Clare Griffiths FRSA’s Post

Last Friday, 40 female founders, freelancers, creatives and changemakers came together to hear inspiring talks from Chloe Bullock FRSA, BIID Reg ID, BA (hons), Founder of Materialise Interiors and Mo Kanjilal, Founder of Watch This Sp_ce. Both speakers talked about how they have successfully built their ethical business without compromising on their values. Chloe Bullock is an awarding-winning, sustainable interior designer - a pioneer within her industry. She raised our awareness about the role of the construction industry in the climate crisis, and shared how her creative practice has generated a positive, ripple effect throughout her industry. Chloe challenged us all to think about how we can become changemakers and make an impact within our own industries. My favourite quote from Chloe’s talk was: ‘If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room’ (Quote from the Dalai Lama, often quoted by Anita Roddick). Mo Kanjilal recounted her impressive story of business growth, and how she, her Co-Creator Allegra Chapman, and her team are enabling organisations to harness the power of diversity and inclusion. It was exciting to hear how Mo and Allegra have built a thriving, award-winning business which is making the workplace better for everyone. Mo shared some valuable, action-oriented tips with the audience, drawn from her lessons learnt. My favourite quote from Mo’s talk was: ‘Fail fast and move on’. This event wouldn’t be possible without the valuable support of Barclays Eagle Labs (Brighton). Thank you, Rohun Bouri and Andy Roberts, for all your support with the brunches! By coming together, we raised £124 for our charity partner, the Network of International Women for Brighton and Hove! Not only that, we saved 40 single-use, food containers from going to landfill, thanks to Oanh Brophy, by using her Return Ware reusable food tins! If you would like to find out more about our upcoming Thrive events, please go via the link in the comments below. Photo credit: Victoria Dawe Victoria Dawe Photography #FemaleFounders #FemaleEntrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #IWD2024 #WomenSupportingWomen #FemaleEntrepreneurs #Brighton #Sussex #SocialEntrepreneurship #SocialImpact

We are not closed for business! I've got my ticket and can't wait to attend again this year. Last year's Summit was ace and this year promises to be even more exciting. What am I talking about? The Female Founders Summit 2024 of course! A 2 day Business Strategy and Mindset Mastery Summit for Female Founders, which provides actionable support so that attendees can make tangible, reliable progress when back in their businesses. I'm so proud to be a Champion for this year's Summit, it was such a wonderful experience when I attended last year. So many successful business women who were there to learn and grow, both professionally as well as personally. In addition to the learning, what resonated with me most was the supportive environment. Lucienne Shakir (MEd) set the tone right at the beginning 'women should be pulling each other up in business, not dragging each other down'. This wasn't, and isn't just lip service for her, female empowerment is her mission - 'Female Founded Businesses are underfunded, under supported and under-estimated. We are here to change that fact'. So, are you coming? If so, please see below further details. You still have a few days to benefit from the early bird tickets - link below. Here's the link: https://lnkd.in/eMCAUqtA Discount Code: FFSEARLY (Expires 14th April 2024). If you have any questions, please DM me. See you there! #femalefounderssummit2024 #ffsummit2024

🌟 It's #WoWTuesday once again, and this time we’re switching things up to shine the spotlight on a WoW ally: Florent Santin! I met Florent last year as we were searching for support for the SwitchUp non-profit initiative for women in communications, the RêveUp Mentorship Program. Sharing a meal, we instantly bonded over our common dedication to family - our sons even share a first name, and he brings his kids with him to work to expose them to the world of tech and work. Florent is the CEO of inwink, a SaaS platform that is a leader in the event and community marketing space in France. #Inwink enables companies to streamline their event and community operations, integrating fully into their data stack. Their approach revolutionizes how businesses engage with their audiences, allowing communities to be built. But what truly sets Florent apart is his willingness to step up and make a difference. I knew that I had found an ally in Florent when we launched #RêveUp and Florent didn't hesitate to answer our call for help. He partnered with us, providing our community platform and website, jump-starting our efforts and amplifying our impact. Let’s continue to recognize allies like Florent Santin, whose unwavering support propels #womenownedbusinesses forward. —- On Tuesdays, I share the story of one remarkable woman entrepreneur. I may have a limited reach, but I know my community can amplify this message. Head over to the WoW Wall of Fame on our website (link in comments) to discover all the women entrepreneurs we’ve featured in the past! Do you know of a #womanownedbusiness that deserves recognition? Tag them in the comments below! Let's come together as a community to celebrate and uplift these remarkable women. #WomenEntrepreneurs  #WomenInBusiness *WoW = Women-owned workplaces

Let me first and foremost say, I LOVE events and see their value. I frequently attend events and won't ever fully stop going to them. In the summer of 2022, I averaged 3 events per week and connected a lot of that effort to the subsequent growth of the Scroobious brand and top-of-the-funnel awareness. However, I'd be lying if I said I haven't become more intentional and selective about which events I attend, and I'd be doubly lying if I said it hasn't been one of the better things for my personal and professional priorities. It sometimes feels like events have become a "rinse and repeat" feature in the startup ecosystem, both general cocktail hours, and of course, those focused on diversity. Allison Byers (and our whole team, hi Erica Kangas) and I frequently talk about how underrepresented founders sit and talk about why we don't get funding, while everyone else actually receives the funding. Ironically, March is Women's History Month, so this month is the biggest time of year for these rinse-and-repeat gatherings that lack true intention or value. While considering attending any event, I ask myself, "What am I getting from this?" Often, I can't point to anything concrete, and it's a signal to me not to attend. Though I'm not a co-founder of Scroobious, I'm close enough to the perspective of a founder to know that diverse founders aren't benefiting either. We're hearing the same infuriating stats, connecting with the same people, and not gaining any valuable connections or, better yet, money (investment or revenue) out of it. One of the reasons Scroobious structured our business model around working with service providers is that we contribute to every stakeholder's bottom line: intentional connections of value, measurable ROI, and a good time. So yes, let's stop with the events with women in the title but not in the planning or long-term outcomes. Happy Thursday, or as I like to say, a tease for Friday. 😊 https://lnkd.in/eRqQdnH5

Hey everyone, can you believe it’s already December? As I wrap up 2024, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey this year with Women Who Invest RE! From growing in Cleveland to taking the leap and hosting events in new cities like Toledo and Columbus, this year has been all about expansion and empowerment. Changing venues was a gamble, but the bigger space at The Green Goat proved we’re growing stronger than ever. What started as a single-city event is now inspiring branches in Lake County, Lorain County, and even LA in 2025! This isn’t just an event—it’s an experience that’s better shared in person. The energy, the connections, the empowerment—it’s unmatched. I took a little time off to plan, but trust me, we’ve got BIG things coming next year. Here’s to wrapping up a phenomenal 2024 and stepping into an even brighter 2025. Cheers to all the women out there investing in their future and making moves in real estate!  . . . #WomenWhoInvest #RealEstateWomen #InvestInYourself #WomenInRealEstate #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateInvestor #WomenEmpoweringWomen #BossLadiesUnite #REEvents #WomenInBusiness #BuildingWealth #RealEstateGoals #WomenWithVision #FinancialIndependence #ClevelandEvents #ToledoRealEstate #ColumbusInvestors #RealEstateNetworking #RealEstateCommunity #WomenInFinance #RealTalk #ExplorePage #WomenInvestingTogether #EntrepreneurWomen #LevelUpYourLife

Last week I attended Damenfest, a women's networking and panel brunch as part of an Oktoberfest initiative. The stories shared by Mandy Bujold, OLY, Gwenyth Stadig, and Ajoa Mintah were truly inspiring. Their personal growth journeys, unique paths of "reinvention," and the power of community throughout their processes were nothing short of incredible. 👋 Mandy Bujold, OLY's story particularly resonated with me. She talked about retiring from her Professional Boxing career and the process of reinventing herself. Now, she's a powerhouse in business, construction, and community builder as well as what I would call a "super-connector." 💡 My take-a-way: Whether you're at home with a baby or considering a drastic career change, the path forward can be daunting, especially when our identities are intertwined with our professions or stage of life. It's these bold moves that often lead to the most rewarding outcomes. 👋 Gwenyth Stadig's journey from lifeguard to lawyer was equally inspiring. Her experience working in an Indigenous community, where she built meaningful relationships and connections, led her to become a purposeful lawyer. Today, she focuses on helping charities, not-for-profits, and other tax-exempt entities, as well as First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and Indigenous organizations. 💡 My take-a-way: We are shaped by the connections we make and the impact others have on us - and in turn, the impact we can have on them. 👋 Ajoa Mintah's chat about her "biggest challenge has been getting over myself," coupled with her realization that "in my career, I was encountering limitations everywhere, entrepreneurship offered me limitless opportunities," really showed the importance of staying true to yourself and taking big action. 💡 My take-a-way: Change and growth often stem from taking that first step, no matter how small it might seem. These women's stories show that reinvention can be scary, but it often leads to the most rewarding paths. Surround yourself with the right people as you navigate it - your community will make all the difference.

We Can No Longer Afford to Sit on the Sideline – It’s Time to Rise Together As women, we’ve seen businesses flourish, careers soar, and lives transformed—but many of us are still waiting for our own breakthrough. This new year calls us to step forward, strategize, and create a future that’s brighter for ourselves and each other. The future may be unknown, but when we rise together, there’s no limit to the impact we can make. On December 6th, join us in Orlando for the 2024 Women on the Rise Conference & Empowerment Expo, powered by Your Local Ford Dealers. This is more than an event; it’s a rallying call for women ready to take action, break free from self-doubt, and support one another. ✨ This is YOUR Invitation to Rise, Lead with Purpose, and Find Strength in Community. The theme, Empowerment Revolution: Rise with Resilience, Lead with Purpose – Out of the Wilderness and Through the Looking Glass, reflects our journey to embrace challenges and move forward with clarity and purpose. 🌟 Your Registration Includes: -Mimosas & Continental Breakfast – Refresh and mingle with like-minded women. -Gourmet Lunch & Swag Bag – Enjoy lunch and leave with empowering goodies. -Interactive Brand Activations – Experience Ford’s community impact. -Dynamic Breakout Sessions – Topics on career advancement, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and wellness, led by expert speakers. -VIP Headshot Lounge (VIP Ticket Exclusive) – Walk away with a professional headshot, valued at $200. Imagine walking into a room filled with women cheering you on, offering insights, and helping you overcome obstacles. This is the power of the Women on the Rise community. The stakes have never been higher, and the opportunities never greater. Together, we can rise, inspire, and lead. Will you join us? Take this step forward into a new year of empowerment, resilience, and community. Register now! 🔗 www.wotrinc.org/conference #TogetherWeRise #ConnectFord #WomenOnTheRiseInc #EmpowermentRevolution #WomenOnTheRise #WomenEmpowerment #FemaleEntrepreneurs #Community #OrlandoEvents #CentralFlorida #CentralFloridaEvents

I wanted to applaud Monica Smiley and Enterprising Women for curating a fruitful awards conference with like minded women business owners. It's an amazing experience when we gather to share ideas, help each other grow and honor building multi million dollar companies! I was surrounded by women who sold business for $1 billion, who created a fund that raised a billion dollars from various VC's, and women entrepreneurs who organically grew their companies to over $100 million in revenue. Here are 5 helpful lessons I got from the conference. Which one(s) resonate with you? COMMENT BELOW! 1. Succession planning is important whether you are new in business or on the verge of retirement. A family run business was co-lead by two siblings. When one passed, the other had to fight to take full ownership of the company. Executive leaders, her siblings children and others tried to take over. It's a good thing she had a business partnership agreement and key man's insurance. 2. As a CEO so much is competing for your time and attention. But if your health needs to be prioritized, take care of you. 3. With a remote work model, you have to work twice as hard to ensure culture is maintained across the company. Plan regular virtual team building activities. Let team members plan weekly company meetings and give them an outlet to voice concerns, grievances, and reasonable needs. Hire an outsourced HR company to serve as that outlet.          4. There is power in leveraging community to grow. Additional revenue or profitability may not always come from your direct customers, but from your community involvement. I learned from a woman who sponsored the conference's wine how she leverages her community to support her business. The branding on her bottles is focused on women. Because her commitment to women is visible in her branding, and she sponsors large events for women owned businesses, that encourages her communities' continued support while building brand loyalty. 5. A panel of women discussed what sources of capital they used in the varying stages of business growth. With each round of funding they had to assess their financial position, determine how much they needed to reach the next milestone, create a strong plan for use of funds and be accountable to their investors. In all cases, they had someone on their team to help manage finances. This was consistent whether they were in the beginning stages of raising their seed or in later stages of acquiring another company. Which tip was most helpful for you? Share in the comments below. Jazzercise, Inc. Teri Ijeoma Sheila Kavanaugh Kimberly L. Bunton Dr. Emerald Mitchell Kym Ali MSN,RN Melissa Mitchner Leslie Gallagher Marilyn J. Magett - CEO Roslyn Rice Lisa Brown Alexander Sharon W. Reynolds, MBA

Great summary of a very insightful discussion about how to build communities. Thanks Sharon Li for the summary :) It started with defining what is a community, why do you want to be part of and how does it make you feel. Many different aspects that are critical to consider in creating and growing communities. Please share your thoughts on why you join communities, why you stay and how does it make you feel? Huge thanks to Leslie Sarma Jeyanti Yorke for bringing us together. Anna Joke Breimer Bharati Nicky van Domburg Ruby Pryor Kay Vasey Ceinthia Dongo-Kassa thanks for your insights.

You know what? Women don't need more support. We need accomplices. The word “support” is nice but it assumes we are are fragile little plants who need watering to survive. The women I know at Podium? They’re game changers. But being a modern woman with all these hats to wear is exhausting — and a pat on the back won’t change that. What we really need are partners-in-crime. ✗ Don’t cheer her on ─ Drop her name in conversations she’s not part of yet. ✗ Don’t offer advice ─ Open your network, no strings attached. ✗ Don’t clap when she wins ─ Brainstorm solutions with her to maintain momentum. As a woman, let’s stop thinking that collaborating with other women means holding yourself back. Start creating wins that multiply because when you help someone level up, they bring you along for the ride. The smartest moves I’ve made have been alongside powerhouses like Alka pushing me to be sharper, braver, bolder. Or Kathy believing in us early enough to be one of our first strategic partners. If you’re a woman in Singapore who’s looking for accomplices, join Podium’s new membership! Our beta intake of 50 members sold out in just a few days. We’re now taking sign ups for intake #2 to be on-boarded closer to Feb. I honestly believe that collaboration isn’t charity — it’s strategy. Who’s in?