The new pitch for business is being built from the recycled wrecks of the glass ceiling. The world is beginning to become a welcoming expanse for women entrepreneurs, where diversity, collaboration, and harmony rule. In recent years, the number of women establishing and spearheading businesses has increased dramatically. Consequently, the impact of such ventures with women at the helm is notable in terms of hiring and revenue. More than ever, women are now contributing towards the growing economy and becoming family breadwinners, all while accumulating massive wealth seamlessly. Among them is the founder and owner of the famous fashion magazine MVC, Maria Vittoria Cusumano.

Having set her foot deep in the fashion industry, Cusumano has not only managed to gain immense repute as an Italian public figure but has also bagged countless prestigious awards for her works as an entrepreneur, fashion icon, and a philanthropist. Cusumano wants all female entrepreneurs to know how they can rise in the business, and thus, she shares insights into the same. 

1. Women are the greatest innovators

As a leading entrepreneur, Cusumano firmly believes that the most unconventional innovations come from female entrepreneurs, right from reinventing conservative industries like coupon-shopping or cornering the market on cosmetic products. Rather than pursuing the next big idea, Cusumano says, these innovations demonstrate how exceptional the ways women acknowledge problems can be. 

2. Women are risk-takers and improvisers

Pioneering futurist, Cusumano, sees this period as a great time for female entrepreneurs to flourish. In her opinion, one of the advantages that women have always had is that they are willing to take risks and improvise, if and when the need arises. She also strongly believes that women, over time, have learned that there are several niches and that they need not be the owners of a large, well-capitalized, and powerful organization to prove their entrepreneurial skills and provide an essential service.

3. Women are sustainability champions

Through her personal experience, Cusumano says that global understanding and consideration come easily to female entrepreneurs compared to their male counterparts. From the standpoint of climate change, workplace income inequality, or water shortages, women realize the consequences of nature's principles and act in the most beautiful interests of not only the shareholders but also of employees, clients, and the community, in Cusuman's opinion. She adds that since women have the art of connecting all the dots, they manage to identify and turn every issue into a positive opportunity that benefits them.

4. Women believe in self-reliance

As someone who started from scratch and then rose to fame through her work, Cusumano advises women to rely less on external support and more on themselves. She says, "Women understand that taking an outside investment is not the wisest thing to do, unless extremely essential," and even then, "Ensure investors are completely aligned with your values and believe in your business plan, purpose, and long-term objective."

5. Women are collaborative 

Having grown in the fashion and entrepreneurial world over the years, Cusumano firmly states that some universal feminine traits like empathy, collaboration, active listening, consensus building, and competent multitasking allow women to lead effectively and rise to the top, without struggling. She adds, "It is because women know the art of meeting and managing people that they succeed in maintaining clients, employees, and overall overflow for a longer period."

While having a different approach to looking at risks might lead to an unanticipated outcome or hamper the growth trajectory, but so far, women-led businesses continue to prosper.