How to inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs

How do I want my daughter to learn from my example?

This is a question I always come back to. As a woman in business, I've had my fair share of successes, but also challenges and obstacles. I constantly think about the impact my life and legacy has on my daughter and other young women her age.

I can already see the next generation of female entrepreneurs starting to make change and impact the world in phenomenal ways. To all the young women out there: we are all walking along this shared path. I can only hope that, when you've seen what's been possible for me, you can see what is possible for you too.

These are the 3 biggest pieces of advice I have to the next generation of entrepreneurial women.

Use Your Voice

You may have been told that speaking up is bad. You may have been told to be quiet. But I'm here to tell you now that, your voice is valid and you have a right to speak!

Speaking up is especially important in the early days of business ownership. This is the stage when you're building an idea, and this will continue every day that you're growing your company.

Finding your voice and using it, starting from a young age, is an important skill to have. Especially if you want to start your own business.

Using your voice also means asking for help. Nobody will have all the right answers, so it's important to ask for feedback and guidance when you get stuck. I'd recommend joining a women's network as a way to get started.

Using your voice is also good, not just in practicing the elevator pitch of your company , but speaking passionately about what your business stands for.

Act Like a Boss

You know how they say when you smile, it will make you happy? Sometimes, starting from the outside and working in really does work. If you act like a boss, a CEO, the leader of a company, and fully embody that role, you will feel more comfortable in the role.

Even if you don't feel like it at first, fake it until you feel more confident, and one day you will be. No matter how small your business might be, exuding confidence attracts more investors, clients, passionate staff and success.

Step into your own power. You belong there and you can do it.

Forget the Formula

There is no proper way to become a success. There is no formula. It's easy to fall into this trap of comparing your journey to ones that came before you. Especially if they've been a success. Luckily, we now have many inspiring women to look up to. But each of their paths to success have been different. Reflecting on my own experience, I know it has been unique.

While you can learn from watching other people who are where you'd like to be, you also need to forge your own way with authenticity and hard work. What makes you unique? Focus on that and the rest will follow.

Would you like some more reading?

Two books I love by entrepreneurial women are Daring Greatly by Brené Brown and Thrive by Arianna Huffington. Give them a read and tell me that you're not inspired!

I've been lucky enough to be featured recently in Latin Stories Australia. Their publication creates awareness of the Latin American contribution to Australia’s social capital and diversity. As a proud Chilean woman, it was a great honour to tell my story. You can read it here.