‘Self made’ is a combination of words that assert independence, vision and tenacity — which are perfect descriptors for entrepreneurs Jo Burston (founder Inspiring Rare Birds), Le Ho (Director Sustainable Solutions Group), Sheree Rubinstein (CEO, One Roof), Dr Viv Waller (Managing Partner, Waller Legal) and Bec Blurton (CEO Moorditj) each of whom will be sharing their stories in #SelfMade breakout session at Breakthrough 2016. Hear more about these trailblazing women and what success means to them — tickets on sale now.
To be self made, you have reached that point in the horizon marked ‘success’. But as we know, success is not a fixed point, clear and defined. The hallmarks of success are different for all of us, and so too is the journey.
For some, their professional path is made easier by the array of like mentors they find along the way. But for many entrepreneurial women, they have to look to themselves (and each other) as a source of strength and inspiration.
At a time when only 17% of CEOs are women, we need to hear from more women like these who have overcome the barriers. Through sharing our entrepreneurial journeys, even more women will take the plunge, and succeed.
Meet five women who are forging their own path and creating a space for themselves and others in business:
Jo Burston
CEO Job Capital, founder Inspiring Rare Birds
Sharing entrepreneurial journeys is something Jo is very passionate about. So far, she has published three books – Brilliant BusinessKids (Rare Birds), Australia’s 50 Influential Women Entrepreneurs (Rare Birds) and #IFSHECANICAN. She is a powerhouse, determined to create real opportunities for women and girls.
“I want to see 1 million more women entrepreneurs within the next 10 years, globally. That is our mission at Rare Birds. We want to inspire women. We want to give current entrepreneurs a voice. We want to allow them to tell their story and share it with our global community, so that a few years from now, when you ask a young girl what she wants to be when she grows up, it’s not so surprising when she says she wants to own her own company or maybe even change the world.”
Le Ho
Director, Aspiring Promotions, Zero Waste Management and Sustainable Solutions Group
“The importance of gender equality resonates deeply with me, having significantly influenced my entrepreneurial plight thus far. I believe women should not have to fight for parity; it should be a birthright.” – Le Ho
Le Ho has had the kind of business journey that makes you sit up and take notice. She arrived in Australia as a refugee from Vietnam, successfully carved out a name for herself in Bridal wear and then moved onto failing company, Capital City Waste. Despite the mounting odds, Le soon turned that business into a winner, and later successfully sold and exited the business. Today, she wears many hats as the Director of a range of companies. The word ‘tenacious’ is apt.
Sheree Rubinstein
CEO, One Roof
“I do what I do every single day because my purpose is to support and empower women and girls to thrive.”
Sheree Rubinstein started out as a corporate lawyer at one of Australia’s top tier firms but felt that world wasn’t for her. Instead, she began channeling energy into her real passion — gender equality. This led to the creation of One Roof, a women focussed initiative and co-working space that nurtures the talents of women. Sheree acknowledges that there is still a long way to go until we have gender equality, a fact which only spurs her on.
“Events like Breakthrough give me the hope and motivation to keep doing what I do every single day. I am excited to share a room with people who are not only passionate about driving gender equality but who are taking actionable steps to bring about meaningful change.”
Dr. Viv Waller
Managing Partner, Waller Legal
Dr Viv Waller is no stranger to taking on big and important challenges. A solicitor, her practice Waller Legal, represents people who have been sexually assaulted and those who were sexually abused, abused or neglected as a child. Waller Legal is a voice for those who need it most.
She has been a lawyer since 1995 and represented victims/survivors of sexual assault for over 20 years. She is experienced, independent and fearless — exactly the sort of person you want in your corner.
Bec Blurton
Managing Director, Indigenous Women in Business, CEO Moorditj
Bec Blurton knows the deep significance of defining success on your own terms. A Noongar woman from Perth (now living in Melbourne) her passion for Indigenous self-determination comes through in her work with Indigenous Women in Business and Moorditj.
Bec is dedicated to creating business opportunities for Indigenous Australians that are in balance with community and culture. A strong believer in equality for all, Bec views gender equality as completely ‘non-negotiable’.
“When women come together and share knowledge and experiences, it builds us up. A shift happens. I’m excited to share. I’m excited to learn. I can’t wait to see what ideas/conversations/collaborations come to life after Breakthrough.”
Hear more about the unique entrepreneurial journeys of Jo Burston, Le Ho, Sheree Rubinstein, Dr Viv Waller and Bec Blurton in #SelfMade as part of Breakthrough 2016 — and join us in shaping the future of equality.
