The Entrepreneurial Journey: Empowering Women in Business
Written by: Kimberley George of Cold Bath Co., an at-home cold water therapy brand (offering an enjoyable alternative to ice plunging), founded by two Australian entrepreneurs from QLD, Kimberley George & Emilie Kirb
As a nationally recognised Strategic Business Advisor and Entrepreneur, I have had the privilege of experiencing the entrepreneurial journey firsthand. With a Master of Business Administration (MBA) specialising in Entrepreneurial Management and Marketing, and a Bachelor of Health Science (BHS), my expertise extends across various domains. Throughout my career, I have consulted private and public corporations to success, specialising in startups, developing high-level strategic plans to assist companies with corporate structure, operations, business development, and strategic marketing activities.
As a woman in business, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. The economic world has undergone dramatic changes, requiring entrepreneurs to adapt like never before. To not only survive but thrive, we must be agile and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
At the heart of the entrepreneurial journey are the founder(s), the energy, the soul, and the driving force behind any startup. For a real entrepreneur, the journey to success is as important as the results of their hard work. True entrepreneurs are compelled to create businesses, products, and brands that didn't exist before them. They bring together talented, like-minded people and build strong teams. They invest and often innovate years at a time to realise their dreams, to make their vision a reality.
In addition, at the heart of every successful entrepreneur is a clearly defined purpose. We need to be crystal clear about why we are doing what we do. For me, it's about making a difference and creating meaningful solutions that address the needs of consumers. In today's business world, customers have high expectations, and meeting those expectations is paramount to success. The most successful brands emerging on the other side of this transformation are those that understand the importance of putting customers at the centre of every decision.
To find success, you need three main things.
Purpose: you have to know why you are doing what you are doing every day.
Creativity: to find innovative solutions to solve unmet needs.
And resilience: you have to grind and do whatever it takes. You need to have a big-picture mindset for success.
You need to be clear about your goals and the stepping stones to get there. You need to consistently remind yourself of what it takes for you to get to that point. Then it's up to you to make things happen. Excuses, ignorance, blame, and lack of action will always hinder one's ability to succeed.
But being an entrepreneur goes beyond understanding customers and delivering products. It requires a deep commitment to excellence, hard work, and an unwavering dedication to improvement. As a woman in business, I believe in leading by example, setting high standards, and continuously challenging myself and my team to exceed expectations.
To achieve success, we need to nurture a creative and innovative mindset. This involves seeking out new perspectives, embracing change, and finding innovative solutions to solve unmet needs.
Investment in innovation is fundamental in the development of a successful business, taking an idea and turning it into something valuable and relevant. Creativity and the ability to see the world in new ways, find hidden patterns, make connections between things, and generate new ideas are crucial for entrepreneurial success. It is also important to be clear about the business you want to end up with and to cultivate strong leadership and an organisational culture that fosters success.
However, the entrepreneurial journey is not without its obstacles. It requires resilience and the willingness to grind and do whatever it takes to overcome challenges. As a woman in business, I have faced my fair share of setbacks and hurdles. But it is through these experiences that I have grown stronger and more determined. Resilience is the fuel that propels us forward, enabling us to learn from failures, adapt, and ultimately achieve success.
In today's dynamic business world, customers have higher expectations than ever before. Meeting and exceeding these expectations has become paramount to success. It is no longer sufficient to simply offer a product or service. The most successful brands emerging from this transformation are the ones that truly understand the significance of customer-centricity. Every decision we make at Invested Health is driven by our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our customers.
Invested Health believes in empowering individuals to achieve the best possible outcomes. Our dedication is reflected in our diverse portfolio of ventures. Three of our current projects include:
CosMedi RepairTM: This innovative TGA registered medicine launching in August 2023, has been developed to complement cosmetic procedure aftercare regimes. CosMedi RepairTM is set to revolutionise the post-procedure skincare landscape. With its exceptional formulation and unwavering commitment to quality, CosMedi RepairTM addresses the undesirable after-effects of cosmetic procedures. We are proud to offer a customised solution that sets new standards in post-procedure medicinal skincare, ensuring world-class care for consumers.
The Australian College for Quality Care (ACQC): Our primary goal is in maintaining a baseline standard of care in the Australian support worker industry. Our comprehensive course equips support workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality, personalised support. By empowering industry workers, we strive to enhance outcomes and foster improved relationships between support workers and their clients.
Cold Bath Co: Is founded on the principles of combining cold water therapy with a unique, high-quality bath formulation. We're revolutionising the muscle recovery landscape and promoting health and vitality through the benefits of two ancient health practices. Cold Bath Co is dedicated to bringing newfound health and vitality to countless individuals, redefining the concept of muscle recovery and wellbeing.
In conclusion, the entrepreneurial journey for women in business is filled with both challenges and opportunities. By embracing a clearly defined purpose, nurturing creativity and innovation, and cultivating resilience, we can create businesses that make a positive difference. With strong leadership and a supportive organisational culture, we can navigate the ever-changing economic landscape and achieve success.
