In this exciting episode of Women on Purpose, hosts Toni and Lesley interview Dr. Bola Olabisi, founder of the Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network (Global WIIN). With 25 years of experience championing women inventors, Dr. Olabisi shares invaluable insights on overcoming challenges, securing funding, and the power of networking. From discussing AI's impact to encouraging young innovators, this episode is a must-listen for anyone with a groundbreaking idea or a passion for innovation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Global WIIN supports women inventors and innovators by providing networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to resources.
• Women often face unique challenges in securing funding and patenting their inventions, with only 8% of patents in Europe held by women.
• Many women's inventions focus on solving social problems and improving quality of life, rather than high-tech innovations.
• Collaboration and partnerships are crucial for success in bringing inventions to market.
• You have to build resilience and surround yourself with supportive people when facing setbacks in the innovation journey.
• Young innovators are bringing fresh perspectives to environmental and sustainability issues and should be encouraged to participate.
• AI and sustainability are becoming increasingly important topics in the world of innovation and invention.
• Global WIIN hosts annual events and awards to recognise and support women inventors from around the world.

BEST MOMENTS 

“Global win is spelled with a double I. So the two I's there is specifically for inventors and innovators. So that's where my passion lies. And then it's a network of women who have ingenious minds who are not afraid to go beyond the ordinary.”

"Necessity is the mother of invention, the things that they came up with to make our lives a lot better, to make it easier for us."

"I think that we certainly, I mean, at our event, we try to bring them on board. We have a particular section where we have a panel for younger people in universities to come and provide us with what their views are on certain issues and topics."

"When somebody is saying no to me, I'm like, okay, maybe this is just not the right time. Yeah, I'm coming back."

“AI is certainly here to stay and we need to know how to embrace that and learn more every day about it."

"I want to just go for Queen Elizabeth because that comes to mind. We've just lost her. So yes, I would, I would, you know, if I could have dinner with the Queen, I would”

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dr Bola Olabisi FRSA is the Founder of the Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network which she set it up in 1998 in recognition of the challenges that women face in bringing commercially viable products to market. Bola specializes in compliance law and adding her voice to gender diversity and sustainable development issues. It is of little wonder that Bola has expanded her expertise to building the capacity of women with remarkable ideas. Over the past two decades she has worked tirelessly to spotlight inventors and innovators across the world. Bola is also a Board Director of the Intellectual Property Awareness Network (IPAN).

In the past Bola has been a Member of the Advisory Group of the European Commission’s Network of Women In Decision Making In Politics And The Economy; a consultant on Global Innovation Outlook under Women’s Entrepreneurship for IBM and a Governor on the Board of the University of East London.

Recognised in 2019, by the Mayor of London as one of the 100 WOMEN THAT MAKE LONDON GREAT listen to Dr Olabisi speak about her passion and what drives her.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bola-olabisi-frsa-2382a4/

www.globalwiin.com

HOST BIOS

Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator)

Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way. 

Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator)

Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.