Building a Future Where Women in Business Thrive: Insights from the 'She Means Business' Panel

In an era where women are increasingly recognized as key players in the business world, it’s events like the 'She Means Business' panel that not only celebrate but also critically support the journey of female entrepreneurs. 

Business Supercharge Program (BSP) 3.0 is a program organised by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Malaysia, one of the affiliated bodies of the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM). This program aims to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to continue to grow and thrive in a competitive business landscape. BSP 3.0 this time has attracted more than 120 participants from various backgrounds. Mole is honoured to partner with JCI Malaysia to curate a special segment dedicated to women with a women panel called She Means Business.

We're incredibly thankful to Eugene Teo, JCI Malaysia’s chair lady, for making this partnership with Mole possible with the mission to empower young women entrepreneurs while encouraging everyone to embrace sustainable and smarter networking with Mole networking software.

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The Power of First Steps

Moderated by our CEO Melly Ling, the panel embarked on a narrative journey, starting with the crucial first steps of any entrepreneurial venture. It's often said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but for many women, taking that step involves overcoming societal pressures and breaking through gender-based barriers. The panel delved into the resilience required to turn a dream into reality, stressing that daring to start is often the biggest hurdle overcome.

At the 'She Means Business' panel, three inspiring leaders shared their stories and discussed how the business world can better support women. Each of the speakers brought their unique backgrounds and achievements to the table, showcasing the diverse paths one can take in the realm of entrepreneurship.

Mastering the Finance Game

Money talks, but for women in business, mastering the language of finance is a strategic necessity. The panellists shared their insights on navigating the financial aspects of running a business, from securing funding to managing cash flow effectively. 

Sadira Yeong, CEO of Scentses + Co, highlighted the importance of financial literacy for women entrepreneurs, emphasising that understanding the numbers is crucial in making informed decisions that drive business growth.

The realisation struck her most profoundly when her company was rapidly burning through cash: she needed to achieve at least RM100K in monthly revenue—a target she had personally set for both herself and her company to concentrate on revenue-driven growth. This situation drastically shifted her perspective regarding the reliance solely on investor funding, underscoring the importance of building a sustainable business model.

Overcoming Challenges

The road to success is rarely a straight line. Our panellists spoke candidly about the obstacles they’ve faced - from market saturation to managing work-life balance.

Adeline Chen, CEO of Plie Malaysia, spoke openly about her journey of personal growth, emphasising her commitment to attending numerous business events.

She makes a conscious effort to listen to other founders' stories and glean lessons from them, applying these insights to her own business. Adeline strongly advocates for founders to participate in business and networking events, seeing it as a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and growth.

Fostering Team Spirit

The value of a motivated and united team cannot be overstated in the entrepreneurial journey. The discussion touched on the nuances of building and nurturing a team that shares the founder's vision and passion. After leaving her corporate job at a major accounting firm, Lily Sim, Co-Founder of Female Founders Malaysia & South East Asia (FFMYSEA), felt isolated and struggled to find a supportive community.

Motivated by a desire to engage in meaningful work and support fellow women entrepreneurs, her co-founder Emily encouraged her to create FFMYSEA. The initiative flourished, becoming a significant part of her journey and making a lasting impact.

Nurturing a Support Network

No one achieves success in isolation. The importance of having a robust support network was a recurring theme throughout the panel discussion. Women helping women, sharing resources, knowledge, and encouragement can make a significant difference in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. The panel highlighted how mentorship, networking, and building alliances within the business community have been pillars of their success.

Smarter and sustainable networking without paper business cards

At the event, attendees were treated to a seamless networking experience, thanks to the innovative Mole digital card.

For VIPs, the exclusivity was taken to the next level with specially designed JCI Malaysia NFC cards, showcasing sophisticated technology and design. Mole not only facilitated exceptional connectivity but also added a touch of luxury to the event, distinguishing itself as a leader in digital event solutions.

Reflections and Looking Forward

The 'She Means Business' panel wasn't just an event; it was a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurial women who are defining their paths and making substantial contributions to the business world. The stories shared serve as a beacon for aspiring women entrepreneurs, illuminating the path with lessons learned and strategies for success.

As we reflect on the insights and inspirations from this panel, the message is clear: together, we’re not just navigating the business world; we’re reshaping it to be more inclusive, supportive, and empowering for women. Events like these reinforce the belief that when women come together to share their journeys, the potential for impact is boundless.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the panellists, our partner at JCI Malaysia, and everyone who joined us. As we continue to champion the cause of women in business, let’s carry forward the momentum, knowledge, and connections from this panel to build a future where women not only participate in business but lead and thrive.

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