Why Entering Awards Matters: Lessons From My AusMumpreneur Wins

Last week, I stood on stage at the AusMumpreneur Awards, my heart pounding as my name was called not once, not twice, but multiple times. By the end of the night, I had collected:

🏆 Gold – Podcast 

🏆 Gold – Disabled Business Excellence 

🥈 Silver – Creative Entrepreneur 

🥈 Silver – Author 

🥉 Bronze – Business Pivot

The lights were bright, the applause was loud, and in that moment, I felt a powerful mix of pride, gratitude, and reflection. Because while awards are shiny and wonderful, the real story lies in what they represent: resilience, hard work, and the courage to put yourself forward.

The Power of Recognition

Recognition matters. Not because it validates who we are, but because it amplifies what we do. For me, these awards are not just about my name being called out; they are about the years of pushing through health challenges, rebuilding after setbacks, and creating businesses that make a difference in people’s lives.

When you enter awards, you give your work a platform. You open doors to opportunities you may not have imagined. You gain credibility in your industry. Most importantly, you inspire others who see your journey and think, If she can, maybe I can too.

The Courage to Enter

Let’s be honest, entering awards isn’t always easy. Hitting that “submit” button comes with doubts.

• Am I good enough?

• Is what I’ve done really worthy of recognition?

• What if I fail?

These are the thoughts that almost stopped me in the early years. But I’ve learnt something powerful: the act of putting yourself forward is a win in itself. It’s a declaration that your work matters and that you are willing to be seen.

Even if you don’t walk away with a trophy, you gain exposure, connections, and the confidence that comes from backing yourself.

Why These Wins Matter to Me

Winning Gold for my podcast was deeply meaningful. That podcast was born from a desire to create a space where resilience, courage, and lived experiences could be shared openly. To have it recognised on a national stage confirmed that these conversations matter, not just to me, but to many.

The Gold for Disabled Business Excellence was another moment of pride. As a woman living with multiple chronic illnesses and disabilities, I’ve been told countless times what I can’t do. Yet here I was, proving what’s possible when you choose resilience over resignation. That award wasn’t just mine, it belonged to every disabled entrepreneur fighting to carve out their space in business.

Silver for Creative Entrepreneur and Author reminded me how much creativity has been my lifeline. Writing, publishing, and painting they’ve been outlets for healing and empowerment. And Bronze for Business Pivot highlighted the adaptability it takes to survive and thrive when circumstances force you to change direction.

Each award carried a story. Each one reflected a different chapter of my journey.

Why You Should Put Yourself Out There

If you’re reading this and thinking, That’s amazing for her, but I could never do that, let me stop you right there.

You can.

Award programs like AusMumpreneur are not just for “perfect” businesses or untouchable success stories. They’re for women who are building, adapting, learning, and growing. They’re for women who are juggling motherhood, health, businesses, and life, just like you.

By entering, you’re saying yes to opportunities:

• Yes to greater visibility.

• Yes to celebrating your wins (big and small).

• Yes to inspiring others with your story.

• Yes to growth, no matter the outcome.

Final Thoughts

Walking off that stage last week, arms full of trophies, I wasn’t just thinking about my own journey. I was thinking about every person who has walked beside me, my team, my family, my clients, my community. These awards are as much theirs as they are mine.

But I was also thinking about the women who hold themselves back. The ones who doubt their worth. The ones who don’t realise just how incredible their impact really is.

This is my message to you: be brave enough to put yourself out there. Enter the awards. Share your story. Let yourself be seen.

Because when you do, you don’t just create opportunities for yourself, you light the way for others to follow.

Looking for an inspiring speaker for your next event? As an award-winning businesswoman, resilience coach, author, publisher, art instructor and speaker, I share real stories of overcoming adversity, building resilience, and daring to step into the spotlight. My talks empower audiences to back themselves, embrace courage, and create their own success stories.

Book me to speak at your conference, business event, or workshop today: https://justinemartin.com.au/

Let’s inspire your audience to rise, rebuild, and shine.