Women Entrepreneurs Shaping the Future

Parnell Woodard

You know, when I look at the numbers—40% of US businesses owned by women and $1.8 trillion in revenue—it’s inspiring. It’s not just a statistic; it’s a movement. Women entrepreneurs are driving an economic force.

Eric Marquette

Absolutely. And when you think about that, it’s not just limited to the US. In Canada, for example, women entrepreneurs contribute $150 billion annually to the economy, employing over 1.5 million people. That’s huge.

Parnell Woodard

It is. And what’s even more impressive? Women are starting businesses at a rate one and a half times higher than the national average here in the States. That’s a clear indicator of where things are headed.

Eric Marquette

Right. It shows a fundamental shift in the business landscape. More and more women are not just participating in the economy—they’re shaping it. And this trend, it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Parnell Woodard

No, it’s not. But here’s the thing—none of this happens in isolation. Every successful entrepreneur needs a network, support, mentorship. Behind these numbers are stories of women empowering other women, and that’s the real change-maker.

Eric Marquette

Exactly. And that ties in so well with this year’s International Women’s Day theme—“Moving Forward Together! Women Educating Inspiring Generations.” It’s such a powerful message that, I think, sums up how women-led businesses are redefining success.

Parnell Woodard

And it’s not just about individual success. It’s about creating waves—mentors guiding the next generation, women supporting each other through collaboration and shared knowledge. That’s how transformation happens.

Eric Marquette

It’s true. And when you see successful examples—like women who’ve built thriving franchises or carved out niches in industries—they’re often paying it forward. They're building communities and supporting others to rise alongside them.

Parnell Woodard

That’s the real legacy, isn’t it? Because when women succeed in business, families, communities, even entire economies benefit. It’s this multiplying effect that’s impossible to ignore.

Parnell Woodard

Eric, as inspiring as these successes are, we know the journey for women entrepreneurs isn’t without its challenges. From gender pay gaps to limited access to funding, there are still significant barriers that need to be addressed.

Eric Marquette

Big hurdles, absolutely. And when we talk about funding, that’s a major one—women consistently receive less funding than their male counterparts. I mean, you’d think those numbers would start evening out.

Parnell Woodard

Yeah, you’d think. But statistics paint a different picture. And then there’s building professional networks, which, let's face it, can be harder to crack for women in certain industries. It’s a double challenge: breaking into networks and then leveraging them effectively.

Eric Marquette

And let’s not forget the delicate balancing act of work and life. Even though 71% of female entrepreneurs report better work-life balance, it’s still a juggling act just to get there. That doesn’t even scratch the surface of everything they’re managing.

Parnell Woodard

Exactly. But what amazes me the most? The resilience and innovation we see in the face of these barriers. Like Sarah’s story—she was a corporate executive who transitioned into owning multiple franchises. She didn’t do it alone though; she had strategic support.

Eric Marquette

Oh, Sarah’s a perfect example. Her Career Ownership Coach connected her with the right resources and mentors. Now? She’s not only running her franchises but mentoring others. It’s proof that challenges, no matter how big, don’t have to be roadblocks.

Parnell Woodard

It’s a testament to the power of having the right support system. These stories show that while the barriers are real, they’re not insurmountable. With the right guidance, courage, and community, women are carving paths others can follow.

Parnell Woodard

That’s where support like Career Ownership Coaches makes such a difference. For women navigating these challenges, these coaches provide more than just direction. They align professional journeys with I.L.W.E. goals—Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity—to help overcome the very barriers we’ve just discussed.

Eric Marquette

Right, and that framework really gives you a clear picture of what success means to you personally. It’s not just about making money; it’s about shaping your life around your values and aspirations. It’s about, you know, designing your own future.

Parnell Woodard

Exactly. And when we look at examples like Sarah—she went from the corporate grind to owning multiple thriving franchises. Her Career Ownership Coach was there every step of the way, helping her evaluate her options and connecting her with mentors who guided her through the process.

Eric Marquette

And now she’s paying it forward, mentoring other women. I mean, that’s the real beauty of it. It’s not just about building one successful business; it’s about creating a ripple effect—women empowering women. That’s where the magic happens.

Parnell Woodard

Totally. And that ripple effect is what drives change. When one woman succeeds, she pulls others up with her. But it’s not just mentorship—it’s education, too. These coaches provide insights into market trends, business models, financial planning, and so much more.

Eric Marquette

And let’s not forget leadership development. That’s another big one. They’re not just helping women start businesses; they’re equipping them to lead—whether it’s in their companies, communities, or even beyond that.

Parnell Woodard

That’s what makes this so powerful. It’s not just about individual growth; it’s about creating a legacy, fostering connections, and building sustainable success for future generations. The theme, “Moving Forward Together,” couldn’t capture it better.

Eric Marquette

Yeah, it’s inspiring. Women educating, inspiring, and empowering each other—it’s why the future of business is undeniably female. There’s a shift happening, and I think it’s something we should all be excited about.

Parnell Woodard

And that’s exactly why we’re here—to encourage that shift and to celebrate it. So, for anyone listening, if you’re considering carving your own path, exploring a new career, or even dreaming about owning a business, reach out to a Career Ownership Coach. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; create it.

Eric Marquette

Absolutely. Because, as we’ve seen, success doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we support, guide, and lift each other up. And that’s what’ll carry us all forward.

Parnell Woodard

Well, on that note, let’s wrap it up here. It’s been a great conversation, and honestly, there’s so much more we could dive into. But for now, thank you all for joining us today. Let’s move forward together and make the future what we want it to be.

Eric Marquette

And that’s all for today. Take care—and until next time, keep dreaming, keep striving, and keep building your future.