10 Apr Female Founders: Inspiring Advice for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Have you been thinking of starting your own business?
Before taking that plunge, you’ll need inspiration to fuel your drive and empower your entrepreneurial spirit to succeed!
For Women’s History month we reached out to incredible female entrepreneurs in three of our program locations and asked them what advice they would give to those interested in founding a company themselves — whether it be an online store run from a one-bedroom apartment or a massive company with a global presence.
We’ve got answers from a sustainability champion, a product innovator and an internship provider (and team leader here at Absolute Internship). Find out what they learned in their career journey so far as female founders.
Trista Bridges
Home Country: United States
Current Location: Tokyo, Japan
Industry: Sustainability / ESG
What inspired you to open your own business?
I wanted to help businesses put sustainability at the core of what they do, both their strategy and operations. I believe companies will be better going forward if they do that. I am passionate about helping companies move to a more sustainable model.
When you opened your business abroad, what were the biggest culture shocks as you did so?
In Japan, definitely the longer sales cycle and the desire to meet many times and study things in detail before making a decision. This approach is challenging for a new, small business.
“Don’t be afraid to talk about what you do early and often.”
What was the biggest challenge for you at the beginning of your journey?
Building recognition with the business community in Japan and elsewhere around the topic of sustainability. It is a sector/topic that I came to later in my career.
What do you wish you knew before becoming a founder?
The importance of finding the right partners early on. I would have devoted more time to this if I were to do it again.
What keeps you going when things get tough?
My real passion for the topic and sector. I want to drive change and that definitely keeps me focused and moving forward.
What advice would you give to women thinking about founding their own company?
Don’t be afraid to talk about what you do early and often. That helps you get feedback early on on your business idea or company, which gives you valuable input to improve your business. Also, be confident that you have the skills and experience to do what you’re doing or want to do.
Alice Mattsson
Home Country: Sweden
Current Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Industry: MedTech
What inspired you to open your own business?
No one in particular, it was more of a result of the product I wanted to realize.
What was the biggest challenge for you at the beginning of your journey?
Raising the finances to initiate the technology development. That took a lot of time and effort.
“Throw yourself out there and conquer the world!”
What do you wish you knew before becoming a founder?
Nothing at all because if I knew what it would take to build a Medtech/Diagnostics company I might have not done it all hehe
What keeps you going when things get tough?
Friends, family and co-workers.
What advice would you give to women thinking about founding their own company?
The time is now for women to start companies in Europe, so throw yourself out there and conquer the world! 😉
Aurélie Chouaf
Home Country: France
Current Location: Barcelona, Spain
Industry: International Education
What inspired you to open your own business?
The desire to do something that would have a real impact on people.
What was the biggest challenge for you at the beginning of your journey?
Offering a great service that no one knew about — I knew what we did was great and needed but people did not know about it and it took many years to be recognized as a household name in the industry.
“There will be a learning curve but it is all worth it.”
What do you wish you knew before becoming a founder?
That everything is temporary and if you believe in your project and work hard for it, time will be your best friend and you will achieve your goals.
What keeps you going when things get tough?
My most important customers: my team!
What advice would you give to women thinking about founding their own company?
Believe in yourself and go for it. There will be a learning curve but it is all worth it. Don’t be afraid to fail.
Partnering with someone is also very helpful to always feel supported and share ideas.
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