Jessica Anuna is the 27-year-old founder and CEO of online fashion retailer Klasha, selling fashion to millennials in Africa. Klasha is backed by Techstars and Ginco Investments in Dubai and is based in Lagos with a team of six. They deliver in 1-5 days across Africa and sell affordable fashion under $100 with payments in all African currencies. Jessica is ex-Amazon, Net-a-porter and Shopify and has lived and worked in Shanghai, Dubai, Paris and London.
One of the key ingredients of success for any entrepreneur is to be truly passionate about what you do. But what does it really take to leave a secure corporate career and turn your hobby or interest into a profitable business? On October 21st we are tapping into the trade secrets and compelling journeys of three award-winning entrepreneurs who did exactly that.
Louise Fogharty is Vice President, Financing & Consulting for South Fraser Area at BDC. She is also the Executive Sponsor of the Bank’s Women Entrepreneurs’ initiative for the BC & North region. A passionate supporter of women entrepreneurs her entire career, Louise is an active member of the ecosystem that exists to support and promote women entrepreneurs, including being a volunteer mentor to young women entrepreneurs through the Futurepreneur mentorship programme.
Can changing a physical workplace foster inclusion? Barbara Mason, Group Head and Chief Human Resources Officer at Scotiabank, explains how an “Activity-Based Working” approach to their office design created a space that enables all employees to work when, where, and how they choose — demolishing barriers, increasing engagement, and ensuring everyone is enabled to be their very best.
Christine Laperriere is the Executive Director of the Women of Influence Advancement Centre and author of the bestseller, Too Busy To Be Happy. She’s also experienced burnout first hand — and credits her personal journey for teaching her the importance of growing self-aware of what impacts stress levels, and the importance of finding some useful practices (beyond meditation) that can really help cut down pressure and reconnect to the present moment.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or working in a corporate environment, the experiences that we face as women are often completely misunderstood, and lead to stigmatization — or worse yet, penalization. On October 29, we sit down with three groundbreaking experts who will not only share their personal stories, but also reveal key learnings for any woman navigating mental health, ageism or fertility challenges.
The Ones to Watch Award celebrates an entrepreneur who may not meet the criteria for the other awards but who demonstrates incredible potential through their innovative ideas, keen business sense and solid plans for future profitable growth. Meet our 2019 winners Benveet Gill (ReYu Paralysis Recovery Centre), Melissa Kargiannakis (skritswap), Melinda Rombouts (Eve & Co Cannabis), Dina Kulik (Kidcrew), and Lisa Ali Learning (AtlanTick Repellant Products Inc.).
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From invaluable career advice to inspiring profiles of women who’ve made it, Women of Influence has partnered with Smith School of Business to bring you the Step Ahead: Preparing for Senior Leadership series.
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Meet Autumn Peltier: 14-year-old internationally recognized clean water advocate and the Anishinabek Nation chief water commissioner
Mandy’s Salads grew from a counter in a clothing store to seven Montreal locations — here’s how they’re keeping the growth going
Meet Diana Olsen: the founder of Balzac’s Coffee Roasters 
One bad habit you can stop today to greatly reduce stress
Six books for empowering girls
The three skill sets you need to excel in a changing business environment
