As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we want to highlight the power of women supporting women—especially in leadership and entrepreneurship. Amanda Ma, CEO of Innovate Marketing Group, shares her journey as a woman leader in the event industry and offers valuable insights on how women can empower each other to grow and thrive in their careers.
The Challenges and Growth of a Woman Leader
Becoming a woman leader in the event industry comes with its own unique challenges. According to Amanda, one of the biggest hurdles was learning to take bigger risks and let go strategically. She recalls that when she finally embraced this mindset, her agency grew exponentially.
“Setting up an agency that is a team-managed company was a game changer,” Amanda shares. “Once I learned to let go strategically, our business reached new heights.”
Leadership also comes with constant learning. While Amanda has mastered many aspects of running a business, she emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset.
“As an entrepreneur, I’m always looking for ways to level up as a leader and enhance my skills. There were so many things I wasn’t an expert at, but I learned along the way.”
Overcoming the Fear of Failure
Fear of failure is one of the biggest obstacles that hold women back from stepping into leadership roles. Amanda’s advice? Do it ,even if you are afraid.
“I once heard the quote, ‘Do it afraid.’ That really resonated with me,” she says. “Growth happens when you push beyond your comfort zone. Every time I felt stretched, it led to some of our biggest breakthroughs—personally and professionally.”
The Vision Behind a Successful Woman-Led Agency
Amanda’s success is deeply rooted in her people-first approach to business.
“I am in the people business—it just happens to be through the vehicle of events. I truly believe that events can change lives for the better when done strategically.”
This perspective has allowed her to create impactful experiences and leave lasting impressions on audiences.
Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
For women dreaming of launching their own businesses, Amanda has a simple yet powerful message: Just start.
“There’s never a perfect time to become an entrepreneur. You learn by doing,” she says.
Here are her top lessons for women who are ready to take the leap:
- Know Your Why – A strong purpose will keep you going through challenges.
- Build Your Network – Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and supporters.
- Be Financially Savvy – Learn about cash flow, pricing, and profitability.
- Stay Resilient – View setbacks as learning experiences, not failures.
- Prioritize Self-Care – Burnout is real—take care of yourself.
- Own Your Confidence – Speak up, take risks, and trust yourself.
“The world needs more women-led businesses, and there’s space for you at the table—go for it!” Amanda encourages.
How Women Leaders Can Help Other Women Grow
Women leaders have the power to uplift other women in their careers. Amanda believes in the philosophy of lifting as we climb and shares five impactful ways to do this:
- Mentorship & Sponsorship – Advocate for women when they’re not in the room.
- Collaboration Over Competition – Look for ways to partner instead of compete.
- Provide Opportunities – Hire, invest, and refer women to help them advance.
- Share Knowledge Openly – Be transparent about lessons learned and best practices.
- Encourage Confidence – Sometimes, a little push is all someone needs to take the next step.
“When women support women, we all rise together. Let’s create more seats at the table and open doors for the next generation of leaders.”
Final Thoughts
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate progress while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done. As Amanda Ma’s journey shows, success is not just about reaching the top—it’s about bringing others up with you.
Are you ready to step into leadership and help other women thrive? Let’s keep the momentum going and build a future where women leaders empower more women to lead.
