2016 Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame inductees revealed

Suzi Dafnis Businesswomens Hall of Fame

The Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame was established in 1998 to inspire Australian women through the stories of their high-achieving peers

In the lead up to International Women’s Day on the 8th March, HerBusiness, formerly known as the Australian Businesswomen’s Network – ABN – has announced the 2016 inductees to the Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame was established in 1998 to inspire Australian women through the stories of their high-achieving peers. More than 200 businesswomen from diverse backgrounds and industries have been profiled since its launch. It has given emerging businesswomen the courage to persevere despite the ups and downs of starting a business.

The Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame recognises prominent Australian female business owners who have achieved notable success in their field and inspire others. These women demonstrate exemplary entrepreneurship and provide shining examples for their peers and other women considering starting their own business.

20 entrepreneurs have been inducted into the Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame in 2016, each considered a trailblazer in industries as diverse as construction, mining, fashion, media and innovation.

The most common strategies for success that the inspiring women have named are:

  1. Be goal oriented:

‘Articulate your goals. Get specific with timeframes and forecasts.’ – Kym Clark, She’s Empowered.

  1. Make the most of support networks and mentors:

‘Someone you admire and look up to, who can also become a sounding board for hurdles along the way. There are plenty of business owners who would love to help you.’ – Bianca Monley, Eat Fit Food.

  1. Don’t fall victim to ‘Imposter Syndrome’:

‘I believe that confidence removes the need for us to feel as if we “lack” in areas of our life and in who we are. It makes us fearless, not fearful.’ – Melanie Gleeson, Endota Day Spa.

  1. Commit to ongoing learning and training:

‘Always keep learning and striving for excellence!’ – Leona Edmiston.

  1. Don’t be afraid to do things differently:

‘Dream big, dream often and let yourself run wild for inspiration and accept that sometimes crazy ideas can make your dreams come true.’ – Lisa Messenger, The Messenger Group.

The 2016 Hall of Fame inductees are:

  • Kym Clark (WA), She’s Empowered
  • Nicole Eckels (NSW), The Sapphire Group
  • Maud Edmiston (WA), Miss Mauds
  • Melanie Gleeson (VIC), Endota Day Spa
  • Beverley Honig (VIC), Greenville Developments & Honeylight enterprises
  • Anna Hooper (SA), Cape Jaffa Wines
  • Maxine Horne (QLD), Fone Zone/Vita Group
  • Amantha Imber (VIC), Inventium
  • Hetty Johnston (QLD), Bravehearts
  • Isobel Knight (NSW), ProAgtive
  • Laurie McDonald (ACT), Canberra Furnished Accommodation
  • Lisa Messenger (NSW), The Messenger Group
  • Bianca Monley (NSW), Eat Fit Food
  • Anna Shepherd (NSW), Regal Home Health
  • Christine Taylor (QLD), Aussie Pooch Mobile
  • Jude Taylor (QLD), Spicers Retreats
  • Sue Hollis (NSW), TravelEdge
  • Anneke Van Den Broek (NSW), Rufus & Coco
  • Leona Edmiston (WA), Leona Edmiston
  • Stephanie Alexander (VIC), Stephanie Alexander

Suzi Dafnis, CEO, HerBusiness