I first saw Yasmin as she and 4 other fabulous women walked in unison to the stage at the SheEO summit to acknowledge their success as the inaugural Australian SheEO Venture cohort. Women across Australia generously gave money to create the base of a perpetual fund and then voted on which women led Australian businesses were most deserving of this years’ interest free loans. Yasmin, and her company – Worlds Biggest Garage Sale – was one of the amazing women who were successful. The criteria included making a positive difference in the world, which World’s Biggest Garage Sale certainly does.  

Yasmin’s most recent experience of stepping out of her comfort zone was with regards to applying to be a SheEO Venture. 

“I wasn’t going to apply, predominately because as an Activator, I felt that I had already been able to get involved in a network globally shaping change. I was encouraged by someone close to me to apply, which I did with some hesitation.  I felt like we had a scalable and investable company, however a small part of me had some form of imposter syndrome emerging.  I wasn’t sure what it all meant at the time, but I pushed through and ignored the voice inside my head, instead, listening to my heart and gut, both of which were telling me to push through and apply.” 

I love that Yasmin listened to her heart and applied as a Venture. She did have some hesitations though: “I was weary getting into a ‘female only’ thing, I have always pulled away from this kind of group.  Having never really subscribed to men/women only movements, it was uncomfortable at the start to align myself to a ‘single sex’ initiative.” 

Despite the reservations, Yasmin moved forward with her application: “I did it to step out of my comfort zone, because that’s where the magic happens after all.  Since doing so, I have grown significantly……not because of any single one person, but because of the collective strength of a team of people passionate about real change in the world.  It’s quite humbling to know that I am a small part of something really big!” 

“Other than the honour of becoming one of the Australian Ventures (which is amazing and we’re incredibly grateful for the support from the Australian SheEO Activators!!), the outcome was also some deep personal growth in the realisation that there are many women out there doing exceptional work, which is often understated. I am also thrilled to have spent a few days with the 4 other Ventures, finding myself connecting to 4 strong women, each building a scalable and sustainable business that’s changing the world.  These new friendships will go beyond the SheEO movement, which was the most surprising and wonderful bonus of all.” 

When I asked Yasmin how she felt about stepping out of her comfort zone this way, she had some really positive outcomes. “I felt awkward to begin with, but it quickly transformed into a deep sense of connection, which ignited something inside that really moved me.  I felt connected to a new ‘tribe’ of people who were going to help beyond the basics.  It was a feeling that I’ve not experienced, where I can equally contribute generously, where giving and receiving of time, experience and even love was encouraged and embraced. It unlocked something inside that has me doing things that I might not have otherwise done had it not been for this.” 

And Yasmin’s advice for anyone considering stepping out of their comfort zone? “My advice is simple! When you step outside of your comfort zone, and I mean really take a giant leap outside of it… it is here that you will find what you have been searching for.  I have always dabbled in out of the comfort zone experiences, and I have never ever regretted it.  This experience was a big leap, and I’m glad I took it.  

If something inside of you feels right, but you’re worried about how others might perceive it, or whether you will yourself enjoy taking that new road, I say DO IT.  You know inside of your soul what feels right, so any last words from me here will simply have you nodding along knowing what you need to do.  So what’s stopping you?  GO!!!!” 

Thank you Yasmin! 

About Yasmin: 

I’m the girl that sat in the front row in class, a firstborn child with energy to burn, having worn many hats throughout my career including: sales, business development, manager/leader, project management, training & admin, HR, customer experience, intrepreneur and most recently an entrepreneur.  

Best summed up as a multipotentialite!  

My WHY? is simple!! To make a difference and create meaningful impact daily.