Female Founder Series šŸ‘‰ Candice Burningham

1. What inspired you to start your business, and how did your personal experiences shape your entrepreneurial journey?

When I decided to start Admin Avenues in 2021, it was out of frustration of not being able to easily find an admin job in Australia. I had a first-hand understanding of the unique challenges faced by admin professionals, because I am one. Iā€™ve spent years working in various admin roles, and I saw how essential admin professionals are to the running of any business. Yet, despite their crucial role, finding the right opportunities that matched their skills and career aspirations wasnā€™t always easy in the Australia.

I realised there was a gap in the Australian market. I pictured a website where highly skilled admin professionals and businesses looking for top talent could connect in a meaningful way. The existing job board platforms didn’t really cater to the specific needs of admin professionals. They were often lost in a sea of job postings and showing up jobs like ā€œstore assistant at lululemonā€ instead of realising they are completely different assistant roles. Thatā€™s when the idea of Admin Avenues started to take shape. I wanted to create a dedicated job board platform that truly understood and catered to the Australian admin community.

My personal career and experience shaped my journey every step of the way. I knew what it felt like to search for job opportunities that aligned with my skills, to want to grow in my career but not always know where to find the right path. Admin Avenues isnā€™t just a business for me; itā€™s a mission to elevate the status and career prospects of admin professionals in Australia, and soon the UK. Itā€™s about creating a website where they can find not just jobs, but fulfilling career opportunities that recognise and reward their expertise. It then turned into a one-stop-shop for admins to be able to find community, events, templates, training and more. Itā€™s a place for admins to feel is theirs. Itā€™s made by admins, for admins.

2. What are some of the biggest challenges youā€™ve faced as a female founder, and how did you overcome them?

As a female founder, one of the biggest challenges Iā€™ve faced is overcoming the bias that can sometimes be present in the business world. Whether itā€™s securing funding, being taken seriously in male-dominated industries, or balancing the demands of running a business with other responsibilities, the journey can be tough.

One of the ways I tackled these challenges was by surrounding myself with a strong network of mentors and peers who understood the unique pressures that female founders face. Building a supportive community has been invaluable, both for gaining practical advice and for moral support. Itā€™s crucial to have ā€œyour peopleā€ in your corner who can offer guidance and perspective when youā€™re navigating tough situations. Also, to give you REAL feedback and advice, and not just say nice things. Sometimes you need to hear the hard truths. And this feedback can suck, but you will appreciate the honesty in the future when you look back on why they fed this back.

Another key has been resilience and confidence in my vision. Iā€™ve learned to trust my instincts and stand firm in the face of doubt or pushback. I donā€™t believe in the word no. To me, thatā€™s an opportunity thatā€™s just ā€œnot nowā€. There have been times when Iā€™ve had to fight for my ideas or for the resources I needed to grow Admin Avenues, and in those moments, it was my belief in the value of what I was creating that kept me moving forward.

Lastly, Iā€™ve had to learn to strike a balance between being persistent and knowing when to pivot. The entrepreneurial journey is full of unexpected challenges, and sometimes the best way to overcome them is by being flexible and open to change. Adapting while staying true to mine, and my businesses core mission has been a critical part of overcoming the hurdles Iā€™ve encountered as a female founder.

3. How do you balance the demands of running a business with other aspects of your life, such as family, personal time, and self-care?

Balancing the demands of running a business with other aspects of life is definitely one of the trickiest parts of being an entrepreneur, especially when you’re deeply passionate about what you do. For me, it’s all about setting boundaries and being intentional with my time.

First, Iā€™ve learned that prioritisation is key. There will always be more work to do, more emails to answer, and more ideas to explore, but I make it a point to prioritise what truly matters each day, both in business and in my personal life.

I also rely heavily on planning and structure. I schedule everything, from meetings to family time to my own downtime, because if itā€™s not on the calendar, itā€™s too easy for it to get lost in my chaotic life. This helps me ensure that Iā€™m giving attention to all the areas of my life that are important to me.

Another crucial aspect is knowing when to disconnect. Running a business can be all consuming, and itā€™s easy to get caught up in the mindset that you need to be ā€˜onā€™ 24/7. I did this. I would work till 3am trying to get things done and I burnt-out. So I had to take time I didnā€™t have out to rest and recuperate, when if I just had have taken care of myself, that wouldnā€™t have happened. But Iā€™ve realised that stepping away from my work is just as important as the work itself. Whether itā€™s setting aside time to unplug on weekends, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones, these breaks not only recharge me, but also make me more effective when Iā€™m back at work.

Iā€™ve also embraced the fact that balance doesnā€™t mean perfection. Some days are more about the business, and others are more about family or personal time. Itā€™s a balance, and Iā€™ve learned to be kind to myself when things donā€™t go exactly as planned. It took a lot of practice to get here, but now I am very strict about these things.

Finally, I make self-care a priority, not an afterthought. Itā€™s easy to put yourself last when thereā€™s so much to do, but Iā€™ve found that taking care of my physical and mental health is essential to being the best version of myself for both my business and my family.

Ultimately, itā€™s about integrating all the parts of my life in a way that feels sustainable and fulfilling. Itā€™s not always easy, and itā€™s something Iā€™m constantly working on, but Iā€™ve found that by being deliberate and flexible, I can manage the demands of my business while still nurturing the other important aspects of my life.

4. In what ways do you believe your entrepreneurial journey has been unique compared to that of male founders?

I believe my entrepreneurial journey has been unique compared to that of many male founders that I know and have spoken to. Primarily because of the different perspectives and challenges that come with being a woman in business (particularly tech). One of the key differences is the way Iā€™ve had to navigate certain biases and preconceptions that still exist in the tech entrepreneurial space. As a female founder, thereā€™s often an underlying expectation to prove yourself more rigorously, to be both competent and likable in ways that male founders might not be scrutinised. I got stung in an article by the Daily Mail who made me out like I was a man-hater when that wasnā€™t the basis of the interview. Warning, be very selective who you do interviews with!

Itā€™s been so much harder as a woman to seek funding for my business. I wonā€™t even bore you with the stats, but the amount of women who get funding for their business ideas vs. men will make you shake your head. Itā€™s been a really eye-opening journey on just how much harder it is for female entrepreneurs than males. Donā€™t believe me? Google the stats. It will shock you.

I think my approach to leadership and decision-making has been shaped by this journey. I tend to prioritise empathy, collaboration, and community-building, which I believe are strengths that come from my experiences as a woman. These values have influenced not just how I run Admin Avenues, but also how Iā€™ve built relationships within my communities and with our clients. Iā€™ve found that leading with these qualities has fostered a strong, supportive culture thatā€™s been central to our success.

Additionally, the support networks Iā€™ve sought out and created have been pivotal. Female founders often band together, sharing resources, advice, and encouragement in ways that might be less common among male founders. This sense of community has been incredibly empowering, allowing me to learn from othersā€™ experiences and to support other women on their entrepreneurial paths.

While the entrepreneurial journey comes with its challenges for everyone, the unique aspects of being a female founder have shaped my approach in ways that I believe have made me more resilient, resourceful, and connected to my mission. Iā€™ve had to carve out my own path, often in environments that werenā€™t always designed with women in mind, and thatā€™s made me even more committed to creating opportunities and spaces where other women can thrive.

5. What advice would you give to other women who are considering starting their own business?

My advice to other women considering starting their own business is to trust in your vision and believe in your capability to bring it to life. The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges, but itā€™s also incredibly rewarding. Here are a few key pieces of advice that have been crucial in my own journey:

Money:

Make sure you have enough money to support yourself during the start-up phase. EVERYTHING costs more than you think. Your budgets will blow out (especially on tech) so make sure youā€™re not setting yourself up for financial stress on top of all the other stress that goes with starting a business.

Start with Purpose:

Make sure your business idea is something youā€™re truly passionate about. Your purpose will be your anchor during the tough times, and it will give you the drive to keep pushing forward when you want to give up. And trust me, there will be days when you want to give up. When your work is aligned with your values and passions, it becomes more than just a business, it becomes a mission.

Build Your Network:

Surround yourself with a strong network of mentors, peers, and advisors. Donā€™t be afraid to reach out to other women in business; many of us are eager to support and uplift one another. Having a community to lean on for advice, resources, and encouragement is invaluable. I joined a group called OneRoof in Australia which was the best thing I could have done when I was starting out. It’s a whole network of female start-ups. It saved my sanity some days, and I ended up contracting many people from the network to help set-up my business.

Be Prepared to Prove Yourself, But Donā€™t Let It Define You:

Unfortunately, as women, we often find ourselves in situations where you have to work harder to prove your worth or gain credibility. While this can be frustrating, use it as fuel to show what youā€™re capable of. However, donā€™t let the need for external validation overshadow your belief in your abilities. You know your strengths – own them.

Embrace Resilience:

Entrepreneurship is full of highs and lows. There will be moments of doubt, setbacks, and challenges that may seem insurmountable. Resilience is key. Learn from your failures, adapt, and keep moving forward. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and more resourceful. Donā€™t hold it in. Share these highs and lows with people so you donā€™t feel alone. By hearing other peoples experiences during these stages, often made it easier to sail through the rough seas at times.

Balance and Self-Care Are Not Optional:

Ever been burnt-out? Like your body literally turned off? I have and it was scary. Running a business is demanding, but itā€™s essential to make time for yourself and for the people and activities that bring you joy. Burnout is real, and you canā€™t pour from an empty cup. Prioritise your self-care and create boundaries that allow you to recharge and maintain your well-being. SLEEP is key. Make sure this is your number 1 priority.

Seek Out Funding and Resources Early:

If you are seeking funding for your business, know this – access to funding can be one of the biggest hurdles for female entrepreneurs. Donā€™t wait until youā€™re desperate to start looking for resources. Research your options, apply for grants, seek out investors who believe in your vision, and be prepared to make a strong case for your business. Get used to the word no. Youā€™ll hear it a lot but as I said earlier, no doesnā€™t mean no. Itā€™s means ā€“ not now in the investment world.

Be Bold and Take Risks:

Donā€™t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks. Growth happens when you push beyond what feels safe and familiar. Whether itā€™s launching a new product, entering a new market, or simply putting yourself out there, bold moves can lead to big rewards. Some of the biggest rewards I have had in business were from being bold and asking for what I wanted, or contacting people and asking for their time to learn from them. The worst anyone can say is no. Shoot your shot.

Remember, You Belong:

Itā€™s easy to feel like an outsider, especially in industries or environments that are male-dominated. But remember, you have every right to be there. Your voice, ideas, and leadership are valuable. Donā€™t let imposter syndrome hold you back. Step into your power and take up the space you deserve.

My last little piece of advice is, starting a business is a courageous and empowering journey. Trust in yourself, seek out support, be financially savvy, and know that you are capable of achieving incredible things. The world needs more women-led businesses, and your unique perspective and leadership can make a significant impact. Good luck!

LINKS

Candice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candiceburninghamĀ 

Admin Avenues: https://www.adminavenues.com

The Admin Collective: https://www.theadmincollective.com.au

By Candice Burningham

With a 20-year admin journey starting as an 'Office Junior' in Australia to a C-Suite Executive Assistant to some of the biggest and brightest minds globally, Candice founded Admin Avenues in 2021. Admin Avenues is a premiere lifestyle, marketplace and support network for admin professionals. They will be launching in the UK in late 2024. Candice expanded the brand in 2023 by acquiring The Admin Collective, reinforcing a global community for admins. A recognised voice in the industry, and active advocate for the profession.

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