Fear Less: How to Be Fierce & Fearless – Event Recap
On Tuesday, 19 November 2024, AwakenHub hosted an inspiring online event that left attendees ready to tackle their fears and step boldly into their entrepreneurial power. Titled "Fear Less: How to Be Fierce & Fearless", the session brought together a stellar lineup of panelists who shared their insights, stories, and strategies for embracing courage, reframing failure, and leading with confidence.
Featuring our dynamic trio of speakers—Mary Ann Pierce, CEO of MAP Digital and AwakenHub’s Global Diaspora Ambassador (affectionatlly known as Fierce Pierce), Sally Murphy, CEO of Welltold and storytelling expert, and Naomi McGregor, Co-Founder of MoveTru and a trailblazing entrepreneur—the event was a treasure trove of actionable advice and personal anecdotes designed to inspire and empower women founders.
Here’s a look at the key takeaways and transformative lessons shared during this electrifying session.
Sally Murphy: Building a Resilient Mindset
Sally Murphy emphasized the significance of embracing vulnerability as a leader. Authenticity not only strengthens connections with teams and stakeholders but also fosters trust and collaboration. Acknowledging fears, doubts, and uncertainties enables entrepreneurs to confront challenges with clarity. A resilient mindset is crucial during turbulent times. Sally highlighted the importance of maintaining focus on long-term goals while adapting to evolving circumstances. By aligning with your core purpose and values, you can navigate challenges confidently. Her key takeaway is profound: resilience is not about avoiding failure but about learning and growing from it.
Naomi McGregor: The Power of Preparation and Practice
Naomi McGregor offered a pragmatic perspective on the role of practice and preparation in achieving entrepreneurial success. Drawing from her experience as a seasoned CEO, she likened leadership to performance art, where constant rehearsal is essential for confidence and effectiveness. Her mantra, “Practice, practice, practice,” resonates deeply within the business context. Whether pitching to investors or presenting to stakeholders, the ability to articulate your vision clearly is vital. Naomi encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace discomfort, noting that growth often occurs outside comfort zones. Those willing to push their boundaries position themselves for long-term success. She concluded with a reminder that persistence and adaptability are key; the path to success is rarely linear, but thorough preparation can ease the journey.
Mary Ann Pierce: Scaling with Strategy and Grace
Mary Ann Pierce, affectionately known as "Fierce Pierce," shared her expertise onscaling businesses internationallyand building enduring teams. With extensive experience in tech and global markets, she outlined three non-negotiables for scaling success:
Know Your Business: Understand whether your model is scalable or service-based; this knowledge shapes your growth strategy.
Serve Your Clients: Actively listen to client needs and pivot when necessary to deliver value.
Invest in Your Team: Cultivate a strong, collaborative team capable of adapting to challenges and innovating together.
Mary Ann's emphasis on cultural adaptability was particularly noteworthy. Entering new markets necessitates an understanding of local customs and communication styles. Trust forms the foundation of successful relationships, and cultural sensitivity fosters that trust. She also urged entrepreneurs to leverage technology, such as AI tools, to streamline operations and enhance productivity. For Mary Ann, resilience and adaptability are intertwined; moments of disaster often spark the most innovative solutions.
Common Themes Across Their Insights
Despite their varied backgrounds, several common themes emerged from their discussions:
Resilience: Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and innovation.
Preparation: Success often stems from meticulous preparation—be it practicing pitches or researching new markets.
Relationships: Building trust with your team, clients, and stakeholders is essential for long-term success.
Self-Care: Recognize that the entrepreneurial journey is a marathon; prioritize health and well-being to sustain success.
Adaptability: Embrace change and innovation to stay competitive; technology can be a transformative asset for businesses of all sizes.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Success
The insights shared by Sally Murphy, Naomi McGregor, and Mary Ann Pierce remind us that business growth transcends mere numbers—it revolves around people, preparation, and perseverance. By integrating resilience, clear communication, and adaptability into their strategies, entrepreneurs can effectively navigate challenges and achieve sustainable success.Whether scaling internationally, preparing for a pitch, or managing a team, these leaders provide a practical roadmap for moving forward with confidence and purpose.
