and motivated to keep pushing forward?

That decision that I made back in 2019. I will never work for a boss again. There is no plan B.

That’s not to say my business hasn’t gone through immense change in the last 6 years as I have grown. I wrote an article just last week called “6 years, 3 symbols, 1 truth” which traces my brand journey. Here’s the article if you’d like to read it.

I am single and don’t have a fall back. I learned long ago that no-one is coming to save me. If I want success, it’s up to me. This is a central part of my message to my clients too – only YOU can create the life you want to live. So stop blaming, stop making excuses and just do it already.

What daily habits or non-negotiable routines help you stay focused, creatively energized, and balanced as a founder?

Ever noticed just how many articles, podcasts, books etc there are out there telling you exactly why THIS morning routine will get you where you’re going?

It’s not wrong advice in principle, but where it falls flat is that people will follow strategy blindly with scant regard for what’s going on in their heads. I believe success is 20% strategy and 80% psychology, so you can follow “morning routines” till you’re blue in the face – it aint gonna bring the change you’re after.

My non-negotiable is to work on my thoughts and feelings every day. When I am operating in gratitude and presence, it’s easy to enter flow. But if I’m following a checklist of prescriptive routines, it’s empty.

Change is effected when we FEEL. It’s the feelings that create the thoughts that lead to the behaviours that will move the needle on our goals.

I enjoy running, swimming in the ocean, journalling, meditation, authentic movement, dance, and just about anything that happens in nature. But nothing is prescriptive, and I teach my clients this too. Find the thing that you need today, the thing that makes you feel good. And it’s ok if that’s different every day.

What’s been the most effective growth lever for acquiring new clients or expanding your customer base?

In the early days I would have said LinkedIn – I grew my following through organic posts to 70k. But I’ve lost interest in social media. It doesn’t feel as aligned as it once did. It feels too performative. I know there’s value in social media, but right now, I’d rather share authentic news about my book, my retreat and real transformation as opposed to meeting a prescribed metric of posting for the sake of posting.

Right now, my biggest lever is my book, Phoenix Rising. From a business perspective, this has given me a new layer of credibility and is expanding my client base daily. I speak on integrity, authenticity, wholeness in your identity – and I couldn’t do that unless I’ve lived that journey.

I have built my December Retreat and my monthly woman’s membership tribe, Reclaim the Flame out of this. The book is a story on reclaiming my power through liberating my sexual story.

It’s an unusual book with some juicy deliciousness for those who are curious about my experiences, but it’s really a book designed to confront every belief you’ve ever held. It’s the key to letting go of shame and living as your most authentic self. It’s freedom.

The book is available here.

What branding or marketing decision had the biggest impact in elevating your business and building trust with your audience?

Again – definitely the book. But what flowed out of that was my decision to rebrand the business, previously called Dragonfly to Phoenix.

The rebrand has only just happened, and some platforms still need work, so it’s far to early to say what the impact of the rebrand has been, but the early signs are there.

With the rebrand, I have also launched my Identity Map and Phoenix Blueprint. This speaks to the depths and layers that we traverse when navigating transformation in our lives. It is a visual representation of the myriad possibilities, limitations and routes to success. My blueprint contains 81 different configurations to explore different aspects of personal development and self-understanding. My Identity Map has a spiral staircase in the middle representing your DNA. Everything I have developed suggests limitless uniqueness – exactly as we are.

Early days, but it’s taken me 6 years to craft these tools, and they bring clarity and confidence to the clients exploring working with me. It’s a body of work that I have curated by walking through the fire myself – this is not textbook stuff. It’s real.

And I know that this takes my business to the next level.  

How do you personally define success—not just as a business owner, but as a woman living a purpose-driven life?

Is it any surprise that I’m going to tell you success to me is a feeling? It is nothing tangible, but something that sits deep inside my soul and permeates my entire being. This is the feeling I engineer, curate and expand every day.

That’s not to say I don’t have tangible markers of success. Everything we do in life starts in our minds and is made manifest in our reality. So if I wake every day feeling unsuccessful, guess what kind of behaviour you’ll see me enacting that day?

I am already successful. My outer reality is still playing a bit of catch up, but I know it’s assured – because I create it every day.

Can you share a mistake or misstep that taught you a lesson you still carry with you today?

Ooh yes! I’ve paid PLENTY school fees over the years, but my biggest mistake (and greatest blessing!) was bringing an investor on board.

I didn’t approach this investor – he contacted me with a proposal that seemed like a really great solution to help me scale at the time. Because I believe in synchronicity, I felt like the universe was opening doors for me that I didn’t even realise I wanted open.

A few months into this new partnership, I started feeling like I had lost control of my business, like I was working for a dreaded boss again. I lost my energy, my spark. And with it, I lost momentum on a lot of the plans I had previously been pursuing for the business.

We parted ways, and this led to my business very nearly crashing down around me. I had no pipeline. No momentum. A diluted brand. And nearly zero income.

But this was the catalyst for my Phoenix moment. The transformation that led to the book and my success today. I can’t help but be immensely grateful for this very difficult lesson in hindsight.

What’s your best advice for women just starting out—especially first-time entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or unsure of their next steps?

Just start. You will iterate on the way. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s really about the journey anyway, not the destination. Stop preparing. Stop getting everything ready. Stop trying to be perfect. Just get really honest with yourself about the next thing that you want and go after that.

As the journey unfolds, you will notice the breadcrumbs along the way – intuition, synchronicity, the things that excite you, the things that make you cringe. Align with what excites you, iterate and keep going.

I am a big picture thinker, so there are times when all my big ideas can overwhelm me almost into paralysis. Where to start? What to do? How to do it?

That’s when we narrow our vision. What do you want and what is one small thing you can do today to move the needle. Simple.

How do you approach risk and innovation, especially when breaking new ground in a male-dominated or fast-changing industry?

I am such an adrenaline junkie! It has taken me 40 years though to embrace that part of me, and use it to my advantage in business. This means that I love risk, I love innovation, and change is my middle name. It excites me!

I think the term “male-dominated industry” can sometimes be a mindset. Yes, I know the statistics, but if I constantly bleat on about it, that becomes my reality. I am Chantelle. I am unique. I am the ONLY version of me that this world will ever see. And it is my duty to let the world the world see me, to serve, and to live my purpose in true Chantelle-style.

The more I change me, the more I grow me, and the more I step into my own wholeness, the less the circumstances around me matter.

If you lead a team, how do you foster a culture of trust, inclusivity, collaboration, and growth?

I hired someone in that terrible year when I nearly lost everything, and it taught me another valuable lesson about staff. I don’t want any. Ever. I work with independent contractors and freelancers. But I don’t ever want to “own” people.

The people I work with come to me through mutual connections and through relationships. I aim to have at least one coffee chat with someone interesting every week and this builds my network internationally. It also allows me to get to know people long before I ever decide to work with them.

What are the top 5 mindset shifts or personal practices that helped you overcome self-doubt and grow your confidence as a woman entrepreneur?

a. Embodiment. We cannot think our way to a new way of living. We have to live our way into a new way of being.

b. Feelings are not facts. We base so much of our lives on our feelings, but many of them come from the stories we tell ourselves. When we become curious about the messages our feelings are sending us, we unlock the deeper meanings and create space for growth.

c. Courage rises in a split second but is gone just as fast if we don’t act. Curiosity, courage, and confidence are the keys at the heart of my Phoenix blueprint. These are not just words – they are values I live by.

d. My number one job today is ME. If I don’t take the time to both build and protect my energy, I cannot show up as my best self. When I sacrifice putting myself first because of the demands on my calendar, my output is always subpar.

e. Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Busyness kills intuition, stops flow in its tracks and stifles creation. Sometimes the calendar gets hectic, that’s when I slow down the most.

If you could spark a global movement through your work, what would it be—and why is that mission meaningful to you?

I will – watch this space 😉

My global movement is about coming home to yourself. Realising the power you hold within. Learning to be whole. Living in integrity. Connecting deeper than you ever imagined possible.

And ultimately – stepping into your full potential. But that’s not possible until you come home to yourself and know yourself intimately.

What’s a quote, philosophy, or guiding belief that shapes how you lead, create, and live every day?

“Stop asking why, Chan, and start asking what next.”

These were the last words my dad spoke to me before he left this earth. This was at a time when I was cleaning up from my second addiction and I had burnt through every relationship that ever meant anything to me. The only person in my corner was dad – and then he left.

But he left me with those words. I have never forgotten them and never will. They were instrumental in rebuilding my life from destruction. They were what helped me start the business. They were what got me through that year I nearly lost it. They guide me every morning in both the small decisions and the big decisions.

Where can our audience connect with you, explore your work, or follow your entrepreneurial journey online?

Here are a couple of links:

• My upcoming retreat
• My website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email 

As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Fabus Cheng.

Jessica Fabus Cheng is a rare thyroid cancer survivor, accessibility advocate, and Mrs. DC International 2025. A former registered nurse and Team USA Taekwondo athlete, Jessica now channels her strength and resilience into empowering others through her platform, Accessibility in Action, and her podcast, All the Best with Jess. Despite living with only 80% vocal function, she uses her voice—literally and figuratively—to champion digital inclusion and help brands build more accessible content through her Turnkey Accessibility program.

Crowned Mrs. New York International 2023 before her current title, Jessica carries many roles: surgical nurse, athlete, mother, Duchenne carrier, and cancer survivor. She was also recognized in 2021 as one of Taekwondo Life Magazine’s “10 Women to Watch.”

Jessica’s advocacy journey is deeply personal. In 2004, her younger cousin Tommy was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. That same year, genetic testing revealed that Jessica herself was a Duchenne carrier. Instead of retreating, she leaned into community support—raising awareness, fundraising, and walking alongside families affected by Duchenne.

From figure skating to martial arts, from nursing to global advocacy, Jessica embodies resilience, leadership, and service. Whether on stage, online, or in her community, she continues to inspire by turning life’s greatest challenges into platforms for change.

In this interview, she offers a candid look at the realities of entrepreneurship, sharing both the challenges and the victories that defined her path.

What inspired your leap into entrepreneurship, and what personal experiences sparked the idea behind your current venture?

My leap into entrepreneurship wasn’t a choice. It was a calling. When I was diagnosed with rare thyroid cancer, I was told I might permanently lose my voice. For someone who moved to New York at 19 to pursue music, then spent years working in operating rooms as a nurse, that felt like a cruel twist. But in that silence, I found clarity. I realized I didn’t need a perfect voice to speak up. I needed purpose. That’s how Accessibility in Action was born. I saw how many voices were being left out of digital spaces. I knew I had the story, the strategy, and the heart to change that.

What core problem does your business solve, particularly for women or underserved communities—and how does your approach stand out in today’s competitive space?

Most brands overlook disabled and neurodiverse communities, even though they represent over $13 trillion in global buying power. Through Turnkey Accessibility and my Triple A Framework (Awareness, Allyship, Action), I help businesses create content and experiences that include everyone, not just the majority. What makes my approach different is that it’s rooted in lived experience and driven by human connection. I don’t teach accessibility as a rulebook. I teach it as a relationship.

What were some of the toughest obstacles you faced early in your journey as a woman entrepreneur, and how did you navigate through them?

One of the hardest things was feeling like I didn’t belong in the conversation. I don’t use a wheelchair. I didn’t go through years of treatment. So I used to wonder if my voice was enough. But losing 20 percent of your vocal function and still choosing to speak up is its own kind of power. I had to unlearn the idea that advocacy has a single look or language. I leaned into the intersections of my story, and that’s when things started to shift.

When the going gets tough, what keeps you grounded and motivated to keep pushing forward?

My daughter, Coco. She is my why. I want her to grow up in a world where inclusion isn’t optional. Where empathy is modeled, not just taught. I also think about my cousin, who lost the ability to walk after tripping on an inaccessible sidewalk. These are real lives impacted by systems that were never designed for all of us. That’s what grounds me and keeps me moving.

What daily habits or non-negotiable routines help you stay focused, creatively energized, and balanced as a founder?

I design my day around energy, not just tasks. I schedule vocal rest like it’s a meeting. I walk our guide dog-in-training. I play with my daughter. I take time to unplug. These aren’t extras. They’re essentials. And they’re part of the reason I can show up with clarity and purpose when it counts.

What’s been the most effective growth lever for acquiring new clients or expanding your customer base?

Speaking. Whether on a podcast, a panel, or a corporate training, when I get to tell the story behind the mission, people connect. They don’t just understand accessibility. They feel it. And that’s what turns awareness into action.

What branding or marketing decision had the biggest impact in elevating your business and building trust with your audience?

Choosing to lead with my real voice. For a long time, I worried that people would hear the difference in how I speak. But it turns out, that difference is what makes my message stick. When people understand where your story comes from, they trust where you’re taking them.

How do you personally define success—not just as a business owner, but as a woman living a purpose-driven life?

Success is alignment. It’s when your actions match your values, and your work reflects your purpose. For me, that looks like creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. If my daughter grows up knowing that’s normal, not exceptional, then I’ve done something right.

Can you share a mistake or misstep that taught you a lesson you still carry with you today?

Waiting to feel “ready.” After cancer, I thought I had to be fully healed before I spoke publicly about accessibility. But healing isn’t linear. And your story is valuable even while you’re still living it. The lesson I carry is this: you don’t have to be finished to be impactful.

What’s your best advice for women just starting out—especially first-time entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or unsure of their next steps?

Start small and start with heart. You don’t need a fancy logo or a five-year plan to begin. What you need is clarity about who you want to serve and why it matters. From there, the next step always reveals itself.

How do you approach risk and innovation, especially when breaking new ground in a male-dominated or fast-changing industry?

I approach risk like I approach accessibility, with curiosity and courage. Sometimes the boldest innovation is simply asking, “Who isn’t being considered here?” When you lead from that place, your solutions become more inclusive by design.

If you lead a team, how do you foster a culture of trust, inclusivity, collaboration, and growth?

Whether it’s a team of contractors, collaborators, or volunteers, I lead by example. That means making sure everyone feels heard. It means building flexible systems that support different communication and learning styles. Inclusion is not just what we do. It’s how we do it.

What are the top 5 mindset shifts or personal practices that helped you overcome self-doubt and grow your confidence as a woman entrepreneur?

• Progress is better than perfection
• Rest is strategic
• Vulnerability builds trust
• You are allowed to take up space
• Visibility is an act of service

Each of these helped me show up, even when I was afraid.

If you could spark a global movement through your work, what would it be—and why is that mission meaningful to you?

I want to make accessibility the default, not the afterthought. If we design with inclusion from the start, we don’t just accommodate more people. We invite them to lead, create, and thrive. That’s the world I’m working toward, one brand and one voice at a time.

What’s a quote, philosophy, or guiding belief that shapes how you lead, create, and live every day?

You don’t need a loud voice to create big change. I’ve learned that impact comes from intention, not volume. If you show up with clarity and heart, your message will echo in ways you can’t always measure.

Where can our audience connect with you, explore your work, or follow your entrepreneurial journey online?

Visit Jessica Fabus Cheng or follow me on Instagram and @bestwithjesspodcast. You can also tune into All the Best with Jess, where I spotlight entrepreneurs and voices of impact across industries.

As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr Anna Kowalczyk-Ord.

Dr Anna Kowalczyk-Ord (FRACGP) is the founder of Hermona Health. A UK-trained doctor with over ten years of experience, Dr Anna is committed to improving women’s treatment in healthcare, and is especially dedicated to menopause and hormone health. 

She takes a holistic, whole-body approach and is passionate about empowering women to live their best lives.

In this interview, she offers a candid look at the realities of entrepreneurship, sharing both the challenges and the victories that defined her path.

What inspired you to start your business, and what problem were you passionate about solving?

My own health journey was the catalyst. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and quickly realised how little mainstream medicine had to offer beyond prescribing thyroxine once the thyroid stops functioning. That experience opened my eyes to the importance of looking deeper at root causes, prevention, and how interconnected our systems truly are. No organ exists in a vacuum, and I became fascinated by the link between thyroid health and female hormones.

As I progressed in my medical career, I saw the same gaps in women’s health: women struggling to access even basic menopausal hormone therapy, being dismissed or gaslit, and often suffering unnecessarily for years before receiving adequate help. That frustration became my motivation. With Hermona Health, I wanted to create a space where women are heard, validated, and given access to evidence-based, integrative care that looks at the whole picture and invests in their long-term health.

How has your business evolved since its launch, and what key decisions have helped drive that growth?

Hermona Health began very humbly! I started by subletting a single room in a wellness centre, relying mostly on limited, organic traffic. At that stage, I couldn’t even offer Medicare rebates, and many women didn’t know the clinic existed. It quickly became clear that if I wanted to create real impact, I needed to think bigger than just myself.

I made the decision to rebrand and invest in a professional presence that reflected the vision I had for the clinic. That included developing a beautiful website, securing my provider number so I could offer Medicare rebates, and making the service more accessible to women who needed it most.

This shift wasn’t just about growth; it was also about meaning. After years of working within the 10-minute consult model as a Doctor, I felt disillusioned. It wasn’t fulfilling to rush through care; I wanted to make a real difference. Creating Hermona Health gave me the chance to slow down, listen, and help women feel more like themselves again. That decision has been the most important driver of our growth.

In your view, what truly sets your brand apart in today’s competitive market?

I think what makes Hermona Health different is the way I approach care. I don’t just hand out a prescription; I look deeper into things like deficiencies, gut health, and lifestyle changes, because they all play a role in how women feel. I see menopausal hormone therapy as a preventative measure, not just a quick fix, and I take time to explain that to my patients.

I also don’t rush. Women deserve to be listened to, and I make sure they feel heard and supported. I’m approachable and open, and because I’m going through some of the same health challenges myself, I can genuinely sympathise with what my patients are experiencing. 

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to date, and why do you think it worked so well?

The most effective step was investing in professional support from Bloom Digital for branding, marketing, and my website. Before that, I was trying to piece things together myself, but it didn’t have the same impact. Having a cohesive, professional online presence completely changed how Hermona Health was seen; it gave the clinic credibility, made it easier for women to find me, and helped them feel confident booking in.

It worked because the look and feel of the clinic finally matched the quality of care I was providing. That consistency built trust, and it allowed me to focus on what I do best: looking after patients.

How do you stay connected to your ideal audience and understand their needs or behaviours?

Right now, Hermona Health is still very much a one-woman band, so I personally handle all of the communication. My patients message me directly about their symptoms and concerns, and they know I’m the one on the other side of the phone if they need me.

That’s important because it doesn’t feel like a corporate, impersonal setting; it’s very tailored. Women feel they can reach out and be heard, and I can respond quickly. That close, direct connection with my patients is what helps me understand their needs more than any marketing survey or social media ever could.

What’s one branding move or campaign that helped elevate your business to the next level?

The biggest step was creating a strong, cohesive brand identity for Hermona Health. Once the clinic had a professional look, from the website to the logo and the way information was presented, it stopped feeling like just me in a room and started to feel like a proper clinic with a clear purpose.

That shift built trust. Women could see straight away that Hermona Health was a place dedicated to them, not just another generic medical service. It gave me the confidence to put the clinic out into the world in a bigger way, and it gave patients confidence to book in.

What does success look like for you, not just in numbers, but in purpose or impact?

For me, success isn’t measured in numbers; I’m working with women who are more than just a statistic, they’re human, so knowing I’ve built something that makes a real difference in their lives matters most to me. 

Success is also about balance, having a good work-life balance with the freedom and options that come from running my own clinic. And it also means enjoying my work and feeling satisfied at the end of the day that I’ve genuinely helped someone in a meaningful way.

It’s not just about building a business; it’s about creating a career and a life that feel fulfilling, where I can be my own boss, do work I believe in, and still have time and energy for the things outside of medicine that matter to me.

How do you personally define success, beyond revenue and growth metrics?

Success means feeling proud of what I’ve created, enjoying the work I do each day, and knowing it aligns with my values. To help improve women’s lives and to do it long term without burning out is success to me.

It’s also about having freedom in the ability to choose how I work, who I work with, and how I shape the clinic’s future.

Can you share a challenge or setback that ultimately became a turning point for your brand?

One big challenge was when myself and the other practitioners in the clinic were told we had to vacate because of a landlord dispute. At first, it felt like a huge setback! I suddenly didn’t have a base for my patients.

But in hindsight, it was the push I needed. It made me realise it was time to swim in bigger waters and take Hermona Health to the next level. Instead of just renting a room, I started focusing on creating a proper clinic space of my own, with a bigger vision and long-term security. That difficult moment actually gave me the courage to think bigger and invest in the future of the business.

What daily habits or rituals keep you focused, creative, and grounded as a leader?

I like to start my day early so I don’t have to rush. Before the rest of the household is up, I have time to read, meditate, and do some gentle exercise. That quiet time sets me up for the day by clearing my head, helping me focus, and providing me with the energy i need to care for others. 

How do you approach innovation and risk in your business strategy?

I try to balance being careful with being courageous. In healthcare, everything has to be evidence-based, but I also believe in being open to new tools and approaches that can make a real difference for women.

When it comes to risk, I know it would be safer to plan everything down to the last detail, but sometimes you just have to go full hog when you believe in the cause. Even if it feels terrifying, there are moments where you need to find courage, back yourself, and take that leap. That’s how real progress happens.

What advice would you give to someone starting a business in today’s fast-changing digital world?

It has to be something you really believe in because that belief is what will carry you through the tough times. Seize opportunities, even if they seem terrifying, and don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

The digital world moves quickly, and you can’t plan for everything, but if you stay true to your purpose and have the courage to take the leap, the rest will follow.

Where can our audience connect with you and learn more about your work or offerings?

The best place to find me is through my website. You’ll find information about the clinic, the services I offer, and how to book an appointment.

The landscape for women entrepreneurs is rapidly evolving, and staying ahead requires a unique set of leadership skills. This article explores the essential competencies that will define successful female business leaders in 2025, drawing on insights from industry experts. From cultivating resilience to mastering effective communication, these skills will empower women entrepreneurs to thrive in an ever-changing business environment.

• Cultivate Resilience and Adaptability
• Transform Setbacks into Stepping Stones
• Master Active Patience for Sustainable Growth
• Build Trust Through Transparent Leadership
• Embrace Change with Agile Learning
• Practice Self-Compassion and Set Healthy Boundaries
• Foster Non-Competitive Alliances and Collaborations
• Develop Emotional Intelligence for Effective Management
• Prioritize Understanding People for Better Decisions
• Communicate Vision Consistently Across All Channels
• Balance Self-Management for Long-Term Success
• Lead Authentically in a Digital Age
• Invest in Building Social Capital
• Stay Coachable to Adapt and Grow
• Lead with Empathy and Strategic Purpose
• Delegate Effectively to Accelerate Business Growth
• Practice Active Listening to Strengthen Relationships
• Network Proactively to Create Opportunities
• Engage Employees for Innovative Growth Ideas
• Adopt AI, stay updated with latest Technology, and Solve Problems Creatively

Cultivate Resilience and Adaptability

If I had to choose one leadership skill that is most essential for women entrepreneurs today, it would be resilience paired with adaptability.

I learned those qualities early. I was raised by my grandparents in a crowded two-bedroom house, while my parents struggled with addiction. Life didn’t hand me easy conditions, but it gave me lessons that became my edge: adjust quickly when circumstances shift, and rise every time you fall.

That foundation shaped how I navigated corporate America. Often the only woman — or the only Black woman — in the room, I discovered that thriving wasn’t about being the loudest voice. It was about keeping composure under pressure, shifting strategies when doors closed, and finding ways to lead without formal authority. Those skills prepared me for entrepreneurship more than any title ever could.

Business, like life, is never linear. A client backs out. A launch underperforms. Tech crashes minutes before you go live. Resilience gives you the grit to keep moving, but adaptability ensures you don’t keep repeating the same misstep. Together, they turn setbacks into strategies.

I saw this firsthand during one of my first launches. Everything was planned perfectly — until reality hit. My toddler wasn’t feeling well, a friend was in the hospital, my systems failed, and the picture in my head unraveled. The old me would have quit. Instead, I pivoted. I simplified the offer, leaned into my story, and focused on connection over perfection. The launch didn’t just succeed — it reminded me that people don’t buy flawless execution, they buy authenticity and transformation.

That’s why resilience and adaptability matter so much today. Markets shift. Technology evolves. Circumstances test us. But if you can bend without breaking and pivot without losing sight of your vision, you’ll thrive.

As women entrepreneurs, we know perfect conditions rarely exist. Leadership isn’t about never falling — it’s about rising every time and being willing to change course until you find what works. That’s resilience. That’s adaptability. And that’s the kind of leadership the future demands.

Janae Nicole, Career Strategist, Business Coach & Talent Acquisition Leader, JNL Career Services & CorpreneuX

Transform Setbacks into Stepping Stones

The path of entrepreneurship is challenging for anyone, but for women, the competitive market often demands not only business acumen but also resilience in the face of systemic barriers. From navigating funding gaps to breaking through stereotypes, success requires more than strategy — it requires leadership grounded in adaptability and vision.

If I had to name one leadership skill that’s most essential for women entrepreneurs today, it would be resilient adaptability. Markets shift rapidly, industries are disrupted overnight, and the expectations placed on women in leadership are often layered with bias. Adaptability allows women entrepreneurs to pivot, innovate, and remain steady while steering their businesses through uncertainty. Paired with resilience, it transforms setbacks into stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

When I first launched my business, I faced skepticism — not about the product, but about me as a female founder in a male-dominated industry. Early pitches to investors were met with questions about my “long-term commitment” rather than the viability of my idea. Instead of internalizing the doubt, I adapted my approach. I sought out networks of women-led angel groups, tailored my pitch to highlight both market data and my track record, and doubled down on building traction with clients first. The adaptability paid off: once results spoke louder than assumptions, funding and recognition followed. That experience reinforced that adaptability, coupled with resilience, is not just a skill — it’s a survival strategy.

Research echoes this reality. According to the Harvard Business Review, women-led businesses deliver higher revenue — more than twice as much per dollar invested — compared to male-led startups, precisely because women entrepreneurs often excel at adaptability and resourcefulness. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor also reports that women are 10% more likely than men to innovate under constraints. These findings reveal that resilient adaptability isn’t just beneficial — it’s a competitive edge.

For women entrepreneurs, thriving in today’s market isn’t about mimicking traditional leadership styles — it’s about embracing resilience and adaptability as strengths. The ability to adjust quickly, learn continuously, and persist through obstacles is what transforms challenges into breakthroughs. In a world that constantly shifts, resilient adaptability ensures not only survival but also sustainable growth and impact.

Miriam Groom, CEO, Mindful Career Inc., Mindful Career Counselling

Master Active Patience for Sustainable Growth

Business growth is a slow process, and it is mostly made up of small, unglamorous, but consistent actions that always take you one step forward with your business, even when the results are not immediately visible. You have to be relentless: always showing up, refining, and pushing. Time is your most valuable ally.

Today’s business culture glorifies speed, pushing entrepreneurs to chase quick wins. But I choose consistency instead. Active patience taught me to master the mundane, prioritize long-term strength over quick wins, especially during quiet periods when others lose momentum.

This is exactly what I did. I knew that by aligning my daily work with my ultimate vision, growth would come. And it did. For women entrepreneurs in particular, this skill is non-negotiable. We juggle more roles and face more scrutiny, which makes reckless trial and error too risky. Active patience is what steadies us as we make progress.

Stacey Tapping, CEO & Owner, Beauty Sculpting Room

Build Trust Through Transparent Leadership

As a woman entrepreneur, I’ve led my company through economic recessions, technological disruption, and now the rapid changes brought on by AI. If there’s one leadership skill that I believe is most essential for thriving in today’s competitive market, it’s building trust through transparency.

When I first launched, I quickly discovered that people don’t rally behind big visions or lofty goals unless they trust the leader who’s asking them to do the work. And trust isn’t created by charisma or authority. It’s built through transparency in decision-making, in feedback, and in how you show up consistently.

One example comes from early in my career. I was advising a company going through a merger. Leaders were anxious about what to share with employees. The instinct was to hold back — to protect people from uncertainty. I encouraged them to be transparent instead. I asked them to share what they knew, admit what they didn’t, and outline what they were doing to find answers. The shift was immediate. Employees stopped spinning rumors and started focusing on how they could help the transition succeed. That moment cemented my belief that transparency is the most practical way to build the trust needed to carry teams through change.

In today’s market, this matters more than ever. Hierarchies are flattening, employees are empowered with AI tools, and the old command-and-control style of leadership is eroding. Transparency isn’t about oversharing. It’s about showing up with consistency and honesty so your people can adapt confidently. For me, as a woman entrepreneur, it has been the cornerstone skill that not only kept me competitive, but helped me build communities of leaders and teams that thrive under pressure.

DIANNE CRAMPTON, President, TIGERS Success Series and the TIGERS 6 Principles

Embrace Change with Agile Learning

Adaptability is the leadership skill that stands out as essential for thriving as a woman entrepreneur in today’s competitive market.

The game changes rapidly — industries shift, client needs evolve, and setbacks appear unexpectedly. Adaptability means staying curious, flexible, and willing to pivot when the world throws curveballs.

Adaptability allows leaders to spot new opportunities and let go of strategies that are no longer effective, even if they served well in the past. It builds the resilience to withstand unexpected changes, turns challenges into stepping stones, and keeps a business moving forward when others pause.

Never get stuck in the mindset of, “This is how we’ve always done it.” Instead, treat every change as a chance to upskill, rethink, or experiment. Build a habit of asking: “What’s the lesson here?” and make regular time for learning — whether that’s reading, listening to new voices, or connecting with people from outside your field. This mindset keeps leaders sharp, creative, and ahead of the competition.

In a world that won’t slow down, adaptability isn’t just smart — it’s essential for survival.

Nancy Capistran, CEO & Executive Coach, Crisis Advisor, Board Director, Best-Selling Author, Capistran Leadership

Practice Self-Compassion and Set Healthy Boundaries

There is a stigma on women to do and be all things perfectly. We are expected to juggle multiple roles without complaint. I’m a mother, leader, business owner, wife, friend, sister, daughter, and neighbor. The list goes on and on. To navigate all of this, women need self-compassion. This includes letting go of perfection, embracing the messiness, and building healthy (and sustainable) boundaries.

Jennifer Recla, Leadership Coach & Consultant, Recla Coaching & Consulting

Foster Non-Competitive Alliances and Collaborations

One of the most valuable leadership skills to employ and deploy is non-competitive alliance building. It is an art form to convene thought leaders, established entrepreneurs, and small business owners and find unique ways to spotlight their work in a complementary way. True leaders know that it is possible to amplify the work of others, even within a competitive landscape, without allowing it to detract from their own mission. In fact, it allows both parties to shine and presents opportunities to collaborate on events, launches, and retreats.

Olivia Dufour, Founder, Olivia Dufour Consulting

Develop Emotional Intelligence for Effective Management

Emotional intelligence is a leadership skill that makes the most significant difference. An emotionally intelligent person knows how to manage themselves and the people around them in difficult situations. On a business level, this can be observed in all aspects of the business, such as negotiating, managing clients, motivating a team, or resolving conflicts.

It’s what helps you stay resilient when things don’t go as planned. Markets can change, deals can fall through, and pressure can increase. If you are unable to control your emotions, then you’re more likely to infect your team with stress and panic. Emotional intelligence is what keeps you composed, helps you make clearer decisions, and sets the tone for your team.

Echo Wang, CEO & Co-Founder, EpicBooks

Prioritize Understanding People for Better Decisions

Understanding people is, in my opinion, the most important leadership skill. Without it, you will not be able to delegate effectively, as you do not know what drives your team. You will not be able to solve issues as you will not recognize the human side behind these problems. And you can’t sell effectively because selling is always about people first.

Start by talking to people. Learn to listen. Learn to care. Put them first. When you understand people, you make better decisions, you build stronger teams, and you create solutions that actually work. In a market that changes this quickly, nothing gives you an edge more than knowing your people and your customers on a deeper level.

Echo Wang, CEO and Founder, Yoga Kawa

Communicate Vision Consistently Across All Channels

Effective communication makes a significant difference when a woman can articulate her vision and follow through with engagement, which yields value in her messaging. This messaging can be in person, on the phone, via emails, and through all channels she uses to connect with people. Consistency matters because there are instances when entrepreneurs, of all kinds, need to repeat and remind audiences of their existence many times before people start to take notice of what is being offered in today’s competitive market. This is an opportunity for women to exercise their voice for effective brand elevation in the markets, regardless of the product or service they’re offering. Concise and consistent communication can lead to the right connections that align with the brand’s mission.

Sasha Laghonh, Founder & Sr. Advisor to C-Suite & Entrepreneurs, Sasha Talks

Balance Self-Management for Long-Term Success

Based on my entrepreneurial journey, I believe self-management is the most essential leadership skill for thriving in today’s competitive market. Early in my business, I mistakenly equated success with constant hustle, only to discover this approach led to burnout and actually hindered growth. I’ve since learned that protecting your capacity and building sustainable practices creates a stronger foundation for long-term success. Designing your business around steadiness rather than exhaustion allows you to make clearer decisions and lead more effectively.

Karen Canham, Entrepreneur/Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Karen Ann Wellness

Lead Authentically in a Digital Age

After decades as a female business owner in a male-dominated sector, I’ve come to believe in the immense value of authenticity.

And in today’s digital age, where AI, automation, and polished corporate branding dominate, being genuine has only become more important. People are increasingly developing a sixth sense about scripted professionals, and it’s an instant turn-off. 

Like many women in my position, I spent time trying to be someone I wasn’t. There was constant pressure to “play like one of the boys,” to emulate an aggressive, hard-edged style of leadership.

But it wasn’t comfortable — and it didn’t work either.

What was effective was leading from a place that was true to me, and that meant speaking from the heart, trusting my instincts, and leaning into a more collaborative, empathetic approach.

Linn Atiyeh, CEO, Bemana

Invest in Building Social Capital

One leadership skill I believe is essential for women entrepreneurs today is the ability to build social capital — networks of trust, allies, and mentors that extend beyond immediate business needs. Unlike technical skills or strategy, social capital compounds over time, opening doors to collaborations, resources, and opportunities that would otherwise remain inaccessible.

For women founders, this is even more critical. Traditional business ecosystems often remain male-dominated, and consciously nurturing authentic relationships creates both visibility and influence. Social capital also acts as a buffer during setbacks; having a trusted circle to lean on makes resilience sustainable.

I’ve seen women leaders who invest in these ecosystems not only accelerate their own ventures but also pave the way for others, creating ripple effects across industries. In an era where markets change faster than plans, it’s these relationships, not just strategies, that become the strongest competitive advantage.

EKTA CAPOOR, Director, Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief, Amazing Workplaces

Stay Coachable to Adapt and Grow

When I left teaching to start my tutoring business, I had no formal business expertise. The leadership skill that has made the difference has been staying coachable: seeking out mentors, asking questions, and putting new ideas into practice straight away. In education, I was used to being the expert, but in entrepreneurship, I had to embrace being the student again. That adaptability has been crucial in growing a business in such a competitive market.

Claire Fennelly, Founder & Tutor, Your English Tutor UK

Lead with Empathy and Strategic Purpose

I believe empathy is the most essential leadership skill for women entrepreneurs in today’s competitive market. Leading with both heart and strategy has allowed me to make intentional business decisions while connecting authentically with my team and customers. This balanced approach challenges outdated stereotypes about women’s leadership capabilities and transforms empathy from a perceived weakness into a genuine competitive advantage. By leading from a place of purpose and leveraging our unique perspectives as women, we can create businesses that are both financially successful and deeply meaningful.

Mandi StGermaine, Co-Founder, MBS | The Woman Beyond the Cape

Delegate Effectively to Accelerate Business Growth

Based on my entrepreneurial journey, I believe effective delegation is the most essential leadership skill for women entrepreneurs in today’s competitive market. For years, I hesitated to hire top talent who shared my expertise, fearing the financial investment or potential loss of control, which significantly limited my company’s growth potential. Once I overcame this fear and focused on building a strong team of professionals, we were able to scale rapidly, ultimately doubling and tripling our revenue. Strategic delegation not only accelerates business growth but also allows entrepreneurs to focus on vision and strategy rather than day-to-day operations.

Jacqueline Salcines, Founder, Attorney at Law, SALCINESLAW

Practice Active Listening to Strengthen Relationships

Active listening has been the most essential leadership skill in my entrepreneurial journey. I developed a practice of being fully present in conversations by setting aside distractions and truly focusing on what others are saying. This skill took time to build but has significantly strengthened my business relationships and directly contributed to our company’s growth. In today’s fast-paced market, the ability to listen effectively creates trust and opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

Erin Ruddy, Owner, Winston-Salem Massage and Bodywork

Network Proactively to Create Opportunities

I believe that proactive networking is the most essential leadership skill for women entrepreneurs today. The ability to intentionally seek out mentors and build strategic relationships creates pathways to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed. I’ve seen firsthand how women who confidently advocate for themselves and actively build professional connections consistently outperform those who wait to be noticed, regardless of their technical abilities. This skill becomes particularly crucial when navigating competitive markets where visibility and strategic partnerships often determine success.

Jen Carmichael, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, My Front Porch

Engage Employees for Innovative Growth Ideas

Engaging employees for brainstorming sessions and listening to team members for growth ideas is crucial. People generally want to help and feel valued in their work. You’d be surprised how many great ideas I’ve heard over the years from people of all ages and expertise levels, who offer a different perspective on getting ahead of trends. The point is to try new ideas and get your brand out in the world.

Lora Bovie, Director of SEO, Rising Fox SEO

Adopt AI, stay updated with the latest Technology

2025 is heading towards the end, and we are already in September. In 2025 and the coming years, simply innovating is not sufficient. To stay ahead in the competitive market, innovation needs to be upgraded with the latest technology. AI, automation, and software are changing the ways organizations operate. I apply them not only to work smarter, but to find and create new opportunities and solutions.

Instead of thinking about AI as in replacement for human instinct, I partner with AI. AI helps me with data processing, pattern recognition, and forecasting trends, so my mind is free to be innovative and experiment. Together, we build strategies, products, and services that differentiate us in a competitive market.

I encourage my team to do the same. By using technology in creative work, we can test non-obvious solutions, make abrupt pivots in responding to issues, and freely innovate. That kind of approach enables us to stay nimble, innovative, and to act on opportunities in a continually evolving business environment.

Ultimately, adopting AI, technology, and innovation is not just about working more efficiently; they push us ahead, energize my team, and lead to long-range sustainability beyond 2025.

Aastha Mahawar, Chief Operating Officer, Skill Bud Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michelle Niziol.

Michelle Niziol is a dynamic, award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and respected property and finance expert. As the Founder & CEO of IMS Property Group, she leads a portfolio of seven businesses providing end-to-end services across mortgages, estate agency, lettings, property development, and investment strategy.

A former Apprentice candidate, Michelle has become recognised as one of the UK’s leading property and finance specialists and is a regular contributor to national media outlets.

Passionate about supporting women in business, she founded The Empowering Entrepreneur in 2019, offering mentoring, masterminds, and networking events for female entrepreneurs. As a King’s Trust Ambassador, Michelle donates all proceeds from these initiatives to help young people pursue entrepreneurship.

In this interview, she offers a candid look at the realities of entrepreneurship, sharing both the challenges and the victories that defined her path.

What inspired you to start your business, and what problem were you passionate about solving?

At 17, I found myself on the brink of homelessness, and that moment completely reshaped my path. I became determined to create stability and independence for myself, so I bought my first property at 18. From there, I realised how powerful property and financial knowledge can be in changing lives. I started my business because I wanted to help others—particularly women—achieve financial security, freedom, and the confidence to build a life on their own terms.

How has your business evolved since its launch, and what key decisions have helped drive that growth?

What began as a mortgage brokerage quickly grew into a group of companies—estate agency, lettings, insurance, commercial finance, and a bespoke property investment service for high-net-worth clients. The key decision was to keep listening to what my clients needed and build solutions around them. Another pivotal moment was choosing to build a remote, nationwide team of specialists, which gave us both scale and flexibility.

In your view, what truly sets your brand apart in today’s competitive market?

Personalisation and trust. We don’t offer “off the shelf” solutions—we build bespoke property strategies for every client. On the female founder side of my brand, I’m very open about my own journey—the wins, but also the struggles. That authenticity resonates deeply with women who want to scale without burning out.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to date, and why do you think it worked so well?

Storytelling. Whether it’s on social media, in the press, or on stage, sharing real stories about my journey connects with people far more than statistics ever could. When women see someone who has built businesses while raising children, facing setbacks, and still moving forward, it gives them permission to believe they can too.

How do you stay connected to your ideal audience and understand their needs or behaviors?

I stay close to them through community. I run mentoring programmes, exclusive events, and have daily conversations with women founders online. I also ask a lot of questions—what they’re struggling with, what’s missing in the market, what would make their lives easier. Listening is the most underrated business skill.

What’s one branding move or campaign that helped elevate your business to the next level?

Launching my petition to make childcare tax-deductible for self-employed parents. It wasn’t just a campaign, it was a statement of purpose: I’m here to fight for women entrepreneurs. It brought huge press coverage, TV interviews, and—most importantly—connected me with thousands of women who felt the same frustration.

How do you personally define success, beyond revenue and growth metrics?

For me, success is freedom—the freedom to design my life around my children, my passions, and my purpose. Of course, numbers matter in business, but true success is measured by impact: the clients who secure their dream homes, the women who scale their businesses with confidence, and the legacy I’m building for my family.

Can you share a challenge or setback that ultimately became a turning point for your brand?

There was a time when my businesses were growing faster than I was, and I felt overwhelmed, even ready to walk away. That forced me to learn the power of delegation, building systems, and surrounding myself with the right people. It’s why I now preach scaling without burnout—because I’ve lived the other side of it.

What daily habits or rituals keep you focused, creative, and grounded as a leader?

I start my mornings with movement—it could be the gym or a walk—to clear my mind. I always set my top three priorities for the day, so I stay focused on what truly matters. And I end the day with family time—it keeps everything in perspective.

How do you approach innovation and risk in your business strategy?

I take calculated risks. I don’t gamble, but I also never stay in my comfort zone. Innovation comes from spotting gaps in the market and having the courage to act on them.

What advice would you give to someone starting a business in today’s fast-changing digital world?

Start before you feel ready. Don’t wait for perfect branding, the perfect website, or the perfect moment. Get out there, test, listen, and adapt. And most importantly—be visible. In today’s digital world, people buy into people. Show up, share your story, and your audience will find you.

Where can our audience connect with you and learn more about your work or offerings?

You can connect with me on Instagram, on LinkedIn, or via my website.

As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Janet Camilleri.

Based in Brisbane, Australia, Janet Camilleri is the founder of Front Page SEO, where she blends her background in teaching with over a decade of SEO expertise. She specialises in ethical, practical training and services that empower small businesses, marketers, and creatives to grow online with confidence.

In this interview, she opens up about the strategies, challenges, and key turning points that have fueled her decade-long career in the digital business space.

What inspired you to start your business, and what problem were you passionate about solving?

I kind of fell into SEO! After a redundancy, at the end of 2012 I decided to start my own business, providing all kinds of digital marketing support. At the time I still had two children at home and really didn’t want to commute to the city every day, or deal with another toxic workplace – and so my business was born. I was good at what I did but had NO CLUE how to run a business … needless to say I learned!

How has your business evolved since its launch, and what key decisions helped drive that growth?

The business I have now is very different to the one I started with! 

Keeping up with all the changes in digital marketing was a full time job in itself, so I focused on what I loved. Along the way I discovered how much I enjoyed helping other small business owners get found on Google. Most of them felt overwhelmed or had been burnt by dodgy operators, so I wanted to make SEO simple, transparent and effective—without all the smoke and mirrors.

About five years ago I also started growing my team.

In your view, what truly sets your brand apart in today’s competitive market?

To use a couple of common Australian phrases, we are “dinky di” or “true blue” – genuine, transparent and authentic, not something you find very often in the world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). 

Plus, these days I teach others about SEO, drawing from my background as a primary school teacher. While there are definitely others providing SEO training, my point of difference is that I qualified as a teacher so I know how to pass my knowledge on effectively!

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to date, and why do you think it worked so well?

Despite my love of SEO – and yes, it definitely works for my business – I think the most effective marketing involves having several “eggs” in your marketing basket. For me, that includes face-to-face networking at my BNI Chapter, as well as being active on social media platforms, EDM’s, etc.

How do you stay connected to your ideal audience and understand their needs or behaviors?

I’m active in various online and in-person networks so am meeting and chatting with small business owners all the time. I’m in the trenches with my clients and students every day, so I see firsthand what they struggle with. 

What’s one branding move or campaign that helped elevate your business to the next level?

Leaning into my “white hat” branding has been a game changer! It’s a fun prop and great conversation starter, while perfectly summing up my approach to SEO – ethical, transparent and effective. 

While I traditionally wore it in branding photos and as a trainer, I was shy about wearing it to networking events. Some in the digital marketing world love to criticise, insisting “there’s no such thing as white hat SEO.” That kind of negativity can really get in your head!

This year I’ve been slowly working my way up to actually wearing it, by carrying it to networking events. One lovely group of female entrepreneurs encouraged me to WEAR THE HAT next time, so I did!

It’s amazing how many people actually recognise me in real life now I wear the hat, and want to chat – whereas before, they didn’t make the connection!

What does success look like for you, not just in numbers, but in purpose or impact?

Success is when a client tells me their phone is ringing, or they’ve had their best month ever thanks to SEO. I love knowing that I’ve helped my clients and SEO students build a successful business!

How do you personally define success, beyond revenue and growth metrics?

Put simply: it’s doing work I enjoy, making a difference for my clients, and still having time for family, friends and life outside of my business.

Can you share a challenge or setback that ultimately became a turning point for your brand?

Losing my team member Lisa in early 2023 was heartbreaking—she passed away just three weeks after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. It was a huge setback, but it also reminded me why having strong systems matters (that’s what helped me keep the business going), and gave me a deeper sense of purpose in carrying on the business.

What daily habits or rituals keep you focused, creative, and grounded as a leader?

I book out my calendar very intentionally. Mondays and Fridays are for deep work (or the occasional day off), Tuesdays are training days, and I cluster meetings in the middle of the week. It keeps me focused and in control of my time.

How do you approach innovation and risk in your business strategy?

I’m not a huge risk-taker personally, but I know that professionally, sometimes it’s necessary. While I still approach risks and change with caution, I remind myself of the old saying that goes, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”!

What advice would you give to someone starting a business in today’s fast-changing digital world?

It’s a piece of SEO advice, because I am still astounded by how many small businesses don’t have a Google Business listing, let alone make the most of it. When done well, this can be one of the fastest ways to come up to the top of Google and gain calls, clicks, and customers! Home-based businesses are often reluctant because they don’t want to publish their address online, but you CAN have a listing without your home address! 

Where can our audience connect with you and learn more about your work or offerings?

The best place to go is our website, or look for us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.