Making it happen

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 business on their own terms.” She told businesswomen passion and self­belief are vital; “Follow your passion because where there’s interest there’s ability,” adding, “Have your niche and don’t try to speak to everyonenot everyone will like you.”

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 founda­

tion 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.

As a passionate supporter of women, Carole offers this advice: “You need to know who you are but you also need to have a vision. “It’s the vision that will pull you forward and this will help you navigate the obstacles to move forward.”

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

Describing herself as “bubbly and talkative with can ­ do 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 tells the EWN it’s important to just take that first step. She said: “You never hope in business; you either do it or you don’t do it. You’ve got to take the plunge.”

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