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Name: Natalie Valdes Business Name: Home Care Admin Experts Location: New Port Richey , USA Establishment (Year): 2021 Category: Business Services Profession/ Specialty: Administrative Services Website: www.iheart-hc.com Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: Home Care Admin Experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive administrative support services tailored specifically for the home care industry. With a team of experienced professionals, they offer a range of specialized solutions designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency for home care agencies. Their services include, but are not limited to: Scheduling and staffing assistance Virtual assistance Recruiting duties Customized solutions to meet unique agency needs At Home Care Admin Experts, they understand the unique challenges faced by home care agencies, and they are committed to delivering reliable, cost-effective solutions that enable their clients to focus on providing the highest quality care to their clients. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Save money and time on training - By outsourcing any of the services they specialize in, clients are not responsible for supervision of that employee nor for taxes and fees related to that employee. Save money and time on replacing schedulers or any administrative staff - Replacement consultants would be handled by HCAE and all schedules would be filled and maintained in accordance with agency standards, along with all services provided. Get professional services - All scheduling and administrative services are provided by trained, experienced, and professional consultants! Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: As a female business owner in the administrative support services sector of the home care industry, Natalie Valdes encountered a variety of challenges on her journey to where she is today. One significant obstacle she faced was breaking into a traditionally male-dominated industry and establishing credibility and trust among clients and partners. Additionally, navigating the complexities of the home care sector, including ever-evolving regulations and compliance standards, presented its own set of challenges. Balancing the need to stay up-to-date with industry trends while effectively managing day-to-day operations required perseverance and dedication. Moreover, building a successful business from the ground up demanded resilience in the face of setbacks and failures. Learning to adapt to unexpected changes, whether in the market or within her own organization, was crucial to overcoming these obstacles and continuing to grow. Through determination, hard work, and a commitment to providing exceptional service, Natalie has been able to overcome these challenges and establish Home Care Admin Experts as a trusted partner in the industry. Each obstacle encountered has provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth, ultimately shaping her into the business owner she is today.

Name: Shilpa Arora Business Name: Insurance Samadhan Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh , India Establishment (Year): 2018 Category: Personal Services Profession/ Specialty: Insurtech Website: https://www.insurancesamadhan.com/ Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: Insurance Samadhan is an Insurtech startup focused on enhancing faith in the insurance ecosystem by providing tech-enabled solutions to resolve policyholder grievances. The company has successfully addressed issues such as mis-selling, claim rejections, delays, and short settlements in life, health, and general insurance. Their flagship product, Polifyx, is a mobile application that assists policyholders in analyzing and managing their insurance policies efficiently. The mission of the organization is to empower insurance policyholders in managing policies and resolving grievances. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Insurance Samadhan offers a unique solution through its Polifyx app, which leverages technology, data algorithms, AI/ML, and NLP to address significant challenges in the insurance sector. The app allows policyholders to upload their insurance policies for quick analysis, provides assistance in portfolio analysis, claims filing, and tracks complaint status. The focus on resolving policyholder grievances in a transparent and tech-driven manner sets the company apart. Challenges Faced During the Journey The main challenge was to leave a fixed salary and a settled job and get into a market where they knew there was a problem but were not sure how successful the model would be. There was resistance from family and parents. There were questions on what would happen if they failed in the venture and how much time would be needed to achieve success. When they started, handling these questions was difficult. They gave themselves 5 years where they decided to keep going. There are highs and lows which they need to handle all alone because they don’t believe in taking it home. The life of an entrepreneur is hard and they need to do a lot of self-talking to get up again after a blow. From a stable job to a zigzag journey of a founder. They must constantly update their skills and be an all-rounder to understand every aspect of the business. Being from a science background, they had to learn finance. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs Women have to work harder than men to build trust in the ecosystem. Understanding finance is important and if not from the background, learn it. New skills like AI/ML, Product Management, etc., are important depending on the business. It's important to work on communication skills and be vocal about plans and ambitions. It is important to be persistent in the journey and trust what they are doing. There will be times when they shall not have answers to the questions, it's fine. Go back and do some research and come back. Just be honest!

Name: Preeti Sharma Business Name: Pragati Software Pvt Ltd Location: Mumbai , India Establishment (Year): 1992 Category: Education Profession/ Specialty: IT Education Website: www.pragatisoftware.com Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail Pragati Software Pvt. Ltd. is an esteemed IT training provider, distinguished by its dedication to delivering specialized and tailored training solutions for corporates and IT professionals. With a rich legacy of serving over 350 corporates and impacting the careers of more than 300,000 participants, Pragati Software excels in offering an extensive portfolio of IT training programs. These programs cover various domains, including programming languages, database management, and soft skills, aimed at fostering comprehensive professional growth. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage What sets Pragati Software apart is its commitment to quality and customization. Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, Pragati Software engages with its clients to understand their unique needs, offering customized training solutions that directly address specific challenges and objectives. This personalized approach, combined with a team of seasoned instructors and a robust curriculum, ensures that clients and participants gain practical, relevant skills that translate into immediate workplace benefits. This focus on customized, quality education is Pragati Software's hallmark, making it the preferred choice for clients seeking impactful IT training. Challenges Faced During the Journey Overcoming challenges has been a pivotal part of Pragati Software Pvt. Ltd.'s journey. The initial hurdles included establishing a strong market presence amidst fierce competition, ensuring the constant relevance of our training programs in the rapidly evolving IT landscape, and building a robust network of corporate clients who trust in the quality and efficacy of our education. Further, adapting to the digital transformation, especially in the wake of the global pandemic, required a strategic overhaul of our delivery models to offer seamless online learning experiences. These obstacles were overcome through relentless dedication to quality, continuous curriculum innovation, and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction, propelling Pragati Software into the forefront of IT training providers. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs To young women aspiring to be or already navigating the path of entrepreneurship, the advice is to embrace resilience and adaptability as core virtues. The entrepreneurial journey is replete with challenges and uncertainties, and it's their resilience that will enable them to withstand setbacks and learn from them. Cultivate a network of mentors and peers for support and guidance, and never underestimate the power of continuous learning. Their unique perspective as women is invaluable; leverage it to identify opportunities, drive innovation, and create impactful solutions. Stay committed to the vision, but be flexible in the approach, and remember, success is a blend of passion, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to change.

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Diogo Areosa: I was working in massive tourism and Rita went fro a trip in Asia doing volunteer, wen she return we spoke about her experience and we decided to start something in portugal similar with what she experienced there. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by  Impact Beach House  ? Diogo Areosa: IMPACT BEACH HOUSE is a beachfront hostel in Estoril dedicated to Climate Action, with a special focus on Ocean Conservation and Circular Economy. The concept starts with the creation of the house. All furniture and decoration at IBH are upcycled with their own unique stories. From utilizing surplus products, repairing second-hand items, incorporating pieces with minor defects, to creating imaginative pieces, the hostel is fully equipped with items that have a new life. In our outdoor space, we have a great terrace hosting an Eco Diving School where everyone can learn to dive and clean ocean litter. The house features 9 rooms, including female and male dormitories, and private rooms with sea views, with a maximum capacity of 56 people. It also offers common areas for socializing and dining, an outdoor terrace and a garden of over 100m2, and a tower with a 180º sea view where we organize our activities and events. Great Companies: What makes  Impact Beach House different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Diogo Areosa: Through IBH, we aim to demonstrate how tourism can have a Positive Impact on communities. The house is open to all, whether for trying our fair trade coffee or organic ice cream, participating in clothing swaps, purchasing zero-waste kits from the social store, engaging in yoga or meditation, or joining our retreats and events. Our dream is to inspire all travelers to join us on this sustainability journey and become Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Diogo Areosa: Its very important and we put a lot of effort to be aline with the team, we have to have the same goals in life to be able to be an exemple for the guests, so far so good we have an amazing team supper dedicated to impact, sometimes we have clients that does not see the needs on the same way or are not aware of some habits, for exemple recycling  or simple habits of our of lights or a quick shower in order not to waste water. we have very fun reactions to our swap spot, they thing its cool but weird change clothes. All of this mini examples are very rewarding for us or our team to solve and change people for better world. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for  Impact Beach House  ? Diogo Areosa: we want  to offer retreats in the winter for people that want to have a more sustainable life, we are working in out of the box retreats for soon and we hope that help us to have more guests around. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Diogo Areosa: If you have an idea that you think is good and solving a problem go ahed never give up… At the beginning me and Rita had hard time for our friends and family believe on our projects, and now we are on and strong to keep growing with ideas full of Impact.

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Mahima Garg : At Certometer, our journey began with a deep-rooted understanding of the IT certification domain. We recognized a significant gap in the industry where traditional certification programs focused more on conceptual understanding rather than practical application. This realization led us to envision a platform that not only provides comprehensive vendor certifications and trainings but also equips learners with real-world skills through hands-on project-focused training. Our idea stemmed from a passion for empowering individuals to become true champions in their field by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Certometer? Mahima Garg : Certometer offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the evolving needs of IT professionals and organizations. Our core services include: Comprehensive vendor certification programs Project-focused training courses Personalized learning paths for participants Hands-on practical experience through real-world projects Essential theory accompanied by practical application Expert guidance and support throughout the learning journey Additionally, we provide customized corporate training solutions to empower organizations in upskilling their workforce and staying ahead in today's competitive landscape. Great Companies: What makes Certometer different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Mahima Garg : What truly sets Certometer apart is our unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our learners. Unlike many other service providers who focus solely on theoretical knowledge, we prioritize hands-on practical experience. Our personalized approach to learning ensures that each participant receives individual attention and guidance tailored to their unique learning needs. By combining essential theory with real-world projects, we empower learners to not only understand concepts but also apply them in practical scenarios, making them proficient in their field. Our dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth sets us apart as a leader in the eLearning industry. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Mahima Garg : Like any startup, Certometer encountered its fair share of struggles and challenges along the way. One of the major hurdles we faced was convincing individuals and organizations to embrace our project-focused approach to learning, especially in an industry accustomed to traditional certification programs. However, through persistent effort and effective communication, we were able to showcase the tangible benefits of our methodology and gradually gain the trust of our audience. Additionally, staying agile and adaptable allowed us to swiftly address any challenges that arose and continuously refine our offerings based on feedback from our learners and industry experts. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Certometer? Mahima Garg : In the coming years, Certometer envisions exponential growth and expansion as a leading provider of innovative eLearning solutions. Our focus will be on further enhancing our platform to offer an even more immersive and interactive learning experience for our participants. We plan to diversify our course offerings to cover emerging technologies and industry trends, ensuring that our learners stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, we aim to forge strategic partnerships with industry leaders and organizations to widen our reach and impact globally. Five years down the line, we envision Certometer as the go-to destination for individuals and organizations seeking comprehensive, hands-on IT training and certification solutions. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Mahima Garg : My advice to someone just starting out would be to stay true to your vision and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Building a successful business requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to change. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and always prioritize delivering value to your customers. Surround yourself with a strong support network of mentors, advisors, and like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. Above all, remain passionate about your mission and never lose sight of the impact you aspire to make in the world.

Name: Maria Vilhena Business Name: Maria Vilhena Consultancy & Interior Design Location: Anadia , Portugal Establishment (Year): 2014 Category: Interior Design Profession/ Specialty: Interior Design Website: www.mariavilhena.pt Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: An early thought, from the times Maria visited her Grandpa’s sawmill. Shapes, details, and scents that made room for intrigue, inspiration, and ideas. She made her way through Art School. And, after a brief try-out in Architecture, she landed on the Design Degree. From there, that early thought led her to work with lighting and home décor, experiencing new ways to shape scenarios. That combined knowledge made way for the creation of her own interior design studio in 2014: Maria Vilhena. Specialized in Consultancy and Interior Design, they focus on people. They build stories in and between spaces, using Interior Design as a script, methodology, and delivery. They do virtual home staging, interior design projects, interior and exterior renovation works, and they draw and produce all furniture and decoration of their projects. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: They use the Lean methodology in their projects. The implementation of this methodology is based on very rigorous and detailed work, effective attention, listening, and exhaustive knowledge of each client who seeks them. It allows them to gain in-depth knowledge of each client, as they study their daily lives, habits, and processes in detail, whether private or corporate clients. It has the advantage of being able to design spaces that are completely coherent with each person’s personal or professional lifestyle. Their aim is to transform lives, designing exclusive pieces of furniture and decoration and aesthetically pleasing, extremely functional spaces, designed and developed to suit each client. Challenges Faced During the Journey The biggest challenge at the beginning was showing their work to potential clients and standing out from the countless interior design firms that already existed. But they created a portfolio and walked their path calmly until they started to become better known and recognized in the market. Another big challenge was having credibility as women in a world mostly made up of men, the world of works. It is still difficult today, but by inspiring their clients with the necessary confidence in their knowledge and professionalism, this is a situation that can be overcome more easily. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: The most important thing is to believe in themselves and their service/product. By working hard, with honesty and professionalism, Maria believes that they all win and that they all have a place in the world to make their dreams happen.

Name: Patricia Puiggros Business Name: IKI HEALTH GROUP SL Location: Palma de Mallorca , Spain Establishment (Year): 2022 Category: Health & Wellness Profession/ Specialty: "Anesthesiologist, sports medicine Director, and entrepreneur." Website: https://www.iki.health/ Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: Expanding on IKI Health's mission and social impact, this innovative eHealth startup, under the leadership of Dr. Patricia Puiggros, focuses on addressing critical challenges within the healthcare sector, such as professional burnout, staffing shortages, and poor patient adherence to treatments for chronic diseases. By integrating a holistic health approach and employing AI to create personalized care plans and real-time monitoring, IKI Health aims not only to improve the daily operations of healthcare professionals but also to significantly enhance patient outcomes. Through its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, IKI Health is at the forefront of revolutionizing access to healthcare, making it more democratic and accessible for all, underscoring its deep commitment to social impact and technological disruption in the healthcare industry. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: IKI Health's unique value proposition lies in its salutogenic approach, which shifts from the traditional pathogenic approach focused on treating disease to actively promoting health and wellness. This proactive and positive model of care, embodied in the "wellness technology pill" prescribed by healthcare professionals, ensures a double impact: improving the wellbeing of patients and supporting the health of caregivers themselves. This innovative approach provides a seamless turnkey solution that enables healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive and personalized care to their patients through the IKI application, allowing effective monitoring of health progress. Highlighted at a lifescience immersive program in Boston in November 2023, the lifestyle-centric, AI-powered platform focuses on B2B interactions, offering comprehensive health tracking. This positions IKI Health as a unique and holistic solution in the eHealth sector, bridging the gap between technology and self-care. The value proposition lies in creating a double positive impact: streamlining the workflows of healthcare professionals, improving both their well-being and the clinical outcomes of their patients by empowering self-care. This approach fosters significant social impact and democratizes access to healthcare, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3 for sustainable development. Challenges Faced During the Journey: In her newsletter on digital health entrepreneurship, Dr. Patricia Puiggros shares the challenges and hurdles encountered during the journey. Transitioning from a salaried medical officer to an entrepreneur broke her out of her comfort zone. Her journey started in the operation rooms of renowned hospitals, blending precision with knowledge. Beyond medicine, her passion for sports led her to create the Mallorca Sport Medicine unit, offering comprehensive care to athletes and establishing a reference center in Mallorca. Despite accomplishments in medicine and sports, she felt a calling to contribute more significantly to healthcare. This drive led to the founding of IKI Health, overcoming the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, balancing motherhood and sports, and securing funding to bring their vision to life. Each step, from developing their MVP to navigating the pre-seed fundraising landscape, taught invaluable lessons in resilience, leadership, and the power of aligning personal passions with professional goals. Embarking on the pre-seed journey for IKI Health meant navigating uncharted waters, transitioning from healthcare to entrepreneurship. Through APTenisa Launch, she learned the new "language" of investment, turning "nos" into steps toward her dream. Securing €190K in funding and an additional €100K from Consell de Mallorca for transformative women-led projects was a significant achievement. The challenge then shifted to securing a €138K ENISA loan and building an international sales team, culminating in successfully bringing onboard clients and marking their market debut. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Dr. Patricia Puiggros's advice to young women entrepreneurs is to approach entrepreneurship as climbing Everest: Imagine embarking on a journey to Everest, where each step is a leap towards entrepreneurial dreams. Picture packing the "backpack" with essentials—knowledge, passion, and resilience. The journey begins with setting foot in Kathmandu, symbolizing the first steps in business. Then, reaching Base Camp marks the establishment of the startup. Each camp higher up embodies milestones achieved, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Surround oneself with mentors and peers—sherpas—who guide and support. Persist through the climb, fueled by the discovery of ikigai. With every small victory, draw closer to the summit, where vision becomes a breathtaking reality. Sharing her journey through forums, social media (https://www.instagram.com/drapuiggros/) and a dedicated newsletter on digital health entrepreneurship (Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7137641092841103361), she aims to motivate and empower women to step out of comfort zones and pursue passions.

Name: Patricia López Trabajo Business Name: MYHIXEL Location: Seville , Spain Establishment (Year): 2017 Category: Health & Wellness Profession/ Specialty: Sexual Health Website: https://myhixel.com/ Social Media: LinkedIn Company Detail: MYHIXEL is a leading male sexual health brand that offers pioneering, medically-backed tech products and services to improve male sexual health. Its flagship product is MYHIXEL Control, a solution for ejaculatory control developed by sexual health experts and clinically proven. MYHIXEL Control combines a unique methodology collected in an app, which is CE marked as Medical Device Software in the European Union, and a stimulation device listed by the FDA as a medical device. MYHIXEL also offers sexological counseling services, online courses in its MYHIXEL Academy, and has a line of hygiene and intimate care products. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: MYHIXEL provides a unique solution for premature ejaculation, incorporating the latest advancements in technology and science. Its application is tailored to meet each user's specific needs through artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, ensuring complete anonymity. Furthermore, its effectiveness is backed by extensive clinical trials. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Each obstacle presents an opening for growth. The team firmly believes that persistence is a key trait for any entrepreneur. When feeling overwhelmed, it's important to allow oneself moments of reflection to reassess strategies. Therefore, maintaining consistency and determination is vital for overcoming challenges. As a woman, the founder encountered various hurdles due to gender biases. Leading MYHIXEL in a predominantly male industry, where taboos still persist, requires constantly earning credibility and trust in the products—an ongoing battle. Furthermore, delving into the tech realm, largely dominated by men, has been another challenge. However, participating in platforms like 'Girls in Tech' has provided valuable opportunities to showcase women's contributions in this field. Thus, she strongly advocates for female entrepreneurs to embrace technology. Each trial reinforces her determination and underscores the significance of the achievements at MYHIXEL. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Emphasize resilience and maintain unwavering belief in the vision. Setbacks are inevitable, but they offer valuable lessons. Learn from them and adapt strategies. Build a diverse and supportive network of peers and mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. Surrounding oneself with a strong team is crucial for success. Never underestimate the importance of continuous learning. Stay curious, seek new knowledge, and embrace opportunities for growth.

Name: Helen Pino Vera Business Name: Legal 70 Location: Barcelona , Spain Establishment (Year): 2022 Category: Legal & Accounting Profession/ Specialty: International lawyer Website: https://www.legal70.com/network/ Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: Challenging the traditional legal framework, they have established a global network of independent practitioners to deliver international legal services that are both accessible and tailored to their clients' needs. Their clients are in direct contact with the senior lawyer rendering the services, avoiding mistakes, miscommunications, or poor-quality services. Their commitment to a more horizontal, realistic, and transparent organizational structure reflects their belief in fostering genuine partnerships that prioritize client satisfaction over outdated business models. Embracing referrals over the conventional Google-ad approach, their network thrives on collaborative partnerships, ushering in a new era of legal service delivery. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Empowering clients worldwide, they offer international legal services through their transparent network of sole practitioners. With direct access to these reputable professionals, their clients receive personalized and top-tier legal assistance tailored to their specific needs across multiple countries. Challenges Faced During the Journey: The primary challenge lies in filtering collaborators. Despite the increasing presence of women in the legal sector, the reality remains that the majority of law firm partners are men. Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles, particularly in success fee cases, present a significant obstacle for the company's cash flow. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: The impulse to create comes from bad experiences. Dare to try and keep exploring.

Name: Maria Fernanda Espinosa Business Name: Deli Life Wellness Location: MEXICO CITY , MEXICO Establishment (Year): 2018 Category: Business Services Profession/ Specialty: Industrial Engineer Website: delilife.mx Social Media: Linkedin Company Detail: Deli Life is a leading corporate wellness company in Mexico dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of employees in organizations of all sizes. Their comprehensive suite of services focuses on promoting holistic wellness through tailored programs and initiatives. At Deli Life, they offer: Health Assessments and Screenings, Health Coaching services, Nutritional Programs, Fitness programs, Mental health support, work-life balance initiatives, Corporate wellness events. Their star program, the Health Coaching Program, embodies their holistic approach to wellness. This program pairs employees with experienced health coaches who provide personalized guidance and support across various wellness dimensions, including nutrition, fitness, stress management, sleep, and overall lifestyle improvements. Overall, Deli Life is committed to creating healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces by offering comprehensive wellness solutions that prioritize the holistic well-being of employees. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: What sets Deli Life apart in the corporate wellness market is their unwavering commitment to quality and the unique value proposition of their Health Coaching Program. Deli Life's unique combination of their innovative Health Coaching Program and unwavering commitment to quality sets them apart in the corporate wellness market. Organizations choose them over competitors because they recognize the value of their holistic approach and trust in their ability to deliver exceptional results. Challenges Faced During the Journey Facing the unprecedented challenges brought by the pandemic was a pivotal moment for them. They had to adapt swiftly to the changing landscape of remote work and altered client needs. This required a significant overhaul in the way they deliver their services. They invested in technology to facilitate virtual consultations and engagements, ensuring continuity in their offerings despite physical limitations. Additionally, as they expanded geographically, maintaining the high standard of quality that defines Deli Life became paramount. This growth presented logistical and operational hurdles that demanded meticulous planning and execution. They implemented stringent quality control measures and invested in training and development to uphold their reputation for excellence. Navigating these obstacles required resilience, agility, and a collaborative spirit within their team. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Authenticity is paramount. Embrace your unique voice and values, persist through challenges, and maintain unwavering belief in yourself. Clarify your purpose, understanding what truly drives you, and hold onto that truth amidst adversity. Continuously learn, seek support from mentors and peers, and take calculated risks. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth, prioritize self-care, and celebrate achievements along the way.

Name: Beth O'Malley Business Name: Astral Digital Location: Birmingham , United Kingdom ( UK) Establishment (Year): 2023 Category: Advertising & Marketing Profession/ Specialty: Marketing Strategist Website: astral-digital.co.uk Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: Astral Digital was created because for over 10 years, the founder has seen how many businesses, brands, and marketers get this wrong: They spray their customers, leads, subscribers, and users with emails they don't care about. They aren't clear on their ideal customer profile & it shows. They don't embrace technology, automation, and don't know how to embrace the use of CRM systems. Astral Digital goes into businesses (B2B or B2C) and provides an in-depth audit of their full marketing & business strategy as well as processes. Through this, they identify exactly where they are losing money, falling apart, have opportunities for growth and create a roadmap for how they will achieve success. This is through 2 main things: -Strategies -Systems They create a solid marketing strategy that brings sales, operations, and service to create a cohesive approach. Then they use data and systems to build this, meaning they send the right message, at the right time to the right people. Marketers then feel more accomplished as their marketing starts working. The sales team converts more leads through automated lead nurture & follow-up strategies. Operations are no longer overwhelmed and have automated processes. Business owners make more money, see growth, and finally feel less stressed. Proof is in the pudding, Astral Digital has helped businesses generate an extra £5 million in revenue just in 8 months. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: There are definitely two points to this: -There's THEM. They've always been told they're too much, they question too much, why can't they just be normal. Turns out they had severe ADHD, but it really was a gift. They see patterns in things most people don't, they solve problems quicker than most people do and see things differently. This plus their unique value proposition of being marketers with a data, strategic, and process-driven brain means that why wouldn't you work with them? It's a mix of FUN, passion, energy and there's not another business or agency that does directly what they do. Challenges Faced During the Journey From a very young age, the founder always knew they were different. Growing up without much money, their childhood was not cushioned by material comforts, but it was rich in challenges that shaped their resilience. In school, this sense of being the odd one out followed them. They never quite fitted in, always feeling like the black sheep among their peers. This feeling of alienation wasn't just a phase that ebbed with adolescence; it grew alongside them into adulthood, a constant reminder that they were not like everyone else. Despite this, they excelled in every job they held. Their unique perspective and approach to tasks often set them apart, for better or worse. However, their journey through the workforce was anything but smooth. Being employed felt like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole; it just didn't suit the way their brain worked. This struggle was compounded by an undiagnosed condition that made these environments even more challenging to navigate: ADHD. Without a diagnosis or support, they found themselves leaving job after job, searching for a place where they could truly belong. They thought they had found that place when they joined a marketing agency. They initially embraced their differences, making them feel valued for the first time in their professional life. But this sense of belonging was short-lived. The agency's culture was toxic, riddled with blame and bullying. It was a devastating blow, and eventually, they walked out. They left not just the job but the entire toxic environment behind, penniless, scared, and with their confidence shattered to its core. Their last job before striking out on their own was the worst; they discriminated against them because of their disability, bullied them relentlessly, and told them they weren't good enough. That experience broke them, but it also became the catalyst for their transformation. Despite these adversities, they acknowledge the privilege of the opportunities that came their way. They didn't come from much, but the little they had was a foundation strong enough to build their dreams upon. So, with a mix of naivety and determination, they started their own business. It was a leap into the unknown, driven by the desire to create something that reflected their values and accommodated their unique way of seeing the world. The path of entrepreneurship has been fraught with challenges. Rejection became a frequent visitor, and just when they thought they had faced enough, life threw its hardest curveball yet: their mum became terminally ill. Balancing the demands of a fledgling business with the emotional and physical toll of caring for her has been the most difficult journey they've embarked on. Yet, through it all, they've learned invaluable lessons. Each setback, each rejection, and every moment they've been beaten down have taught them resilience, empathy, and the importance of forging one's path. Their story is not just about the struggles of being different or the hardships of entrepreneurship; it's about finding strength in vulnerability, embracing one's unique journey, and the relentless pursuit of a place in the world where being different is the key to success. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: For them it's mindset, that's going to be your greatest driver and your greatest weakness - so work on it. You have to believe in yourself otherwise NO ONE else will. Meet as many people as you can, say yes to everything! Embrace failure as a learning opportunity - Failure is not the opposite of success; it's a part of the success journey. Each setback is a lesson in disguise and a chance to grow stronger and smarter. Don't fear failure—embrace it, learn from it, and use it to propel you forward.

Name: Kimberley Fulwood Business Name: KF Strategies Location: Olive Branch , USA Establishment (Year): 2016 Category: Consulting Profession/ Specialty: Strategic Operational Business Consultant for the Advertising & Marketing Industry Website: kf-strategies.com Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: KF Strategies is a distinguished consulting firm with a rich 25-year legacy in the marketing and advertising industry. As the visionary founder and CEO, the leader heads a team of seasoned professionals dedicated to unlocking the full potential of agencies and in-house teams. Their expertise lies in strategic operational business coaching and consulting, fostering operational excellence, adept financial management, and nurturing leadership development for creative businesses. KF Strategies is not merely a consultancy; it is a catalyst for transformative success, propelling clients to unparalleled heights in the dynamic landscape of marketing and advertising. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: KF Strategies stands out by addressing the prevalent challenges that hinder agencies and marketers in delivering top-notch work, satisfying clients, and maximizing profits. The leader's expertise extends to resolving common issues such as enhancing team performance, optimizing project management software, delivering fractional accounting services, and implementing effective change management strategies. The success of their approach is validated by proven results and testimonials from satisfied clients. What attracts clients to KF Strategies is their mission to conquer chaos and pave the way for enhanced creativity, productivity, and profitability. They go beyond conventional consulting, offering tangible solutions that empower clients with the tools and insights essential for sustained success. By choosing KF Strategies, clients opt for a transformative partnership that not only addresses their immediate concerns but propels them towards lasting excellence in the dynamic landscape of marketing and advertising. Challenges Faced During the Journey In the face of considerable challenges, the leader has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. From a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse and instability to grappling with persistent self-doubts about intelligence and worthiness, the journey reflects an unwavering spirit. Undertaking the financial risks associated with entrepreneurship, they successfully established a thriving business that generated substantial revenue within a short span. The story is one of triumph over adversity, breaking free from a cycle of hardship, and emerging as an inspirational figure. Overcoming internal struggles, navigating financial risks, and rising above negative external influences showcase extraordinary courage and fortitude. The journey is not just a personal victory but an inspirational narrative of resilience and success. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: For young women aspiring to be entrepreneurs or those already navigating the entrepreneurial path, a few pieces of advice based on experiences are offered. Firstly, embrace the unique perspective and strengths as a woman in the business world — diversity is a powerful asset. Secondly, don't be deterred by self-doubt or societal expectations. Smart, capable, and deserving of success, seek out mentors and a supportive network; their guidance can be invaluable. Be courageous in taking calculated risks, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Finally, persevere. Entrepreneurship is a journey with ups and downs, but staying resilient, true to the vision, and continuously learning will pave the way for both personal and professional fulfillment.