Making it happen

into a month that celebrates women internationally, we asked numerologist Jo Soley, ‘sparkle navigator’ Carole Pyke, and business leader Jackie

Groundsell what inspires them, and their words of wisdom for businesswomen globally.

Jo, 49 originally from Hertfordshire, now living in Northamptonshire and a self­confessed “iron fist in a velvet glove,” has over 25 years’ experience in business and for the last five years has used the power of numbers to help women elevate their business success.

She told the EWN: “I’ve always loved numerology and numbers. I later studied it and have since created and trademarked ‘Bizology,’ which helps you understand where you are as a business owner and what makes you unique.”

Jo explained: “I mainly help women entrepreneurs who are serious about running their business and want to understand themselves on a deeper level so they can run their busi­ ness on their own terms.”

The EWN also spoke to Carole Pyke, 60 from London, who, despite retrograde amnesia following a stroke which only gives her memory of the last four years of her life, has dedicated her life to helping other women.

She explained: “I’m a ‘sparkle navigator’; my business is personal branding reimagined. It’s the story you tell before you even turn up and starts with the story you tell yourself. I believe your personal foundation is who you think you are.”

Knowing how many women struggle with self­belief, even in the face of their own talents,

Carole told the EWN: “Belief is the DJ that gets the party started.”

She now works with leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs, coaching and mentoring. The business ace is even now launching her own mastermind group, Sparkle SisterMind, to spread her positive message even further afield.

Business leader Jackie Groundsell, also shared her words of wisdom with EWN

Describing herself as “bubbly and talkative with can­do attitude,” the 75­year­old from Beckenham, London is a business owner, radio host and international speaker.

She explained: “I’ve been running a network for businesswomen since 2002 and offer events for women and training and support on business and personal growth.” With a background in IT training in an often male­dominated environment, Jackie said there was “nothing for business women at the time.” Not content to leave aspiring women without a space to come together and grow, Jackie set about founding 1230 The Women’s Company.

Jackie’s acumen positions her perfectly to offer advice to anyone making their first steps in their own business. She said: “You never hope in business; you either do it or you don’t. You’ve got to take the plunge.”

For more stories from inspiring women, follow the EWN’s month of International Women’s features.