Podcast | Visibility
Episode 35 | April 28, 2024

3 Strategies for Female Entrepreneurs

The Three Barriers Between You and a Thriving Business

Passion is rarely the reason a business stalls.

For women founders, the real barriers are quieter… funding, mentorship, and balance.

Christiane names each one with the data behind it, including the 2.7% of venture capital that reached all-female teams in 2019. Then she shares the model she built to close all three gaps at once.

Structure, community, and progress you actually enjoy.

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“Growth only happens with a strong network. Without one, even the best idea stays stuck.”

– Dr. Christiane Schroeter

Fast Skim & Timestamps

    • 0:00 Why some founders thrive and others stall
    • 0:54 Barrier 1: The 2.7% funding gap
    • 1:20 Barrier 2: Network and mentorship shortage
    • 1:53 Barrier 3: The work life balance gap
    • 3:00 From classroom passion to the Collective
    • 4:35 German structure, French petite practices
    • 6:32 Monthly focus and passport stamps
    • 8:17 Cafe Corner and Artisan Awards

Key Takeaways

    1. Funding is the first wall. In 2019, all-female founding teams received just 2.7% of venture capital.
    2. Mentorship is scarce for women. A strong network is what actually moves a business forward.
    3. Balance is a business issue. 60% of women entrepreneurs say juggling business and family is harder for them.
    4. Structure protects your energy. Systems help you reach goals without piling more onto your plate.
    5. Visibility grows in community. Feedback from peers beats staying hidden among friends and family.
    6. Celebrate the small wins. Petite practices, passport stamps, and surprises keep you moving.

Three Petite Practice® Questions

doctor christiane blog recipes (2)

1.  Of the three barriers… funding, mentorship, or balance… which one is loudest for you right now?

doctor christiane blog recipe

2.  Where could you become more visible with your idea this month?

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3.  What is one small, actionable step you could break your big goal into?

Transcript Chapters

0:00 Why Some Founders Thrive and Others Stall

[00:00:00] Dr. Christiane Schroeter: What makes some entrepreneurs thrive while others struggle? Most businesses fail, and it is a sad truth. Today I share the facts behind that gap, especially for female founders, and what we can do about it.

0:54 Barrier 1: The 2.7% Funding Gap

[00:00:54] Dr. Christiane Schroeter: The number one reason female entrepreneurs struggle is funding. According to Crunchbase, in 2019 startups with all-female founders received just 2.7% of the total capital invested in venture-backed startups. That gap limits the ability to scale, innovate, and survive.

1:20 Barrier 2: Network and Mentorship Shortage

[00:01:20] Dr. Christiane Schroeter: The second barrier is a shortage of network and mentorship. A 2018 Boston Consulting Group study found women are less likely than men to have mentors and advisors. Without people to guide and challenge you, you put yourself out there alone. Growth only happens with a strong network.

1:53 Barrier 3: The Work Life Balance Gap

[00:01:53] Dr. Christiane Schroeter: The third barrier is work life balance. A Bank of America survey found 60% of women entrepreneurs face greater challenges than men balancing business and family. That stress can push women to step back, which affects the longevity of their business.

3:00 From Classroom Passion to the Collective

[00:03:00] Dr. Christiane Schroeter: I teach innovation and entrepreneurship at the university level, and I see future founders full of passion. Years later, that spark often fades, tracing back to the same three factors. So I created the Mastermind Collective, where we overcome them together as a community.

4:35 German Structure, French Petite Practices

[00:04:35] Dr. Christiane Schroeter: I lean into my heritage. German structured thinking keeps your plate effective and efficient. You reach your goals without adding more to it. My French-inspired petite practices break big goals into small, actionable steps. Every little win gets celebrated alongside other founders living the same highs and lows.

6:32 Monthly Focus and Passport Stamps

[00:06:32] Dr. Christiane Schroeter: Each month we hold a mastermind focus, tackling one theme, trading feedback, and holding each other accountable. We make a plan, reach the result, and celebrate. To keep it fun, the collective is gamified… you earn passport stamps every time you complete a task.

8:17 Cafe Corner and Artisan Awards

[00:08:17] Dr. Christiane Schroeter: Two more favorites. Cafe Corner gives you coaching time with me plus space to build accountability pods and swap resources. Artisan Awards go to members who help each other, with little surprises that keep the community buzzing. The Mastermind Collective is more than a program… it is a home for women in business to grow, connect, and finally reach their goals.

Meet Your Host

Dr. Christiane Schroeter

Dr. Christiane Schroeter

TEDx Speaker & Leadership Strategist

I’m Dr. Christiane Schroeter, TEDx speaker, leadership strategist, and host of the Top 1% ranked Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast. I help leaders think clearly, speak with conviction, and take the next step during change.

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