Adrianne Fekete’s Post

It’s never easy to share moments of disappointment, but I believe in the power of vulnerability and authenticity. Recently, I had the honour of being a finalist in two categories at the Women in Wealth Awards. While it was an incredible achievement to be recognised, I ultimately did not take home an award. I’ll be honest—missing out was tough. The self-doubt has crept in, and I question my path, my work, and whether I should continue pushing forward. It’s natural to feel conflicted emotions: happiness for the deserving winners, yet sadness for not being recognised myself. To all my fellow nominees who didn’t win, I see you and I feel your pain. But let’s not let this moment define us or diminish our efforts. We were finalists for a reason; our impact and contributions are real and meaningful. This experience has reminded me of an important truth: recognition is wonderful, but it is not the sole measure of our worth or success. Let’s continue to support each other, celebrate the small victories, and keep moving forward with resilience and determination. Congratulations to the winners—you inspire us all. And to everyone else, remember that our journeys are unique and valuable. We are all winners in our own right. 🌟 #WomenInWealth #Resilience #KeepGoing #SupportEachOther

Always been fabulous and now have a Fabulous Woman Award for Global Impact to prove it! 🌍🏆 This award has become such a powerful affirmation of the sacrifice, and unwavering commitment it takes to build a career in social impact. My work across education, food systems and climate change, leadership development and youth empowerment was all ignited by my activism. This is a path that demands everything of you, there’s no line between work and life, you can’t just switch off the aching of your heart when it yearns to do more for communities or the burning desires to transform the systems we work in, it’s all intertwined, and often comes at a cost. There are days when thriving in my work means struggling to be the daughter, sister, aunt, and friend I want to be. I love this work with all my heart, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Recognition like this makes all the blood, sweat, and tears worth it. It’s more than just a certificate, it’s a reminder that the work we do matters, that it’s seen, and that it’s appreciated. It’s a light in what can sometimes feel like a long and solitary road. What makes this even more special is that the award certificates are endorsed by the legendary Ndebele artist Dr. Esther Mahlangu. To have my work acknowledged with such artistry and cultural significance, is such an honour. As we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, I’m filled with gratitude for this recognition. Here’s to many more years of pushing boundaries, embracing the challenges, and creating lasting impact! #FabulousWomanAward #GlobalImpact #WomenInLeadership #Changemaker

One of the biggest lessons I learned in 2023 was the value of actively pursuing awards.⁠ ⁠ For years, I hesitated to pursue business awards despite advice from business coaches encouraging me otherwise. ⁠ I mean… I already had three Emmys, Associated Press Awards, and others… why did I need these business awards? ⁠ However, this year, I finally understood how crucial it was. ⁠ ⁠ While the submission process requires dedicated time, the positive impact awards have on team morale are invaluable. ⁠ ⁠ Winning awards, such as the TITAN 100, Enterprising Women of the Year, and the Daily Herald Media Group's Influential Women in Business, isn't about individual acknowledgment -- it's about showcasing the entire team's success.⁠ ⁠ Awards are also a powerful tool to attract top talent and enhance the company's reputation with clients.⁠ ⁠ I'm honored to have received such notable awards in 2023, and I cannot wait to see what 2024 holds for our team! #awardwin #executiveleadership #publicspeaking

Today I want to talk about the desire for recognition. You know, as business owners or career professionals we would love to be recognised for our efforts, whether it's through awards or acknowledgement from our peers and clients, etc. It is a common desire. With being in business for over 20 years, there is still that limiting thought that sometimes comes to my mind when I feel that I am not being recognised for what I am doing professionally or in my personal life. When these kind of thoughts come into my head, before it drags my countenance down or before I begin to give the negative thoughts more power, I counter them by reminding myself that I am not where I used to be and even if my efforts are not being recognised now, maybe the time has not come yet. So I remind myself that I have grown personally and in business and I have been able to inspire and empower so many people including myself in business. I also remind myself that me feeling any negative feeling is a reminder that my higher self doesnt agree with me, because it acknowledges my work without external validation. To quieten the voice of that desire to be recognised, I also fill my mind with thoughts of my achievements, my lessons and I smile as I remember that I have been consistent in my business for over 20 years. We have been celebrating women for almost 16 years on the ELOY Awards Foundation. We have been screening people for cervical cancer-free of charge every year since 2010, we have been empowering women to build thriving businesses, I have written 6 books, etc 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾. I celebrate myself and all my achievements. And that lifts my spirit. Therefore, in as much as I might feel that desire to be more recognised, it would not be a factor for me doing my great work, making an impact. So if you have that desire to be recognised and feel you are not being recognised enough, let me tell you that you shouldnt worry and let the thought diminish your great work, at the appointment time, your recognition would be visible. Make sure that you are doing the work consistently, continue making an impact whilst you are developing yourself and your business. One day, we shall know you by your name! Have a wonderful day. I am Dr. Tewa Onasanya and I am living the words I speak. #teawithtewa #womenempowerment #winningmindset #businessmentor #speaker

Four months ago, I stopped downplaying my accomplishments. For a long time, I relied on others to see my worth and accomplishments to speak for themselves, but achievements don’t speak; people do. And no: - Sharing my success doesn’t make me “prideful” - I am not going to “dim my light" make others comfortable - I don't have to justify why I deserve the accolades for the work I do Women are judged for celebrating their achievements because society equates humility with virtue, expecting our success to be quiet and self-sacrificing. And I can see why this negatively impacts people... Making myself small never brought anything positive into my life. In fact, since I stopped minimizing my successes: - I started owning my power - I built unapologetic confidence in who I am and my abilities - I began challenging gender norms by boldly celebrating big and small wins - I get invited to events and schools to share my story - I gained access to opportunities that bring me income Are these results a coincidence? I don’t think so. My life started improving the minute I got out of my way and stopped relying on others to see my worth. And four months later, I’ve never been more precise on my reasons never to downplay who I am, my successes, and what I am capable of again. So, If someone asks me why I celebrate big and small wins so much? I say: "Why don't you?"

I am hoping many of you are as excited as we are about the Arca awards. Hopefully, you have already nominated, but you can always nominate more! If you have not nominated someone yet - do it now. It is not fancy or hard. You need to know her name, company and write a small paragraph on why she rocks. No excuses. Heck, nominate yourself. No one can even see who nominated, so go all out and brag yourself up. All joking aside, I am tired of hearing how there are not enough strong women out there. It is the excuse I get when I ask why the team is still all men - no women applied. Or the panel of speakers at the conference is all male - they don't want to put themselves out there. Don't get me wrong - I love my guys, but there are some wicked chicks out there quietly just getting it done. Guys, you know them. If you want to be a true ally, then call them out. I refuse to believe that if you just thought about it for 1 minute - heaps of names would come to mind. Nominate them. And tell them you nominated them because it feels great when someone believes in you. Tell me and I will cheer for them. This is not just for our female CRO (and yes there are quite a few now) or our wonderful HO collections leaders (again 4 out of top 5 banks). This is for the everyday shining star. Our quiet achiever. Our loud ones. Diversity is critical and tired of all these shiny stars hiding in the shadows. If they can not see their own spark - share it to everyone else for them.

As Black History Month transitions into International Women's Day, this video from Don Peebles as he receives the Business Icon Award at The Grio Award, highlights the shared challenge both groups face in access to capital. "The fuel to run the motors of business is capital. Now, let me give you an illuminating fact. Today, there is over 82 Trillion dollars invested in venture capital and private equity. Of that 82 trillion dollars less than 1.3% of it is invested in firms run or owned by women or people of color. Combined. What that means is 98.7% of venture capital money, 81 trillion dollars out of 82 trillion dollars is provided to white men. Yet, white men represent only 31% of America's population. Women represent 51% of Americans, we Black Americans are 13% of Americans. Thus, you have 64% of the population receiving less than 1.3% of the investment capital." ~ Don Peebles Link to video in the comments. These numbers are not unique to the US. Less than 2% of VC funding globally is invested in female founded businesses. Less than 2%! In 2024, Growing the 2% Club is committed to amplify and advocating for female founders seeking the investment and liquidity to grow their businesses. If you are a fund manager in the position to invest in a fabulous female founded business, 🎯 Write the check. If you are a family office looking to make a true impact, 🎯 Seek out female founded businesses that are ready to scale. If you feel your business is already making an effort in this space, 🎯 Do more. If you are a purchasing department, of large corporations purchasing from female founded businesses, 🎯 understand the reality of the 2% Club and find ways to accelerate or adapt the payment terms with your purchase. Please feel free to highlight people doing hero's work in this space. #blackhistorymonth #internationalwomensday #Grow2PercentClub

Thank you to OPIM and Jana Tikalova for organizing such an inspiring DEI Forum today. Your dedication to advancing the DEI agenda through persistence and resilience continues to make a powerful impact. Without bragging, one of the standout moments was the panel on male allyship, where Munir Nanji, alongside Violeta Luca, shared insightful perspectives on both the drivers of female career growth and the blockers we must work to eliminate. Munir spoke with honesty and passion, drawing from his own experiences of overcoming stereotypes, and offered practical advice for men: actively listen, don’t be bystanders, and stand up for what is right. Key takeaways included: ❕The importance of reverse mentoring – with women mentoring men and younger generations guiding the older ones. ❕The need for more men in the room who speak up and advocate for change. ❕Encouraging soft nudges (like public acknowledgments) and taking tough stands against those who disrupt a positive culture. A big thank you to Martin Janacek for skillfully steering the conversation and engaging the audience, creating space for meaningful discussions and questions. This panel was truly exceptional, full of valuable advice, and we are all inspired to continue driving change together. In short, leading by example is the best recipe for success. #DEI #allyship #Citi

How often do we choose to stay “comfortably” where we are, even when we know deep down that we’re meant for something more? As we celebrate Latina Heritage Month, I’m reflecting on my own journey—those moments filled with fear, doubt, and feeling stuck. I know what it feels like to be at a crossroads, weighing the uncomfortable comfort of the familiar against the unknowns of something greater. It wasn’t easy. But I choose to act, to step out of my comfort zone, even when it meant facing delays, discomfort, and sometimes even pain. What I discovered along the way is that empowering others is my superpower. But this gift means nothing if I don't share it with those who need it most. Every tear, every challenge, every moment of growth has been worth it because it brought me here—to this mission of helping professional women like you build the business and life you’ve always dreamed of. You deserve more than just “good enough.” You deserve to thrive. That’s why I’m inviting you to join my masterclass, "Unlocking the Business Within You." I’ll share the exact steps I took to break free and build a life of purpose, passion, and profit. In this masterclass, you’ll learn: How to overcome the fears and doubts that hold you back Key strategies to build a business around your unique strengths Don’t let this opportunity pass by—it's time to step into your power and take the leap toward the future you truly desire. Join us: https://lnkd.in/gWfWD75y Your moment is now. #Empowerment #WomenInBusiness #Leadership #Courage #Inspiration #DiversityInAction #UnlockYourPotential

Long-term DEI requires more than individual initiatives; it requires institutional commitment, cultural integration and industry-wide impact - there must be a drive for long-term change. Download our latest DEI report now for insights into leveraging fairness, inclusion and belonging for a competitive edge: