Deann Evans’ Post

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Marketing and Technology Executive | Global Experience | Builds High Performing Teams

Friday was #InternationalWomensDay, and like me you’ll have seen lots of commentary from the industry and leaders about this year’s theme of inclusion, and what that means for women in business. I’ll be honest, I was one of those commentators, and you can read more about what we’re doing to encourage inclusion at Shopify in the article below. https://lnkd.in/eYhF2Bx2 I also took the opportunity to reflect on the occasion, and the examples of inclusion and inspiration I’m lucky enough to see everyday working for Shopify. It's core to our mission that we are "merchant obsessed" and, as part of my job, I speak with many merchants every single day. I get to hear their perspectives on running a business, and every time I am impressed with the passion, the dedication, and the way entrepreneurs embrace challenges of all kinds – including, sometimes, failure.  It's inspiring and although every single story impresses me, the ones that are dearest to my heart are the ones that have founders with strong passion projects, often women. Take SCAMP & DUDE for example, founded by Jo Tutchener Sharp who set up her business in 2016 after being separated from her children during a lengthy stay in hospital undergoing life saving brain surgery. I find her story so inspiring because it was this close call that motivated Jo to start a business with an aim to make children feel more secure when apart from their loved ones. This is just one story, there are so many more at Shopify, and I’m so proud to support female-founded brands like MISSOMA, Miss Sophie and Tajinebanane – to name just a few – who are blazing a trail for female-owned businesses. Although IWD is a great day to shine light on strong female founders and leaders, we need to remind ourselves that there are still many more entrepreneurs in the making out there. I believe strongly in the coming years we’ll see even more inspiring women right across EMEA starting and growing successful businesses. 

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