Permission Granted

The traditional entrepreneurial narrative – shaped by male-dominated norms – doesn’t fit the reality of many women’s experiences. Common barriers for women include institutional bias, a psychological need for external validation, ‘imposter syndrome’, and practical difficulties in raising funding. They often combine to force women to think they need ‘permission’ before starting a business. So, what if you stopped waiting for permission and started claiming your place in the entrepreneurial world? Permission Granted is not just another business book – it’s a bold, practical guide for women who are ready to disrupt, defy, and rewrite the rules of entrepreneurship. Drawing on over 30,000 hours of research and interviews with more than 300 female entrepreneurs across the globe, Professor Maura McAdam distils decades of evidence-based insights into eight powerful Calls-to-Action (CTAs), each designed to help women start, build, and grow thriving businesses. This is not theory for theory’s sake – it’s hands-on, actionable, and deeply rooted in real-world experience. Structured in three parts – Permission to Start, Permission to Build, and Permission to Grow – this book meets you where you are, whether you’re considering the leap, building your first venture, or scaling for growth. Each chapter combines research-backed strategies, pragmatic steps you can implement immediately, and ‘Words from the Wise’ from pioneering women entrepreneurs. In this book:Silence the inner voice that says, “Wait for permission”Embrace your entrepreneurial identity Leverage your unique strengths to succeed on your termsMaster the digital landscape Navigate funding challengesBuild networks that workCultivate a growth mindsetWherever you begin, you’ll find actionable insights to help you think bigger, act bolder, and embrace the permission you already have. Stop asking. Start doing. The time is now. About the Author: Maura McAdam, PhD, is a professor, researcher, coach, and accredited NLP Master Practitioner. For over two decades, she has translated her globally recognised research on entrepreneurship and leadership into practical guidance for real-world use. Consistently recognised among the top 2% of scientists worldwide for research impact, Maura is a leading voice in women’s entrepreneurship. In this, her first book for a wider audience, she blends evidence-based insight with real-world experience to offer practical, transformative strategies.

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