Collaboration Over Competition: 6 Success Stories From Female Entrepreneurs
In this inspiring edition of Global Woman Magazine, we are delighted to bring you an exceptional assembly of six dynamic women, each of whom is making significant strides in the world of entrepreneurship. United by their resilience and passion, they are not only achieving remarkable success in their individual ventures but are also dedicated to empowering other women along their journey.
Allow us to introduce Charlie Day, an innovative entrepreneur with a keen sense for business growth; Samantha Cameron, a social media coach who believes every business should have a strategy; Rebecca Robertson, an authority on financial education and independence for women; Jo Swann, a tenacious PR coach with a mission to embolden female entrepreneurs; Jo Davison, the healthcare specialist turned business mentor and founder of the Blue Cow Success Club; and Joanne Fisher, the dedicated business lawyer and consultant safeguarding her clients’ interests.
Each of these trailblazers has a unique story to tell, a journey paved with challenges, victories, and invaluable lessons. Their collective experience spans diverse industries, from finance to fashion, legal to public relations, offering a rich mosaic of insights and wisdom.
Join us as we delve into their world, explore their paths to success, and discover how they are transforming the landscape for women in business. Through this joint feature, we celebrate their achievements, their determination, and their commitment to fostering collaboration and growth.
Collaboration Over Competition
Global Woman — Interview
In this inspiring edition of Global Woman Magazine, we are delighted to bring you an exceptional assembly of six dynamic women, each of whom is making significant strides in the world of entrepreneurship. United by their resilience and passion, they are not only achieving remarkable success in their individual ventures but are also dedicated to empowering other women along their journey.
Jo Davison
Founder of the Blue Cow Success Club
Can you tell us what inspired you to start your own business?
I have always been interested in business but actually went into healthcare first. It actually came about unintentionally — I didn’t want to work for my boss anymore!
I saw an opportunity and decided to take it.
I also wanted to create a business that inspired me and allowed me to serve others and make a difference, whilst also giving me more freedom.
What is your experience working with women entrepreneurs?
I love working with them! I can relate to the juggle that we all go through when balancing business and life. Especially for those who have children or family commitments that involve partners, kids, pets, parents, etc.
Women often suffer with compar-itis, imposter syndrome and confidence issues which I love to help with because my proven business system gives them the strategies to run a successful business which gives them confidence.
I admire their determination – I am not saying it is harder being a woman in business than a man, however we often have more to juggle in terms of life and ourselves (mindset, good girl syndrome, compar-itis etc).
What are the challenges women entrepreneurs are facing to grow their business?
Time is a big one for us.
Followed sometimes by confidence. Especially if we have taken time away from our career to have kids and then we want to go back. I have worked with some amazing female clients who left roles with lots of responsibility both in employed and self-employed positions. They really take a hit in confidence when returning.
Money — ensuring we have a clear strategy to make sure our business is profitable and not what I call a ‘hobby business.’
Many times, we hear women experience competition between each other – what is your experience and your advice on this matter?
I have met many women who have been unhelpful and mean towards me in business, they perhaps saw me as competition.
However, I tend to remove myself from these circles and ensure I surround myself with likeminded ladies who want to support and collaborate with each other. I call them ‘Blue Cow Women’—they are positive, dynamic, giving, caring and assertive.
They do not want to gossip or put other people down. They bond over business ideas and sharing and lift each other up when we need it and cheer each other on.
There are enough clients for us all.
Women should celebrate each other and be grateful when they find those who support them. They should keep those supportive types close in their circle.
You are part of this article with 5 other women to create collaboration – how do you support each other?
These ladies (in the article) are some of my favourite women to collaborate with. That means we support each other with ideas, late night calls, encouragement, and accountability.
I run lots of events and have spoken at them and contributed so much to my community.
If I need help with anything related to business, (and in some situations in life) I would not hesitate to call upon them (and my awesome friend Jenny who could not be with us for the photo shoot). Equally, I am right there for them.
I love to bring people together for collaboration and introduce like-minded people. This is how our group came together. Each one forms part of my power team (along with Mirela Sula!) for whom I am so grateful.
I would highly recommend any woman gets herself a peer group of trusted fellow women (blue cows) that they can collaborate with. Business can be tough sometimes, but it is easier with ladies like these in your corner.
Samantha Cameron
CEO at Samantha Cameron Social Media Coaching and Business Strategy
Can you tell us what inspired you to start your own business?
I started my own business because I wanted to pick and choose the hours and days that I worked. Being a Mum of five, I wanted to be there more for my children, sport days, Christmas plays or if they were off sick and not have the worry or struggle with having to find childcare during school holidays.
What is your experience working with women entrepreneurs?
I’ve worked with many women entrepreneurs over the years, and it always amazes me how inspiring they all are and what they deal with every day, from looking after children to running a house, as well as running a successful business. It’s incredible how resilient a woman entrepreneur can be, as we have growth plates to spin. One minute we can be speaking to our next client, and the next we can arrange a dentist appointment for a child.
What are the challenges women entrepreneurs are facing to grow their business?
As a woman entrepreneur myself, I see so many challenges with growing our own businesses, I think we have to work harder and prove ourselves more than Male entrepreneurs. I see it more than I would like women not supporting other women which saddens me. A supportive woman is a successful woman.
Many times we hear women experience competition between each other – what is your experience and your advice on this matter?
It’s not about us being in competition with each other. We need to work together and support each other. I believe that women that work together are stronger together. It’s important to collaborate and work with others because your business will grow. If you stamp on other women in business, your business will just be stamped on. Be that cheerleader for other women in business.
You are part of this article with 5 other women to create collaboration – how do you support each other?
We don’t just support each other with our businesses, we help each other personally as it’s important to have a supportive network when you’re running your own business, having those people in your life where you can share ideas, have a rant, or just have someone listen to you without having an opinion — this is what makes us unstoppable.
Rebecca Robertson
Independent Financial Adviser & Director
Can you tell us what inspired you to start your own business?
I couldn’t find a home as an adviser; the options of firms to join were limited. I was previously made redundant when 13 weeks pregnant from regional sales manager role in 2007, just before the recession.
I worked part time for a while and was head-hunted by my old boss to work for a new company, however it wasn’t a great fit. I couldn’t find anywhere which had the same values and ethics as me, so I started my own company. Now 12 years in, I’ve learnt so much. I am looking forward to growing the business to the next stage.
What is your experience working with women entrepreneurs?
Often if you ask for help, you will get it. We just have to be brave enough to ask for help. What goes around, comes around. I believe that in business and life in general.
Most are willing to listen and give advice, when needed.
I ran a non-profit networking group for women around 5 years. The most common theme was belonging to a community.
What are the challenges women entrepreneurs are facing to grow their business?
Juggling too many plates and too many ideas at once.
Managing the household and children, as well as side hustles and other side projects. We try and do it all. We can have it all, but we need to focus on one thing at a time, develop the basics, then bring in help to streamline and systemise, then we can scale the business.
Priorities along with having help with childcare are key. Having the right people around you for support is important.
Many times, we hear women experience competition between each other – what is your experience and your advice on this matter?
No, not competition but maybe situations where people are only thinking about themselves. A great book by Bob Berg is the go-giver — it tells a story of someone wanting to get ahead and the mentor shows him how.
We can get ahead, but we don’t have to step on people on the way. I believe we should give back and helps those just starting out. After all, we have each been there.
You are part of this article with 5 other women to create collaboration – how do you support each other?
We give feedback on pricing, ideas, sales pages, events we are planning. We share content, meet for drinks and generally know we can know we aren’t alone.
Knowing that if we’ve had a bad day, we have somewhere to turn to.
Jo Swann
PR Coach for Female Entrepreneurs
Can you tell us what inspired you to start your own business?
I was young and fearless and driven by a rebellion! I was part of a group walkout from the marketing agency I worked within after frustrations of how it was being run. I was fuelled by my belief that there was a better way to use my skills.
I was determined to bring my creativity to the party, along with my focus on delivering better results for clients.
What is your experience working with women entrepreneurs?
Inspiring, motivating, hugely empowering.
I spend every day working with female entrepreneurs since I refocused my business in this area 4 years ago, having been inspired by a small group of women I had met locally who had left from highly successful corporate careers. They left to start up their passion and purpose-fuelled businesses.
I love to be their cheerleader, their champion, and their advocate. Female entrepreneurs have to be strong, and I find there is a mutual respect there.
What are the challenges women entrepreneurs are facing to grow their business?
My experience is that the women usually present the biggest challenges themselves.
Imposter Syndrome, lack of self-worth, hang ups around being visible that often come from negative experiences in their corporate career – all of these are blocks to success.
Many times, we hear women experience competition between each other – what is your experience and your advice on this matter?
I have experienced this with force in the employed corporate world and it can be crushing. When pitted against each other women can be vicious and this can be hugely damaging to our mental health.
The only way through this is to build up YOUR self-belief and confidence so as to disempower those trying to take it away from you. Easier said than done when you are in the middle of drama — true — so my way out was to walk away.
My experience in the online entrepreneurial space has been entirely different though. Whilst I have witnessed malice and aggression between a handful of women 99% of the time, I can honestly say I feel uplifted, supported, inspired, and motivated by other women.
This may be down to how I have curated my community and being able to take more control over who I work with/network with/surround myself with as a business leader. This is now, rather than when I was trapped as an employee.
You are part of this article with 5 other women to create collaboration – how do you support each other?
We support each other as an unofficial ‘network’ — we help each other fill skill gaps with our varying knowledge and specific industry expertise. This comes with unbiased support and friendship as likeminded women all on one mission.
Being able to have women you trust as a sounding board and support network is invaluable and something I treasure.
PR Powerhouse with Jo Swann on Apple Podcasts
Joanne Fisher
Business Lawyer and Consultant
Can you tell us what inspired you to start your own business?
The decision to start my own business was driven by a sense of something missing in my corporate role and a desire to do more than just making rich people richer.
The encouragement from a few of my clients, who believed I should be doing this for myself, also played a significant part.
The decision was nerve-wracking and the fear of leaving the security of a salary for an unknown adventure was daunting, especially with a family to support and a mortgage to pay.
However, I believe that when your passion outweighs your fears and you recognize you have more to offer, that should propel you forward. Although it was a difficult decision, I’ve never regretted it.
What is your experience working with women entrepreneurs?
My work often involves dealing with various stories, dramas, and traumas. As a lawyer, I have to manage all of these while maintaining my commitment to my clients.
This requires building confidence to believe that if I take a case, I will do whatever it takes to protect my clients. However, I’ve learned that it’s essential to look at cases from a subjective position and have difficult conversations when necessary.
What are the challenges women entrepreneurs are facing to grow their business?
One of the most significant challenges I’ve noticed is the overwhelming pressure women face juggling their job, family responsibilities, and the overall demands of life.
It sometimes feels impossible to “have it all.” However, understanding the things that make life easier and recognizing the limits one can reach can make a world of difference.
By understanding yourself, you can identify when you’re reaching your tipping point and know how to bring yourself back.
Many times, we hear women experience competition between each other – what is your experience and your advice on this matter?
In my experience, women sometimes find themselves pitted against each other, which can be disheartening, especially when we consider the importance of collaboration.
As a lawyer, my role is to support my clients in winning their cases, but I also try to encourage them to view the situation from the lens of both parties.
This approach helps to diffuse the emotional intensity that often clouds judgment, allowing for a more rational and fair resolution.
You are part of this article with 5 other women to create collaboration – how do you support each other?
Despite all the challenges and dark times, such as the experience I had after the birth of my twins when I had to shut down my business, supporting each other is paramount.
We can draw from our own experiences to understand and empower other women. Having gone through a difficult phase myself, I now consult with female entrepreneurs, bringing a personal touch to my work because I’ve walked in their shoes.
This makes it much easier for me to continue doing what I do, and that’s where the real power comes from.
Charlie Day
Sales Expert at Charlie Day Sales
Can you tell us what inspired you to start your own business?
I have always run my own business. There’s a running joke in my family that I have never had a real job! I left drama school and, after five months, realized life as an actress wasn’t for me.
I didn’t know what else to do that I would enjoy, so I started my own business teaching drama to children and hosting children’s birthday parties. I didn’t know a single business owner when I started my businesses, but I am so glad that I took the leap and did it.
I grew my party to an agency model and founded a preschool children’s activities class, which we franchised and have sold over 55 franchises.
Charlie Day Sales is my fourth business that I have grown and scaled. I absolutely love being a business owner.
What is your experience working with women entrepreneurs?
I set up The Entrepreneurs Growth Club in 2020, and my audience is 95% female. I absolutely love helping female business owners create more sales in their business and realize what they are capable of.
Female entrepreneurs often don’t believe in themselves when it comes to the sales in their business and are afraid to shout from the rooftops about their product or service for fear of being ‘pushy’ or ‘too much.’
I teach female entrepreneurs how to sell without selling, removing any icky or uncomfortable sales tactics which quite frankly are outdated.
What are the challenges women entrepreneurs are facing to grow their business?
I think women entrepreneurs have so much to juggle. I have found from my own experiences that people often assume this is a ‘side hustle,’ ‘hobby-job,’ or ‘something you do alongside your kids.’ For me, this is not the case.
This is my vocation. It’s my job. I live and breathe everything I do. I hate that people have so many assumptions about me. I have been asked on many occasions if I feel guilty for traveling and leaving my son at home, if my husband minds me working, and how I juggle being a mom and working.
These questions frustrate me so much because I know my husband would NEVER be asked these questions just because he is a man. These are the struggles we face as female entrepreneurs.
Many times, we hear women experience competition between each other – what is your experience and your advice on this matter?
I don’t think there is such a thing as competition! Nobody is me, and nobody offers exactly what I offer. Therefore, nobody is competition. If there is a different person offering sales advice and telling business owners how they can create more sales and grow and scale their business, that’s great!
We need plenty of people spreading the message. But they won’t be doing it in the exact way that I am doing it, so they wouldn’t be my competition. When you get into this mind space, it’s very freeing!
You are part of this article with 5 other women to create collaboration – how do you support each other?
We are a product of the people we spend time with, so I try my hardest to surround myself with the best people who light me up. This group of ladies does this for me.
We can discuss our problems, bounce ideas off each other, and be there for each other. It’s so important to surround yourself with amazing people who can cheer you on and lift you up.
