This year the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network (SCBWN) is celebrating a momentous 25 YEARS since the incorporation of the Network under the name 'Women in the Workforce'.

To celebrate this great milestone we are recognising those that have put so much into the long-term sustainability of SCBWN. We are incredibly excited to share with you all the interviews of our devoted past presidents and share their stories of personal contribution and their legacy to SCBWN over the years!

Back in 1998, Michelle Hamer was asked if she would like to be involved with facilitating the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Awards. Little did she know, that saying yes to this opportunity would not only contribute to her being elected as President of the network two years later, be awarded a lifetime membership in 2007 for her contribution to the Awards, but in 2023 year celebrate 14 years as the chair of the Awards. Michelle has been an integral part of SCBWN for over two decades and continues to be a fierce supporter of women in business on the Sunshine Coast.

Michelle, what brought you to the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network and why did you get involved?

“My first interaction with the SCBWN was in 1998 when Celena Ross as President asked me to facilitate the launch of the Business Women’s Awards, as I was involved in the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) awards. Subsequently Sally Scott (then deputy chair of the Network) nominated me to become president. I had never considered being a president, it just wasn’t on my radar. When it happened, I was surprised but thought ‘let’s do this’. So, I resigned my AIM chair role and joined the Business Women’s Network as President in 2000.”

What are your fondest memories of the network?

“That’s an interesting question because there are so many… and fond memories continue to. My biggest surprise was when Karen Neuendorf awarded me life membership for my contribution to the Business Women’s Awards in 2007 on the Awards night. It was really special. We were up at Twin Waters and about halfway through the night the host Catherine O’Sullivan went off script, and I thought ‘Oh, what is happening?’. Karen was invited to the stage and she gave a beautiful speech as she always does, and announced the Network was awarding me life membership. My life membership is for my contribution to the Awards, it’s not about being a president as if often the case. If I had known it was coming, I would have sat there and listened properly, but I was thinking ‘Oh my gosh, we’re off script!’ - that would be my personal fondest memory.”

What did you want to achieve/your legacy/most proud moment within the network?

“My legacy is not about things we achieved while I was president, it’s about the Awards. It’s about celebrating the success of women. I’ve been so fortunate that my mother, as a businesswoman, was a leader in real estate, and she was the first female REIQ president. The awards to me are what I hope people associate me most with… and while the Network is celebrating its 25th year anniversary, I am celebrating 14 years as the chair of the Awards.”

That’s just incredible isn’t it?

“It is. I have had the pleasure to listen to various women talking about being involved in the awards and what it has given to them. Many people say it has changed their lives!”

What are your hopes for women in business, both now and in the future?

“I think Kellie Simkin, our 2022 Micro-Small Business Woman of the Year, nailed this. She talks about backing yourself. My hope for women in business now and in the future, is that they learn to back themselves. Sure, it’s critical to identify the risks, put boundaries around the financial risks but don’t let paralysis by analysis overtake what you are doing. If you’ve analysed the risks and you understand what the downside is, work out how to back yourself and just do it. ‘What’s the worst thing someone can say to you?’ It’s NO, and that’s not actually too bad.”

What was your greatest challenge as a woman in business when you were president and what do you think the greatest challenge that businesswomen face today?

“Often women don’t believe they are in a business. Often, they consider what they are doing is a hobby, rather than a business. The other side is, they are often all doing the hard yards and they put somebody else in front. That person is often their husband or their life partner, and they just don’t recognise themselves as businesswomen. And I still find that with businesswomen today. When they get their nomination letter and I call them to say congratulations, they then often come back and say, ‘but I’m not a businesswoman.’ And I say, ‘what do you mean?’

I think this comeback is particularly relevant in the health industry, even more than in other industries, because there are a lot of women in the health industry. I read in 2022-2023, Australia spent $150 billion in the health industry. That’s 16.8% of the Australian Government budget. The predominant gender in the health industry is female, and they’re often not considering themselves as being in business, and I say, ‘but you are!’ I think one of the greatest challenges facing women, is often not recognising that they are businesswomen and learning to stand up and go ‘yes I am’.

I also consider the women in my age demographic are probably being challenged balancing their family, their parents, and their businesses. You sort of think that when you are approaching my age, that you are actually going to enjoy the last period of your business, but then you are managing your family life again.”

What would you like to see the network do next?

“I recognise that there are so many activities grabbing women’s time. One of the things I see the Network doing really well at the moment is offering three different outlets for women in business.

There are the primary events, which we’ve been offering since conception, but I hear so many women talking about the coffee catch-ups and the sunset sessions. I would love to see these 2 styles of events continue. I think that most women like having that time to be with like-minded people, it’s not a huge time commitment, and it suits their timetable.

I encourage the network to continue with that model going forward.” 

What are your thoughts on business and the economy on the Sunshine Coast now and looking forward to the next decade?

“As a young girl growing up on the Coast from the age of six, the Coast's economy was built around tourism and service industries. With mum in real estate, I remember collecting trays of fruit, and delivering these to the different blocks of units that were rented out for the summer. When you look today, you see the coast becoming a leader in many industries. For example, in agriculture. Roz White did an interview recently and spoke of over 200 local providers. That’s a huge industry in itself. Another is the health and science industries. SCUH becoming the first digital hospital in Queensland and there’s the Thompson Institute which is all about mind and brain. The Aviation industry; with Bonza turning up. I also see the clean technology sector growing on the Sunshine Coast. We’ve diversified from being a tourist destination and I think there are so many industries that we don’t even realise are happening here. I believe the local economy has a hidden strength and with the promotion around buying locally, we are actually supporting ourselves and we will continue to grow.”

Michelle, what are you up to now?

“Right now, I have just wrapped up the 2023 Awards program. This is nearly a full-time role for the duration of the Awards in supporting the over 160 women who were nominated. The process is about encouraging the women to feel comfortable and confident to actually put their submissions forward, and that’s going back to backing yourself.

But in business, last year I made a conscious decision to step back from my successful training and consulting business and to share my 30 years of Microsoft knowledge through my new site smartlearning.com.au. This business is starting to reap rewards. Learning to go back and set up a business again is quite interesting at 60. I’m really excited about the business, and I’m still working with a government client every Wednesday. So, while the next season of life is approaching, I’m enjoying the give back and working with only a couple of clients, rather than a lot of clients!”

Do you have a message of encouragement for women in business today?

“This totally relates back to what I said before: back yourself and build a tight network around you to encourage you to keep going. There are great days, there are good days and there are some that need a bit of sparkle, so build your network and they will help you.”

On Thursday August 10, together with our valued sponsors, finalists and guests, we held our much-anticipated 24^th Annual Awards night.

The event served as a platform to honour and celebrate a remarkable and diverse assembly of businesswomen who have left an ingrained impact across multiple industries within our region.

This year, the prestigious Outstanding Business Woman of the Year was awarded to Renee Cooper from Indepth Accounting.

Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network 2023 award recipients:

Corporate Business Woman of the Year – Angela Tondelstrand, Catton & Tondelstrand Lawyers

Professional Business Woman of the Year – Anna Owen, Sunshine Coast Grammar School

Young Business Woman of the Year – Josie Collins, Helimods

Micro/Small Business Woman of the Year – Beth O’Leary, Woombye Cheese Company

Sustainable Business Woman of the Year – Jacqui Atique, ECOllaboration

Outstanding Business Woman of the Year – Renee Cooper, Indepth Accounting 

SCBWN president Min Swan extends heartfelt congratulations to all nominees, finalists and winners of this year’s awards.

“The awards are a celebration of the dedication, resilience and grit of every single businesswoman on the Sunshine Coast,” Ms Swan says.

“Every year I am reminded that we are surrounded by truly inspirational women who are at the forefront of their industries, right here in our region.

“Continuously, I am in awe of the stories we learn and the people we meet as part of the awards process.

Building an impactful business is not easy and so it’s wonderful to see these women reflect on and be acknowledged for their dedication and commitment to their careers and businesses.

“Their courage, diversity and innovation are the essential attributes that will help us navigate the future as we continue to grow and strengthen business on the Sunshine Coast.”t

As the overall winner, Ms Cooper will also receive a major media prize worth $15,000 thanks to our media partners Sunshine Coast News, 91.9 Sea FM, 92.7 Mix FM, Channel 10 and Listnr.

Thanks to our event photographer Eyes Wide Open Images for capturing our finalists, award winners, entertainment and sponsors throughout the evening on stage, in the green room and moments throughout the night.

Thank you to Jaya of Empire Art Photography for capturing your fantastic social photos and turning them around so fast so that we could share them so soon after the event.

Thank you to our sponsors for all your support and helping us bring to life the 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Woman of the Year Awards:

Pacific Law

Sunshine Coast Council

Pacific Ford Sunshine Coast

University of the Sunshine Coast

Westfund Health Insurance

Home Care Assistance Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay

BOQ Maroochydore

Natalie and Mitch - Sinclair Property Group

91.9 SEA FM

92.7 MIX FM

SCA

My Weekly Preview

Sunshine Coast News

Empire Art Photography

Bli Bli Boardrooms

This glamorous gala event is one of the most prestigious nights on the Sunshine Coast’s business and social calendar and consistently draws a gathering of more than 300 esteemed business leaders, dignitaries and sponsors.

This year the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network (SCBWN) is celebrating a momentous 25 YEARS since the incorporation of the network after its humble beginnings as Women in the Workforce.

To celebrate this great milestone we are recognising those that have put so much into the long-term sustainability of SCBWN. We are incredibly excited to share with you all the interviews of our devoted past presidents and share their stories of personal contribution and their legacy to SCBWN over the years!

When Celena Ross joined a Women in the Workforce lunch in 1992, she enjoyed attending lunches and connecting with other small business women. In 1994 she became an integral part of the committee and sparked a new wave of progression, including initiating changing the name to the now widely-known Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network.

Celena, how did you join the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network/what brought you to it?

At the time it was called “Women in the Workforce”. I had moved up from Victoria and had gone to their very first lunch in 1992 and it was just a small group of women that met socially once a month for lunch to get to know other women. My husband and I had moved up from Victoria and had management rights in Maroochydore so it was about networking and making contacts.

In 1994 they needed a new newsletter editor and it was around that time the group was struggling with attendance numbers at the lunches. I went to a lunch at Alexandra Headland and at that stage the numbers had dwindled. I volunteered to take on the role of newsletter editor as I had a journalism/writing background and I immediately started to source dynamic and interesting speakers. This was pre-internet days so I would go down to the library, I’d flick through the Courier Mail and I would buy the Sunshine Coast Daily. I started to look for business award winners and women who had written books. I instigated the change of the meeting time to breakfast instead of lunch because of the low numbers and the fact it may have been difficult for women to attend in the middle of the day. Breakfast events immediately attracted larger numbers and it was from that time that I morphed into a volunteer coordinator role. I had experience in event management, marketing and journalism and I had an instinctive vision of for how the organisation could develop and flourish.

At the time I was also the coordinator for what was called at the time ‘Go Mooloolaba Chamber Of Commerce’ and was writing feature articles for the local Weekender Newspaper. I linked both Go Mooloolaba and the Women in the Workforce for publicity and organised some large joint events and in doing so, the whole time I was out there talking to people to encourage them to join both or either organisation. I took the membership numbers of both groups from initially around 45 to over 200 members. They were the top organisations on the Coast to be seen at and to belong to. I initiated strategic planning the structure of a professional and training committee, a mentoring committee, the awards committee and the marketing committee with the Chair of each represented on the Executive committee.

When I was appointed the Regional Coordinator of Office of Women’s Policy it enabled me to link into government contacts and resources. This role and subsequent roles as Business and Economic Development officer for government enabled me to tap into key people and resources and the ability to link at all levels of government and from small to large businesses. 

When I took on the newsletter and marketing role I knew it was critical to obtain the lawyers, banks, large and small corporate organisations and encourage them to identify women in their business to join as members. We started to get members representing Council, banks, law firms and other middle to large corporate businesses. In pre-internet days, I would stand at my fax machine for a day-and-a-half until I had 100 attending every monthly breakfast.

I had a passion for helping women and one of the things that I’ve always done is talk to them to find out what they do, and in that discussion I’d learn what help they might need, or what difficulties they were having.

One of the things that I’m really proud of is establishing the strategic structure, another is changing the name of the network as I knew for the group to flourish and be seen as professional it needed a strong structure and a professional title so government and large corporate business would take note, include us in regional planning sessions, and turn to for feedback with development of policies and events. 

What are your fondest memories of the network?

I’m grateful for the fact that we had fun, we worked hard but we had much laughter and a lot of friendships developed. Everyone was so committed. I am proud that I had the vision for the first ever Women’s Expo held at the Sunshine Coast University. There are so many memories of a huge amount of work accomplished and now the satisfaction of seeing how the foundations have supported the ongoing development of the network.

I had the leadership, vision and drive but it means nothing if you don’t have a team of people supporting you. I’ve always said everything I’ve achieved in my volunteer and career life is because of the women who believed in my vision and helped me to achieve it. One of the other memories is of Cheryl Picton. She was expecting her first baby and she was in labour in the hospital completing the documentation for our very first and successful corporate directorship grant.

What did you want to achieve/your legacy/most proud moment within the network?

For me what I’m most proud of is the foundation I put down and the structure that I put into place with those committees. I’m proud of the foundations I worked hard to create over the two years before turning into the Sunshine Coast Women’s Business Network by getting the membership up, the publicity, the buy-in from all levels of government and media. I’m also proud of the moment after so many years working as a volunteer coordinator we could finally employ a part time coordinator, Kim Curd.

What I had put into place was the communication. I’m proud of my vision, I’m proud of the leadership, but I absolutely acknowledge that I had the most fantastic group of women and we had fun! 

I am proud of the legacy of hundreds of women who have benefited from membership, and participated on the committees. I’m proud of the award winners and the women who had the passion and skills to further develop the financial viability of the network. 

What are your hopes for women in business now and into the future?

I’ve always hoped that women will help other women with no expectation of any kind of payback. I hope that women would be looking to other women in terms of how they can help them, not what’s in it for them. That’s how I always operated. If I go to an event and I see someone by themselves, I speak to them and bring them into a group of other women who are there by themselves. It’s the little things that we can help with.

I think it’s more important than ever for business women to be establishing contacts and doing it with authenticity and no expectation. Now with social media and technology the focus can be so short so it’s harder business women to really get their message across. Their marketing and personal relationships are going to be absolutely critical and that’s one thing that doesn’t change. 

What do you believe is a challenge for women in business today?

The challenges are about getting your messaging across. It’s such a crowded, noisy market with social media and that’s why it comes down to those personal challenges. When I first started, there was no internet and everything took ten times the amount of time that it did now. Now you have the ability to reach so many so quickly but you’re competing with everyone else who is doing the same. So, I think the challenge is having yourself heard, having your marketing and communication seen and to be acted on.

Do you have a message of encouragement for women in business today?

If you love what you do and have a passion for what you do, it won’t feel like you’re working.  Don’t make the mistake of having a business that’s really nothing more than a job and so therefore you won’t have your business plan in place. It won’t be sufficient enough for you to grow. It’s great to have an idea but if you really love it and have a passion for it, go and get yourself educated on everything you can possibly do to make that a successful business.  I hope that recorded documentation of my volunteer work will inspire Maddy and Chloe and future grandchildren. 

Celena is currently running a Sunshine Coast over 60’s SOLO women’s group which she founded for other widows, divorced/single, or retired women to connect.

This year the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network (SCBWN) is celebrating a momentous 25 YEARS since the incorporation of the network after its humble beginnings as Women in the Workforce.

To celebrate this great milestone we are recognising those that have put so much into the long-term sustainability of SCBWN. We are incredibly excited to share with you all the interviews of our devoted past presidents and share their stories of personal contribution and their legacy to SCBWN over the years!

Bebe Mawer is the driving force behind what is now known as the very successful Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network. Like many of our good ideas, she was sitting around a kitchen table with a bottle of red wine and two other women (Marilyn Manning and Sheryl Wendt), working out how to plan a women’s networking club. From here, Women in the Workforce was born in 1992.

Bebe, what was your drive for starting the network?

“There was a need for working women to network with other working women. It was about helping business women with their ideas to grow their business, achieve their goals, and focus individually and collectively on their strengths, hopes and dreams for the future rather than sit there and focus on their problems and weaknesses. We wanted to offer encouragement and support, give them purpose and build a community around connection and networking. We also wanted to encourage leadership in women and provide mentorship. In those days there weren't many women in leadership positions and there was no such thing as mentorship.”

What are your fondest memories?

“Definitely at the beginning when I was sitting around Marilyn Manning’s kitchen table with a bottle of red while we were working out how to plan a business women’s networking club and what our goals were. We had a couple of local speakers to kick it off, and I have to say having six people at that first meeting, we thought ‘wow we got 6 different women’ - it was quite a big deal. When it started to grow, I suppose the biggest coo of the time was getting Flo Bjelke-Peterson as a speaker who was very much into the development of women. Our second big speaker after that was Lisa Wilkinson, so we got a couple of big speakers one after the other then it grew from about 10 members to about 70 members.”

 

What did you want to achieve/your legacy/most proud moment within the network?

“What I wanted was to be successful. My message was lead by example, work hard and share the journey with other women. I like to foster talent, see opportunities and unlock those opportunities and give a helping hand. Through networking  and mentoring we were able to inspire and encourage women by showing them that there are diverse opportunities beyond traditional roles like waitressing or working in retail stores. We wanted to show them there was an opportunity for them to run their own business or even be a CEO one day.”

What are your hopes for women in business now and into the future?

“I’d like to see a stronger representation of women in leadership roles. I know it’s growing but it’s still very much an issue. Women in leadership positions bring a unique set of skills and as women gain more power and influence in business, they bring with them fresh ideas and innovation, across a whole range of industries. I suppose women offer what they call a higher value of softer skills and emotional intelligence than men, so their competencies in those areas, statistically are much better at conflict management, teamwork, interacting with change, and fostering diversity. I’m hoping in the future to see more women dreaming big and aspiring to leadership positions. I was brought up with six brothers, I was the only girl and I’ve never thought of men and women, or boys and girls, I alway believed I was equal and knew that I had to play better football than my brothers and be quicker than my brothers and smarter than my brothers. Not because they were boys and I was a girl, it was just what I brought up to do, compete with them and make sure I was an equal with them. I pulled a lot of strength from my brothers.”

What was the greatest challenge as a woman in business when you were president?

“I think the greatest problem back then was navigating the harmful social norms and stereotypes that permeated society at the time. Challenging the status quo was not an easy task. Women were often perceived as ‘junior players’ and there was and underlying fear among men when confronted with successful women in their industries. If they weren’t completely ignorant, they would recognise that the woman had more to contribute rather than their appearance. One of the significant challenges I encountered was being the only female in the room during meetings with male counterparts. That can be really overwhelming. However, by exuding confidence and showing my strength and knowledge, I managed to rise above thise circumstances and gain acceptance from my male colleagues. So in the future I’m hoping that girls and women will embrtace self-confidence, pursue their ambitions, and acquire a deep understanding of their fields so that they can demonstrate their expertise - equal to or even surpassing their male counterparts. It is crucial for them to showcase their capabilities and be recognised for their competence in all areas traditionally dominated by men.”

What would you like to see the network do next?

“In my opinion it’s challenging to provide an informed perspective due to my limited involvement.  However, I believe it’s time to foster gender integration within the network. Maintaining separate men’s and women’s clubs perpetuates outdated practices from the past. To cultivate respect and understanding we should aim for integrated networking that enables men and women to interact and appreciate each other’s unique strengths. Although this may be a significant shift, I firmly believe it is the direction we should embrace moving forward.”

What are your thoughts on business and economy on the Sunshine Coast now and looking over the next decade?

“I believe the Sunshine Coast offers a competitive business environment along with a high value economy. I think innovation and technology have emerged as strong drivers of growth in the region. The upcoming Olympics are expected to have a positive impact on property markets, job opportunities and the tourism sector which will likely continue to grow. However there is room for improvement in terms of implementing stricter practices in best tourist industry to enhance its overall quality. I think the Sunshine Coast has always lagged a little bit and they need to sharpen their tools. The region is attracrting a significant influx of immigrants, indicating a promising future for the Sunshine Coast for job opportunities, economic growth, and business prospects. While it may have taken some time for the Sunshine Coast to fully thrive, it is steadily progressing towards its potential.”

Do you have a message of encouragement for women in business today?

“I think it’s important to create an active work-life blend. Everyone talks about a healthy work life balance, but I think it’s about finding a blend that works for you. It’s essential to intergrate your  work, family, and personal life in a way that promotes overall well-being. It may be challenging but with determination and effective time management, you can master your schedule. Today, we have the advantage of flexibility with options like remote work, office work, or part-time arrangements. By setting strategic and realistic goals for both your career and personal life, you can create a healthy lifestyle that harmonises your various responsibilities and aspirations. Remember, you have the power to shape your own path and find fulfillment in all aspects of your life.”

Bebe Mawer remained at the helm of Women in the Workforce up until 1994. She is currently the General Manager of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia - the national peak body that oversees all the states.

This year the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network (SCBWN) is celebrating a momentous 25 YEARS since the incorporation of the network after its humble beginnings as Women in the Workforce.

That's 25 years of successfully running a not-for-profit organisation where hundreds of women from diverse backgrounds and industries can connect, support each other, share experiences and empower each other to succeed in their careers and reach their full potential.

The success of SCBWN is a testament to the power of community and the importance of supporting and uplifting one another. The past 25 years could not have been possible without our dedicated group of volunteers who make up our executive committee, and the amazing members who volunteer their time in support of the network.

To celebrate this great milestone we are recognising those that have put so much into the long-term sustainability of SCBWN. We are incredibly excited to share with you all the interviews of our devoted past presidents and share their stories of personal contribution and their legacy to SCBWN over the years!

We will be sharing these interviews from now until the end of the year through blogs and social media, and by doing this we hope to provide our members with valuable insights to help them grow personally and professionally. We encourage our members both past and present to join us in this journey by sharing their own SCBWN memories and achievements on their social channels and tagging #scbwn25

Our current president Min Swan shared her pride for the ambitious leadership of the SCBWN over the years which has contributed immensely to the network's growth.

"The success of the network is attributed to the vision and dedication of our past presidents as each leader has brought a unique perspective and skillset to the role, shaping the direction of the group and building on the work of those who came before them.

"Through their leadership, these phenomenal women have helped to establish our mission, values, and culture, and have fostered an environment where women can celebrate, connect, learn and grow," she said.

We're excited to take you on this journey and honour the women who founded SCBWN, as well as all those who have contributed to its success over the past 25 years!

In an exciting development in the Sunshine Coast legal profession, Garland Waddington Solicitors recently merged with Pacific Law, creating one of the largest law firms on the Coast.

Many of you will know Ken Waddington as a longstanding supporter of Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network, having been involved since 2002 as a friend, sponsor and judge of the annual awards.  We are pleased to confirm that Ken and Pacific Law are delighted to take the opportunity to continue the close relationship with SCBWN as we move into the 2023 awards.

Ken says, ‘It has been a privilege to be trusted as a judge of the awards for numerous years and I’ve found sitting in that role a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Applicants share their lives and experiences with the judges, and it has been an honour to assist so many dynamic women reflect on their lives and businesses and meet and assist likeminded women to raise the standard of businesses on the Coast.’

Pacific Law was launched by Calvin Kong, Derek Sky and David Netherton in 2012 and is now a long established law firm specialising in business law, property development, conveyancing and wills and estates across the Sunshine Coast. Ken Waddington, the former principal of Garland Waddington, has been well-known on the Coast for more than 40 years, being one of the Coast’s longest standing and most respected lawyers.

Pacific Law acts for a diverse range of clients, including first home buyers, investors, high net-worth individuals, local and international business owners, property developers and organisations.

From helping local mums and dads to buy their home or to update their wills, to acting for some of Australia’s largest property developers, Pacific Law provides tailored legal services with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes in a responsive, professional and efficient manner.

The Pacific Law team, including Ken, are thrilled to continue to support SCBWN from their new offices in the heart of Maroochydore CBD on Plaza Parade.

Welcome to Pacific Law | Pacific Law | Conveyancing & Business Law 

Have you ever watched and wondered how some women do it? How do they run their businesses, how do they juggle family and work life, how do they come up with incredible ideas, how do they manage to never miss an event or birthday, how do they get such publicity, how do they manage fast and large-scale growth, how do they overcome tragic circumstances, how do they leave corporate life and start something new?

Hosted by SCBWN President Min Swan and SCBWN Advocacy and PR Chair Lizzie Henebery, the podcast aims to go behind the scenes with businesswomen, getting deep on life and business, revealing secrets, triumphs, and challenges, and helping listeners to believe that anything is possible.

Episode one saw Lizzie reveal what went on behind the scenes to enable what appeared to be the overnight success of her marketing and PR company while also processing and recovering from the loss of a child. 

Next up for episode two Min shares the behind-the-scenes life of an event manager, SCBWN president, and single mum of 2 kids with plenty of challenges and curve balls thrown in along the journey including a close brush with death

Listen to episode 2, Mins story here.

We also invite you to nominate who you’d like to hear from in future episodes of the podcast - who has you wondering ‘How does she do it’?  Nominate someone, whether it’s a fellow business woman, your neighbour or a celebrity - we believe everyone is inspiring in their own lives and has a fascinating story to share, so please let us know who we should approach for an upcoming episode.

Click here to fill in the nomination form.

Have you ever watched and wondered how some women do it? How do they run their businesses, how do they juggle family and work life, how do they come up with incredible ideas, how do they manage to never miss an event or birthday, how do they get such publicity, how do they manage fast and large scale growth, how do they overcome tragic circumstances, how do they leave corporate life and start something new? 

There are so many things that other women do and have achieved that have us scratching our heads wondering how it’s at all possible. So with this brand new podcast by the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network we hope to uncover the mysteries and help empower others through the honest stories of real women. 

Hosted by SCBWN President Min Swan and SCBWN Advocacy and PR Chair Lizzie Henebery, the podcast aims to go behind the scenes with business women, getting deep on life and business, revealing secrets, triumphs and challenges, and helping listeners to believe that anything is possible.

To kick-start the podcast series Min and Lizzie have recorded two episodes that place each of them in the hot seat to first answer questions posed by one another and share their own personal stories baring all when it comes to business and life, success and tragedy. 

We’re sure you’ll learn a lot that you wouldn’t previously have known about these two as they reveal deeply personal insights that have not been shared before. So we invite you to listen in and  understand more about the behind the scenes lives of two of your SCBWN committee members. 

Listen to episode 1, Lizzie’s story here.

Trigger warning: this episode discusses stillbirth, death and trauma. 

Sneak peek: Lizzie reveals what went on behind the scenes to enable what appeared to be overnight success of her marketing and PR company while also processing and recovering from the loss of a child. 

Coming up in January 2023 -  Episode 2 - Min’s story

Sneak peek: Min shares the behind the scenes life of an event manager, SCBWN president and single mum of 2 kids with plenty of challenges and curve balls thrown in along the journey including a close brush with death!

We also invite you to nominate who you’d like to hear from in future episodes of the podcast - who has you wondering ‘How does she do it’?  Nominate someone, whether it’s a fellow business woman, your neighbour or a celebrity - we believe everyone is inspiring in their own lives and has a fascinating story to share, so please let us know who we should approach for an upcoming episode.

Click here to fill in the nomination form.

There is much to talk about 2022 being over with the Christmas countdown well and truly started, but there is still time to make an impact this year. If this is the gentle reminder (or slightly more forceful push) you need to stop and think about what you want to achieve before the 31st December deadline of 2022, than I am happy to oblige.

Three months to go, so let's ask ourselves:

• Is there a game changing project that you keep putting off, because of lack of time, that you could you make a priority?
• Have you stopped and looked at the goals or intentions you started the year with and worked out if any of them need a boost; or, just as powerfully, deleted from the list and/or moved to next year?
• Have you acknowledged how far you have come and whether you can in fact take your foot off the pedal a little and create space elsewhere in your world?
• Do you actually need to take a holiday now to rejuvenate before a big end of year, or retail/hospitality season? Or schedule some holidays for something to look forward to?
• In fact, has life totally and completely changed for you and you hadn't noticed that your world needs a complete redefinition?
• Have you met your personal or professional growth goals, or is there a course, coach or book that you could make happen before end of year that will tick that box for you?

Let's not waste and precious time limping into the end of the year, and instead lets make it count!

I have been reflecting on my relationship with 'time' lately after feeling like it was mastering me versus the other way around. I have been reminded by people close to me having life changing circumstances that made time stand still, that it is so incredibly precious and yet for some reason many of us don't treat it the way we could. Last week I took stock of this and made my world stop by escaping with my 9 year old and 5 year old to the beaches of Northern NSW. For a whole delicious 5 days' time was slower and I realised how important that was for me to be the best version of me possible. I absolutely love being  business owner and having a full and fulfilling schedule. I am proud of the juggling act I play and I wouldn't change a thing. And sometimes, I realise how empowering it is to stop, take a breath and turn time into currency that I trade for the things that are most important to me in any given moment.

So my invitation for you, is to work out how the investment of your time could be game changing for you leading into 2023.

As a network we are so incredibly grateful for the investment of time our members make in us. From attending our large monthly events, guest speaking at our events, joining us for coffee morning, hearing from our 2022 award recipients at the new Sunset Stories and Social events, to engaging on our social platforms and supporting other members through their trials, tribulations and successes - all of it is so appreciated. And to all those that took the time to enter the 2022 Sunshine Coast Business Woman of the Year Awards - thank you! We know the time investment is immense and we truly hope you found the return commensurate. Congratulations to all of those that were nominated, entered and became finalists. Of course I would also like to welcome our 2022 award recipients to the SCBWN family - Kate, Kellie, Bronte, Paula, Tanya and Susan - we are excited to share your stories over the coming year.

With a huge line-up of events, soirees, and celebrations on the horizon, I truly look forward to seeing you before the year is out and please let me know if you have decided to make a different investment of your time because of this ever so gentle prod.

In celebration,

Min Swan

President

As a purpose driven network that exists to empower and celebrate women to achieve in business, it is my absolute pleasure to conclude my first year in the role of President of this extraordinary network that has been the support infrastructure for predominantly business women of the Sunshine Coast, but I would also say has continually taken a leadership position amongst all.

Stepping into the very large shoes of Roz White last year was never going to feel anything other than daunting, but the smooth considered succession planning that Roz implemented resulted in the remaining committee maintain their positions and I took onboard Roz's wise words of "just make it your own Minnie." There is only one Roz White and there is only one Min Swan and so my challenge was to continue the formidable and solid foundation set by Roz and Michelle Hamer and yet inject my own energy and style to the role and ensure all of those around me - from executive committee to each and every member - felt incredibly comfortable and encouraged to do the same.

For day one it has been my intent to create a space for anyone who shares our purpose to find SCBWN as a welcoming and inclusive community that embraces diversity, differing personalities, wide ranging viewpoints, varying stages of life, qualifications and career plans whilst continually being the safety net that you need to be the very best version of yourself that you can possibly be. Our 2019 Outstanding Business Woman of the Year calls SCBWN her 'putty that fixes her leaky bucket' and this is an analogy that I believe will live long within the network as it is the truth for so many of us.

While the past twelve months have come and gone in what feels like a flash, much has been achieved and it is my absolute honour to represent the committee of 11 that volunteer their time to deliver for our members and the community at large. We are also supported by an outstanding team with Amanda Nathaniel, Membership Development Coordinator and Annika Lee-Jones, our Event and Marketing Coordinator. Together we are invested in making a difference and whilst each of us approach that differently, that is what make sus so unique - there just simply has to be one of us that you can relate to and find your 'person'.

I would like to take this moment to bring to your attention some of what has been achieved over the past twelve months:

• We have continued to show our ability to adapt and change to an ever evolving and sometimes erratic environment. We commenced our year with a defined strategy and event plan, only to have COVID raise its ugly head again in January/February and school commencement date get pushed back. We understood the impact of that to our members and were able to start the year with an online February event before meeting for the first-time face to face at International Women's Day in March. We continue to find ways to work together and support our members.
• Membership in March 2022 was 347, but we are more than numbers. The strength and engagement of our members is what is more important to us and something we are incredibly proud of. We have Members Only Facebook Group where 318 members go to interact, engage, promote and provide advice to each other - that is almost unheard of.
• The demographics of our membership has also changed over the years and where we were once far stronger in our solopreneur members, now we are also strong in Corporate and Professional members also. This represents its own challenges as each member has a differing need from SCBWN and so we have adapted with new and different offerings, introducing our smaller coffee mornings hosted by a different committee member each time. Our aim is to keep those small and tight knit but they are already organically growing!
• Our events now sell out month after month, growing over the years from 50-60 people arriving to easily 100-150 each event only being limited by venue size. This demonstrates the value attendees are obtaining from our event format.
• We spent a great deal of our focus on the past year revisiting the purpose we play to our members first and foremost. We created a model base and developed a robust Professional Growth Program that saw us start our delivery of Strengths workshops. May and July with future depending on demand. This was the element that we identified as being the beacon of our success for 2022, helping our members know themselves better.
• Our Community Program delivered our traditional 4 bursaries and thanks to Karen Neuendorf we are able to announce an additional bursary will be presented in December 2022. Our raffle sales raised $5960 and we have some exciting announcements about a new community program post AGM.
• Delivering positive financial results is a goal of ours as we aim to benchmark best practice business practices as you will see from our Treasurers report. We also took a position this year that we wanted to make an investment into our members and subsidising the Strengths Workshop was an example of that. It was our intent to make big end of town tools available to all.
• Under the guidance of our Secretary we streamlined our reporting to increase collaboration and adopt new technologies, yet maintaining the same high level of governance and process that was set for us.
• 2021 Awards process and yet another year of outstanding finalists and award recipients', finalists for this year will be announced shortly. We have had a record number of entries this year.
• We attracted new sponsorship and retained 100% of our existing sponsorship demonstrating that our sponsors love aligning with our brand and values and our membership. We look for practical, mutually beneficial benefits that suit all parties as evidenced by 5% corporate discount via Westfund Health Insurance - a direct financial benefit to our members and the promotion of Pathways to USC vis short courses and relationship.
• We enjoy the over 10000 Facebook followers, 1500 Instagram followers and over the past year have seen a significant increase in engagement on LinkedIn, just under the 1000 mark.
• Positive media coverage across print, online, TV and radio for our high profile events, awards, award winners and our involvement in the business community.

From my perspective it is that we continue to go from strength to strength. A united and committed volunteer committee with a common purpose in mind, combined with a wider network of dedicated, engaged and incredible membership base that allows us to each be the 'putty' needed to face the large, ambitious and ever-changing lives we have designed for ourselves, or can see in our vision and need just the step up and support SCBWN provides to make it a reality.

Thank you for your trusting us with your time, money and sometimes your heart. Nobody ever said that the roadless travelled had to be done solo.