Episodios

  • Leading with Clarity in the AI Age with Vicki Wu
    Nov 6 2025

    Business Women Australia Podcast Show – Leading with Clarity in the AI Age


    Join Lyn Hawkins, National Director of Business Women Australia, in conversation with Vicki Wu, BWA Advisory Board Member and visionary creator of Conscious AI Life Navigation™.


    Vicki is redefining what it means to lead in the era of AI — blending human wisdom, maternal intelligence™, and technological innovation to empower leaders, families, and businesses to build legacies beyond limitations.


    In this powerful conversation, you will be inspired by:

    1. The origin story that shaped Vicki’s life compass.

    2. How a “Glorious Glitch” with AI led Vicki to groundbreaking insights.

    3. The 70/30 DNA™ rule — why human leadership must remain at the core.

    4. The Prime Navigator’s Toolkit that Vicki has developed for thriving in the AI age.

    5. Her bold vision for Human–AI and Human–Human connection across generations.


    Don’t miss this chance to be informed, challenged, and equipped with practical insights for navigating your own journey of leadership, legacy, and innovation.


    About Vicki Wu

    Vicki Wu is a visionary leader, strategist, and member of the Business Women Australia Advisory Board, pioneering a new category of leadership she calls Conscious AI Life Navigation™. Known as the Prime Navigator™, Vicki blends human wisdom, maternal intelligence™, and technological innovation to help leaders, families, and organisations thrive in the age of AI.


    Her journey is deeply personal - shaped by a 34-year-old letter from her late mother that became the compass for her life’s work. Vicki has forged a path that unites authenticity, resilience, and purpose with cutting-edge technology.


    Since arriving in Australia from China in the 1990s as a young woman, Vicki has built an extraordinary career across diverse industries. She has founded and grown businesses in real estate, martial arts, fashion, education, and computer technology, each venture sharpening her ability to adapt, innovate, and lead.


    As an entrepreneur and early adopter of technology, Vicki has engineered her own custom AI co-pilot, designed as a guardian to ensure her values and vision remain protected and provide a foundation for her personal and business development. She is driven to help others do the same. A global thinker, Vicki works across countries, cultures and generations, uniting individuals and communities through trust, innovation, and shared humanity.



    About Lyn Hawkins

    Lyn Hawkins is the National Director of Business Women Australia and Principal of Hawkins Marketing. With decades of experience advising organisations from startups to enterprises, Lyn is a highly sought-after strategist, facilitator, and executive coach. Her expertise spans business growth strategy, leadership development, cultural change, marketing and business development.


    Passionate about creating opportunities for women, Lyn leads Business Women Australia’s national community, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and peer-to-peer support. She is dedicated to helping women elevate their careers, businesses, and influence.


    About Business Women Australia

    Business Women Australia (BWA) is a vibrant national collective of women from all sectors, industries, and professions. With a fast-growing group of more than 20,000 followers, BWA provides access to:

    1. A supportive network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

    2. Professional development programs, leadership masterminds, and retreats.

    3. Inspiring podcasts, webinars, and thought-leadership events.

    4. Opportunities to collaborate, connect, and grow.


    BWA’s vision is to elevate women with knowledge, influence, and connection, helping members achieve their full potential both professionally and personally.


    👉 Join today and be part of a national movement of women making an impact.

    🔗 businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership

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    33 m
  • Mental Wealth Leadership: From High Performer to Sustainable Success with Tanya Mills
    Oct 28 2025

    Mental Wealth Leadership: From High Performer to Sustainable Success


    Business Owners, Leaders, Executives, when was the last time you put yourself first?


    Be inspired by Tanya Mills, executive coach, business adviser, and entrepreneur who successfully built an IT company, expanded to New York, and exited through a successful sale, where she reveals how top leaders can avoid burnout and create sustainable success.


    In this episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show, hosted by National Director, Lyn Hawkins, Tanya shares her professional and personal story that is full of lessons for high-performing business owners and managers.


    Hear practical ways leaders can reclaim their energy, sharpen their decision-making, and lead with clarity.


    Research shows that the majority of CEOs and senior leaders are running on empty. Calendars are packed, decisions pile up, and personal energy is the first thing sacrificed. But what if the secret to better leadership wasn’t pushing harder - but investing in you.

    Now is the time to stop and learn about the concept of Mental Wealth.


    In this powerful discussion, Tanya Mills, entrepreneur, certified coach, and founder of Aligned Success, shares how she went from building and selling a global business to rebuilding her life and leadership after burnout.


    You’ll hear about tools you can use immediately to prioritise yourself without losing momentum. This is a wake-up call for executives who know that sustainable success starts with leading themselves first.


    Episode Takeaways: A proven framework for high performance, without burnout.


    Meet Tanya Mills

    Tanya Mills is an executive coach, entrepreneur, and the founder of Aligned Success, specialising in coaching CEOs, senior executives, and enterprise leaders to achieve sustainable performance without sacrificing themselves.


    Her leadership journey began as a high-performing entrepreneur - building and selling businesses, expanding her company from Perth to New York, and successfully leading teams of up to 200 people. Alongside her professional triumphs, Tanya navigated personal challenges and the realities of rebuilding during the pandemic. These experiences shaped her conviction that true leadership begins with self-leadership.


    Today, Tanya combines her entrepreneurial track record with certified business and life coaching to deliver practical, evidence-informed tools for executives. Her signature approach - “Structure + Flow”- helps leaders set boundaries, reset their energy, and create workplace cultures that foster both performance and wellbeing.


    Known for her engaging style as a coach, facilitator, and speaker, Tanya challenges leaders to invest in their own Mental Wealth as the foundation of organisational success. Through keynote talks, workshops, and executive coaching, she equips leaders to reduce burnout, sharpen decision-making, and drive cultural change from the top down.


    Tanya’s mission is clear: to help the world’s busiest leaders reclaim their energy, align with their best selves, and lead in a way that is both effective and sustainable.


    About Lyn Hawkins

    Lyn Hawkins is the National Director of Business Women Australia and Principal of Hawkins Marketing. With decades of experience advising organisations from startups to enterprises, Lyn is a highly sought-after strategist, facilitator, and executive coach. Her expertise spans business growth strategy, leadership development, cultural change, marketing and business development.


    Passionate about creating opportunities for women, Lyn leads Business Women Australia’s national community, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and peer-to-peer support. She is dedicated to helping women elevate their careers, businesses, and influence.

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    53 m
  • The Coaching Advantage - Elevating Leadership and Business with Kathy McKenzie
    Oct 20 2025

    Business Women Australia Podcast: The Coaching Advantage - Elevating Leadership and Business with Kathy McKenzie


    “What if coaching skills weren’t just for professional coaches - but the secret superpower every leader needs?”


    Tune in to this episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show as Lyn Hawkins chats with Kathy McKenzie, pioneer of Australia’s coaching industry and founder of FIRE UP Coaching, a leading Registered Training Organisation.


    Discover why coaching skills are essential for leaders and managers, not just those who want to become coaches.


    Hear how managers utilise coaching techniques to support their teams, and help to unlock hidden potential.


    Learn practical skills you can apply immediately to elevate your influence, success and team culture.


    Key Takeaways

    1. The three most powerful coaching skills every manager should use daily.

    2. How Kathy's proven coaching frameworks transform leadership and workplace communication.

    3. Why accreditation and evidence-based training matter for all managers, supervisors and leaders in today’s fast-evolving business world.


    Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that could change the way you lead.


    About Kathy McKenzie

    Kathy McKenzie is a true pioneer in the Australian coaching industry. In 1998, she founded FIRE UP Coaching, now one of the nation’s leading Registered Training Organisations delivering accredited leadership and coaching programs aligned with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).


    For more than 25 years, Kathy has been shaping the future of leadership across corporate, government, and community sectors, partnering with organisations like Virgin, QLD Health, NSW DPI, and the Department of Education. Thousands of professionals have been trained and mentored under her guidance. Recognised globally as an expert in coaching education, Kathy continues to lead innovation in the profession and will present at the ICF Converge in San Diego on the role of AI in coaching.


    About Lyn Hawkins

    Lyn Hawkins is the National Director of Business Women Australia and Principal of Hawkins Marketing. With decades of experience advising organisations from startups to enterprises, Lyn is a highly sought-after strategist, facilitator, and executive coach. Her expertise spans business growth strategy, leadership development, cultural change, marketing and business development.


    Passionate about creating opportunities for women, Lyn leads Business Women Australia’s national community, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and peer-to-peer support. She is dedicated to helping women elevate their careers, businesses, and influence.


    About Business Women Australia

    Business Women Australia (BWA) is a vibrant national collective of women from all sectors, industries, and professions. With a fast-growing group of more than 20,000 followers, BWA provides access to:

    1. A supportive network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

    2. Professional development programs, leadership masterminds, and retreats.

    3. Inspiring podcasts, webinars, and thought-leadership events.

    4. Opportunities to collaborate, connect, and grow.


    BWA’s vision is to elevate women with knowledge, influence, and connection, helping members achieve their full potential both professionally and personally.


    👉 Join today and be part of a national movement of women making an impact.

    🔗 businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership

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    57 m
  • 'Getting Clear on the Case for Change – Where Do We Start?' with Tracy Cooper
    Oct 15 2025
    'Getting Clear on the Case for Change – Where Do We Start?' with Tracy CooperAre you a CEO, business owner, or leader sensing the need for change in your organisation — but unsure where to begin?In this powerful episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show, host Lyn Hawkins sits down with Tracy Cooper, an expert change facilitator who helps organisations navigate transformation with clarity, alignment, and purpose.Whether you lead a for-purpose organisation, a private enterprise, or a growing team, this conversation will help you get clear on:How to tell what type of change is needed – a major change or a simple tweakWhere to start the change journey to create a solid foundation for your changeHow to create a compelling ‘case for change’ Why clarity and executive alignment matter before any change initiative beginsWhen and how to bring in a change specialist to ensure successTracy shares real insights from the field — including how to engage teams early, how to shift resistance into reflection, and how to build a culture where adaptation is business as usual.This episode is a must-listen for forward-thinking leaders who want to:Create a ‘change-ready’ cultureFuture-proof their organisationCreate real momentum for strategic changeLead with confidence, not chaosTune in now to “Getting Clear on the Case for Change: Where Do We Start?”Walk away with fresh perspective, clarity, and the confidence to start your change journey the right way.ABOUT TRACY COOPER: Tracy Cooper is a Change Specialist who supports senior leaders to tackle the challenges of implementing change in their organisations.With her combined expertise in leadership, change management, and facilitation, she utilises theory and turns this into a proven practical approach to guide you in your transformation processes.Whilst her early career was in agricultural science, she transitioned to delivering leadership programs in rural and regional communities of Qld via the Department of Primary Industries ‘Building Rural Leaders Program.’Based on this learning and experience of delivering leadership programs, in 2001, she joined forces with Maria Nolan and launched SeeChange Consulting. Using their action learning approach, underpinned by their enviable expertise and accreditation in Prosci Change Management methodology, they created programs that have brought major change to the lives of individuals, regional communities and businesses in the financial services, agribusiness, local government, childcare, aged care and the broader not- for- profit sectors for 23 years. Utilising all the experience, techniques, and tools developed over those two decades, in early 2024, Tracy commenced her individual journey as Tracy Cooper Change Specialist. She is passionate about helping those who wish to lead themselves to learn, thrive, embrace change, and make a difference in their world. About Lyn HawkinsLyn is the Founder and National Director of Business Women Australia and a management consultant and leadership coach. She is known for her practical focus on achieving growth and transformation. Lyn advises some of Australia’s most successful professional firms and business leadership teams. She is also the WA Director of the Private Wealth Network and mentors Commerce students at UWA. Lyn has held senior roles with KPMG, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Telstra, in addition to General Management roles with technology-based businesses.About Business Women AustraliaBWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;business owners and entrepreneursexecutives and managersprofessionalswomen on boardsemerging leaderswomen who desire growth and high level connectionsBusiness Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;LeadershipBusiness ImprovementPersonal and Professional GrowthConnections and FriendshipJoin as a member today via https://businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership/
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    35 m
  • Purpose and Leadership: Wendy Harper’s Story and the Women of Vanuatu
    Sep 30 2025

    Women's Leadership Lessons from the Front Lines of Vanuatu. Be Inspired. Take Action.

    Tune in and listen to our inspirational live conversation with our Advisory Board Chair, Wendy Harper, on the Business Women Australia Podcast Show, hosted by Lyn Hawkins, National Director.


    With the world facing increasingly complex challenges, pressure is building, and people everywhere are left wondering how they could help make a real difference.


    In this 'special edition' podcast, we will explore how Wendy is collaborating with Business Women Australia, drawing on evidence-based resources and frameworks essential to building resilience for thriving through challenges.


    With a deeper dive into Wendy’s story of purpose-driven leadership, hear why impact matters and its connection to personal wellbeing, self-love, and hope. Be enthralled with her story, about establishing the Agency of Women, and the powerful journey she’s taking with the women of Vanuatu who are leading a movement that will transform their nation.


    This is not just an inspirational story - it’s a call to action and adventure! Discover the extraordinary part you could play, directly in solidarity with the women of Vanuatu, to make impact leadership real, by “being the change you want to see in the world”


    If you imagine a better future for humanity and the planet, this podcast will transform your sense of what’s possible when women get together to lead the change.


    About Wendy Harper


    Wendy Harper is a Transformation Leadership Consultant with a deep focus on inner development. She is Chair of the Business Women Australia Advisory Board, Co-founder of the Inner Development Goals national hub, and a working group member for Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index. Wendy guides visionary leaders to connect and develop their personal agency and resilience for mastering the art of complex transitions. She also curates immersive-learning journeys, like "The Collaboration Game,” for developing the inner capacities essential to achieving the global goals. As the founder of the Agency of Women, she champions the self-determined efforts of Mary Jack and the women of Vanuatu to build the social leadership capacities they need amid escalating climate impacts. To support the work of the Agency for Women in Vanuatu, get engaged, donate and spread the word: https://agencyofwomen.org/our-mission-at-aow/


    About Lyn Hawkins


    Lyn is the Founder and National Director of Business Women Australia and a management consultant and leadership coach. She is known for her practical focus on achieving growth and transformation. Lyn advises some of Australia’s most successful professional firms and business leadership teams. She is also the WA Director of the Private Wealth Network and mentors Commerce students at UWA. Lyn has held senior roles with KPMG, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Telstra, in addition to General Management roles with technology-based businesses.


    About Business Women Australia


    BWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;


    - awakens women who care

    - business owners and entrepreneurs

    - executives and managers

    - professionals

    - women on boards

    - leaders and emerging leaders

    - those who desire growth and real connection


    Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;


    - Leadership

    - Business Improvement

    - Personal and Professional Growth

    - Connections and Friendship


    Join as a member today via https://businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership/

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    46 m
  • Exit Ready: How to Prepare for a Strategic Business Transition with Amanda Cole
    Sep 4 2025
    After building a successful business over years — even decades — many founders start asking: “When should I exit? What are my options? How do I maximise value and step back without walking away?”In this insightful episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show, Lyn Hawkins is joined by Amanda Cole — Strategic Growth Facilitator at Spark and Chair of the Exit2030 Peer Group — to unpack the critical path to a successful business exit.Amanda works with growth-focused founders generating $2M+ in annual revenue who are navigating the complexities of scaling sustainably, leading strategically, and ultimately preparing to transition — whether via sale, succession, or stepping back from day-to-day operations.With thousands of Australian businesses run by baby boomers, and more than 50% of those never selling successfully, Amanda is on a mission to shift that trajectory. She shares how business owners can design a strategic exit over a 5-year horizon — and why the time to start is now. In this episode:How to assess whether your business is truly “exit ready”Why most owners overestimate their business’s value — and how to fix itStructuring for management buyouts, partial exits, and scaling under managementThe 5-year Exit2030 framework for founders who want optionsReal examples of advisory-led growth and successful transition strategiesThe personal side of exit: identity, leadership, and letting goAmanda brings deep insights from years of Chairing Advisory Boards for private and family businesses, helping business owners shape strategy, prepare for capital events, and create value beyond the founder. If you're a business owner ready to work on your business, not just in it — this episode is essential listening.About Amanda ColeAmanda helps mid-sized business owners and executive teams scale sustainably, navigate succession, and build value in preparation for exit.As an experienced strategy facilitator, Chair, and trusted advisor, Amanda has worked with over 100 private and family-owned businesses, typically with revenues between $20M and $500M. With a track record that includes leading more than 390 peer board meetings, 120+ strategic planning sessions, and over 2,400 leadership coaching conversations, Amanda brings both depth and breadth of expertise to the table.Clients engage Amanda when they:Need clarity on growth strategies or exit optionsAre transitioning from founder-led to managed operating modelsWant to establish or enhance an effective advisory boardAre ready to address succession planning and performance accountability in earnestWhat sets Amanda apart is a unique blend of commercial strategy, facilitation mastery, and practical boardroom insight. Having founded and successfully exited businesses, and currently chairing advisory boards across sectors such as construction, professional services, technology, creative industries and hospitality, Amanda brings lived experience and cross-industry wisdom to every engagement.Specialties include:• Advisory Boards & Governance for Medium Business• Strategy Facilitation and Succession Planning• Exit-Readiness and Business Value Uplift• Leadership Coaching and Accountability FrameworksFor organizations seeking a strategic partner with a commercial edge, someone who facilitates high-impact conversations and swiftly gets to the core of complex challenges— Amanda is a powerful ally.About Lyn HawkinsLyn is the Founder and National Director of Business Women Australia and a management consultant and leadership coach. She is known for her practical focus on achieving growth and transformation. Lyn advises some of Australia’s most successful professional firms and business leadership teams. She is also the WA Director of the Private Wealth Network and mentors Commerce students at UWA. Lyn has held senior roles with KPMG, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Telstra, in addition to General Management roles with technology-based businesses.
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    41 m
  • Planning for a Wise Retirement with Belinda Von Knoll
    Aug 14 2025

    Are you thinking about your retirement – or should you be?

    Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, this is a must-listen episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show.


    Financial planning expert Belinda von Knoll joins us to share powerful insights into retirement readiness, especially for women.


    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    1. Why retirement planning is different for women

    2. What an SMSF is – and whether it’s right for you

    3. Key strategies to maximise your financial future

    4. How to avoid the most common mistakes

    5. Why planning early gives you more freedom and peace of mind


    This conversation is more than numbers – it’s about designing a life you love after work.


    Tune in and start planning with purpose.


    About Belinda Von Knoll:

    Belinda von Knoll is a highly regarded financial advisor with a distinctive blend of academic insight and practical expertise. With a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning, Belinda brings both analytical depth and strategic thinking to her financial advisory practice. As a Specialist SMSF Advisor and Secretary of the WA Branch of the Self-Managed Superannuation Fund Association, she is recognised for her leadership in the evolving landscape of self-managed superannuation.


    Belinda is known for her deeply relational approach, building trusted, long-term partnerships with her clients. Her work is guided by empathy and a strong commitment to understanding each client’s unique goals and aspirations. Whether navigating complex financial structures or crafting personalised strategies for wealth creation and retirement, Belinda is a steady and insightful guide. Her clients value not only her technical skill but also the peace of mind and clarity she brings to their financial journeys.


    At the heart of Belinda’s practice is a passion for helping others achieve a sense of security and purpose through tailored financial planning, aligning prosperity with personal values and dreams.


    About Lyn Hawkins:

    Lyn is the Founder and National Director of Business Women Australia and a management consultant and leadership coach. She is known for her practical focus on achieving growth and transformation. Lyn advises some of Australia’s most successful professional firms and business leadership teams. She is also the WA Director of the Private Wealth Network and mentors Commerce students at UWA. Lyn has held senior roles with KPMG, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Telstra, in addition to General Management roles with technology-based businesses.


    About Business Women Australia:


    BWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;

    •business owners and entrepreneurs

    •executives and managers

    •professionals

    •women on boards

    •emerging leaders

    •women who desire growth and high level connections


    Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;

    •Leadership

    •Business Improvement

    •Personal and Professional Growth

    •Connections and Friendship


    Join as a member today via https://businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership/


    #BusinessWomenAustralia #BWA #Podcast #Retirement #Women #Wealth #SMSF #FinancialPlan #Freedom #FutureReady

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    51 m
  • Solving the Growth Puzzle with Sonya Georgievski
    Jul 25 2025

    In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges facing business owners, managers, and CEOs: moving from the chaos of today into a clear, focused growth strategy. Our guest, Sonya, Founder and Director of EOX Business Partners and Deputy CEO, joins Lyn Hawkins, National Director of Business Women Australia to help unravel the complexity that holds leaders back.


    Whether it’s constant firefighting, revenue instability, team capacity issues, or the difficulty of accessing capital — Sonya helps leaders step back, reflect, and see the bigger picture. Like a trusted co-pilot, she supports business leaders in identifying the priority pieces of their growth puzzle: the right people in the right roles, streamlined processes, and empowered leadership teams.


    Sonya shares how she brings clarity to the table, carving out space for strategic thinking and driving implementation with a practical, human approach. Known for her ability to navigate tough conversations and connect authentically, Sonya brings her deep expertise and lived experience to help businesses create actionable roadmaps — and actually stick to them.


    In this episode, we explore:

    1. What’s really stopping businesses from growing (and it’s not just about money).

    2. How leaders can step back without stepping away.

    3. Why capacity and clarity are the real game changers.

    4. The importance of team structure, empowerment, and accountability.

    5. How Sonya helps CEOs turn vision into results — without burning out.


    This is a must-listen for CEOs, founders, and managers who feel stretched too thin and know they need to shift gears — but aren’t sure where to start.


    About Sonya Georgievski:

    Sonya is a seasoned business performance consultant with over 30 years in the corporate sector, renowned for her sharp strategic mind and ability to deliver impactful, transformational results. She helps businesses align people, processes, and systems to achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and growth. Passionate about making a difference, Sonya brings heart, integrity, and focus to everything she does—whether building high-performing teams or driving systemic change.


    A proud mother of three, including premature twin boys, her lived experience inspired her to co-found All About Prems, Bedrest, Birth and Beyond, supporting thousands of families with premature and sick babies.


    Sonya has also dedicated over 15 years to the Not-for-Profit sector, contributing to education and health initiatives. She is a fierce advocate for psychological safety in the workplace, especially for women and minorities impacted by systemic bullying.


    She holds an MBA from the University of Melbourne, is an accredited project manager, and certified in Lean Six Sigma. Outside of work, Sonya enjoys coastal living on the Bellarine Peninsula, coffee, good books, and time with her family—including the beloved family dog.


    About Lyn Hawkins:

    Lyn is the Founder and National Director of Business Women Australia and a management consultant and leadership coach. She is known for her practical focus on achieving growth and transformation. Lyn advises some of Australia’s most successful professional firms and business leadership teams. She is also the WA Director of the Private Wealth Network and mentors Commerce students at UWA. Lyn has held senior roles with KPMG, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Telstra, in addition to General Management roles with technology-based businesses.


    About Business Women Australia:


    BWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;

    •business owners and entrepreneurs

    •executives and managers

    •professionals

    •women on boards

    •emerging leaders

    •women who desire growth and high level connections


    Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;

    •Leadership

    •Business Improvement

    •Personal and Professional Growth

    •Connections and Friendship


    Join as a member today via https://businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership/

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    47 m