Empowering women entrepreneurs is essential for fostering economic growth, innovation, and social progress. Women-owned businesses contribute significantly to the global economy, yet many women still face substantial barriers to entrepreneurship.

According to international research conducted by American Express, in more developed countries, women own approximately 42 percent of all businesses and generate a staggering $1.9 trillion in revenue annually.

Interestingly, data also shows that in industries requiring the operation of heavy machinery, women often drive these vehicles more efficiently and safely than men. Again this is an example of women thriving outside of the boardroom and creating more economic value for businesses.

Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, especially for women but the rewards that come from achieving self-made success are worth all the challenging moments that I have been through.

I believe women should be seen as equal to their counterparts in business. Below I have shared my top tips, highlighting how women can thrive as business women and entrepreneurs. 

• Improving your soft skills

The most important first step to ensure that women succeed in their careers is to enhance their self-awareness and self-confidence. These soft skills are becoming increasingly important for women to thrive in the workplace. Recent LinkedIn data supports this, with 61 percent of employers recognising that soft skills are just as important as hard skills.

Traditionally, feminine strengths such as empathy, collaboration and communication help create psychologically safe workplaces where individuals feel valued and empowered. These traits also lead to more creativity and engagement, which enables individuals to respond effectively to challenges in the constantly changing business landscape.

For me personally, having confidence helped me break free from outdated limiting beliefs and empower my sense of self to build resilience and authenticity when I needed it most. Racing has built my character and shown me that to get through challenges in both life and business, I need to channel my strongest, most authentic self.

• Speak up

It’s so important as a woman in business to find your voice. Never be afraid to speak up and provide practical advice and solutions to problems that may arise. By speaking about your goals and talents you can start attracting the attention of people who are interested in working with you. Stand proud, and share your message, people will appreciate you for it.

Challenging each other and collaborating with people who think differently can breed creativity and promote the innovative ideas that push organisations forward.

• Women empowering women

There are so many examples that show empowering women leads to increased investment in communities, innovation and entrepreneurship.By shining a spotlight on accomplished women who have thrived and gone through adversity, we can inspire and motivate women to pursue their dreams and overcome any obstacles in their way.

I have been open with sharing my story, my struggles, challenges and the honest truth with the purpose to inspire women to follow their dreams and chase their passions.

Through the celebration of these strong female success stories, we can redefine societal norms, challenge gender stereotypes and instill confidence in every woman so that they know they can achieve success and greatness. 

About Renee Gracie:

Renee Gracie is a former Australian V8 supercar driver, current GT3 driver, entrepreneur and top earning OnlyFans content creator.

Born in Queensland, Gracie initially made headlines for her talent on the racetrack, competing in high-profile events like the Bathurst 1000. Through determination and business acumen, Gracie built a multi-million-dollar empire while using her platform to advocate for personal empowerment and equality for women in sports.

Her 2024 documentary, Renee Gracie: Fireproof, delves into her remarkable journey, highlighting her resilience and efforts to re-enter the racing world.