Beyond Busy
Highlights
- Read time: 5 minutes
- Get inspired by Cohort 7 Fellows who finished the program year strong
- Explore the AWEC lessons and elements that transformed their businesses
- Discover AWEC’s impact on their business growth, sales, and networks
Success is not about having time, it's about making time!
The AWEC core program is an arduous year-long journey, designed for women juggling businesses, careers, and families. From asynchronous collaboration in assignments and peer learning to team projects and one-on-one mentorship, it demands commitment and discipline. Yet, despite their busy lives, Cohort 7 entrepreneurs remained committed and determined.
Their resilience paid off, with an impressive 80% program completion rate a testament to their determination. How have the AWEC sisters navigated the program? What lessons have they learned? And most importantly, what has been the impact on their businesses so far?
Acha Mbayi from Cameroon is the CEO of Eunilove Agro Company Ltd. Her business empowers grassroots women farmers and restores degraded land. Bridget Okpokoro from Nigeria is the Founder of Brava Farms - The Plant Garden Shop, which encourages urban gardeners to grow food and plants in small spaces using containers and pots.
AWEC Lessons That Transformed Their Businesses
One of the first things that struck Acha was the time management module. “It was an eye-opener. I realized we were wasting so much time, and that was affecting our business. Implementing structured monthly and weekly plans changed everything. Now, we evaluate our work, and I can see real results.”
Strategic planning was the most important thing in ensuring efficiency in Bridget’s company. “I used to think that everything was fine as long as farming was happening. But now, I understand that every person in the company must know their role, and we must plan at all levels.”
Financial management is often overlooked, but for Acha, it was a game-changer. She struggled with cash flow, unsure where money was going. “Before AWEC, we didn’t track our finances. Now, financial control has improved. Every coin is counted and everyone is accountable! We spend wisely.”
Bridget had a similar experience. “Budgeting and financial planning has saved my business. I now allocate funds effectively, with a clear plan.”
AWEC brought clarity to Bridget’s business. “As an entrepreneur, you sometimes doubt your decisions. AWEC became that guiding voice, providing clarity and direction.”
“Budgeting and financial planning has saved my business. I now allocate funds effectively, with a clear plan.”
- Acha Mbayi
The Power of Marketing and Storytelling: Lessons From the AWEC Virtual Leadership Summit
Before AWEC, Acha didn’t think farming needed online marketing. “I used to believe we only needed local sales. After attending the Leadership Summit, I understood the power of digital marketing. We immediately hired a consultant to manage our online presence. Initially, we registered an average of 10 customers per month. The number has grown to 25 customers, boosting both our income and brand visibility.”
Bridget found the storytelling sessions of the Leadership Summit instrumental “Our business has a great story, but I wasn’t telling it well. AWEC taught me how to share our journey in a way that connects with people. This has built my confidence, increased our brand awareness, and boosted sales.”
One of the most impactful lessons for Bridget has been in marketing. She shared how she struggled with audience engagement before joining AWEC. “I was talking to my audience, but they weren’t responding. Through a session on customer personas, I learned how to connect with them by asking questions and understanding their needs. I applied this strategy to a product I was struggling to sell. When I engaged my customers and implemented their feedback, sales improved dramatically.”
“Our business has a great story, but I wasn’t telling it well. AWEC taught me how to share our journey in a way that connects with people. This has built my confidence, increased our brand awareness, and boosted sales.”
- Bridget Okpokoro
The AWEC Effect
Mentorship, Peer Support, and Lasting Connections
Acha and Bridget value the relationships they’ve built at AWEC. The mentorship experience was a key highlight. “My mentor, Doris Ahiati, kept me accountable,” Acha shares. “She’d check in, ask about my progress, and push me to do more.”
Bridget also highlighted the various components of the AWEC program, including live sessions, mentorship, peer groups, and assignments. For her, the live sessions have been the most impactful. “The speakers share real experiences, making the lessons practical and applicable to my business. Hearing their stories and learning from their experiences has been incredibly valuable.”
Live Sessions were another highlight for Acha. “Every time I attended one, I left thinking, ‘Wow, that was powerful. I need to apply everything I learned. The networking is incredible, too. I now have friends and business connections across Africa.”
"The networking is incredible. I now have friends and business connections across Africa.”
- Acha Mbayi
“The AWEC journey has shaped me. I am a better entrepreneur, leader, and thinker.”
- Bridget Okpokoro
Pushing Beyond Limits
Acha admits AWEC was overwhelming but rewarding. “There were moments I felt overwhelmed, but I needed that push. Starting a business is easy, but keeping it alive is tough. AWEC gave me the push I needed.”
Bridget agrees. “The journey has shaped me. I am a better entrepreneur, leader, and thinker.”
As their time in AWEC comes to an end, both women are stepping into the future with confidence. Their businesses are stronger, their strategies sharper, and their impact greater.
In its fifth year, Acha sees such a huge transformation in her business. “Our 2024 results surpassed the last three years combined. AWEC was key to our growth, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
“Our 2024 results surpassed the last three years combined. AWEC was key to our growth, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
- Acha Mbayi
AWEC Cohort 7 Fellows Reflect on Their Transformational Journey
Shingirai Muchato
Zimbabwe / Rating: 10
If your AWEC journey were a movie, what would the title be? - She Believed She Could, So She Did
My AWEC Experience: AWEC was more practical than formal business education. Data analytics changed my perspective. I gained confidence, resilience, and amazing friendships. Now, I'm ready to apply these lessons and push beyond my current limits.
Bukola Omotosho
Nigeria / Rating: 10
If your AWEC journey were a movie, what would the title be? - Courage, Growth & Sisterhood
My AWEC Experience: This was a transformative experience! I mastered time management, critical thinking, and customer journey mapping. I finally overcame my fear of numbers. The community I built here is priceless. Now, I’m ready to expand, improve my customer experience, and mentor others.
Saujatie Maganga
Malawi / Rating: 10
If your AWEC journey were a movie, what would the title be? - The Amazing Race
My AWEC Experience: I gained so much knowledge and made valuable connections. The mock board meeting was the most impactful session for me. I’m excited to implement everything I’ve learned!
Grace Buckman
Ghana/ Rating: 10
If your AWEC journey were a movie, what would the title be? - The Transformation of a Business Leader
My AWEC Experience: I am not the same person. My understanding of business has changed drastically, especially in marketing approaches and operations to enhance client experience. I now think more analytically, manage my time better, and focus on strategic planning. My next audacious branch is starting soon, and I plan to train my team, develop more leaders, and expand in Ghana and beyond.
Temitope Akinyemi
Nigeria / Rating: 8
If your AWEC journey were a movie, what would the title be? - Pressure Pot of Goodness!
My AWEC Experience: The content was valuable, but the program was intense! I’ve learned to make data-driven decisions and improved my people skills and business strategy. I’ll definitely invite my friends to join AWEC lessons and push beyond my current limits.
Rumbidzayi Gadhula
Zimbabwe / Rating: 9
If your AWEC journey were a movie, what would the title be? - Unstoppable Growth
My AWEC Experience: I learned so much about branding and marketing! AWEC gave me the confidence to finally establish my business. My next step is to start offering training in business and organic farming.
Faith Obienu
Nigeria / Rating: 10
If your AWEC journey were a movie, what would the title be? - The Shoe Dog
My AWEC Experience: The training was intense but so worth it! I now understand investment strategies better. I want to help more people join AWEC and stay engaged in the alumnae community.
Mampho Sotshongaye
South Africa / Rating: 10
If your AWEC journey were a movie, what would the title be? - Rewriting my Story
My AWEC Experience: AWEC pushed me to think big! I now understand customer profiling better. I'm looking forward to applying all these learnings to grow my business.
Finishing Strong and Paying It Forward
The AWEC Cohort 7 fellows have emerged stronger, more confident, and ready to take their businesses to new heights. Their stories highlight the power of strategic learning, mentorship, and resilience. As they move forward, they are not just applying what they’ve learned but also empowering others by sharing their knowledge and contributing to the AWEC community.
Are you feeling inspired by the journeys of our Cohort 7 Fellows? You don’t have to wait to start making impactful changes in your own business! Begin today by taking our Entrepreneur Essentials course. A FREE, online, minicourse designed to help small to medium-sized businesses understand their business at a deeper level. You will equipped with the foundational skills to grow and scale your business. Stay connected with AWEC on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram for ongoing insights, expert tips, and lessons from our thriving community of women entrepreneurs. Your business transformation starts now!
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