Women in entrepreneurship are reshaping the business landscape through building, scaling and leading with resilience and purpose. EO Melbourne’s Startup to Scaling Up event placed that journey centre stage as it gathers a dynamic audience of founders, business owners, and aspiring EO members to hear directly from female leaders who’ve done just that.
The discussion pulled back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a business: the hard decisions, the high stakes, and the deeply personal wins. Fresh from the Fireside Chat with The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, the audience was treated to even more insights, this time from female EO members who are leading from the frontlines of business.
Leading the conversation was Tracy Angwin, Marketing and Partnership Director of the EO APAC Regional Council and Founder of Australian Payroll Association. Known for her straight-talking style and strategic mindset, Tracy guided the panel through the question at the heart of the event: What does it really take to grow a business and lead with impact? The answers came from four powerhouse women in EO—Dawn Piebenga (EO Sydney), Melissa Strutt (EO Perth), Leah Akoka (EO Melbourne), and Donna Guest (EO Melbourne)—each with a distinct perspective and a refreshingly honest take on the entrepreneurial journey.
The panel didn’t sugarcoat the experience. Dawn shared how she built and led a national team in the complex world of medico-legal assessments, driven by empathy and precision. Melissa opened up about building and exiting one of Perth’s largest independent agencies, while balancing family and a fierce competitive spirit. Leah lit up the room with her insights on redefining productivity through people, and Donna spoke of building a brand that blends business with beauty, creativity with commerce. The stories resonated because they were real, marked by resilience, evolution, and clarity of purpose.
Throughout the session, what stood out was not just the success, but the solidarity. These women didn’t just build businesses, they built capacity—for themselves and others. They spoke of the pivotal moments where EO helped them level up: the conversations that challenged them, the connections that pushed them forward, and the community that never let them feel alone in the climb.
That spirit of growth was echoed by James Murray, EO Melbourne’s Membership Chair, who took the stage to introduce EO’s unique ecosystem. He walked the audience through the Four Truths of EO and its Four Pillars: Forum, Events, Network, and Leadership. Together, these pillars support a holistic kind of development, one that fuels not only business success but also personal transformation.
For those in the room, especially the women looking for more than just a business network, Startup to Scaling Up offered a glimpse of what EO truly stands for. It’s a global community that values authenticity, growth, and impact. Whether you're just starting or scaling to the next level, EO is a place where entrepreneurs grow together. Ready to find your tribe? EO is where it begins.