Six years ago, I started a business.

I thought the hardest part would be building it.

What I didn’t realize yet was that the business would end up rebuilding me.

Over the last six years I’ve learned lessons about leadership, resilience, and people that no business book prepares you for.

Some of those lessons were hard.

Some were painful.

But every one of them shaped the leader I am today.

One truth took me years to understand:

When a woman stops seeking approval, she becomes very difficult to control.

Women in business are not small. We are not less.

We are not secondary voices waiting to be invited in.

We are leaders.

We are builders.

We are decision makers.

This article shares the moments that shaped that belief for me.

When women come together with intention, the results are extraordinary. New partnerships form, mentorships emerge, and doors open that might have otherwise remained closed.

In both life and business, relationships are everything. Success is not just about what you know or how hard you work. It is about who you surround yourself with and the trust you build along the way. At this stage, I no longer have the time or energy for transactional interactions, uncertainty, or one-sided relationships. What truly matters to me is authenticity, trust, and mutual support.

Relationships are more than just social interactions; they are the threads that weave our emotional, professional, and personal lives together. Genuine connections offer a support system, a sense of belonging, and the motivation to push forward, especially during difficult times. These relationships empower us to grow, challenge us to be better, and provide comfort when life becomes overwhelming.

In the world of business, networking events are seen as invaluable opportunities to foster connections, drive growth, and create long-lasting relationships. While many believe that organizing a networking event is as simple as picking a venue and inviting professionals, the truth is, curating a truly meaningful event requires much more than that.