5 things I’ve learned being in the room with epic women
Last week I attended the 2023 Ausmumpreneur Awards.
Nominated for several awards including People’s Choice, I wasn’t ‘successful’ this time but I will say, it was pretty interesting to see how it all played out and to observe the small handful of people who did take home a gong (or in some cases…gongs) on the night.
Being around powerful, dynamic, creative women in business for an entire week has confirmed so much for me; both on a personal level and professionally.
Here’s 5 big takeaways from this eye-opening experience:
#1: Women are f*cking powerful
I am constantly in awe of the female race, our strength, courage and tenacity is incredible. Our capacity to HOLD and create visions is second to none. Remember this, always!
#2: Basic human behaviour principles apply to ALL sexes and races
Some things are universal. Understanding what drives us and witnessing the same human behaviour patterns time and time again, in different scenarios, different languages and different countries and cultures…it becomes very clear – we are all really just the same. Once we appreciate this, life opens up and we can see everything through a new lens.
#3: Everyone’s networking skills and approach are different.
While we share so many similarities as humans there are also, of course, many differences. One of those differences is the way we relate to others. Rather than beat yourself up for not being friendly/outgoing/funny/loud (insert your flavour of not enoughness), respect the way you thrive in networking situations and do not allow others to influence you and what works best for you.
#4: Our egos serve a purpose
Ego is not necessarily a dirty word. A healthy ego drives us to do things like brushing our teeth, styling our hair, looking after our loved ones – it’s helpful in a lot of instances. But an unhealthy ego can be our worst enemy. What I’ve come to learn is that when we are at our most vulnerable (think, postpartum, going through a divorce, experiencing financial stress) we tend to seek out people who we assume are “thriving”, we want some of what they’re having. Thing is.. the majority of them are in their egos. We’ve all had times in our life when we think that being associated with a certain person or brand or group will get us what we want but most of the time that’s just our ego. If it’s an uncomfortable relationship or one that drains you rather than lifts you higher - it will inevitably reveal (and unravel) itself.
#5: Your energy and time are your most precious commodity
Without them, you are worthless (no matter how much money you make). Over the awards week, my schedule was *full* but I chose to prioritise my energy, rest and thinking time over attending the scheduled conference sessions. This is not something I would have normally done (and it would normally take me weeks to recover).
I’ve learned the hard way but FOMO is no longer my MO.Over the past month, I’ve had a few big slaps from the universe, reminding me and realigning me to some of my basic truths.
It’s funny how easy it is for us to forget our natural makeup; how easily influenced we are by what we see, who and what we’re around and then become accustomed to that (even if it really isn’t for us!).
This last week in Sydney was one of the few big slaps I lovingly received.
And what inspired me to share some of my biggest learnings in business with you; it is absolutely related to the way we create, lead and manage in and out of our business.
Not only has this recently been reinforced to me, I have also continually witnessed many business owners in this space through the work I do in the Female Financial Literacy Library and Rent a CEO.
Here’s two things 20 years in business has taught me
1. Intuition is everything
Knowing intimately what you stand for and how you operate in life is critical to thriving.
It sounds so basic, I know.
Ask yourself this question: does doing this *actually* support me in making money and having a successful business?
Yes, it's important to have the basic principles of business under your belt; these are critical for sustainability and profitability but your intuition is your secret weapon. The sleazy car salesman type will tell you what you want to hear but when you tune into your intuition, you’ll feel it's all fake and fluff. I met a woman recently with a 15M business but the more we spoke, the more I realised she was in a huge amount of debt, it wasn’t pretty. Who you associate with and what you do affects your reputation and how you’re seen in business and in life. Stick to your values and your intuition - even if it feels like people around you are winning in the short term, it’s not sustainable.
2. It takes time
This is nothing new for you but I’ll say it again…
Nothing happens overnight, including (especially) success in business.
It takes time to build relationships with clients, contractors and suppliers.
It takes time to build proper systems and processes that are sustainable.
It takes time to build momentum and gain traction.
I guarantee whatever success you are enjoying today will 9 x out of 10 be the direct result of seeds you planted 2 to 3 years ago.
And sometimes it can feel like we’re doing all of the things and it’s not working.
But the person we were a few years ago and the seeds we planted back then are usually different to what we want to do now.
So it’s about acknowledging that it’s an evolution of our business journey and when you can really understand that you can be a lot kinder to yourself.
You become more strategic going forward.
You become more intentional around the decisions you make.
You become more self aware full stop.
