Find Your Own Path to an Extraordinary Life

Texas native Helene Sula shares her global adventures as the voice behind her eponymous blog and social media accounts, Helene in Between – with 566,000 Instagram followers and counting

She has shared culture shocks she’s experienced living abroad, not once, but twice. Her love for Christmas markets is contagious, with posts featuring steamy drinks and indulgent dishes oozing with cheese adding to her platform’s appeal. 

Is she a WPO member?  Don't know.  Could she be?  Will check. Meanwhile, check out her story, which includes a new book that encourages readers to find their own path to an extraordinary life.  Who doesn't want to achieve that?

You've Got This: Business Owners Have Monday's (4/8/24) Solar Eclipse Pathway Covered

Business owners within the 70-mile-wide swath of total darkness during the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse are renting whatever rooms, cars, or anything else they still have left.  That said, owners of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and any other type of lodging establishment are ready.

At this point, anyone in the path of totality without a place to stay ahead of the event should probably forget about it. Last-minute eclipse chasers will have to open their wallets wide, as prices for rooms have really lit up across Monday's trail of darkness.

It's going to be unbelievable.  Best places to see the eclipse in Chicago can be found here.  Be safe and enjoy the moment.

Why the World Needs Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurship needs to be addressed – because the preconditions might be different depending on the person’s gender – and for two main reasons, clearly identified by the OECD in its work about entrepreneurship promotion. 

The first reason is that, despite lower participation rates in entrepreneurship than men, women entrepreneurs are an important untapped source of economic growth. They create new jobs for themselves and others. And by being different they also provide society with different solutions to management, organization and business problems as well as to the exploitation of entrepreneurial opportunities. 

The second reason is that the topic of women entrepreneurship has been largely neglected both in society in general and in the social sciences. 

Women are faced with specific obstacles that have to be overcome in order to give them access to the same opportunities as men.

Why Businesses Need More Women at the Top

WPO members are already at the top by running their own businesses.  But let's take a look at gender imbalances in the corporate world.

Women are better educated and more active in the labour force than ever, and are increasingly working in managerial roles. Yet despite these gains, their representation in top positions in business still lags behind that of men.

Explore this InfoStory to find out why gender balance at all levels of business is better for companies and economies as a whole.

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2024 from WPO Chicago

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

“We Irish prefer embroideries to plain cloth. To us Irish, memory is a canvas—stretched, primed, and ready for painting on. We love the "story" part of the word "history," and we love it trimmed out with color and drama, ribbons and bows. Listen to our tunes, observe a Celtic scroll: we always decorate our essence.” ― Frank Delaney, Irish novelist, journalist, and broadcaster.

Where Are the Top Countries for Women Business Owners?

On a global level, the top three countries for female entrepreneurship include the United States, Australia and Canada. 

According to Business News Daily, the top five best places for women-owned businesses include:

1. Sante Fe, New Mexico
2. Boulder, Colorado
3. Monroe, Michigan
4. Racine, Wisconcin
5. Ocean City, New Jersey

But let' back up a bit.  Before there was Oprah, Ariana Huffington, and Sheryl Sandberg, there was Sarah Breedlove. Sarah – better known as Madam C.J. Walker – was the first woman entrepreneur in history.

This Women’s History Month, Grasshopper took a look back at her accomplishments and other women who have shaped the business world for women today.

Celebrating Women’s Diverse Contributions to Society

Founded in 1996, the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) is an innovative museum dedicated to uncovering, interpreting, and celebrating women’s diverse contributions to society. 

A renowned leader in women’s history education, the Museum brings to life the countless untold stories of women throughout history, and serves as a space for all to inspire, experience, collaborate, and amplify women’s impact—past, present, and future. 

NWHM strives to fundamentally change the way women and girls see their potential and power.