Meet Annie Gibbins | Founder and CEO Women’s Biz Global

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annie Gibbins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annie, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Self Belief! Women are powerful. Something overlooked by so many. Mothers often give this power away, not just to their children, but to others.
We forget to look after ourselves, we forget to dream, and we forget to embrace the strength and capacity to achieve the extraordinary.
When I became pregnant with my first set of twins at 23 years of age, I was in shock, but excitedly so. When my second set of twins came just two years later, the shock was laced with elements of fear, overwhelm and a sense of “How am I going to do this?”
A few years after my children were born, I remember crying and asking my husband, “Is this my life now? Is this it? There has to be more to my life.” I wanted to be more than just a mum, more than a milk machine, more than just a zombie of sleepless nights and babbling conversations of nappies, vaccinations and percentile growth. I felt like I was going crazy!
And whilst being ‘just a mum’ may seem unkind to the women who choose to be a stay-at-home mum, that wasn’t who I was born to be. I was born to lead my children in a different way. I was born to lead women in a different way. I was born to run my own business and make a vast difference to people around the world. But where would that dream fit in? Where would I find the time for me? What would I do with the children while I was studying and working? Would I be able to cope with the extra workload? Thankfully, I got curious and started getting creative. If there was one thing being a mum of five children taught me, empowering attributes are worth fostering.
Finances were tough, so getting creative with clothing, days out and holidays was necessary. I found you can actually do a lot without very much when you really put your mind to it. Adding to the pressure, I had a strong desire to go back to university but had no cash set aside for an expensive MBA. So, over the next few years I set aside two evenings a week to study a Master of Education and eventually the day arrived, and I graduated. My crazy dream had been realised. My options expanded greatly. My self-belief grew strong and my dreams grew bolder. I realised that my curious nature was on my side. While others doubted my abilities or criticised my choices, I was thankful that my inner voice dared to ask, “What if…?” So as my children grew, so did my curiosity and creativity in finding new ways of finding my essence. Being Annie was enough. Being our authentic self is always enough as this is who were born to be.
Being a mother equips us to become excellent project managers. We develop skills in logistics, negotiation and financial planning. While navigating years of sleep deprivation, we learn to problem solve while juggling multiple balls in the middle of separating fighting toddlers and cooking dinner. We spend years developing high level managerial skills, but they are often overlooked by society. As mothers, we sometimes overlook them ourselves.
If we undervalue ourselves as women, we don’t learn to ask for what we actually want.
The problem is some of us don’t even know what we want. We know we want something different, something more than we have now, but we don’t give ourselves the time to simply be on our own to find out. We feel guilty for spending money on ourselves, because ‘Little Johnny’ needs to go to after school clubs, or ‘Little Janey’ needs to attend ballet classes, but in reality, it is our choice to fill our days with afterschool activities. For some, it can be a subconscious way of avoiding having that time to focus on their individual wants.
Our children do not need all the things we think they need, nor do they want all the things they say they want. What children really need is a mother who is energised, happy and fulfilled in life.
Pioneering women, including my own grandmothers, have challenged the long-held narrative that men have the right to be more, achieve more and earn more and in doing so have paved the way for the women of today to step into a more empowered future. Madam C J, a black woman who created a hair care and cosmetics company in the early 1900’s, chose to say no to this narrative and became one of the richest women in history. Coco Channel chose to create her own future, her own income and live life on her own terms through fashion. Political leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Eleanor Roosevelt took the political arena by storm and Michelle Obama and Adriana Huffington are currently fanning the flame for women to believe they can thrive in their unique circumstances.
All these women had a burning passion to make life better for them and their children. They had a dream, and they went for it. They stood up to men and challenged social programming. They threw caution to the wind to make their dreams come true, regardless of how tough it was for them.
The next generation of women play an important part in shaping the future. In order to achieve this, young girls must be supported and empowered to know they are capable of anything, have access to every opportunity and most importantly, demand more for themselves. It’s time we focus on the next generation of talent and make sure gender equality exists for the good of everyone.
Growing up, I never had someone who I saw as a role model, other than my father who was my rock. I never had a person who I wanted to emulate or be like. I wanted to be me, so my curiosity around who I was helped me to create opportunities to learn and grow. By doing so, I became happier, more fulfilled and more successful.
Making time for myself gave my husband precious time with the children. It also taught them that parents should not forget their essence, even when they adopt the centrepiece of the family.
My children have grown up watching me study, get curious about what’s next and become a hugely successful woman. This has taught them that anything is possible, regardless of which gender they are, whether they have children, or how many children they have. It has also taught them to be respectful of other people’s time, become self-reliant and choose for themselves who they wish to be.
Becoming a mother of two sets of twins and then a beautiful bonus 5 years later, never held me back. It was the challenge I needed to become the Annie I am today. It has led me to become a role model for women globally, and now with a biography available about my journey into Becoming Annie, and my latest book Twins, which showcases the very best of becoming a parent of twins twice, I am able to reach more people around the world. I help them realise that becoming a mother doesn’t mean what others tell you. It is an opportunity for you to discover your own version of motherhood.
Motherhood isn’t an easy journey by any stretch of the imagination. It is a very enjoyable one, and incredibly rewarding, provided you never forget yourself in the process of caring for others. You are you first and foremost.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Today I am introduced as Annie Gibbins, multi-award winning author, speaker, and CEO. With a remarkable journey spanning over two decades, Annie’s expertise in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship is unrivalled. She’s the founder of Women’s Biz Global, a powerhouse enterprise dedicated to propelling women entrepreneurs towards resounding success in the global arena.

Annie’s visionary approach and authentic storytelling empower women to conquer challenges and attain their audacious goals. Through personalised mentoring, coaching, and strategic brand elevation across media platforms like TV, podcasts, magazines, and summits, Women’s Biz Global paves the way for Women in business to achieve unlimited growth.

Annie has been a trail blazing leader over her career and not surprising become an influential player in the success of women’s entrepreneurship. Simultaneously, her commitment to diversity and inclusion resonates on a global scale. Join us as we delve into Annie’s insights, experiences, and the world of thriving women-led businesses.

However I have done all of this the hard way. I married my childhood sweetheart aged 2o, and we quickly burst into parenthood by having 2 sets of twins just 26 months apart! I was a young woman who wanted to be a successful business woman, however becoming a mum of 2 sets of twins plus a fifth child a few years later made that dream seem almost impossible. It was a beautiful but challenging time for many years. However I learnt through these years that I was way more capable than anyone realised. I decided to find out who I could become. When the naysayers said my dreams were crazy, I learnt to back myself when others didn’t. Over the coming years navigated 3 degrees to C-Suite Roles. CHALLENGING!!! I learnt to back myself when no-one else did. Over the coming years I somehow navigated 3 degrees which led me to C-Suite Roles for over a decade before finally starting my own Business. I have designed Women’s Biz Global to be the business I would have loved to be part of when as I learnt to juggle, build and conquer my journey of becoming. Women’s Biz Tribe helps members unlock their potential, establish worldwide connections, and flourish alongside kindred female spirits. Women’s Biz Coaching is designed to uplift and propel women toward their business goals in a structured and supportive environment. The framework sets them up to succeed. My happy place is actually mentoring women to rise in their own authentic way. Women’s Biz Media helps you amplify your brand’s presence across diverse mediums including TV, Podcasts, Magazines, Summits, and Blogs, enabling professional women to extend their global reach and maximise their impact. They can elevate their influence on a global stage by becoming a published author, using their unique insights to establish themself as an esteemed authority in their field. “Women’s Biz Publishing helps women elevate their expertise by becoming a published author, sharing their insights to gain recognition as an authority while reaching a global audience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A Week in Sydney Australia is an absolute joy to share!

Day 1: Arrival and Harbour Exploration

Morning: Start the day with breakfast at a local café in The Rocks area, absorbing the historical charm.
Mid-morning: Explore the Sydney Harbour Bridge on foot and enjoy the stunning panoramic views.
Afternoon: Visit the Sydney Opera House, take a guided tour to learn about its architecture and history.
Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant along Circular Quay, savouring delicious seafood and enjoying the harbour lights.

Day 2: Beaches and Coastal Walk (I live in the Northern Beaches)

Morning: Head to Manly on the ferry for a refreshing morning swim or surf session.
Mid-morning: Stroll along the Coastal Foreshore, soaking in breathtaking ocean vistas.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic spots along the coastal walk.
Evening: Return to my place for dinner and watch the sunset.

Day 3: Inner City Explorations

Morning: Discover vibrant street art and boutique shops in Newtown or Surry Hills.
Afternoon: Explore the Royal Botanic Garden and have a leisurely picnic.
Evening: Enjoy a theatrical performance or live music show in the Darlinghurst area.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

Morning: Depart for the Blue Mountains National Park.
Mid-morning: Hike to Echo Point for the stunning views of the Three Sisters rock formation.
Afternoon: Take a scenic ride on the Katoomba Scenic Railway and visit the charming town of Leura.
Evening: Return to Sydney and have a cozy dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 5: Cultural Immersion

Morning: Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales to explore a diverse collection of artworks.
Afternoon: Experience the vibrant culture of Chinatown and enjoy a delicious Asian meal.
Evening: Attend a live performance at a local theatre or concert venue.

Day 6: Coastal Adventure

Morning: Take a coastal drive to Palm Beach, known for its natural beauty.
Mid-morning: Climb up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for breathtaking views of the coastline.
Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach, swimming or sunbathing.
Evening: Head to a nearby seafood restaurant for a delightful dinner by the water.

Day 7: Relaxation and Farewell

Morning: Spend a leisurely morning at one of Sydney’s serene parks, such as Centennial Park.
Afternoon: Indulge in a spa day or pampering session in a luxury wellness centre.
Evening: Organise a farewell dinner at a trendy restaurant, reminiscing about the incredible week.
Throughout the week, make sure to visit local markets, cafes, and hidden gems to fully immerse yourselves in the local culture. This itinerary offers a mix of iconic landmarks, natural beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, ensuring your best friend has a memorable and incredible time in the area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My trailblazing grandmothers. When I was a little girl, I was blessed to spend time with two extremely different women.
Baroness Irena De Schultze was born in Russia and Mary Montgomery in Sydney.

Born on opposite sides of the world, these two women could not have been more different.

And they were my grandmothers.

Irena was born an aristocrat in Russia. She enjoyed the niceties of life, was loud, eccentric and just a tad naughty. Although her mother and sister died when she was young and her family lost their wealth, title and class fleeing in the Bolshevik revolution, Irena acted like she was still entitled and therefore asked for whatever she wanted and believed it should be forthcoming. She would have been a huge advocate of the laws of attraction.

Mary grew up poor in Sydney Australia and was a quiet, reserved and conservative woman. Raised by relatives after her mother ran off with another man, she knew she had to strive hard for everything she needed. Mary didn’t dare ask for anything, she just knew she needed to work harder and more strategically to achieve what she wanted.

Both were intelligent, pioneering women who needed truckloads of courage, strength and resilience to rise above their circumstance.

Both learnt at a young age, they would need to make their own magic happen.

I was inspired as they shared little gems around how they made choices to boldly rise above their circumstance to achieve success on their own terms.

And I am grateful that they emphasised ON THEIR OWN TERMS as this one point has been a saving grace in my life.

They taught me a truth that has guided my life – You have to believe your dream to achieve its blessing

I had to ask myself, did I actually believe I could one day be a CEO?

Just like an athlete imagines themself on the winners podium, did I see myself happily in the role, doing the job and being great at it?

Irena needed the confidence and tenacity to learn 5 languages and gain university qualifications while raising 3 children around a world war, immigrating to Australia and then forging a professional career so she could rise above their circumstances.

Mary needed pure diligence and dedication to study hard and gain a qualification in accountancy over many years of night school while raising 3 children as a single mother.

Who was I to not believe the impossible can’t be made possible.

Even if it took a VERY long time and regular groans of frustration!

Website: https://womensbizglobal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womensbizglobal/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniegibbins/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annie.gibbins/

Youtube: Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgd7xunKekXX9Px7LmThXlQ

Other: Annie Gibbins – https://www.anniegibbins.com/ Page – https://www.facebook.com/womensbizglobal