She'd rehearsed in the mirror, finished her slides and knew her content cold. Shannon Alter, executive presence coach with over 30 years of experience, breaks down why her client still lost the room and what female founders need to know about the signals they're sending before they say a word.

A professional headshot has been doing the same job for sixty years: showing strangers you're a credible professional. The Beautiful Moments founder Hetal Trivedi argues that the job hasn't gone away, but it's no longer enough. Here's what brand storytelling images can do that a headshot was never built for, and how to make every photo on your website earn its place.

Giving back as a small business doesn’t have to be expensive or performative. Discover meaningful, sustainable ways that female founders can create real impact in their communities. 

Most founders think PR isn't working because of the pitch. After 22 years building reputations behind the scenes, Laura Perkes argues the real problem starts much earlier.

Miranda Priestly's takedown of Emily Charlton in The Devil Wears Prada 2 is the sharpest line in the film. It's also the question every female founder should be asking herself.

The absence of proper legal documentation can be catastrophic. Commercial lawyer Rebecca Kelly on the documents that protect your business before something goes wrong.

Discover the dangers of using AI-generated ads for your small business, plus why human creativity and "homemade" content are the keys to business growth in 2026.

Barbara Ayisi cold-called The Langham, sent seven follow-up emails and landed her first ever brand shoot at one of London's most prestigious hotels. On persistence, preparation and how to approach a luxury venue with a proposal they cannot say no to.

Travel retail gives brands access to millions of international consumers every year. But it works very differently from traditional retail. Yvonne Airey on commercial readiness, margin expectations and how to approach the channel strategically.

Shannon was one of 2,225 female founders who contributed to The Rise Report 2026. On loneliness, the funding gap, what success actually means and why 78% of founders say human connection is the whole point.

From choosing the right event to interacting with strangers, Hannah Capocci-Hunt on what product founders need to know before their first market stall and what the experience teaches you that nothing else can.

We're living through a trust recession. The gap between what people say and what they do has widened — and audiences are exhausted by the performance. Danielle Thompson on what they actually want instead.

Charlie Terry, Founder of CEEK Marketing, analyses TALA’s £2.6m operating loss, Grace Beverley’s strategy and the wider debate around founder-led UK brand profitability.

Ellie Johnson introduced three operating principles that changed how she runs her business — and how she shows up in it. On discipline, balance and organisation as the foundations of sustainable growth.

Being yourself is a start — but it's not a strategy. Marketing strategist Giada Nizzoli on what high-ticket clients actually need to see before they trust you with their money.

Self-employed women aren't entitled to nothing when pregnant — but the support on offer is explained poorly. On Maternity Allowance, Keeping in Touch days and what to prepare for financially.

A stunning portfolio tells you what a designer can create. It doesn't tell you how they work, how they communicate or whether they'll truly understand your business. Lucy Hoddinott on the questions worth asking before you sign anything.

Claudia Stephenson has hired across creative, technology and events for years. On why degree requirements are shrinking the talent pool — and what businesses gain when they widen the aperture.

You don't need to be constantly on camera to build authority. PR strategist Jo Swann on how strategic PR works quietly in the background and what founders need to do to get started.

Too many businesses treat sustainability like decoration. Mia Marks on why the companies worth watching bring it into the room early — and why it behaves less like a conscience and more like a structure.