The Audacious Agency hosted an electrifying "Rewrite the Rules" power session, where an extraordinary panel of women dared to disrupt and redefine success on their own terms. Led by Lauren Clemett, the conversation with Kim Yabsley, Karen Weaver, Fleur Madden, and Christine Corcoran was a candid exploration of what it truly means to break free from conventional expectations and forge a path aligned with your deepest values.
If you missed this powerful discussion – or want to relive every inspiring moment – the full webinar replay is now available!
The Audacious Origins: How Background Shapes Breakthroughs
Lauren kicked off the session by asking each speaker to share their "OG story" – how their unique backgrounds shaped the powerhouse businesswomen they are today.
- Kim Yabsley reveals how growing up in Canberra, surrounded by the complexities of government, ignited her genius for cutting through red tape. This innate ability led her to bootstrap her multi-million dollar tech platform using seven grants in two years, proving that complex systems can be made simple for groundbreaking growth.
- Karen Weaver shared her deeply personal journey from Ireland to Australia, overcoming profound challenges to find a path that led her to authorship and then accidental publishing, driven by a passion to help others tell their stories. Karen's story is a testament to trusting inspired thoughts and building a million-dollar publishing business on a minimal initial investment – all while raising 6 kids, prioritising joy and benign in alignment with her purpose.
- Christine Corcoran explained how her corporate background highlighted a massive gap in traditional business development: mindset. Obsessed with neuroscience, Christine challenged conventional sales tactics, teaching women to sell authentically and in a feminine way, emphasising that ambition doesn't require sacrifice and you can "have it all." She’s also just released an Amazon bestselling book on how to transform imposter syndrome into a superpower.
- Fleur Madden spoke of a diverse career spanning television journalism, scaling and selling multiple businesses (including a PR agency and an online beauty company before Sephora hit Australia!). Fleur openly discussed her "problem with authority" and the resilience gained from taking risks, embracing failures, and knowing when to pivot, even from highly successful ventures, to find true joy and impact at the next level.
Throwing Out The Rulebook: Audacious Actions That Paid Off
The panel then delved into specific instances where they truly rewrote the rules:
- Kim Yabsley took her dyslexic son out of school to homeschool him, defying naysayers who warned her business would suffer. Instead, it reinforced her commitment to a business that allows her to "say yes" to life's grand adventures, like a whim-fueled trip to Paris Disney!
- For Karen Weaver, rewriting rules is an everyday occurrence. Moving to Australia 35 weeks pregnant with no baby visa, and building a publishing empire from a $50-a-week investment, exemplify her belief in setting intention and acting on inspired thought, rather than micromanaging every step.
- Christine Corcoran challenged the "one-way" approach to scaling in coaching, integrating one-on-one components into her programs because it fuels her fulfillment. Her mantra? "Why not?" – a powerful question for any woman limiting her beliefs about earnings, opportunities, or even how she views imposter syndrome (as a growth tool, not a weakness).
- Fleur Madden confessed to never following any rules, highlighting her lifelong struggle with authority figures and rules. She famously questioned the idea of "staying in your own lane," advocating for adaptability and moving on when a role no longer serves you. Her advice: ignore critics who want to keep you small!
Why Do Women Hold Themselves Back? And How Do We Break Free?
The discussion powerfully shifted to the core question: why do women often struggle with self-recognition and hold themselves back?
- Kim Yabsley pointed to the immense load women carry – juggling careers, family, aging parents, and more. She advocates for intentionally crafting a lifestyle that supports your desired priorities.
- Karen Weaver reiterated the importance of aligning success with personal values (like being a hands-on mum) and overcoming the fear of ‘showing off’ and how setting and achieving goals can harness a woman's innate ability to pour love into their work as the super fuel of success.
- Christine Corcoran shared her views on societal conditioning that constantly tells women they're not good enough unless they conform to external standards. She urged active rejection of these messages, believing in inherent worthiness, and crucially, celebrating other women's wins to welcome abundance into your own life.
- Fleur Madden highlighted systemic issues: how girls are taught caution with money while boys are encouraged to take risks. She passionately champions teaching women about wealth creation and cautioned against taking advice from those not "in the arena" with you. Her tactic for online trolls? Block and delete – don't give them your energy!
Key Takeaways for Your Audacious Journey:
- Set Clear Goals: Know exactly what success means to you.
- Work on Yourself: Constantly challenge limiting beliefs and nurture your mindset.
- Choose Your Circle Wisely: Surround yourself with supportive people and block the haters.
- Reject Mainstream Systems: If a rule doesn't serve you, rewrite it.
- Believe in Yourself: Back your vision, dream big, and don't be afraid to shine.
- Find Your Genius Zone: Focus on what brings you joy and makes you feel alive.
Ready for Global Recognition?
Feeling inspired to step into your full power and gain the recognition you deserve? The Stevie® Awards for Women in Business (https://stevieawards.com/women) are the ultimate global accolade for women who are truly rewriting the rules.
These "Oscars of Business" celebrate leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs across over 120 categories (some even free to enter!). Imagine the impact of being acknowledged on an international stage for your hard work and audacity.
Learn More About Entering The Stevie Awards, Our Support Packages and our NYC Adventure!
Connect with Our Incredible Panel!
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Thank you for being part of a movement that empowers women to shine brighter, lead bolder, and truly rewrite the rules of business. We can't wait to see your continued success!
