Women's Network August 2019 | Page 4

editor's LETTER Being authentic and being real - is accepting that you are not flawless. You may have doubts; and maybe you make mistakes, and are afraid of showing your true emotions. You are only human, just like me (and the rest of the world). Authenticity is not about being perfect but being true to yourself. Since taking over the network in 2017, I have worked hard at getting back to the foundations that make this Network – the longest running fasting growing network nationally. Building connections, collaborating and making it real. Fast forward to the present, and it is time that I shared my story – the person behind the scenes, who makes it happen. I AM passionate about making a difference - being a voice for women in business, no matter what stage of their business journey. To have purpose and passion makes it easier to bounce back in challenging times by providing perspective, stability, confidence and determination. It’s much harder to be defeated when you are passionate and purposeful about your journey. For instance, most people don’t realize that Richard Branson has dyslexia, which made him a poor student, so he faced adversity well before his first start-up effort. Yet he was able to use his dynamic and powerful personality to drive him to success. Today, Branson is known for over 400 companies, many very technologically advanced and he is the fourth richest person in the United Kingdom. So facing challenges, disappointment and frustration is incredibly important to understanding what it takes to be successful. What is my greatest piece of advice for men and women? Back yourself! Business ownership is challenging, it takes confidence, a fighting spirit and passion to develop and succeed as an entrepreneur. Women’s Network Australia has always challenged what some consider being “the norm”. Our magazine offers you the opportunity to think outside the box and face adversity and challenges. Download to your smart device as you are in for a treat. Get immersed in the real stories, flick through the vast content of knowledge covering everything from marketing, leadership, finance, business development and life skills. This is all aimed at ensuring you have the best chance of leading your small business to success. Please remember to support our contributors and advertisers – click on the links and read more about what is behind their organisation. Better still, pick up the phone and have a real conversation and say hello. J AN E L L E B O S T O C K Chief Executive Officer & Editor-in-Chief 4 Women’s Network Magazine Janelle Bostock xx