VULNERABILITY in business is an asset, according to family business mogul Susanne Bransgrove.
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And, she’s bringing her expertise to Armidale and Tamworth as part of the UNE Smart Regional Incubator.
“I think there are challenges women face in business, we’re driven by different goals than men,” Ms Bransgrove said.
“How we view what’s important is very different, and finding our voice can be difficult.”
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A third generation family business member, Ms Bransgrove’s personal story has shaped the way she sees women in business.
For a long time she struggled to forge her own identity within the family business, and eventually built a career in finance before starting Families in Transition.
Helping other families to navigate business is her calling, she said.
“There’s no other way to put it, for women starting businesses our driver isn’t purely financial or task driven,” she said.
Susanne’s top tips for women in business:
- Find people you trust and who share your values to surround yourself with and talk to regularly.
- Understand why being in business is important to you and never lose sight of this reason.
- Set separate and regular meetings for operational, strategic and ownership conversations and decision making.
“We look at the purpose of what we’re doing and what we’re trying to achieve, we’re mindful of the community around us and like to collaborate.
“That means how we balance community and business is very different – often we think that’s a vulnerability but I think it’s a strength.”
Australia’s family business sector makes up more than 70 per cent of all businesses, and a lot of those business owners want to transfer their wealth to the next generation.
For women to successfully step up, Ms Bransgrove said they need to allow their diversity to shine.
“As women we feel we have to be strong, business or KPI driven like men, but that doesn’t bring diversity,” she said.
“We need to be true to who we are, that means being vulnerable sometimes – it doesn’t mean weak, it means mindful and aware of what’s happening around us.”
Business with a Heart – Supporting Female Founders will cover work-life balance, understanding passionate concerns, women in performance and strategy and how to encourage coworkers to achieve operational excellence.
The seminar is on in Tamworth at the Tamworth Hotel Wednesday May 16 at 5:30pm, and Armidale at Charlie’s Last Stand on Thursday May 17 at 5:30pm.
For more information or to register visit smartri.com.au
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
