Helen Kosta Coaching

🌟 Businesswomen of Melbourne – June Networking Event 🌟

What an incredible evening we shared at our June Businesswomen of Melbourne networking event, held at the beautiful DESIR Wine & Cocktail Lounge!

Our focus for the evening was "Effective Communication Strategies and Public Speaking Tips for Small Business Owners"—a topic that engaged every business owner in the room.

It was heartwarming to hear so many women openly share their personal challenges, fears, and experiences when it comes to public speaking. The honesty, vulnerability, and support shown throughout the evening reminded us that we are not alone in our journey and that growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones.

✨The atmosphere was warm, engaging, and filled with positive energy, meaningful conversations, and genuine connections. ✨

A huge thank you to our wonderful guest presenters who captivated the room with their personal journeys, practical insights, and expertise:

🎤 Jennifer Natale the founder of The Presenters Circle
🎤 Fur Wale the founder of She Talks Australia

Your knowledge, encouragement, and passion inspired us all to become more confident and effective communicators.

A heartfelt thank you to Michelle and the team at DESIR Wine & Cocktail Lounge for being such amazing hosts. As always, your hospitality was exceptional, and the cocktails were amazing!

A sincere thank you also goes to Sonya & Zoran Trifunovski from Eternal8 Photography for capturing the special moments from the evening.

Thank you to all the incredible women who attended and contributed to such an inspiring evening your support and involvement is the key to this group's success 🙏

To our fabulous Core Committee members that work so hard behind the scenes every month to build this community Elizabeth Cagorski aka Liza Rose, Sara Williams, Niti Bhargava a heartfelt thank you ❤

We look forward to seeing you at our next event taking place on 6th of July focused on Building an Effective Marketing Strategy for your Business - as we continue to learn, grow, and support one another in business journey and beyond.

To learn more about our future events, our newly launched membership program and how you can connect with this group going forward please visit www.businesswomenofmelbourne.com.au

💰💲Finance, Accounting & Smart Business Growth 💰💲

Monday night, the BusinessWomen of Melbourne community gathered for our May Monthly Networking Event. An evening dedicated to one of the most crucial (yet often overlooked) elements of running a successful business: Finance & Accounting for Effective Business Management and Tax Planning.

We were joined by four incredible local accountants, each bringing deep expertise, generous insights, and practical, real-world strategies to help women strengthen their financial confidence and business foundations.

Our presenters explored key topics including:
✨ Understanding Different Business Structures
✨ Strategies to Maximise Your Tax Savings
✨ Cashflow Management & Budget Updates
✨ Small Business Mistakes That Can Cost You Big

What made the night truly powerful was the level of engagement in the room.
So many thoughtful questions were asked, proof that while finance can often fall to the back burner in small business life, though is essential for long-term success.

Our presenters’ generosity and depth of knowledge left attendees feeling empowered, informed, and inspired. Many walked away with fresh curiosity around choosing the right business structure, maximising profits, and confidently minimising their tax bill through effective planning.

A huge thank you to our expert presenters:
💎Karuna Malik – Forward Accounting
💎Karen Cruise – Tree of Life Accounting
💎Sabrina Suen – Palia Partners
💎Amandeep Kaur CPA – Xceed Accounting

A special thanks to Jennifer Natale from The Presenters Circle, who supported the panel in preparing for the session and our Core Committee members Niti Bhargava, Elizabeth Cagorski Sara Williams who work behind the scenes to make each event special and a success.

It was an inspiring night of learning, connection, and financial empowerment 🙏 The room was buzzing with high energy and meaningful conversations💞

We are looking forward to seeing everyone again on the 9th of June where Fur Wale Founder SHE Talks® Australia and Jennifer Natale will be presenting "Effective Communication Strategies for Women in Small Business - Speaking with Confidence & Clarity.”

If you are interested in learning more about these events, please reach out via direct message we would love to have you join us.

✨ Businesswomen of Melbourne – April Event Recap ✨

What an incredible evening we had on Monday at our April Businesswomen of Melbourne event, diving into one of the most relevant topics for small business right now: AI & Automation strategies to support business growth.

Our speakers shared practical ways to help the women in the room boost productivity, elevate their customers experience, and confidently position themselves as the standout service provider in their industry.

A huge thank you to our presenters:
🔹 Jordan Bailey from BizAutomate
🔹 Sara Panteleo from Affair SP Business Coaching & Mentoring
🔹 Loren Bartley from Impactiv8

Together, they led a powerful and collaborative session filled with real insights, actionable strategies, and the kind of value that our community continues to show up for. This is a topic they could easily speak on for hours captivating the room with their wealth of experience and knowledge.

These Businesswomen of Melbourne events are designed to empower, connect and promote collaboration opportunities amongst the talented women in our network, and April’s event was no exception.

Thank you to our core committee members Sara Williams NitiBhargava and Elizabeth Cagorski for all the work you put into making these events a success and the talented Anna Boc from Anna Nguyen Photography for capturing the memories.

📣 Keep an eye out for our May event!

We’re bringing together four professional accountants who will be sharing their expertise on Finance & Accounting tips for effective Business Management & proactive Tax Planning — a session not to be missed as we prepare for the EOFY.

Thank you to all the amazing women who attended, contributed, and continue to be part of this growing community.

Here’s to learning, lifting each other up, and leading with purpose. 💛

💎 What a truly powerful evening celebrating International Women’s Day 2026, Businesswomen of Melbourne Style 💎

This year’s theme, “Balance the Scales,” set the tone for a night grounded in purpose, connection, and honest reflection.

We were privileged to hear from inspiring leaders including Natalie Hutchins MP, Member for Sydenham, whose decades of advocacy for women and workplace fairness continue to shape a more inclusive future. We also welcomed Mayor of Brimbank Councillor Virginia Tachos, a passionate champion for community growth, local business, and women in leadership. 🌻

A highlight of the evening was hearing from Nayran Tabiei, whose journey from refugee to successful Melbourne entrepreneur is a true testament to her resilience, courage, and connection to community. Her message resonated with everyone in the room — that no matter what adversities one faces, never give up on your dreams, keep pushing yourself as a powerful woman and support others less fortunate and in need. Challenge the things that detach you from your identity and share your story of struggle to success, to empower other women around you 🙏

As a group we reflected on the progress made in Australia for women equality, acknowledging that while we’ve come a long way, the scales are not yet fully balanced. Women in business continue to navigate unique challenges — from access to opportunities, funding, to the invisible load of balancing multiple roles in life.

But one message stood out clearly - ✨ Progress is about the choices we make as women every day✨

When we:

• Support instead of compete
• Share knowledge and mentor instead of hold back
• Believe instead of doubt
• Let go of the pressure to do it all
then we will begin to create real, lasting change and open opportunities for future generations. It starts with every woman in the room to step up and be the role model for change. 🌸

The Businesswomen of Melbourne group was founded on this very principle — to foster collaboration, give generously and encourage genuine connection. A space where women rise together, celebrate each other’s wins, and create opportunities that ripple far beyond the room. 💎

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors, our fabulous photographer Anna Nyugen and core committee members Liza Rose, Bree Nicholson Sara Williams, Niti Bhargava Mipa Afa who made this event possible. Your support is what allows these important conversations, actions and transformation to continue.

💞 Wishing every woman continued success, equal opportunity, and the deep fulfilment that comes from living and leading with purpose. 💞

💜 Happy International Women’s Day to all the special Women in my Life💜

I feel blessed to be surrounded by so many incredible women who support me to be the best version of myself and inspire me to lead with integrity, loyalty and from the heart.

Today is a reminder of the strength, resilience and love that women bring to the world every single day.

Let’s continue to empower each other, open doors for the next generation, and never underestimate the impact we can make when women support women.

✨ Feeling inspired after our November Businesswomen of Melbourne gathering✨

At our recent Businesswomen of Melbourne event, we had a powerful group of women came together with one shared intention: To understand and strategically plan what support we need in 2026 to grow, thrive, and lead confidently in our businesses

Through open discussion and a review of our community survey results, we identified the key areas where women in business are seeking the greatest support to elevate their success.

The top priorities for 2026 include:
🤖 AI in Business
📣 Effective Marketing Strategies and Social Media presence for Growth
🎤 Public Speaking & Personal Branding expertise
💰 Financial Planning and Cashflow management
👩‍🏫 Business Coaching & Mentoring

We facilitated powerful brainstorming sessions — openly sharing the ‘real’ challenges we’re facing in these categories and the ‘specific’ support we need to move forward.
What stood out most was the willingness to learn, collaborate, and elevate each other, sharing our experiences without judgement in a safe space.

💡 Key takeaways from the room:
💎 We rise faster when we rise together – openness, vulnerability and courage show strength
💎 Community, mentorship, and sharing knowledge is a powerful catalyst for growth
💎 Innovation, financial strength, and strategic planning is a non-negotiable in 2026
💎 Collaboration partners are pivotal to fast pace our success, approach this with a giving nature

As we look ahead, I’m excited about the priorities we’re setting for 2026 and the intentional support we’ll be creating as a group. This is more than networking — it’s a movement of empowered women backing each other to go further than we ever could alone.

✨ If you're a Businesswomen in Melbourne’s West, reach out and join us at our next official gathering in the new year on Monday 2nd February 2026✨

Be part of a movement that leaves every woman in the room feeling seen, heard, supported, and valued for the contribution they make to the group.

May 2026 be a year of growth, courage, connection, and collective success💫

🌟 Reflections from the Women Empowerment Convention 2025 - Dubai 🌟

Wow, what an incredible opportunity to attend the WE Convention 2025 in Dubai, the world's largest and most influential women's forum, where global visionary leaders, self-made entrepreneurs, and senior executives gather to connect, inspire and shape the future of Women Leaders.

The theme for 2025: ALL IN: CAREER, MONEY & LIFE!

The question posed to all attendees - How do you reach exceptional career success, achieve financial independence and still create a fulfilling life beyond work?

Each speaker sharing their journey of sacrifice, learnings, breakthroughs to do just that, realise their big bold dreams and the importance of never giving up on the world of possibilities.

Also a reminder of how powerful Women can be if we lift each other up and lead with heart and soul.

Hearing Anna Wintour and Candace Bushnell speak about redefining success was inspiring, but two messages truly stayed with me:

Dr. Maky Zanganeh’s reminder that failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s part of the process. Her story of resilience and reinvention encouraged me to see every challenge as an opportunity to grow.

Marisa Peer’s message that the words we tell ourselves shape our reality, and that we are all “enough” — a powerful call to lead with self-belief and compassion.

💡 Key takeaways I’m carrying forward:

💎 Success has no single definition — it’s deeply personal.

💎 Financial independence is one of the strongest forms of empowerment.

💎 True leadership is about lifting others as you rise.

💎 Balance isn’t found — it’s created intentionally every day.

I left Dubai inspired, grateful, and more determined than ever to lead, connect, and contribute with authenticity and purpose.

A heartfelt thank-you to the WE Convention team in particular Mila Semeshkina the founder of this global group and every speaker and participant who made this weekend so meaningful. 💫

Inspired beyond words 🙏

ARE YOU A WINNER? DID YOU WIN? 🤔

I’ve been asked this question many times since the recent Local Small Business Awards events, and my answer is: ABSOLUTELY YES! 🙌

Not because I hold a trophy, but because being nominated by the clients I serve — and being named a finalist in the Professional Services category — is already a huge win 🏆

For me, recognition isn’t about one night or one title. It’s about having the courage to put yourself forward, to let your work be seen, and to share your brilliance with the world. Easier said than done but that, is Victory. ✨

Too often, we downplay our achievements, dim our own light, and conform to playing small........But the truth is this..... Standing out matters...

It opens doors for you, inspires others and reminds us of the value we bring.

To every business owner, leader, and professional:

👉 Celebrate the moments when you dare to be visible.

👉 Honour the times you step up and stand out.

👉 Remember that recognition comes in many forms — and it all starts with self-belief.

It was also truly heartwarming to be a finalist in the same category as Bree Nicholson from Pep & Gusto Empowered Marketing and Danijela Stojanovic from Stojanovic & Associates P/L at each event — we are all so supportive of each other and lift each other up, which is priceless in the world of Business. 💫

I feel incredibly blessed to be part of an inspirational business network I now call friends, and with the unwavering support of my family — I know there are no limits to what can be achieved.

So yes, I’m a Winner. I'm Proud to be a finalist, Proud to stand alongside so many incredible businesses and proud to keep shining my light, so others feel inspired to shine theirs too. 🌟

Businesswomen of Melbourne celebrated its 1st birthday yesterday and the energy in the room was electric!

When this group was created, the idea was simple but powerful: to bring together local women in business who wanted to connect, collaborate, and to support one another’s growth with real conversations, real action, mentorship and a vision to influence the way we do business in our local community.

In just one year, this idea has blossomed into something far greater – a community where women lift each other up, share knowledge and experiences, and open doors to opportunities that may never have been possible alone.

Today, we not only look back on what we’ve achieved in one short year, we also look forward with excitement.

We’re excited about what we can create together in the years to come – more collaborations, more partnerships, more women stepping boldly into leadership, and more voices at every table where decisions are made.

A special thank you to the co-founder of this group Niti Bhargava Mipa Afa and the core committee members that work so hard to bring our events together with success:
Elizabeth Cagorski
Bree Nicholson
Jessica Dalli
Sara Williams

You ladies have a heart of gold 💛

A big shout out to Danijela Stojanovic & the team at Pier 35 Port Melbourne for their hospitality, you guys did an amazing job with our passionate group of at times loud Women and our 2 superstar photographers – Anna Boc & Gracie Sietu Fiafia Photography you are the best in the business 🙏

Together we are shaping a business community that is inclusive, supportive without judgement and we’re having a blast along the way.

Together we are unstoppable 💥

Businesswomen of Melbourne celebrated its 1st birthday yesterday and the energy in the room was electric!

When this group was created, the idea was simple but powerful: to bring together local women in business who wanted to connect, collaborate, and to support one another’s growth with real conversation, real action and a vision to influence the way we do business in our local community.

In just one year, this idea has blossomed into something far greater – a community where women lift each other up, share knowledge, mentorship and open doors to opportunities that may never have been possible alone.

Today we not only look back on what we’ve achieved in one short year, we also look forward with excitement.

We’re excited about what we can create together in the years to come – more collaborations, more partnerships, more women stepping boldly into leadership, expansion and more voices at every table where decisions are made.

A special thank you to the cofounder of this group Niti Bhargava and the core committee members that work so hard to bring our events together with success:
Liza Cagorski
Bree Nicholson
Jessica Dalli
Sara Williams

A big shout out to Danijela Stojanovic from Pier 35 for her hospitality and our 2 superstar photographers – Anna Nguyen & Gracie Sietu Fiafia Photography the best in the business 🤗

Together we are shaping a business community that is inclusive, supportive without judgement and we’re having a blast celebrating each other achievements along the way.