It’s an honour to be a judge of the Bold Woman award by Veuve Clicquot, which have been running since 1972; the first and longest-running international accolade for female business leaders. In the UK it has recognised some of the most notable businesswomen and female entrepreneurs, including Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, the inventor of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID vaccine, Jo Whitfield, CEO of Co-Op Food, Liv Garfield, CEO at Severn Trent, Poppy Gustafsson OBE, co-CEO of Darktrace and renowned architect Dame Zaha Hadid.

A huge congratulations to the winners of this year’s Veuve Clicquot Bold winners; Tessa Clarke, co-founder of Olio and Karen Scofield Seal, co-founder of Oceanium 🥂

The awards continue to take inspiration from Madame Clicquot, a woman whose bravery, drive and creativity led to entrepreneurial success. Despite a lack of female role models and numerous other social obstacles, she took the brand to the successful champagne house we know today. A massive achievement in a time when women couldn’t open their own bank account, let alone independently run or own a business.

As a female entrepreneur in the UK, I know first-hand the challenges that come with being a woman in business. From being underestimated to facing discrimination, it can be tough to succeed in a world designed not designed with us in mind.

That’s why I believe it’s so important for women in business to be Bold. Here are some tips on how to be BOLD as a woman in business:

• Believe in yourself: The first step to success is believing that you can achieve it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, because you can.
• Own your power: Women have a unique power that can be used to create positive change in the world. Don’t be afraid to use your voice and your platform to make a difference.
• Lead with courage: Courage is essential for any entrepreneur, but it’s especially important for women. We often face more obstacles than our male counterparts, so it’s important to be brave and stand up for what you believe in.
• Defy stereotypes: There are many stereotypes about women in business, but it’s important to defy them all. Show the world that that you bring something unique and positively different.

The world needs more BOLD women in business. Here are a few additional tips:

• Network. Get out there and meet other women in business. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with women online.
• Find a mentor. A mentor can provide you with guidance and support. They can also help you navigate the challenges of being a woman in business.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling with something, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend, family member, or colleague.
• Celebrate your successes. It’s important to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you stay motivated and keep moving forward.