A SCOTS networking organisation took a big step forward in its aim to break down barriers with a celebration of the achievements of women in business earlier this week.
The Women’s Business Club hosted its tenth annual ceremony on Monday, welcoming dozens of women from across the globe.
The Edinburgh-based event was hosted by director Sarah Eddie, who aims to break down barriers of gender inequality in the workplace by creating a space for women to connect with others in leadership roles.
Despite the poor weather, the event proved to be a hit, with dozens attending both in-person and virtually, as they excitedly shared their career journey, including the many obstacles each have faced on the road to impending success.
The event also included Expert Pods and ‘speed networking’, where seasoned experts could share their knowledge vis-a-vis on climbing the corporate ladder.
Amongst the throng of experts included personal brand strategist creative and founder of Scotland’s number one Christian radio station, Eloho Efemuai.
Eloho, who moved with her family from Nigeria to Scotland in 2007, shared her journey, including the imposter syndrome she has faced along her path to success.
She said: “I was a little girl growing up. I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the people I encountered but I didn’t know how.
I always loved to sing – I started singing when I was nine years old. I asked [my mum] if the words that I thought in my heart – if I could put them into a song – so it started way, way back.
“Music is such a powerful tool. It comes across, it doesn’t matter who you are. As I journeyed along, I suffered from rejection, abuse, lack of confidence, self-rejection, low self-esteem.
“So, that always held me back. I went through life just being my happy self and then I got married, moved to the UK and realised this is a different world.”
Eloho then began to organise concerts but soon battled with imposter syndrome.
She added: “I got tired of this space. I was held back by limited beliefs. I said enough is enough.
“I started my mindset work. I wrote a book in 2020 – You Are Not Everyone’s Cup Of Tea: Stop Doubting Your Potential, Live a Fulfilled Life – Regain Self-Confidence and Self-Worth.
“I was able to tell my story and my hopes for the future and the things that helped me on my journey.”
Attendees were also given the opportunity to watch lectures in the Royal College of Physicians’ auditoriums, giving a new insight into managing finances and properties.
Financial wellness expert Catriona Ellis advised that young entrepreneurs prepare and plan their finances in order to better their future selves.
She explained: “It’s that vision of, if you want a house or whatever, it is that you would like in place – it is getting clear on that because that is your north star.
“That is what’s going to guide you when you’re presented with the decision of, ‘Do I go on holiday with my mates or do I put that money aside into my pot or saving for a house.’
“So, if having a house is a really important part of what your financial wellness vision looks like, then you’re going to make the priority choice.
“It’s about trying to get some balance as well because you don’t want to do is get yourself into a position where you’re working really hard but it’s all work and no play because that will make you resentful and you’ll wonder what’s the point in working if you don’t get any enjoyment from it.”
Catriona also advised that young people get a credit card but freeze it in a metal container to avoid over expenditure and to consider whether the purchase is really necessary.
She added: “By the time it thaws, if you still want to make that purchase, go ahead.”
The event was concluded with a speech from keynote speaker and former MP Kirstene Hair, who left an inspiring impression on all attendees as she detailed her rise into one of the most prestigious jobs in the UK.
Smiling at the audience, she encouraged women to “break through the glass ceiling” in their careers, reminding them that everything is possible.
The list of winners are:
Female Founder of the Year sponsored by Clockwise
- Winner: Debbie Byers – Beeline PR
- Runner up: Aileen Boyle – Fortro Ltd
C-Suite Award
- Winner: Alexandra Livesy – Clockwise
- Runner up: Mariam Tariq – The Miracle Foundation
Young Businesswoman of the Year
- Winner: Beth Gray – PlayerData
- Runner up: Ivona Vorineckaja – Ivy Data Room
Startup of the Year sponsored by the Tax Empowerment Network
- Winner: Florence Aluu – Floverse Techsphere
Sustainability Award
- Winner: Tabitha Jayne – Earthself Community Interest Company
Customer Excellence Award
- Winner: Shaima Todd – Mirandus Accountants
Employer Of Women Award sponsored by Muffin & Poppy
- Winner: Yvonne Balfour – Ultimate Finance
- Runner up: Mariya Jeyantha Umashangar – Green Tea Education
CSR Award
- Winner: Hester McQueen – FlyDocs
Champion Award sponsored by SE Tax Pros
- Winner: Lesley Robertson – Families like Us
- Runner up: Alison Geddes – Aspect Authism Consultancy
Intern of the year
- Alekia Gill
