What I Learned At The Business Chicks 9 To Thrive Summit

Last Friday I had the privilege of attending the 9 to Thrive Summit in Sydney hosted by Business Chicks. If you have been following my blog for a while now, you would know that personal and career development is something which I truly value. I love taking time out of my usual schedule to listen and learn from successful entrepreneurs, money and mindset coaches with the aim of applying their wisdom, tools and tactics to my own life.

Whilst I’ve been to many business seminars, this was my first time attending a Business Chicks event. I was really looking forward to hearing from some real boss ladies including Miranda Kerr and Ita Buttrose. They truly did not disappoint. In this article, I’m going to share some of the key lessons and learnings from some of the speakers:

1. MIRANDA KERR, SUPERMODEL TURNED CEO

Miranda Kerr is a supermodel turned business mogul, becoming the founder and CEO of KORA organics. During the interview, shared her story of how she found her purpose, transitioned her career and built a successful business. One of the key lessons from Miranda was the importance of saving money from a young age so that you later have the ability to invest in your passion. 95% of KORA Organics was self-funded.

Miranda also shared her personal experience of facing resistance from people who doubt or don’t believe in you. She spoke to why listening to your own intuition can often pay the biggest reward.

2. ADAM JACOBS, CO-FOUNDER OF THE ICONIC

Adam Jacobs is the co-founder of Australia’s largest eCommerce site, The Iconic. Throughout the presentation, Adam shared his experience of how he used technology and innovation to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries.

The three key takeaways I took from Adam’s talk include:

• The importance of leading with purpose, and following through with passion.
• Brands are built by what you do, not what you say.
• Innovation isn’t about being first or different. Innovation is about being better at the right time.

3. ITA BUTTROSE, AO, OBE

Ita Buttrose is the new chair of the ABC, a legendary media trailblazer, businesswoman, best-selling author and 2013 Australian of the Year. She was the first female editor of an Australian major metropolitan newspaper, the founding editor of Cleo Magazine, the youngest editor of the Australian Women’s Weekly and the first female director of News Ltd.

Ita shared some valuable insights on leadership, and the importance of women having each other’s backs. On this note, Ita said “I want to see young women succeed. What’s the point of being me and not sharing what I know?’

4. KEMI NEVKAPIL, SPEAKER & COACH

Kemi Nevkapl is a professionally credentialed life-coach, speaker and author. She has worked in the wellness industry for more than 20 years. Having studied leadership and purpose at the Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan, and trained as a yoga teacher in India, Kemi shared her insights on the process of meaningful connection to ourselves, our work, our families and communities.

One of the key takeaways from Kemi was her insights and knowledge on the gift of asking. Often, we refrain from asking others for help or for anything else. There is a real magical quality to being able to ask for things, in turn creating a level of personal power.

5. TURIA PITT, MINDSET COACH, AUTHOR & ATHLETE

Turia Pitt is an Australian athlete who was caught in a grassfire while completing in a 100km ultramarathon in 2011. After suffering full thickness burns to 65% of her body, Turia is living proof that with the right mindset you can do anything.

The key takeaways from Turia’s talk were:

• The most difficult part is often just before you start. Once you get started, a lot of your fears will fade away.
• Don’t let others tell you what you are and aren’t capable of. Take it as a challenge and prove them wrong.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff.
• Think positive and never give up.
• The only person stopping you is you.

BUSINESS CHICKS 9 TO THRIVE SUMMIT

The 9 To Thrive Summit was packed full of so many inspiring speakers. It’s always a great day when you take time out for yourself to further educate, get informed and inspired to achieve your dreams. I really enjoyed my first Business Chicks event and am looking forward to being a part of many more to come!