Every new chapter begins with a question: What if I chose differently? For Diane , that question came after several years in venture capital  — a world of numbers, innovation, and fast-paced decisions. As former Head of Investor Relations at Super Capital , she helped startups raise funds and grow. But one day, she realized she wanted to invest in something else — herself. 🌿 Rewriting Success “I realized I had built a wall of happiness — protecting myself from negative emotions, but also from life itself.” This moment of clarity led Diane to take a bold step: leaving finance to focus on her passion for music and writing . Under her artist name Didiz , she now writes and performs songs that explore emotion, identity, and transformation.Her latest single, “Le Mur du Bonheur” , is both a confession and a liberation — a reminder that true balance isn’t about perfection, but about allowing every feeling to exist. ✨ From Numbers to Notes Diane’s story perfectly embodies the spirit of VOICES — women who reinvent themselves, bridge worlds, and redefine what it means to succeed. She proves that one can be both analytical and creative, disciplined and intuitive, serious and joyful. Her message to women entering the world of venture capital is clear: 💬 “ Be aware of your value. Don’t be intimidated — bring your own vision .”   🎧 Discover Diane’s world Listen to “Le Mur du Bonheur”  by Didiz  on Spotify, and read her full conversation on the Voices  page of Global Women Founders . From finance to Artist, Diane reminds us that the most meaningful investments are the ones we make in ourselves. #VoicesOfGWF #GlobalWomenFounders #WomenInFinance #SecondLife #JoyFirstBusinessSecond

At Global Women Founders , we meet extraordinary women — founders, artists, mothers, teachers, dreamers, and changemakers  — each shaping her own path, sometimes in the spotlight, often quietly, always with courage. VOICES  was born from one simple idea:to celebrate authentic journeys ,to share stories that inspire confidence ,and to shine a light on alternative ways to work and live . Because success doesn’t always follow a straight line — sometimes it’s about reinvention , curiosity , or simply daring to begin again. 🌍 The New Chapter Spirit Around the world, women are redefining what ambition looks like.They balance creativity and leadership, business and purpose, ambition and well-being. Through VOICES , we want to highlight these women — not as exceptions, but as examples of a broader movement:the freedom to design one’s own life. 💬 What we do Every month, VOICES  features one woman who shares her story — her lessons, turning points, and the mindset behind her second chapter . From Asia to Europe, these women remind us that there are many ways to succeed , and even more ways to live with meaning and joy. ✨ At GWF, we believe in doesn’t always start on stage or in the media. It starts in small circles, honest conversations, and moments of vulnerability shared between women. Together, these stories form a collective message: you can start again, grow differently, and still shine. 🕊️ VOICES  is our way of amplifying these stories. To remind every woman out there: you are not alone, your story matters, and your second chapter can begin anytime. #GlobalWomenFounders #VoicesOfGWF #WomenInspiringWomen #SecondLife #BusinessSecondJoyFirst #FromParisToTokyo

Starting over is hard. Starting over abroad ? Even harder — and maybe, more honest. When Yuka moved from Japan to Paris at 48, she thought she’d continue her corporate path. Instead, she found herself lost in translation — professionally and personally. “The systems were different. The pace was different. The way people saw me was different. I couldn’t rely on my old title, or my old rhythm. I had to ask myself: what do I really want to build now? ” At GWF, we see this story again and again: A French woman launching her first solo project in Japan A Canadian returnee using her bilingual edge to build a bridge A former exec in Singapour finally writing the book she’d shelved for 20 years Changing countries shakes your identity. But it also gives you space to reinvent — without all the old labels. ✅ So, what helps? 1. Safe Circles Not networking. Not pitching. Just space to speak and hear: “You’re not the only one.” 2. Micro-Wins Reinvention doesn’t have to mean a 5-year plan.→ Start small: offer a workshop, update your bio, try a co-creation. Movement matters. 3. Mirror People You need people who get it  — not just culturally, but emotionally. 🌐 GWF is for women navigating the in-between: new country, new chapter, new questions. We hold the space — so you can hold the pen.

No name tags. No elevator pitches.Just a long table, good wine, and women who’ve lived. In Paris, one woman shared how she left a luxury group after 20 years — “I didn’t know what I was anymore.”In Tokyo, someone said, “I’m not trying to scale. I’m trying to feel alive again.” No one interrupted. No one judged. That’s the thing with GWF Circles:It’s not about networking. It’s about remembering who you are — before the job, the kids, the shoulds. Each session is a kind of soft landing. A space to speak out loud what you haven’t dared to name. We laugh. We listen. We share. Sometimes both at once. And most of all — we don’t leave as strangers. Curious? We keep it small on purpose. 🪑 Apply to join the next Circle → https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF8UyrBabWpKHfpn_kRnkYiZWnMuaZjjBiDOzMLVSJ6qNDdw/viewform

At 30, she had the job title. At 45, she had the guts . When Marina.  launched her first solo project — a boutique leadership coaching practice — she wasn’t looking for validation. She was looking for meaning. “I spent years helping other people’s visions come true,” she said. “It never occurred to me that I could build something for myself. Not because I wasn’t capable — but because I didn’t think I had the right to.” Her younger self would’ve waited for permission.Her older self gave it to herself. This is a pattern we see at GWF:Women who’ve already proven themselves  — now daring to build something completely new.Not to impress. Not to escape. But to finally do the work that feels like theirs . Sometimes, the second act is the one that should’ve been the first. GWF is for women writing their next chapter — one that feels more free, more honest, and more fun.Come meet them → Check out our event!

You know the type of “failure story” that ends with a TED Talk, a book deal, and a startup exit?Yeah. We don’t mean that. At GWF, when we talk about failure, we mean the kind that hurts .The kind you don’t post about.The kind that leaves you asking, “Who am I now?” Like Laurence. , who shut down her business after burning out at 52.“I thought I was just tired. But truthfully, I had lost my sense of direction — and didn’t want to admit it.” Or Nora. , who returned to Singapour after 15 years abroad, only to find herself invisible in every room she walked into.“My CV was full, but I felt empty.” We hold space for that. Not to glorify the fall — but to explore what comes after . Because in failure, there’s data. There’s depth. And sometimes, there’s the seed of your second life. We don’t believe in shame.We believe in evolution. 🔁 Come to a GWF talk or share your own turning point → https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF8UyrBabWpKHfpn_kRnkYiZWnMuaZjjBiDOzMLVSJ6qNDdw/viewform

You don’t need another pitch deck. You need clarity. And courage . When you’ve spent 20+ years building a career, a family, a life — starting over isn’t about proving yourself. It’s about finally building something that feels like you . At Global Women Founders, we meet women who left corporate leadership, paused for caregiving, or moved across continents — and are now starting businesses that don’t fit the usual mold. Take Laurence , who launched a micro-agency at 51. No investors. No Instagram. Just high-trust clients and work that lights her up. “If I had tried this in my thirties, I would’ve burned out trying to scale. Now, I just want to build something I can be proud of at my own rhythm .” Second-time founders don’t chase the noise. They cut through it .And in that quiet, they find something rare: a new kind of success — one that feels deeply personal. This is the energy of GWF: 🎯 Small bets. 🤝 Real conversations. 💡 Business as a tool — not the finish line. Want to join a Circle? Or just read more stories like this? Sign up to join the Circle→ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF8UyrBabWpKHfpn_kRnkYiZWnMuaZjjBiDOzMLVSJ6qNDdw/viewform

At Global Women Founders, many of us are navigating big transitions: a new country, a career shift, the end of one chapter, the beginning of another. Some of us call it a “second life”  — not just a professional reinvention, but a deeper personal one. One question we hear often in our community is: “ How do I know when it’s time to start something new? ” Here are a few signs, reflections, and lessons shared by members of our circle — founders who have walked this path of transition: 🌟 You feel restless — even if your life looks “stable” on the outside Sometimes the strongest signal is an inner one. You may have a good job, a family, a life that looks “settled” — but something inside is stirring.You feel restless. Curious. You want to create something of your own, or explore a path that feels more aligned with who you are now. 🌟 You’ve moved — and your old identity doesn’t quite fit anymore When your environment shifts, it’s natural that your sense of identity and purpose also evolves.Starting something new — whether a business, a project, or a new network — can be a way to ground yourself in your new life . 🌟 You see gaps — and want to contribute Often the desire to start something comes from seeing a gap: a need in your community, a problem you care about, a service that doesn’t exist.Many second-life founders start small: a local group, a side project, an idea born from their own experience. You don’t have to launch a company tomorrow. Starting can be as simple as exploring and testing what matters to you . 🌟 You’ve changed — and want your work to reflect that After personal transitions — parenting, burnout, moving, divorce, career shifts — it’s normal to feel that your past professional identity no longer fits. Creating something new can be a way to align your next chapter with who you’ve become.This is one of the most beautiful aspects of second-life entrepreneurship — it’s not just about business, it’s about creating a life that feels authentic now. 🌟 You don’t know exactly what you want — but you’re curious and ready to explore You don’t need to have the perfect business idea yet.In our GWF circle, many women started simply by showing up to a Coffee & Connect , or joining an Ask the Founder  session, or sharing a small story. Exploration is part of the process. And being surrounded by others who understand second-life transitions helps make that process faster, lighter, and more joyful. ✨ If you’ve read this far, maybe you are already hearing your own inner signal.You don’t need to be “ready” — you just need to be open to the possibility  of something new. At Global Women Founders, we are here to walk that path with you — across borders and life stages. Come join us for a coffee, a conversation, or an online session — and see where your second life might lead. 🌸 #SecondLifeEntrepreneurship #WomenFounders #CrossBorderFounders #GlobalWomenFounders

At Global Women Founders, many of us are building businesses after a big life change:✨ Moving to a new country✨ Leaving a corporate career✨ Returning after family years✨ Recovering from burnout✨ Starting a second life after a personal transition It’s exciting — and also full of unknowns. One of the most popular conversations in our community is:👉 “What do you wish you had known before you started?” So here are some of the most common “don’ts”  — things our founders say they wish they’d done differently when starting a business after a life transition: Don’t wait until you feel “ready” — start small and explore Life transitions often shake your confidence. Many of us waited too long, thinking we needed the perfect plan , perfect logo , perfect time . Reality: There is no perfect moment. Starting with small steps — conversations, testing ideas, doing light projects — builds momentum and clarity. 👉 Start imperfectly. Action brings learning. Don’t isolate yourself — build a circle early When starting after a transition (especially abroad), it’s tempting to “figure it out alone” first. But: Entrepreneurship after a life change is already full of uncertainty — you need support.Find circles where people understand your path: other founders in transition, second-life entrepreneurs, mentors. 👉 You’ll move faster and feel less alone. Don’t build the business you “should” — build what fits your life now After transitions, we often carry old expectations: “I should build a scalable startup” or “I should match my past career.” But your life may have changed — your business can reflect that: maybe smaller, more flexible, more aligned with what matters now. 👉 Design a business that serves the life you want to build now. Don’t overlook the legal & financial basics — especially cross-border Many second-life founders launch quickly — but skip key legal, tax, or financial questions (especially when moving countries). 👉 Talk to professionals early. Avoid future stress. Cross-border legal & tax mistakes are common — and expensive. GWF Ask the Founder  sessions often cover this — join one! Don’t compare your timeline to others Big trap: looking at others who seem to be “ahead” — forgetting they may not have gone through the same transitions. After life changes, your timeline is yours — it’s normal to go slower, to need time to rebuild networks, confidence, or energy. 👉 Focus on consistent small steps — not fast comparison. SO IN ONE WORD: Starting a business after a life transition is one of the most creative, brave things you can do.It ’s not just about work — it’s about building a life that reflects who you are now. At Global Women Founders, we’re here to share experiences, support each other, and help you avoid the mistakes we made.Because yes — you really can gain a year  by learning from those who’ve been there. Come join us for a coffee, a conversation, or an Ask the Founder  session. 🌸 #SecondLifeEntrepreneurship #WomenFounders #CrossBorderFounders #WhatIWishIKnew #GlobalWomenFounders

Imagine a world where local businesses thrive not just in their community but on a global stage. In today's interconnected society, small entrepreneurs hold the key to creating meaningful relationships worldwide. These businesses not only contribute to the local economy but also serve as a bridge to global networks ripe with innovation and opportunities. This post reveals how local entrepreneurship can reach beyond borders, supporting both local economies and creating an impact worldwide. The Power of Local Entrepreneurs Local entrepreneurs are vital to their communities. They understand local cultures, address specific needs, and adapt to market dynamics. By providing jobs and stimulating the economy, they foster resilience in neighborhoods. But what if these local legends tapped into global markets? With over 4.9 billion people online, the internet eliminates barriers and enables local businesses to reach customers worldwide. By showcasing unique products or services, small businesses can stand out in a crowded marketplace. For instance, a local coffee shop offering single-origin beans from a specific farm in Colombia can attract coffee aficionados worldwide thanks to its distinctive flavor profile. Building a Unique Brand Story Every small business needs a strong brand story to forge global connections. Your story should encapsulate your business's essence, making it relatable and resonant for local and international audiences. Focus on sharing your origins, mission, and values authentically. This fosters trust and loyalty from your customers. For example, a local artist creating pottery rooted in traditional techniques can attract global buyers who appreciate craftsmanship. Highlight how local materials enhance your products or the community relationships that inspire your creations. Sharing stories behind everyday practices and the value of community can create a deeper connection with customers around the world. Leveraging Technology for Expansion Technology has opened doors for local entrepreneurs to access global markets like never before. E-commerce platforms, social media, and global shipping options offer small businesses the tools to compete with larger corporations. Setting up an online store need not be overwhelming, thanks to user-friendly platforms such as Shopify or Etsy. Local businesses can also utilize social media channels to showcase their offerings and give behind-the-scenes glimpses into their creation processes. For instance, sharing a short video of how a local bakery crafts artisanal bread can engage an audience and build an online community eager to support your brand. Cultivating Global Relationships Creating global connections means looking beyond straightforward transactions. Networking with other entrepreneurs can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Participating in industry groups, attending international fairs, or joining webinars opens doors to collaboration. These exchanges can lead to partnerships that blend diverse cultural influences into unique product offerings. Consider establishing trade relationships with foreign markets. Doing so can enhance your business's adaptability and innovation while allowing it to thrive in an evolving global economy. Harnessing Sustainability for Global Appeal Today's consumers prioritize sustainability, which allows local businesses to lead by example. Small businesses can attract buyers who value ethical sourcing and eco-friendly practices. By implementing sustainable methods, such as using locally sourced materials or reducing waste, entrepreneurs can set themselves apart. For example, a local clothing brand that uses organic cotton could appeal to an environmentally conscious audience ready to make a purchase that aligns with their values. Transparency in these sustainable practices strengthens brand appeal on a global scale and helps create a community of like-minded supporters. Emphasizing Quality Over Quantity Quality is often a hallmark of small businesses, and this focus can transform into a competitive advantage. Customers appreciate well-crafted products and the personal touch that larger companies often lack. By highlighting the quality of your goods or services, you can attract a global audience willing to pay a premium for unique items. For instance, a local chocolatier dedicated to crafting small-batch chocolates can effectively market their products to consumers who seek both quality and an authentic story behind each creation. Community Engagement and Global Outreach Strengthening local connections is key for any small business, and these relationships often serve as the springboard for international outreach. Collaborating with local organizations can enhance your reputation and create networks that extend globally. For example, consider partnering with a school for workshops or community events. A local restaurant teaching cooking classes can foster goodwill in the community, while also showcasing your brand to potential global audiences interested in local flavors. Sharing these successes can inspire others and create a ripple effect that spans the globe. Final Thoughts Building global connections through local entrepreneurship offers incredible potential for growth and innovation. By embracing unique brand stories, utilizing technology, fostering community, committing to sustainability, emphasizing quality, and engaging locally, small businesses can carve out a powerful presence on the international stage. As these local champions rise, their influence can reverberate from their communities to the world. Let's continue to support local entrepreneurship, unlocking their incredible potential to connect, inspire, and shape a more connected global community.

🌟GLOBAL WOMEN FOUNDERS In SINGAPORE 🌟 ✨ Mom, Founder & CEO: My Second Life Abroad ✨ 🌍 Join us for an inspiring session that dives into the personal and professional journey of a mom-turned-founder and CEO, navigating life and business in a foreign country. In this intimate event, you’ll hear firsthand how motherhood and entrepreneurship blend into a second life abroad. 💼👩‍👧‍👦 From overcoming challenges in a new culture to balancing family and leadership roles, this talk will offer valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone looking to reinvent themselves in a global context. 🌏✨ Whether you're thinking of launching your own business, seeking inspiration, or simply curious about the journey of a founder balancing family and leadership in a foreign country, this event promises to deliver stories, lessons, and motivation that resonate on many levels. 💡💪 Key Highlights: 🔑 The challenges and rewards of building a business abroad🔑 Balancing motherhood and the demanding role of a CEO🔑 Insights into personal and professional reinvention🔑 Networking with fellow entrepreneurs, parents, and global professionals 🤝🌐 Come prepared to be inspired, share your thoughts, and leave with new perspectives on what it means to be a mom, founder, and CEO in today’s interconnected world. 🌟👩‍💼👨‍👩‍👧 📅 DATE: Monday, November 11th, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM📍 LOCATION: Orchard Road Singapore (the exact venue will be shared upon confirmation of your participation) Language: The event will be conducted in English. IN-PERSON EVENT – Limited to 20 participantsThe event is free of charge.This event is exclusively on invitation.

Japanese business etiquette is deeply rooted in tradition and respect. Mastering these practices will help you build trust and foster successful relationships. Here are key points to consider: Punctuality Time management is crucial in Japan. Always arrive on time or, ideally, at least 5 minutes early for meetings. Lateness can be seen as disrespectful and unprofessional. Politeness and Formality Politeness is at the core of Japanese communication. Use formal greetings and show deference in tone and body language. Learning basic Japanese phrases such as “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) and “Sumimasen” (excuse me) can leave a positive impression. Business Card Exchange (Meishi) Business cards are more than contact details—they are an extension of your professional identity. Always present your card with both hands and ensure the text is facing the recipient. Take time to examine the card you receive, showing respect and interest. Patience in Decision-Making Japanese businesses often involve consensus-driven decision-making, which can take time. Be patient and avoid pushing for immediate answers. Understanding this process will demonstrate respect for their way of working. Language Support Having someone fluent in Japanese on your team is invaluable. Whether it’s a bilingual assistant or a professional interpreter, clear communication will help avoid misunderstandings and build trust. Additionally, translating materials like presentations or contracts into Japanese shows dedication and professionalism. At Global Women Founders , we organize cultural focused webinar and online workshops for non Japanese entrepreneurs. Stay tuned!