Businesswoman of the Year - That's Me!

I sat with my game face on, prepared to have that frozen smile when they called out the winner of the Businesswoman of the Year Award at the inaugural Women Empowerment Awards and others at my table would console me for not winning. Afterall, I barely knew anyone in the room - there were some faces and names I knew because of their accomplishments, later I found out one of my clients, Roxanne Francis, was there, but otherwise this was an unfamiliar room for me.

Someone had nominated me (thank you, whoever you are) for this prestigious honour, but I had no expectations of winning. This wasn’t about me not having confidence in myself. However, I am a realist. The other two finalists were long accomplished, successful women in their respective fields. One was in communications and the other was in luxury travel. By nature I am a competitive person, but I felt that being just four years in the media consulting business that there was no way I stood a chance.

So I went to the gala at the downtown Toronto Shangri-La hotel, attended by the who’s who of Toronto’s elite society (the event was presented by Rogers Communications Inc, with Suzanne Rogers in attendance and sponsored by Mantella Corporation with Sylvia Mantella by her side) with a plan to have a nice dinner, do some networking and take home a really swanky gift bag.

And then…I heard my name called, but it still didn’t register - it was that talking underwater sound you hear in the movies, kind of in slo-mo: Fe-nnel-la Broooose. Then I looked up at the screen and saw my face grinning back at me. My stomach did flip flops and my heart started beating rapidly. I forced myself to stand up as the lovely woman beside me who I had been making small talk with hugged me like we were the best of friends. (Francine Mbvoumbo (pictured below) is now a friend of mine lol). As I forced my wobbly legs to walk me to the stage, my mind was racing - what was I going to say? The woman who prides herself on always being prepared was not prepared for this. I had not written any notes, unlike other recipients that night. I had not practiced in the mirror as I have counseled so many attendees of my media workshops. I was literally in shock and had to get it together - fast. I had two minutes to speak and make the most of the moment that was mine.

I let it be known that I didn’t prepare anything, just in case I said something dumb. That was my insurance. I acknowledged the accomplishments of the other two finalists. And then I spoke from the heart about my entrepreneurial journey. Although it was shorter than the other two women, I have been able to do much in four short years. More than I feel like I have done in my 20+ years in television news. It was a point I made in my speech when I talked about being restricted by corporate rules, politics - and I will add here - systemic racism.

In four short years, I have been able to carve out a brand identity for myself and my company, build a financially successful company, hire multiple employees, serve on two Boards, commit funds to charities, sponsor events, educate, mentor, produce live streams, host live streams, produce and write television shows, publicize major events, important issues, high profile people and professionals, advise and negotiate deals. Now, I’ve started my own production company, FKB Media Productions Inc. I am able to do all these things because I am a businesswoman in control of my destiny. I answer to me, I make decisions on my own, I don’t need permission from anyone else, and most importantly, I am being recognized for my work, my skills, my creativity and my voice is finally being heard.

This is only the beginning for me...and I am so excited about what lies ahead. And next time I will be prepared.