Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network

As a professional celebrater of life, it would not come as a surprise to you that I absolutely love this time of year and totally immerse myself in Christmas spirit. I also recognise that it is not an easy time of year for all and that 2022 has thrown its curve balls that many of us are exhausted from catching, or are still juggling ferociously to keep them in the air.

What makes me most proud looking back at 2022 for SCBWN is the incredibly supportive, warm and welcoming community that has spread amongst our members and event attendees. I have left every event filled with inspiration, motivation and renewed energy to be at my best for the next month. That is because of the people that come together and openly share their learnings, strategies and challenges to support or encourage another. It is simply incredible!

It has been a big year for SCBWN with continual growth in member numbers, attendance at events remaining strong, the introduction of our Coffee Catchups, the launch of our Empower Program giving back to members, and the professional growth opportunity provided to all members to learn more about themselves through our strengths workshops. We remain at the forefront of women's issues through our advocacy initiatives and focused on enhanced communication and culture building within our network with an enviable members only Facebook group delivering engagement that I would guess is unrivalled amongst other Chambers and networks.

The 2022 Awards program delivered yet more outstanding women in business and continued to surprise and delight us all with the women who are giving life their all, solving problems, innovating and leading with integrity and care.

The introduction of the Purple Squad this year was an absolute highlight for me as I see more and more people wanting to be involved and spreading that SCBWN spirit throughout the network, and community afar. Thank you to all of those that have been part of the squad as you make sure that nobody is left standing alone and provide us with valuable insight into what we are doing well (or not).

Of course no leader stands alone and it is the collective efforts, strengths, expertise and passion of 11 other extraordinary humans that make SCBWN what it is. Thank you to VP Paula Williamson, Treasurer Anita Cunningham, Secretary Jaymee Morrison, and the entire SCBWN Executive Kaitlyn Akers, Lizzie Henebery, Natalie Crombie, Kate Langford, Naomi Elliott, Lisa Wilson, Jeanette Allom-Hill and Clare McCarthy. The volunteer contributions of this team is astounding and so immensely appreciated. We are also supported by two amazing individuals Annika Lee-Jones and Amanda Nathaniel who are an absolute credit to SCBWN and who we receive such glowing feedback about. Thank you Annika and Amanda.

As we turn our attention to 2023 and prepare for what life may throw at us, our focus will be on delivering support mechanisms to our members that allows them to be the best they can be in 2023. We are launching a podcast, reviewing our event model, accelerating our professional growth initiatives and continuing to strengthen the support network within our membership so that our members have access to what they need to make 2023 a defining year.

After and incredibly epic 2022, I am personally looking forward to a rest over the holiday season, and I wish you and yours, everything and more. Whether you are working or taking a break, may you remember that nothing is more important than telling the people in your life that they matter.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, and I look forward to being back in 2023 with less black bags under my eyes and ready to stand beside you all as we showcase, celebrate and empower women in business.

Min Swan
President