THE JOY OF STARTING OVER

Entrepreneur Joy Al Jouny has raised more than US$90 million in funding for two start-ups in the region. She gives us the inside scoop on starting over later in life

- NATALIE WESTERNOFF

As a female entrepreneur, can you tell us what you think defines success?

I believe being a woman entrepreneur is a very tough thing. I believe the number one thing is not taking no for an answer. I say this quite a lot but not having shame is a powerful thing. I believe in this day and age women are so concerned about what others think and I believe this is a huge obstacle to success. One of my favorite sayings is "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent," it was Eleanor Roosevelt who said this. Keep banging down doors with no fear of rejection. The only thing that matters is what you think of yourself. That is what I define as the number 1 tool for success. I have gamified rejection and it is like water off my back. Who cares what others think, if they so no, someone will say yes, keep pounding doors.

What would you tell a 35-year-old woman who wanted to change careers?

I would say follow your dreams and the money will follow. If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. I tell women to step away from fear and go for it. Follow your dreams, if you believe in what you are doing others will follow and success will come from your determination and belief in yourself and your vision. It will happen!