I AM WOMAN GLOBAL MAGAZINE - ANNIE GIBBINS

By: Michelle Bowditch

LETTER FROM EDITOR

Dear readers,

Women empowerment is more than just a buzzword. It's a movement that is changing the landscape of the business world. In this issue of I Am Woman Global magazine, we are thrilled to feature women empowerment champion and global icon for women's economic empowerment Annie Gibbin's as our cover story. Annie is the founder of Women Biz Global, a business that supports and empowers women all over the world to be their own bosses.

In addition to featuring Annie on our cover, we are also highlighting the top 10 women making waves in the business world. These inspiring women are proof that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. We hope that their stories will encourage and motivate our readers to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.

Thank you for supporting I Am Woman Global magazine!

Sincerely, Hazel Herrington Editor-In-Chief

For advertising rates please email info@herringtonpublications.com @2022 Herrington Publications Worldwide all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

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ANNIE GIBBINS INTERVIEW

Interview by Hazel Herrington

HH: What inspired you to start Women's Biz Global?

Women's Biz Global is a global community of purpose driven ‘fempreneurs’ (yes, that’s what I call myself and our wonderful trailblazers), who choose to unapologetically play a bigger game.

As a success centric business, Women's Biz Global specialises in coaching, retail, media and PR, publishing, digital publications, consulting, events, and has created a universal platform for women worldwide, to showcase their ambition, brand, and presence in market domination.

Women's Biz Global is a multidimensional international organisation serving women around the globe. We offer services, bespoke products, expertise, and communitybuilders, through various mediums and business arms.

My inspiration to create Women’s Biz Global was given life in early 2021 before I left my role as CEO, Glaucoma Australia. I have always loved working in the Not-for-Profit sector and raising awareness to improve the eyesight of Australians was such a fulfilling role.

I felt so empowered in this role and knew it was the right time for me to create a standout brand. I have always felt a pull in me to progress. I am always on the look-out for bigger opportunities. I want personal and professional growth myself, and I knew I wasn’t alone.

I empower women to strive for success on their terms, and through my suite of services, I provide opportunities so all women can fast-track their success.

I wanted a community. I wanted to impart my knowledge to help others like me. I wanted to get mum’s back in the workforce and discover the potential of those with less privilege than me. In some ways, the magnetic pull that women have is incredible, and to be a creator of that, is nothing short of amazing.

Whether you're running a start-up, scale-up, dominating in business, or aiming for work-life balance, by joining this global community of gorgeous ladies, provides the perfect combination of support, skill-enhancing, brand-building and motivational resources.

I empower women to strive for success on their terms, and through my suite of services,

I am a global networker and ‘connector’, helping women who feel stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed to become CEO of their own lives by calling out limiting beliefs, clarifying purpose and constructing strong business practices to grow and succeed.

It’s one thing identifying your passion, it’s another executing it.

Through Women’s Biz Publishing, I now help women become published authors, by contributing their expertise in a series of book Anthologies or having their own book launched into the world. Women’s Biz Magazine is a quarterly publication, with a readership of over 12 million. The Magazine celebrates women and gives them a voice to all corners of the world.

powerful blend of learning and leaning into liberating possibilities, for women globally. Exposing the power of uniting women globally, is how positive and progressive change will happen. I consider myself an instrumental force with an unstoppable mission. Having 30+ years in the business sector, navigating through an ‘unconventional’ pathway, allowed me to share my success story, so other women can feel inspired to do the same.

Whilst business is business, when we leave emotional intelligence at the door, success cannot thrive. I don’t want women to compromise on who they are but embrace all that they are to live their best lives.

success. It can become super easy to become rigid and fixated with the end goal, to the point where ego is leading the way. Whilst confidence in business is key, ego is unhelpful. The key aspect for success in female leaders, is to hold onto your why, and be unapologetic and nonnegotiable with your purpose.

I am a down-to-earth, fiercely energetic woman, with a story to tell.

HH: What do you think is the key to success for women business owners?

D“Don’t wait for the rain to stop, learn to dance in the rain”

- Annie Gibbins

HH: What advice would you give to a woman who is looking to start her own business?

Do it! But get a great coach to help you navigate the path ahead. It’s the best money you will ever spend as it will save you a ridiculous amount of time, money, energy and emotion turmoil.

When we dare to dream, we need to be prepared to fail. Removing egos from business is the biggest challenge most face. Not only that, when the dreaded ‘imposter syndrome’ comes knocking, it is so easy to back down from our biggest ambitions. Starting out in any business from scratch, is probably the most single handed scariest thing any woman to do. Adding raising a family, living on a tank constantly in the red, and hitting roadblocks along the way, is impossible.

But if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

I tell my clients and the global community that understanding the fundamentals in business is key.

Learning the foundations and basics of business is the first port of call. Having a fancy website and Instagram account are nice but knowing the functionality of the business; its competitors, strengths, opportunities, and threats, is a must.

Do the hard work when no one else is watching, never stop learning and back yourself, especially when others don’t.

HH: What do you think are the biggest challenges that women face when starting and running their own businesses?

Juggling competing business and life responsibilities can be the most challenging part of running the business, particularly in the early days.

Sadly, the gender pay gap, equality in the workplace, and leadership recognition remains rife. Despite there being a significant movement in challenging roles within business, women tend to be perceived as highly emotional and less capable. This couldn’t be further from the truth as research proves we are great for the bottom line and we are therefore excellent entrepreneurs.

Some women face fear when returning to the workforce after an intended period on maternity leave, or perhaps a career U-turn later in life. I want women to feel that anything can be achieved, and by tapping into our warrior-like self, women can reach for the stars.

HH: What do you believe are the biggest benefits of women owning their own businesses?

We just need to believe it! It is also worth mentioning, that women tend to be the sole or majority caregivers, and despite creating business ventures, by default, domestically, they are overburdened.

The world’s economy needs more female leaders. Certainly, we are seeing more women fill executive leadership roles, but few are handed the baton when it comes to feeding the bottom line. With the pandemic severely denting the gender C-Suite, it feels a little like, ‘one step forward, and twenty reforms back’.

As a global Success Catalyst, I am identifying the importance in providing opportunities at all levels, to women everywhere. To be in a position of power is a privilege that we must not squander or minimize.

There is no greater purpose and passion statement, than to ensure women feel heard, valued, championed and continuity for gender equality progressed.

HH: How has Women's Biz Global helped you achieve success in your own business?

Without Women’s Biz Global, my business wouldn’t be the rich, exciting, and versatile brand that it is today. Whilst my career has many arms, at the core is the global collective. As a speaker, author, podcast host, Success Catalyst, and so much more, my community thrives on the global energy that I have created. It is from that point; the anchor to all the moving parts, that I can build a network that spans internationally.

Women’s Biz Global continues to teach me daily, how I can better understand my peers, and understand how the worldwide cogs in business are turning. Women’s Biz Global is there to guide, but there is also so much to learn. And as a curious woman, I am forever learning better, efficient, and different ways to succeed.

HH: What do you think sets Women's Biz Global apart from other women's networks or associations?

Women’s Biz Global is based on digital viability, and a whole lot of heart. I don’t believe in swapping up my hat’s when it comes to friendship, connection, and business.

The premise of Women’s Biz Global is to provide a wealth of information, tools, mentorship, and acts as a vehicle to channel my 30+ years of business. We are a team; a tribe; a collective that requires tenacity, empathy, and insight. Whilst I created Women’s Biz Global, this platform belongs to everyone. We are equal, inclusive, and fiercely determined. I want Women’s Biz Global to reach corners of the globe. All women and girls have a right to a community, and Women’s Biz Global achieves just that!

HH: Why do you think it's important for women to support each other in business?

When you have straddled different generations when it comes to mindsets and business, women remain the most misunderstood.

Our achievability is questioned, our intellect undermined, and our tenacity is often mistaken for ‘emotional’. I am not a one-woman show, I am part of a global community that heralds all women from the cheer-stands in every woman’s arena. While I have created million-dollar businesses and gained numerous global awards along the way, I am acutely aware of what it takes to achieve success and it rarely is done alone. Being a mum, wife and business leader, I depend on and appreciate every person who is part of my journey and success story. Together we achieve more.

Together

we rise.

I don’t pretend that success is easy – in fact, it's incredibly hard. And this is why we need to support the women who are mothers, CEO’s, leaders, creators, and pioneers. We must always maintain a sense of unity and solidarity.

HH: What do you see as the future of women in business?

Of course, Women’s Biz Global.

I really am a woman who puts my money where my mouth is. I don’t just create business arms because I want to expand my global brand, I create opportunities that any woman should have access to, from education to luxury experiences. I want to educate, motivate, and elevate women to be their highest selves; to flourish, to learn, to soar. I want every woman to know what it feels to be truly happy, however that form takes place. You are worthy of stepping into your greatness and basking in its rewards.

He Wo TOP1 BUSI

It can be argued that women have had to fight harder than men to be taken seriously in the business world. Fortunately, there are now more opportunities than ever before for women to make their mark in the business world. Here are ten of the most successful and influential women entrepreneurs who are making waves in the business world today.

1. Sara Blakely - Founder of Spanx

Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx, a hugely successful company that sells shapewear and other products designed to make women look and feel their best. Blakely is a self-made billionaire, and she is one of the most inspiring and successful women in business today.

2. Oprah Winfrey - Chairwoman and CEO of Oprah Winfrey Network

Oprah Winfrey is one of the most well-known and respected women in the world. She is the chairwoman and CEO of Oprah Winfrey Network, a cable channel that focuses on lifestyle programming. Oprah is also a philanthropist, and she has used her platform to empower women around the world.

3. Indra Nooyi - Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo

Indra Nooyi is the CEO of PepsiCo, one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world. Nooyi is an inspiration to Women all over the globe, and she is proof that Women can succeed in male-dominated industries.

4 . Anne Wojcicki - CEO of 23andMe

Anne Wojcicki is the CEO of 23andMe, a genetic testing company that provides customers with information about their ancestry and health. Wojcicki is a strong advocate for Women in STEM, and she is working to make genetic testing more accessible to everyone.

5.

Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook, one of the largest social media platforms in the world. Sandberg is a powerful voice for Women in tech, and she has made it her mission to increase diversity in Silicon Valley.

6.Julie Sweet - Chief Executive Officer of Accenture North America

Julie Sweet is the CEO of Accenture North America, one of the largest management consulting firms in the world. Sweet is a champion for Women in business, and she has dedicated her career to helping others reach their full potential.

7.

Ginni Rometty

one of the most

been with

and

Ruth

9

Meg Whitman is HP's CEO, making her one of the most powerful Women in tech. Whitman has been with HP for over six years, and during her tenure she has helped to turn around the struggling company.

10

Angela Ahrendts is Apple's Retail Chief, making her responsible for overseeing all aspects of Apple's retail business. Ahrendts has been credited with helping to revitalize Apple's retail stores, and she was instrumental in launching Apple's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

These are just some of the WOMEN who are making waves in the BUSINESS WORLD today!

Sheryl Sandberg - Chief Operating Officer of Facebook

Ginni Rometty - IBM Executive Chairman, President, and CEO

is IBM's Chairman, President,

CEO, making her

powerful women in tech. Rometty has

IBM for over 35 years, and she has been instrumental in its transformation into a cloud computing company.

8. Ruth Porat - Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet (Google's Parent Company)

Porat is Alphabet's (Google's parent company) CFO, making her one of the most powerful Women in tech. Porat is a driving force behind Alphabet's focus on financial discipline, and she has helped to make Google a more efficient company.

. Meg Whitman - Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HP) CEO

. Angela Ahrendts - Apple Retail Chief

Success is a Commitment to Self

BY: ALLA FINE

The role of women in the workplace has changed dramatically over the past fifty years. Today, many are also extremely successful executives and entrepreneurs.

What is success? How do we measure it, attain it?

The first step to success is envisioning it. Success is a commitment to realizing our dreams and desires. The process can be challenging but it need not be intimidating. It’s not uncommon to want something wholeheartedly yet not knowing where to begin. To succeed, we need to be ready for change. Change can be daunting because the unknown can be frightening. And so, we find ourselves remaining “status quo.”Avoiding change is always simpler and easier while getting out of our comfort zone requires hard work.

Self-awareness and self-love are critical for both personal and professional growth. Only with great commitment can growth occur. You can be a leader in the boardroom and unfulfilled in personal life, or vice versa.

Time does not stand still. Neither should we. How do we envision change? Do a self-audit. What’s missing in your life? How can you remedy your situation? What is your purpose in life? What actionable steps forward can be taken to transform your life and create a legacy you are proud of? That’s what I did.

When Covid hit, the hospitality industry was lost with no clear picture when it would be returning.

As a gainfully employed event planner and fundraising consultant, and a business owner, I suddenly had to recreate myself. I had no direction, only lots of doubt and fear. Fear of pandemic and the unknown that lay ahead.

After much soul searching, I realized I had another profession! I had been mentoring and coaching singles and couples in matters of love, dating and relationships for years. I also made successful introductions that led to marriages and long-term relationships, and all because I wanted to see people in love. I did not realize I was already a coach and a matchmaker!

Even though I came to this arena with many years of face-to-face experience, I had to begin the business component from scratch. The unknown was draining. But my passion for the coaching industry and serving people was on fire! Covid accelerated the evolving importance of virtual platforms. Technology has transformed the way we learn and communicate with others.

In order to pursue my own success I understood that I needed to learn and master the various communications technologies and platforms in addition to crafting a message. I experimented with different social media platforms to grow the business. LinkedIn resonated with me the most although I had no presence there nor followers. As intimidating as it was, and though I had never been a content creator, I began writing and developing my audience. The process was gradual and seemed so slow that I was ready to give up many times. And yet I persevered. My commitment was the drive. My passion was fuel. As a result, I am a Dating and Relationship Coach, and a Matchmaker with a thriving coaching practice. I am a LinkedIn Influencer with thousands of Connections and Followers and have a virtual global presence that grows daily. I am a part of a leadership team, Lecturer and Consultant at TBC-inTV.

Currently, I am writing a book on motivational shorts and building my audience on other social media platforms. My mission is to inspire, motivate and transform lives. I serve busy highly successful executives who have everything but True Love. I repair relationships, and help my clients discover the beauty of self-love and how to date confidently with ease. I offer a blueprint on how to attract value people and keep them.

Set you separa who do Instead ambitio you an striving and affirming environment and you will find your own growth and success.

Often life feels like a rat race. We're always rushing somewhere. We're working very hard to obtain our individual standard of living. But at what price? Do we take a pause to really enjoy the fruits of our labor? Find Love? Our time on Earth is temporary. The gift of life is so precious and uncertain. Perhaps it is time to reevaluate.

My advice is: never lose hope. Don t stand in the way of own happiness due to fear. Always believe in yourself and dream big, very BIG. Shift your mindset to a “Yes, I can! attitude”.

There’s only “one” you. Share your unique story, your failures and triumphs. Your story is powerful and will be empowering and uplifting for many. Very often, our own doubts and disbelief in ourselves prevent us from reaching our goals and living the happy life we were destined to live. We stand in front of our own happiness largely because of self-blocks and lack of faith in our own ability. These self-destructing patterns prevent us from achieving success in career, love, and life.

AAlways have faith in your abilities and celebrate yourself, even small achievements. Smile and hug often. Laugh out loud as much as possible.

Enjoy time with family and friends. Dance like nobody's watching. Inhale life and be grateful. Celebrate being alive!

Success is ultimately about confidence. Self-confidence is one of the most important skills to develop. Without it you will not achieve much in life or love. A mindset shift and clarity resolve self-doubt and paves a path to personal and professional success.

Align your life vision and mission. Get really clear on your life purpose and you will reap the rewards. Always live with passion!

Fear cripples growth. Not trying is failing. Challenges provide us with opportunities. Get out of that comfort zone. Push through. When I discovered my purpose and passion, I began my path to success by learning how to use and utilize various technologies to help me achieve my goals, despite uncertainty and fear of the unknown. Leadership starts with the self. When courage and passion unite, success happens.

"Women's Economic Empowerment:

THE SHEER TRUTH"

By: Nicole Farrell

~ Coco Chanel

TI believe in the freedom of choice for women and us having the capacity to pursue personal development in whichever spheres we choose.

Growing up, the women around me operated freely with educational pursuits and professional aspirations. My mother was my first and primary example of how much women could accomplish. However, as an adult, I've realized that the world has some distance to cover yet with providing deeply-entrenched empowerment tactics.

A"A girl should be two things: Who and what she wants to be."

In her thirties, my mother returned to University to further upgrade her already commendable tertiary qualifications. By this time, she had separated from my dad and had settled into life as a single parent.

Even as a child, this impressed upon me the opportunities that one could afford themselves with the right tools, education, resources, income, training and skills. Single parenthood was no easy feat but it signaled to me that she did not need to stay in a marriage where she didn't feel supported or empowered. She actually had the power of choice.

Economic Empowerment

converges on options to encourage personal growth, well-being and progress, and to create opportunities for skills, training, education and experiences to be gained in order for individuals to achieve sustainability in their lives.

When we look at this notion of women's economic empowerment, we need to consider that not all women have the power of choice. At least, they don't feel that they do. Not within the home, not at work, not in the general society.

When I worked at corporate organizations, I saw maintenance personnel being belittled and disregarded by their managers as if their status was insignificant. I heard accounts from co-workers where their pleas to be excused from work due to severe menstrual symptoms were haughtily dismissed. Women were treated as glorified tea maids to cater to males executives on a whim several times a day.

The increasing occurrence of women migrating to countries on their own with or without any job arrangements in place often puts women in the low-tiered employment bracket and in a very vulnerable position.

~ Meghan Markle

Many women in these situations stay silent when faced with unfair income distribution, abuse of varying natures, a lack of concern for physical limitations or conditions and deplorable working conditions.

There are no 'bully safe zones' like children would have, so they're exposed to the harsh elements of condescending rhetoric, merciless ridicule and at the very least, nonchalance towards their basic needs or humane considerations.

w"Women don't need to find a voice. They have a voice. They need to feel empowered to use it and people need to feel encouraged to listen."

"Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women."

~ Maya Angelou

The whole independent woman theme that's been pervading our presence for maybe the past twenty years or so, has seen women starting to push back and demand change. From the Gen-Xers to the Millennials and Gen-Zers.

They've become intentional about forging ahead with no tolerance for limitations designed by society or - if we can keep it real - myopic and misogynistic members in powerful positions and influential spaces.

From the contemporarilydesigned corporate offices to the gold-paved streets of Hollywood.

Actress, Keke Palmer, recently launched her own network, KeyTV, and declared that one does not have to wait to be invited to a seat at the table; you can build your own table. Create your own opportunities. You don't need permission. I wholeheartedly celebrated her vision and stance. With us at the helm, we can empower other women too.

"Change is the law of life, and those who only look to the past or present, are sure to miss the future."

~ John F. Kennedy

As a Public Relations practitioner, I typically encounter men of all ages, races and backgrounds, etc. and they have granted me much respect and consideration.

Oddly enough, I did not experience this as a corporate employee.

Every human should ideally enjoy at the very least, the most basic of rights. Fundamental ways of supporting economic empowerment for women are actually so simple and doable.

Social protection of our women should be a key concern. Granted progressive steps have been taken, from laws to tweaked company policies that honour women's needs, there's still much to be done on a more mainstream basis.

challenge the status quo as being troublesome or nagging immediately annihilates archaic perceptions. Similarly, women need to believe that bargaining power is attainable.

Equal pay isn't the end-all. Women have an innate desire to be treated equally across the board in even the most seemingly insignificant ways. At one organization at which I worked, my male co-workers were allowed to 'run away' on errands, have 'watercooler chats' and arrive late to work.

Had I or any of my female coworkers done that, we'd have bought ourselves the 'side-eye'!

More men being vocal about supporting gender equality would be a welcome step. There are existing 'bro codes' for the most insipid things and there's the 'stick together no matter what' syndrome. Why not let that energy and clique mentality be used for a collective and progressive movement?

"I do not wish for women to have power over men but over themselves."

~ Mary Wollstonecraft

In spite of some glaring practices, I've never seen being a woman as an automatic disadvantage. I don't view my gender as a hiccup, personally or professionally. I don't feel 'less than'.

I don't believe that being a woman, I have no say or that I am limited. Self-esteem and selfconfidence also play a huge role in a woman achieving economic empowerment. Mindset is everything. How does a woman fight against age-old standards, rules and practices? She speaks, she shares and she enables a tribe of other women to be as bold and unrelenting in being heard, acknowledged and respected. Many of us want elevation and are quite willing to roll-up our sleeves. We are capable, intelligent and resourceful. In the race for better representation, all we need is the starting pistol to go off and we're sprinting towards goals that benefit all, really!

At the end of the day, knee-jerk or surface approaches to helping women achieve equal footing and sustainable goals won't suffice. A radical shift is imploring to be on the agenda.

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you're like most people, you're probably scrambling to find the perfect gift for the special man in your life. But don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are ten great gift ideas that are sure to please any man, whether he's a dad, a CEO, or just your average Joe.

01

A nice watch. A classic gift that is always appreciated.

02

03

A new tie or suit. Help him look his best for those important meetings or special occasions.

Tickets to a sporting event or concert. For the guy who loves to get out and enjoy some live entertainment.

A new tool set or power drill. Perfect for the handyman or DIY enthusiast in your life. 04

05

06

A tablet or e-reader. Great for staying connected and keeping up with his favorite books, magazines, and news sources.

A stylish briefcase or laptop bag. For the busy professional on the go.

An executive desk toy set. From paperweights to golf putters, these make great additions to any office space - and they're fun to play with, too! 07

An electric shaver or grooming set. For the guy who likes to look his best at all times. 08

A nice bottle of scotch or whiskey. For the connoisseur who appreciates a good glass of spirits after a long day at work (or play). 09

A gift certificate to his favorite restaurant or store. Because sometimes it's just easier (and more fun) to let him pick out his own present! Merry Christmas! 10

Ho He ECON

Michelle Bowditch, CEO of The Australian Admin Awards and Door20a

Imagine if we could go about our daily lives without stereotypes dirtying people’s views of what we are or are not capable of and without the discrimination that prevents us from equal opportunity. What if we celebrated our differences and were inclusive of all the beautiful variants of ‘human’ out there?

Envisage for a moment that you could exist entirely as the incredible YOU that you are without fear of judgment; instead, YOU would be valued and celebrated for the woman you are. The world would then be a safe space for us to exchange ideas and discover the extent of our abilities.

Women would have the power to influence, participate and benefit from growth in ways that recognise and commend their contribution and its value.

As individuals, navigating how we can generate actions that have long-term positive impacts on women s economic empowerment can be challenging. However, I firmly believe that if we cheerlead for and champion the women in our lives, we build a village of support that helps gives women a voice, helps them connect to their unique selves and increases their confidence to stand up and be seen, heard, and valued both in the economy and at home.

This is beneficial not only for individual women but also for their communities both within our immediate network and beyond.

"Being

BA Woman Is One Of My Greatest Superpowers"

~ Michelle Bowditch

Being a woman is one of my greatest superpowers; getting to a point where I can say that with confidence is a result of my cheerleaders and champions supporting me along the way. One of the most significant prejudices I have had to steel myself against was when I was transitioning out of the corporate world and into being a businesswoman who owned her own company.

I was told I couldn’t possibly go into business… I mean, what was I thinking? I was a mother… [as if being a mother somehow rendered me unable to be a kickass woman in business].

‘You can’t do that; you’re a single mum.’

‘You can’t do that; you need a regular income.’

‘You can’t do that; you need security.’

We can speak out against behaviours and processes that disconnect women from society, limit their choices or relegate them to a particular box. Somewhere along the way, despite technology keeping us more connected, we have forgotten the power of connecting purposefully to our community and how that community can collaborate. Somehow, we have lost the ability to cheer for others and relish being cheered for.

Apparently, what I was trying to do was against the rules. As women, we experience inequity daily in so many facets of our lives and varying degrees throughout the world, from gender bias to racial discrimination and everything in between…but there is power in that.

Together we can use our shared experiences of inequality to raise awareness of the deep fissure between opportunities afforded men compared to women.

“Being a cheerleader for yourself and others isn’t an individual sport; participation is needed from both sides – the person doing the cheering and the person receiving the cheering. It’s a doubles game”

~

Michelle Bowditch

Cheerleading enabled me to break through the negative noise and carve out a path for myself that has given me the freedom to take responsibility for my ideas and actions.

The cheerleading from my village led me to realise hidden resources within myself that would otherwise have remained inaccessible. And although I am in a long-term relationship now, I am no longer dependent on the man in the family to put food on the table.They say it takes a ‘village’ to raise a child, but I think it takes a village to raise an empowered woman. A community of people must interact to help an individual achieve a goal. Our development from girlhood into womanhood must be supported by innumerable relationships with our governments, in the workplace, at home or through our social sets. This mesh of connections with men and women makes up the systems of influence within our village.

We can’t, however, empower women at the expense of the men in our lives. One cannot be valued higher than the other if we want a future of equitable relationships.

We each play the role of cheerleader and champion in other people’s villages, and our part forms a portion of their support system. When women cheerlead for women and men, when men champion women’s rights and men’s,

we set a precedent for the next generation that everyone has a voice to be heard and that we each bring value to the economy. The village benefits everybody involved: the flow of influence from that system moves in connected circles – it s a win-win for everyone, not only now but for future generations.

~ Michelle Bowditch

Selecting your village people can be baffling and daunting, especially for those who find it challenging to put themselves out there. However, filling your village with the kind of people that recognise your value as a woman is one of the most important undertakings for our professional and personal growth.

Your village people are the cheerleaders and champions that you need to find the courage to face the scary and the energy to embrace the exciting. They will help you remove barriers, steer you back into your lane when you veer, and set your internal GPS towards new opportunities.

H“How We Leverage Off Our Village People Will Impact How Well Our Systems Of Influence Function, And In Turn, This Affects How We Can Advocate For Ourselves And Women Everywhere”

Your village people have your back; they see YOU, they know YOU, and they are the people that will walk beside you –cheerleading for YOU as you navigate the goals you have for your life.

Some village people fall into our lives quite unexpectedly, calling it fate, an act of God, coincidence … it doesn’t matter ‘how’… they just do. Others, you will need to recruit for your village. No matter how these cheerleaders arrive in your village, they need to be the kind of people that cheer for individual women and actively invest in opportunities for women’s empowerment.

While we still have a long way to go on the journey towards women’s economic empowerment, I know that it is the power of cheerleading that has helped me break free of the bias that existed in my life.

It is through cheerleading that I advocate for other women so that they can connect with their superpowers, engage in safe and dignified work, and gain equal access to economic resources.

By being cheerleaders or champions in a woman's village, we each become a small pebble in the path laid towards gender equity, autonomy, abolishment of poverty, and inclusive economic growth.

There is only one incredible YOU, so Be YOU, Do YOU, Amaze YOU.

Michelle Bowditch www.australianadminawards.c om www.door20a.com

Now Available ON AMAZON

AUTHOR: HAZEL HERRINGTON

AUTHOR:

Cathay Dimarchos / CO-Authors - Hazel Herri g , , Danielle Loader, Karen McDermott, Leanne Murner, Oksana Kukurudza and Theresa Haen

This could be you?

This could be you?

Are you an experienced and successful leader, marketer, real estate investor, speaker, writer, female entrepreneur, business coach, or journalist? Have you achieved something great and want to share your story with the world? Do you feel like others could learn from your experience and benefit from it? If so, we’d love to publish it in our monthly digital magazine.

Being featured in our magazines can help increase your brand’s credibility and boost your profits. Women who have been featured in the magazine have seen their businesses skyrocket as a result of the extra exposure. If you’re looking to take your career to the next level, being featured in I Am Woman Global magazine is a great way to do it.

So if you’re a woman who has achieved success in her field and wants to share her story with the world, we want to hear from you. Submit your story today and you could be featured in our next issue. Who knows, your story could be just what someone else needs to achieve success in their own life.

To get featured, sponsor or partner with Herrington Publications Worldwide

Contact us today by emailing: info@herringtonpublications.com

At Herrington Publications Worldwide, we take copyright very seriously. As one of the leading publishers in the world, it is our responsibility to protect the intellectual property rights of our authors and artists.

This is why we adhere to strict standards when it comes to copyright for all of the content that we publish in our magazine, I Am Woman Global. Whether you are an established author or a talented new voice, our team at Herrington Publishers will make sure that your work is protected under international copyright laws.

So if you're looking for a publisher that takes copyright seriously, look no further than Herrington Publications Worldwide. We are dedicated to supporting women's voices and protecting their right to express themselves freely through the written word.