March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD) and to mark the date, local entrepreneurs Mawgan Batt, Emma Pike and Lori Granito have put together a networking event for Hong Kong’s business-savvy ladies.
“We’re hoping it will be a low-key, fun and interesting event, bringing together like-minded women and celebrating female successes in Hong Kong,” said Batt.
“The theme of this year’s IWD is Press for Progress and we’ve asked our three speakers to use this theme to share experiences of bringing about change in their personal and professional lives.”
No strangers to professional lives themselves, the trio are all business owners. Pike is the founder of online butcher Farmer’s Market, as well as being involved in a number of other businesses. “The path to success isn’t linear,” she says. “But connecting with other entrepreneurs is always beneficial as it gives new perspectives and ideas.”
Granito is founder of women’s ‘leadership and success’ coaching company, Legendary Coaching. “I set it up in 2015 after I was asked to coach a few people to do TEDx talks. I’ve now transitioned from my previous career in catering to full time coaching. I’ve been mentoring women entrepreneurs for over 20 years.” Granito reckons one of the most important challenges for women in business is to keep moving forward. “Even when the path to success is not as clearly laid out as it could be.”
Batt founded online media company The HK HUB in 2012, which she sold at the end of 2015. She now runs marketing and communications company Bespoke Consulting, advising small businesses on marketing and strategy. “Running my own business has been a rollercoaster ride and I’ve learnt a tremendous amount along the way,” she said.
The event’s speakers include Nicole Denholder, founder of crowdfunding portal for women Next Chapter; filmmaker Joanna Bowers who directed documentary The Helper; and Bowie Lam, advocator for the rights of female sex workers and founder of Teens Key, which campaigns for sexual and reproductive health rights for young women.
“We want guests to make some great new connections, to be inspired by the stories they hear and to take away some goals for the future,” said Batt. “Networking events can be tough, sometimes awkward, but we’ve all found that women-only events tend to be less intimidating and can help create lasting relationships that are important both socially and in the work environment.”
Dress is smart-casual with a pocket full of business cards.
6.30-8.30pm, Corner Kitchen Cafe, 226 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, $250/person including free-flow food and drink – tickets are not-for-profit and monies will be donated to Teens Key, farmersmarket.com.hk/products/international-womens-day-network-event-pressforprogress.
Beyond the Highrise 