With a well-rounded and experienced background in the business world, holding many executive positions and being CEO of a $100M private company, Amanda MacLean knows how it feels and what it takes to put yourself out there as a woman in business.
Amanda observed how women were presenting themselves in business situations and was disappointed to find that qualified and experienced women were not putting their best foot forward. So she launched the Gravitas Project to mentor women into unlocking their unique potential for career advancement and professional growth.
Amanda strives to share her insight and expertise for bringing confidence to the business table. Her goal is to support women to reach their highest potential and unearth their hidden identity.
The creative aspect is Amanda’s favourite part of running her own business. From the initial idea to the process and the funding, she loves creating what it is that she wants her business to be.
“I get to create something that is an extension of me, my values and the impact I want to have on the people I serve.”
Before going into business, Amanda recommends hiring a mentor. Having a broad business knowledge and experience was much different than running her own business. She wishes she had a mentor in the earlier years to recognise the gaps in her knowledge and shape her corporate knowledge. A mentor is “one of the most important investments,” she says.
Amanda’s Advice to Beginner Business Owners
- Allow more time than you anticipate, momentum takes a while to build up
- Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people
- Every day is a challenge but there will be rewards and great moments of creativity
“You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t have a plan or a road map.”
Amanda has set her goals to ensure personal and business growth in the future. With the Gravitas Project in the initial phase, the next step is to generate more interest, build credibility and put more programs on the calendar.
Amanda is also working towards building her personal brand.
As a humble introvert she finds it difficult yet she is taking the initiative to develop self-promoting skills to offer herself and her knowledge.
At every stage of business growth, Amanda knows she can count on the HerBusiness Network to support her. From start-up to maturity and small questions to large issues, the support is always there. Amanda also brings her knowledge and advice to the community. She loves the satisfaction in helping other like-minded women.
This post was authored by Hannah Stanley. Hannah is completing a journalism internship at HerBusiness. She studies journalism and electronic media at the University of Tennessee in the United States.
