Melissa is a partner at Buckle, an iconic Australian accessories brand specialising in belts and occasion items since 1922.

“A good brand is no different to a good friend. Both are trustworthy, reliable and consistent. Consumers find synergies, and identify with good brands and will remember how they feel owning a product or receiving a service from a reputable brand, and will continue to return time and time again.

My advice is that life is a journey, so make it worthwhile. Take some risks, make some mistakes, learn from them and, most importantly, share your experiences with others. Simply doing what makes you happy in life will make you successful.

Don’t feel limited or disadvantaged because of age, gender or ability. The people who are most judgmental are the ones who live with regret. Don’t be afraid to give it a go!”

Chiquita King and Ant Melder launched Coffee. Cocoa. Gunpowder., an Australian independent agency that pledges to make a difference. Inspired to pursue work that’s brave, brilliant and effective.

“Believing in yourself is the most important investment you'll ever make.

Choose the people you surround yourself with carefully. Shared ambition and shared values is a winning combination.

A good brand helps you leap frog the competition and puts you on the shopping list.”

Peta & Trudi are brand strategist extraordinaires. Specialising in purpose-led transformation, with a bold ambition to be 'a provocateur for good'.

“I take our potential to influence organisations seriously because our advice can positively impact so many people. Our strategy can help people feel more fulfilled by the work they do everyday. It is a big responsibility.

Our advice for other women entrepreneurs is to aim to be the best in your field, not just the best female in your field.

Brand is your shortcut to reputation. Getting your brand right and aligned to your purpose should be one of your first ‘jobs’ when starting a business. Get your brand purpose right and embed into what you do and how you do it - the rest will follow.”

Jennifer Nielsen has changed her career from being a high powered executive to founding ekko world, a movement to change the planet for the better.

She is striving to leave a planet for our children that is worth living in.

“I have been lucky to have built a few different businesses from which I have gained a great deal of satisfaction and some wealth. ekko.world has not gained me any wealth, but it has given me a vocational PhD in Sustainable Businesses and ridiculous levels of daily joy, supporting businesses doing good and seeing the good they do in the world. The empowerment in empowering others is immeasurable.

Done well, a good brand is your forever road map. The process of getting the map means you must really think about your purpose in order to share it with a good designer. Once a brand is designed and mapped well, it becomes your set of rails – for how you look, what you say and what your business is about. If you stay true to it, you’ll always look and be cohesive and focused.

My advice is to find good partners. People who compliment your intellect and style, who aren’t afraid to challenge you, but who will also support you.”

Jussara Bierman leads the totally cool, new brand called Cool Points Club, the world's first negative carbon rewards program. Their mission is to create a climate fit for the next generation, by making climate action mainstream.

“There’s nothing more empowering than being your own boss, having the ability to make bold decisions, impacting positive and thoughtful change, and nurturing and harnessing the talent of your team around you. I’m a doer — being able to make smart business decisions, then act on them, is a fulfilling feeling.

My advice is that a great idea doesn’t always mean a successful business! The road is long, just focus on taking each small step. But more importantly, just take the first damn step!

I’m a purist, I believe a good brand can sell snow to eskimos. It should be at the core of any business, and something you nurture every single day. It's what defines you, it’s what drives you.”

Fiona King is the founder of Fierce Ideas, a creative agency that helps brands shine through big ideas.

“Having my own business and making it work (most of the time!) has given me freedom and confidence.

The importance of having a strong brand means being clear on who you are and what you stand for. It builds loyalty, guides your decisions, creates equity and customer love, which also means money!

My advice to other female entrepreneurs: Don't overthink things and don’t compare yourself to others. Know what is important to you, be clear on your values and back yourself.

Keep moving, learning, and growing as the world is constantly changing. But most importantly - work hard, be yourself and find your flow as that is when and where the magic happens!”

Women’s Agenda is an independent media company that is 100% female owned and run, sharing the latest news and views that affect women's work and lives.

“Be open to anything and adapt daily.

Be risk aware but not risk averse.

Try to build a team who understands and embodies your mission statement as a business.

Don’t be scared to delegate! You can’t be an expert in everything!”

Emma founded and runs the B2B marketing leaders forum APAC, the inspirational forum that connects and drives the marketing industry.

“A brand is not just a logo and nice colours. Your brand is your value proposition, the benefit to your customers. Make sure you can nail it down to a one sentence you can say in your sleep, mine is ‘B2B Marketing Leaders Forum – Where B2B marketers turn their departments into revenue generating machines, secure larger budgets and a firm seat at the leadership table’ .

Brands evolve and you don’t have to nail it on your launch date. But it has to represent what your business stands for.

My advice is to just start! Done is better than perfect! Make sure your idea/product/service makes strong financial and revenue sense. Focus on revenue, revenue, revenue. Spend your time and resources on what brings in that revenue. Don’t ever test your idea with family or friends; they will be biased and won’t give you real, true feedback.”