September has been full of conference prep for the Women's Business Club!

It’s at the end of September, the weather is colder and we’re heading into the final three months of the year. We’re talking to small businesses about how September has been for their business and up today is Angela De Souza, CEO of the Women’s Business Club who empower women to succeed in business across the UK.

How was business for you in September?
September saw the final countdown to our 10th annual conference and awards coming up on 5th October. It’s the busy time of year for us with lots of overworking, lots of excitement and wine after work of course. We are all heads down and conference obsessed during September!

It was ‘back to school’ for children this month – is this relevant to you personally or professionally?
It’s hugely relevant for me personally as I have one of my four children still at home and I need to ensure I enjoy the time I have with her. It’s also relevant for our team and members across the country as we all attempt to juggle work and family as creatively as possible.

September is also known as ‘organic’ month – do you shop, dress, or behave with green ethics in mind?
This is more of a lifestyle for me than an isolated month, but we do our best to raise awareness through our network and encourage as many as possible to go green.

It was World Gratitude Day this month – what are you grateful for at the moment?
I am so very grateful for my husband, truly he makes my life magical. I could not do what I do in business without his support, and I am so very grateful for him. Sorry a bit of a squishy one but it has to be said.

Who are you grateful for at the moment?
1 - Hubby as previously stated
2 - My children and grandchildren, I am so rich with an amazing family
3 - My staff, they are just incredible to work with and I am so grateful for them all.

What are your hopes for business for the rest of this year?
Hope to get closer to our goal of launching 1,000 Coffee & Coworking events across the UK to connect and empower as many businesswomen as possible.
Find a way to launch a fund so we can invest in businesses and teach women how to be investable.
Release our book, She Speaks

We are dealing with a lot of messages around ‘bad’ news such as the rising cost of living, inflation rising and interest rates rising. How are you keeping positive – what tips can you share with others?

It is a difficult time, agreed. We are looking ahead and keeping our dream alive of what could be if we succeed with all we have planned at Women’s Business Club - this keeps us going.

My top tip is to expect the best whilst planning for the worst.

Have you got any events planned you’d like to shout about – either that you are running or attending?
Absolutely! Our 10th annual conference & awards are coming up on 5th October in Cheltenham, 20th October in Birmingham and 31st October in Edinburgh. We have made some significant changes to this event, and we are super confident that this year’s event is going to be the best event of its type ever. We have replaced exhibiting with Expert Pods offering one-to-one 15-minute sessions with industry experts relevant to your business size. This is a key change to get better value for both experts and delegates. We will also have the usual amazing speakers and networking then end off with our businesswoman of the year awards.

https://womensbusiness.club/conference

Have you got any services or special offers you’d like to mention?
Yes, we would like to offer all TotalGuide readers a whopping 25% discount on a conference delegate ticket using code total at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/226998878757

Tomorrow is International Podcast Day – do you listen to podcasts or do you have one of your own? Can you share a tip? Which podcasts should others check out?
My favourite podcast is the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast.  I’ve had several attempts at setting up my own podcast but have not been consistent. I am determined to crack it one day and do a really good podcast.

And finally, can you share something which inspires you to ‘keep going’?
I keep going by taking time to be still and silent on a regular basis. This can either be sitting with a cup of tea by my garden pond or going for a lovely walk. I find that there is so much noise in the world these days, almost too much available to inspire but the stillness is what really boosts me and keeps me going.

Find out more about the Women’s Business Club here https://womensbusiness.club