The Secrets Successful Women Entrepreneurs Already Know—Do You?

As I reflect on more than a decade of working with women entrepreneurs through the WESOS (Women Entrepreneurs' Secrets of Success) community, there are a few powerful lessons that have shaped my understanding of what it truly means to support, empower, and grow together. These lessons are not just professional—they’re personal, lived experiences that have helped me evolve as a leader, a business owner, and a woman committed to the success of others.

Collaboration Over Competition—The Heartbeat of Our Community

One of the first and most profound lessons I learned is the value of collaboration over competition. It became clear very quickly that when we set the expectation for women to collaborate rather than compete, the right women—those who truly "get it"—flock to the community. These are the women who understand that we are here to uplift one another, not tear each other down.

In fact, WESOS naturally filters out those who aren’t a fit. Women who come in with a competitive mindset, or those who build themselves up by tearing others down, don’t stick around for long. Negativity and gossip have no place in this community, and I’m incredibly proud of that. What remains is a group of women who not only support each other’s success but genuinely care for one another's well-being.

Business success is always a goal, but in this community, it’s never at the expense of another woman’s dignity, progress, or dreams. That’s the power of collaboration—when we thrive together, we create an ecosystem of abundance.

True Authenticity: An Inside Job

The second lesson I’ve learned is the real meaning of authenticity. I often hear people say, "I'm just being authentic," when they’re blunt or unfiltered, and to be honest, that doesn’t sit well with me. True authenticity isn't about saying whatever’s on your mind without regard for others. That’s not brave—it’s self-indulgent.

Real authenticity is about showing up as your true self while also allowing others the space to be their true selves—without judgment. It’s not about imposing your thoughts or beliefs on others, but rather accepting that we’re all on different journeys. Authenticity is an inside job. It’s not about changing others or critiquing them for their choices; it’s about being comfortable in your own skin and giving others the grace to be comfortable in theirs.

If you’re willing to wave your "freak flag," you must also be willing to let others do the same. That’s the kind of authenticity that heals, connects, and grows communities. And I’ve seen firsthand how much better it is for the soul.

The Power of Sharing Resources

Lastly, one of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned from this community of women is the power of sharing resources. When I first started WESOS, I remember wanting to know all the “secrets of success” from the women I admired. But I quickly encountered the scarcity mindset that plagues so many—this fear that if you share too much, someone else might outshine you.

The truth is, it’s the exact opposite. The more you give, the more you receive. When we operate from a place of abundance, rather than scarcity, doors start to open. I’ve seen it time and time again—when women share their knowledge, resources, and even their mistakes, it lifts everyone up.

In WESOS, we make a point to share what we know, whether it’s a business tip, a valuable connection, or a hard-earned lesson. Because when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. This shift in mindset, from competition to collaboration, from scarcity to abundance, has been a game-changer, not just for me but for the hundreds of women I’ve had the privilege to work with.

Conclusion: The Magic of Community

These lessons—collaboration over competition, the true meaning of authenticity, and the power of sharing resources—are what make WESOS so much more than just a network of women entrepreneurs. It’s a community that supports and sustains itself through love, respect, and a genuine desire for each other’s success.

If you’re reading this and you’re part of a community of women—or dreaming of building one—remember this: the strongest communities are built on collaboration, authenticity, and an abundant mindset. These principles don’t just grow businesses; they grow relationships, trust, and most importantly, they grow you as a person.

So, here’s to the women who believe in collaboration. Here’s to the women who understand the value of showing up authentically, without judgment. And here’s to those who share generously, knowing that together, we are unstoppable.