As a journalist, entrepreneur and woman who has struggled to “get it together” in her professional life, I catch myself being almost constantly on the lookout for stories of amazing and inspiring women to encourage me and others like me on our journeys to career and entrepreneurial success.  I look for stories of women who found that success later in life, who overcame obstacles, and accomplished their goals and dreams (despite any naysayers). Stories of women who were bold enough to live as their authentic selves, fight for what they want and for the well-being of others, or who turned their lives around after facing great obstacles, internal struggles and personal defeats.  
          Because I have struggled and fought through that stuff every day since I got out of college and need the encouragement- just like many others I’m sure. But so many stories I find (even if encouraging in themselves) are usually about men. And although I do love men (most days) I think the world supports and builds them up enough. Sorry, guys! That’s why I want to read more inspiring, redemptive, empowering stories about women.
          So, here’s the first column on some of the women who I think are the most inspiring and influential in business and in life. There are soo many more to brag on, but this is a great woman to start with.
 
           Arianna Huffington
 
            Arianna Huffington was born in Greece in 1950 and had a passion for writing from a young age. After moving to the United States in 1980, she quickly established herself as a prominent author and journalist. She gained recognition for her insightful and thought-provoking columns, which tackled a wide range of social and political issues. Arianna's ability to connect with readers through her writing played a pivotal role in her eventual ascent to becoming a businesswoman.
            In 2005, at 55 years old, Arianna Huffington co-founded The Huffington Post, a groundbreaking online news platform. Through this platform, she revolutionized the way news and information were consumed. The Huffington Post quickly became a trusted source of news, bringing together expert contributors and providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard. Arianna's vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping the success of this globally recognized media outlet.
            As if co-founding and leading The Huffington Post was not enough, Arianna Huffington continued to take on new challenges and inspire others along the way. In 2016, she launched Thrive Global, a company focused on well-being and productivity. Through Thrive Global, Arianna aims to redefine success by prioritizing self-care and creating a culture that promotes personal growth and balance in the workplace. This venture demonstrates Arianna's commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and society as a whole.
            Arianna Huffington's entrepreneurial journey and unwavering determination have inspired countless women in business. She has shattered glass ceilings and set an example for aspiring female entrepreneurs and leaders. Arianna's success serves as a reminder that gender should never limit one's aspirations or potential. Her advocacy for work-life balance and well-being has sparked important conversations and brought about positive changes in workplace culture. Women in business can look up to Arianna as a role model and draw inspiration from her incredible achievements.
            Today, in addition to running Thrive Global, Arianna is the host of multiple podcasts and has published 15 books, including:

• On Becoming Fearless…in Love, Work, and Life (2007)
• Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder (2014)
• The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time (2016)

 
            As an author, journalist and social-entrepreneur with many passions that have been put off for too long- Arianna Huffington is an inspiration to me. Her life and written work is a reminder that it’s never too late to build an amazing career and how to thrive in love, work and life.
 
           Follow us here and on social media @femmespiremedia for our next “Inspiring Women in Business” Column.
 
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           Have a suggestion for a Woman who has inspired you that you would like us to feature here or in another column. Message us at editor@femmespiremagazine.com

Introduction:

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur who dreams big and refuses to settle for anything less than a fulfilling family life and a successful career? Well, guess what? You can have it all! In this article, we will explore the possibilities and provide some much-needed encouragement for those who aspire to balance their family responsibilities with their entrepreneurial dreams. It's time to embrace your inner bad-ass bitch and make your dreams a reality!
 
Dream big, don't settle:
 
As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of building a business and forget about your personal dreams and aspirations. However, it's important to remember that you have the power to create the life you want, both professionally and personally. Don't settle for anything less than what you truly desire. Dream big and refuse to let anyone or anything stand in your way.
 
Balancing family and career – it's possible:
 
Achieving a balance between family and career can be a daunting task, but it's not impossible. With careful planning, prioritization, and a supportive network, you can successfully manage both aspects of your life. It's all about finding the right balance and being intentional about how you allocate your time and energy.
 
Embracing your inner bad-ass bitch:
 
To truly have it all, you need to embrace your inner bad-ass bitch. This means having the confidence to go after what you want, regardless of what others may think or say. It means being unapologetic about your ambitions and not allowing anyone to diminish your dreams. Remember, you have the power to create the life you want – so embrace your inner bad-ass and go after it!
 
Building a supportive network:
 
One of the key components of balancing family and career is having a strong support system in place. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand and support your goals. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs who are juggling similar responsibilities and learn from each other's experiences. Having a supportive network will not only provide you with valuable insights but also a sense of camaraderie and encouragement.
 
Time management is key:
 
Time management is crucial when it comes to balancing family and career. Prioritize your responsibilities, set realistic goals, and create a schedule that allows you to allocate time for both your family and your business. Be intentional with your time and avoid unnecessary distractions. Remember, it's about quality over quantity – focus on being fully present in the moment, whether you're spending time with your family or working on your business.
 
Learning to delegate:
 
As an entrepreneur, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that you have to do everything yourself. However, learning to delegate tasks and responsibilities is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Trust your team and empower them to take on certain aspects of your business. By doing so, you not only free up your time but also allow your team members to grow and develop their skills.
 
Overcoming guilt and embracing self-care:
 
It's common for entrepreneurs to experience guilt when they prioritize their careers over their family or vice versa. However, it's important to remember that taking care of yourself is crucial for both your personal and professional success. Make self-care a priority and give yourself permission to recharge and rejuvenate. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself so you can show up fully for your family and your business.
 
Conclusion:
 
Yes, you can have it all. As an entrepreneur, you have the power to create a life that encompasses both a fulfilling family and a successful career. Dream big and refuse to settle for anything less. Embrace your inner bad-ass bitch, build a supportive network, prioritize time management, learn to delegate, overcome guilt, and embrace self-care. Your dreams are within reach – go after them with determination and passion. You've got this!