Interview with Lynne in Tribal’s magazine, {i}IQ{/i}.
30 November '06
SEED founder Lynne Franks is currently working alongside the Tribal Group to launch a new education and training programme for women to unleash their potential in business. Here’s an extract from a recent interview with Lynne in Tribal’s magazine, IQ.
"More women than ever before want to start their own enterprise," says Lynne Franks. "And they have a wealth of natural attributes and values-led principles at their disposal, not least of which are integrity, creativity, inclusivity, and the ability to multi-task and to nurture those around them."
"But they also face many barriers not usually applicable to men. Many have low self-confidence in a traditionally male-dominated business world where the language is about survival of the fittest and focus is on spreadsheets, competition and confrontation. They often have additional life constraints such as looking after children and other family members, and therefore need flexibility of hours and location.
"I firmly believe that doing business through collaboration and connection is part of the big picture for this planet," she said. "We can find the answers together and do business in a loving way. Helping women to acknowledge their strengths and their gifts is a vital part of this."
The project with Tribal is an extension of this SEED philosophy: an in-depth learning programme to teach entrepreneurial women how to start and sustain a business using the feminine principles.
For Lynne one of the most important ingredients of the whole project is its ability to bring women together. She has already begun by setting up an innovative series of self-help groups in Starbucks coffee shops. Now she is keen to find new venues where women can meet and tackle hurdles by sharing experiences and supporting each other in pursuing their business goals.
So what’s the one piece of advice Lynne would give to any woman starting out an enterprise?
"I would say they should start by really valuing themselves in every aspect of their being. They should look after their health, de-clutter their lives and find a support group to be a part of.
"They should not be afraid to go all out to pursue their goals, without losing sight of the need to pay the rent and have a grounded business plan. In short: have the courage to follow your dreams but keep your feet firmly on the ground."
