Recognised at the Woman Who Achieves Awards for Creating Legacy in Business

I recently attended the 2026 Woman Who Achieves Awards hosted by Sandra Garlick.

While I didn’t come home with an award, I did receive special recognition from the judges for creating legacy through the work I’m building with The Class Business Awards and Academy.

And honestly, that recognition meant a lot.

Because behind every “overnight success” are the years people don’t always see.

The ideas that once felt too ambitious.
The pivots, setbacks and moments of self-doubt along the way.
And the constant decision to keep showing up and keep building anyway.

Building Something Bigger Than a Business

Over the last 14 years, I’ve built and scaled multiple businesses, supported thousands of business owners and seen first-hand just how much talent exists within the class-based business industry.

What I’m building now through the Class Business Awards and Academy is about creating a platform that gives this industry the recognition, visibility and opportunities it truly deserves.

Because there are incredible business owners doing impactful work every single day, and I believe those stories deserve to be seen, celebrated and elevated on a much bigger stage.

Visibility Creates Opportunities

One of the biggest things the event reinforced for me is this:

People don’t just buy products anymore. They buy into people, movements, communities and missions they want to be part of.

The atmosphere throughout the day reflected that completely. Women openly sharing their journeys, supporting each other’s growth and celebrating the work happening behind the scenes, not just the polished highlights people usually see online.

Sandra Garlick has built a space where visibility and encouragement sit at the centre of the experience, and it was clear just how much that meant to the women in the room. There was a real sense of people wanting to champion each other, create opportunities and help more women feel seen within business.

When people share their stories, own their expertise and step into leadership publicly, it gives other people permission to do the same. It creates confidence, connection and momentum not just for individuals, but for entire industries.

That’s something I believe strongly when it comes to class-based businesses too.

Legacy Is Built Through People

The phrase “creating a legacy” stayed with me long after the event finished.

Because legacy isn’t really built through awards, titles or social media highlights.

It’s built through people.

The people you support.
The opportunities you create.
The communities you build.
The confidence you help someone find.
The ripple effect your work creates over time.

That’s what matters most to me.

Seeing the Class Business Awards and Academy recognised for the movement they’re becoming was incredibly special because it reinforced something I’ve believed from the beginning:

This industry deserves a bigger stage.

As part of the special recognition, the judges shared feedback that deeply resonated with this vision:

Spotting the lack of support for the “class-based” businesses, she has big plans for providing learning and development and a voice for the sector. Her plans will provide something much needed for a sector which is often overlooked.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the vision so far – sponsors, judges, clients, community members, friends and followers.

What we’re building together is becoming something really powerful.

And we’re only just getting started.

To find out more about Woman Who and the work they do supporting women in business through visibility, events and community, visit Woman Who.