Celebrating women in business

BTG 03Mar16 - Inspirational businesswoman Rachel Taulelei will be in Tauranga to speak as part of the local Institute of Directors Modern Business Women night out. Photo/supplied

THE modern businesswoman no longer fits the stereotype of the womanin a suit with a briefcase, says Laura Gaveika, member of the local Institute of Directors.

"It can be a mother of three, juggling children and working on her own business. Or a woman with no children and lots of cats, who works from home. The modern businesswoman is anyone who wants to be successful. Balancing their lifestyle with the type of work they choose. Believing it is possible to do both.

" In recognition of the varied lives of businesswomen, the institute is holding a night with a focus on fun and ' believing you can'.

"The idea is to bring all different types of women together so they can network and be together in a supportive and fun way. It is about unifying and connecting," says Laura.

The night out will include walking the red carpet, refreshments, spot prizes, bubbly and the chance to see women in need of a boost get makeovers.

As part of the night, women can explain why they or someone they know has struggled to balance life, requires inspiration and deserves to win a makeover.

The makeover will include clothing by international stylist Meghan Maher, hair by Envy, and makeup by Immerse Beauty.

While girls will always want to have fun, the institute is also bringing inspirational businesswoman Rachel Taulelei to Tauranga to speak on the night.

The hallmark of Rachel's leadership is a strong commitment to values-based business and she is a Sir Peter Blake Leader 2012, finalist of the Women of Influence Awards 2015 and recently received MNZM Honours from the Queen for 2016.

Rachel says a healthy dose of self-belief is a fantastic way to start when you are in business, but that it's also important to surround yourself with support from others - particularly "truth tellers. The people who always have your best interests at heart - who motivate you, yet keep you on the straight and narrow."

Feeling overwhelmed with all the things to do can happen a couple of times a day when you are juggling business as well as family, she says.

"At the end of the day, what I would like is for my daughter to appreciate that you can do anything. Not everything, but anything; and that you have to strive for satisfaction and meaning in what you do."

¦For more information, email bop.branch@iod.org.nz. $5 from every ticket will be donated to Tauranga Woman's Refuge.

the fine print
What: Modern Businesswomen
Where: Farmer Auto Village, Mt Maunganui
When: Thursday, March 17, 6.30-9.30pm
Tickets: www.iod.org.nz, $50