Innovation, Fear, and the Power of Women Entrepreneurs
I’m standing in snowy Calgary, about to meet 20 remarkable women entrepreneurs from WPO Calgary. There’s a mix of excitement and responsibility in the air when you’re invited into a room like this, you’re not just there to share your perspective; you’re there to listen, learn, and engage.
For me, this moment is deeply personal. Every conversation about entrepreneurship and innovation is connected to my vision for a more equitable world especially for my young daughter. The opportunities we create today will shape the world she grows up in. Equality isn’t just a social goal; it’s a legacy we leave for the next generation.
Women’s Entrepreneurship: More Than Just Business
Seeing 20 women leaders in one room reminded me how far we’ve come, and how much further we need to go. Women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses, they're challenging norms, creating role models, and inspiring future leaders. Each story, each venture, adds to a larger movement: one that values diverse voices, collaboration, and inclusive innovation.
But progress hasn’t always been smooth. Historically, society has resisted change, especially when it threatens existing power structures.
The Bicycle That Scared Society
In the 1800s, the invention of the bicycle was revolutionary. For the first time, women could move independently, without relying on anyone else. And that independence frightened some men not because bicycles didn’t work, but because they threatened social norms.
To discourage women from cycling, they invented fear. The infamous “bike face” was a fabricated medical condition, supposedly caused by women riding bicycles. According to this myth, cycling would ruin a woman’s appearance: tight lips, bulging eyes, flushed cheeks. It was absurd, but effective.
This wasn’t about health or safety. It was about control. Misinformation was used as a tool to maintain the status quo, to limit women’s freedom and opportunity.
Fear: A Barrier to Progress
The story of “bike face” is more than a quirky historical anecdote. It’s a metaphor for the broader pattern of fear that often slows progress:
Fear of new technology
Fear of social change
Fear of women’s empowerment
Throughout history, resistance to change has limited social and economic advancement. And while the myths have changed, the pattern remains relevant today. Women entrepreneurs still face barriers rooted in fear, bias, and systemic inequality.
Learning From Women Entrepreneurs Today
Being in Calgary with these incredible women reminded me that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Real progress comes from collaboration, shared experiences, and listening to diverse perspectives. I’m inspired by their stories, their resilience, and their creativity. Every interaction reinforces the idea that inclusive networks drive meaningful change.
Standing in that room, I felt the weight of history and the energy of the present colliding. The bicycle didn’t ruin society. Women riding it didn’t either. But the fear surrounding it revealed a truth we still need to confront: progress often challenges those who benefit from the status quo.
Moving Forward Together
Supporting women entrepreneurs isn’t just about fairness, it's about building a stronger, more innovative future for everyone. It’s about recognizing patterns, learning from history, and creating opportunities that empower the next generation.
As I left that snowy room in Calgary, I carried with me not only inspiration but a reminder: innovation thrives when fear doesn’t dictate the rules, when voices are heard, and when women have the space to lead, create, and transform the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How does innovation affect entrepreneurship?
Innovation helps entrepreneurs create new ideas, improve products or services, and solve problems in unique ways. It drives business growth, keeps companies competitive, and fuels economic development. Successful entrepreneurs often use innovation to disrupt industries and create lasting impact.
Q2. What are the major challenges faced by women entrepreneurs?
Women entrepreneurs often face social and cultural barriers, limited access to funding, male-dominated industries, family responsibilities, and lack of training or education. Overcoming these challenges requires support, mentorship, and equal opportunities to grow their businesses successfully.
Q3. How can women overcome challenges in entrepreneurship?
Women can overcome challenges by seeking mentorship, building strong networks, accessing funding resources, leveraging technology, and developing leadership skills. Persistence, confidence, and collaboration help them navigate obstacles in male-dominated industries and grow successful businesses.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.