What It Means to Be an Empowering Woman of the Year

Winning the Empowering Woman of the Year award was more than just a personal achievement — it was a moment that made me reflect deeply on what empowerment truly means, and how I can continue to live it every day.

For me, this recognition wasn’t about a trophy or a title. It was about the journey that led me here: the challenges, the resilience, the times I had to fight for my health, my voice, and my purpose.

Empowerment Starts with Owning Your Story

Living with multiple chronic illnesses, surviving cancer, and navigating life with an acquired brain injury taught me early on that strength is a choice you make daily. But empowerment goes beyond personal strength, it’s about using your story to inspire others to see what’s possible for them.

I’ve learned that the most powerful thing we can do as women is to own our experiences, the good, the bad, and the deeply uncomfortable, and share them in a way that lights a path for others.

Lifting Others as You Rise

Being an Empowering Woman of the Year means recognising that your success is more meaningful when it opens doors for others. Whether it’s mentoring a start-up founder, publishing a first-time author, or helping someone find their voice on stage, I believe in lifting as I climb.

Empowerment is contagious. When one woman steps into her power, she inspires others to do the same.

Creating Safe Spaces for Growth

Not every person I work with comes to me feeling confident or ready to take big leaps. Sometimes, the most empowering thing you can do for someone is to believe in them before they believe in themselves.

Whether it’s in my coaching, publishing, or speaking work, I strive to create spaces where people feel safe to try, fail, learn, and try again.

Living the Legacy

This award isn’t the end of the story, it’s a reminder of the responsibility that comes with it. To keep speaking up. To keep challenging stereotypes. To keep showing what’s possible, no matter your circumstances.

Empowerment isn’t a moment. It’s a way of living, and one I plan to carry forward in every project, stage, and conversation.

Want to book Justine to speak on empowerment, resilience, and overcoming adversity? Contact us today.