Carol Hanlon: Fostering Empowerment Globally Through Innovative Leadership

“Leadership is not about commanding. It’s about enabling, nurturing, and empowering others to reach their fullest potential.”

Imagine walking into a room where you just know that every person feels appreciated, valued, and are encouraged to contribute their ideas. There’s an energy in the air, not from a single voice leading the charge, but from a shared belief that everyone has something meaningful to contribute. This is what transformational leadership looks like, where the focus isn’t on who’s in charge, but on how many people are being empowered along the way.

Carol Hanlon, a visionary entrepreneur, who exhibits the essence of this leadership. For decades, she’s been the quiet force behind initiatives that have helped many thousands of women and small businesses thrive, both in Australia and around the world.

It’s easy to think of leadership as a role reserved for the loudest voices or the most influential figures. But Carol’s approach shows us something different. Her impact is profound, not because she’s front and centre, but because she works tirelessly behind the scenes, making sure that those who are often overlooked get the support they need. She’s the kind of leader who knows that success isn’t measured by how many people follow you, but by how many people you lift up.

Carol’s story radiates empowerment at every turn. From local initiatives to global programs; her work is rooted in the belief that when you invest in people, you create ripples that spread far beyond what you can see.

A Journey Rooted in Passion and Purpose

Carol Hanlon’s journey began in the 1970s in Victoria, Australia, where she established her own fashion design, manufacturing, wholesaling, and retail business, selling her label to hundreds of boutiques across Australia and overseas. Her entrepreneurial venture thrived for 20 years, laying the foundation for the expertise and insight she would later channel into empowering others. During this period, with two young children, the stable hands, and apprentice jockeys that also lived with the family, Carol also managed the business administration for her racehorse-trainer husband’s stables.

However, in 1993, Carol relocated to Western Australia and after her divorce was finalized, her journey took a pivotal turn when she shifted her focus from running her own business to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs globally. Recognizing the need for accessible small business support systems, in 1994 Carol became the founding manager of the not-for-profit organisation Belmont Business Enterprise Centre Inc. (BBEC) in metropolitan Perth, Western Australia.

BBEC quickly became a hub for small business advisory services, catering to entrepreneurs who needed guidance, training, and mentorship. Four years later, in 1998, she expanded her mission by establishing a second not-for-profit organisation, the Textile Clothing Footwear Resource Centre Western Australia Inc. (TCFWA); which has since expanded to include TCF Australia and TCF Global.

Both BBEC and TCFWA were created with the vision of providing inclusive, low-cost, and sometimes even free, support to entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly those led by women. Carol’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is what sets her apart as a leader.

Over the years, her projects and initiatives have directly assisted more than 35,000 small businesses across Australia and globally. The impact of her work can be felt in the farthest corners of the world, from regional communities in Australia to women-led micro-enterprises in developing countries.

A Leader’s Guiding Principles

Carol’s leadership is defined by her deep empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, especially those operating in remote areas or balancing business with family commitments. Her experience as a small business owner profoundly shaped her leadership approach. It taught her that accessibility is key—an idea that has guided her initiatives ever since.

One of the core principles driving Carol’s leadership is the belief that every woman deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of her location or resources. This belief has led her to focus on innovative ways of delivering training and mentoring, such as online programs that reach women in regional and remote communities. By embracing technology, Carol has been able to break down geographical barriers, ensuring that no woman is left behind.

Her emphasis on inclusivity is also reflected in the programs she has developed for specific communities, such as Muslim women looking to start home-based sewing businesses, or Aboriginal women in regional areas pursuing creative enterprises. These tailored initiatives exemplify her dedication to creating opportunities for those who often face the most significant obstacles. Through her tireless efforts in coordinating major fashion shows, trade exhibition shared showcases, or establishing a retail fashion incubator, emerging designers were able to showcase their skills and talents to extensive audiences.

As established, Carol’s leadership is rooted in a combination of empathy, accessibility, and a hands-on approach, but what truly sets her apart are the strategies she employs to lead effectively across diverse contexts.

A key aspect of her leadership is her belief in leading by example. For Carol, leadership isn’t about sitting behind a desk; it’s about getting involved in the day-to-day work, understanding the challenges her team faces, and demonstrating the same level of commitment she expects from others. Whether it’s personally reducing her salary during times of financial strain or volunteering extra hours to keep initiatives running, Carol’s actions consistently align with her values, setting a powerful example for those around her.

Ultimately, Carol’s leadership philosophy is built on a foundation of authenticity, empathy, and a relentless focus on empowering others. By staying connected to her core values, continuously reflecting on her leadership approach, and remaining committed to inclusive and accessible support, Carol exemplifies a style of leadership that is as compassionate as it is effective.

Exhibiting Resilience and Leveraging Strategic Alliances

Running not-for-profit (NFP) organizations presents its own unique set of challenges. For Carol, one of the most significant hurdles has been securing sustainable funding for her initiatives. Providing free or low-cost training to thousands of women entrepreneurs requires ongoing financial support, which is not always easy to obtain.

However, Carol’s resourcefulness and strategic thinking have allowed her to navigate these challenges successfully. She relies heavily on the dedication of long-term volunteers and has formed alliances with partners who share her vision. The NFP boards of directors for BBEC and TCFWA also provide invaluable support, enabling these organizations to continue making a meaningful impact despite funding constraints.

Carol’s ability to overcome financial obstacles while maintaining the quality and reach of her programs is a testament to her resilience and commitment. Her leadership demonstrates that with the right blend of passion, innovation, and collaboration, even the most daunting challenges can be turned into opportunities.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Among Carol’s many achievements, one stands out for its profound and lasting impact: the BPW Business Incubator ‘Women in Business’ Online Training & Mentoring Project. Developed as a project, promoting Business and Professional Women (BPW) International; this initiative was designed to address the critical needs of women in small and home-based businesses. Through her own personal experiences and her many years running small business support organisations, Carol identified the specific challenges faced by these women, such as isolation, lack of resources, and difficulties balancing business with family life.

The BPW Business Incubator provided cost-effective, flexible training and mentoring that was tailored to fit the lives of time-poor women entrepreneurs. It offered them the tools, confidence, and support they needed to grow their businesses, delivered through an accessible online platform. The project’s success was not only reflected in the number of women who benefited but also in the recognition it received at both national and international levels.

As a long-standing member of BPW Belmont and a former club president, Carol’s involvement in BPW has spanned nearly two decades. She has held leadership roles at both the state and national levels and has represented BPW at international congresses in Finland and South Korea and as BPW delegate during the United Nations CSW sessions in New York.  Beyond her work with BPW, Carol has presented workshops and forums for women entrepreneurs in countries like the Philippines, Taiwan, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Mongolia, Indonesia, Vietnam and St Kitts further extending her reach and influence.

Paying it Forward

One of the defining elements of Carol’s leadership is her unwavering belief in the power of ‘paying it forward.’ This philosophy is not just a guiding principle but a cornerstone of how she operates her not-for-profit organisations.

Over the years, Carol has fostered a culture of giving back, where both current and former volunteers and past small business clients feel a deep connection to the cause and are always ready to contribute when needed. Whether it’s packing a 40-foot container of donated sewing machines and textiles for a global community project or helping organize large-scale events, the spirit of volunteerism runs deep in Carol’s initiatives.

A striking example of this culture is the number of volunteers who return long after they have moved on from the organization. Many of these individuals come back during critical moments, whether to assist with an event or contribute to a specific project, simply because they feel like they are still part of the team.

Celebrations and recognition are also key to maintaining this collaborative spirit. Carol and her team organize an annual ‘thank you’ dinner to celebrate the volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy throughout the year.

This event is not just a gesture of appreciation; it is an opportunity to reinforce the sense of community and shared purpose that drives the organization. By acknowledging the efforts of her team, Carol ensures that everyone understands they are a vital part of the broader mission and thanking them for giving back in meaningful ways.

Fostering Innovation and Adaptability

For a business to endure the storms of change and progress requires more than just technical expertise. It requires a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. Carol understands this better than most. Under her leadership, BBEC and TCFWA have continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the communities they serve.

One of the key methods through which Carol fosters innovation is by embracing cross-sector collaboration. She believes that knowledge-sharing and joint efforts are essential for driving growth and creating new opportunities. Whether through partnerships with other community organisations, government bodies, or linkages with business and trade associations, Carol has always sought to bring together diverse perspectives to create innovative small business projects that can improve business development and opportunities. For her, empowerment and inclusion are about making sure that those who are often left behind have the chance to catch up.

Celebrating Excellence

Carol’s work has not gone unnoticed. She has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and recognitions throughout her career. Among the most recent are:

  • Hall of Fame Bronze Women Changing the World Awards, UK (2024), which recognizes her significant contributions to empowering women globally.
  • Hosting and presenting at the UN CSW68 NGO Forum in New York (2024), focusing on the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs.
  • Named among the Top 50 Small Business Leaders in Australia (2022) by Inside Business Magazine.
  • Awarded the Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International (2022).

These awards reflect not just her individual accomplishments, but also the success of the initiatives she has led and the lives she has touched.

Lessons from a Lifetime of Service

Carol’s journey is grounded in integrity and a clear sense of purpose. One of the core tenets of her leadership philosophy is empathy—understanding the unique challenges and circumstances of those she leads and finding ways to address those needs effectively.

Throughout her career, Carol has demonstrated a commitment to personal growth and learning. Having grown up in a disadvantaged family and challenging environment, she understands the importance of resilience and resourcefulness. Leaving school and home at the age of 15, she built her career through self-teaching and an unrelenting drive to succeed. These early experiences taught her that no obstacle is unbeatable, and that growth comes from continuously pushing oneself beyond one’s comfort zone.

Carol’s leadership is also characterized by her willingness to take on new challenges and learn from diverse experiences. From serving as District Governor for an International Women’s Service Club focusing on speech and hearing impairment in the 1980s to leading global forums on women’s economic empowerment, she has consistently sought opportunities to broaden her horizons and strengthen her leadership capabilities.

Navigating Tough Decisions with Compassion and Clarity

Every leader faces moments when difficult decisions must be made, and Carol is no stranger to these challenges. One such moment came when a significant government-funded small business support program that her organization relied on was suddenly cut. The loss of funding put immense pressure on her not-for-profit, threatening its ability to continue serving the community.

Rather than giving up, Carol made the tough decision to relocate the organization’s office to reduce rent costs and put out a call for sponsors and supporters. She even personally reduced her salary by 50% and volunteered additional hours to ensure that essential services could continue. This selfless approach exemplifies Carol’s unwavering commitment to her mission and her determination to lead by example.

Focus on Action and Authenticity

For those looking to make a meaningful impact, Carol offers simple but powerful advice: “Words are easy. Action is what counts.” She emphasizes the importance of being clear about your purpose, understanding the tasks your team is delivering, and maintaining attention to detail. Leadership, in her view, requires rolling up your sleeves and getting involved in the day-to-day work, not just directing from the sidelines.

Carol also stresses the importance of staying humble and continuously learning. “The moment you think you know it all is the time to give up,” she says. In her experience, leadership is a never-ending journey of growth, discovery, and adaptation. By keeping an open mind and remaining curious, aspiring leaders can develop the resilience and flexibility needed to navigate an ever-changing landscape.

Another key lesson from Carol’s leadership journey is the importance of staying true to your values. For her, authenticity is central to effective leadership. By leading with integrity, empathy, and a clear sense of purpose, she has been able to build trust and inspire those around her. Her advice to emerging leaders is to stay connected to what drives you and to let that passion guide your decisions and actions.

A Vision for the Future of Leadership

As the world of business continues to evolve, so too must the approaches and strategies of those who lead it. For Carol, the future of leadership lies in fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous innovation. Her vision is one where leadership is less about hierarchy and more about empowering others to take ownership of their growth and success.

Carol is a firm believer in the potential of virtual and online platforms to break down barriers and reach individuals who would otherwise be left out. As the founder and driving force behind several virtual incubators and online training programs for over 20 years, she sees technology as a powerful tool to democratize access to resources, especially for women in regional or underserved areas. Her goal is to continue expanding initiatives like the BPW Business Incubator for Women in Business, enabling thousands more women across the world to gain the training and support they need to thrive.

Looking ahead, Carol plans to keep creating global opportunities for emerging fashion designers and creatives, facilitating their entry into international markets through trade missions, exhibitions, and mentorship. Her experience hosting trade missions and organizing platforms for designers across Asia has given her a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the global market. As new trends and demands emerge, she remains committed to adapting her initiatives to ensure that they stay relevant and impactful.

A Guiding Light

Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.

Throughout her extensive career, Carol Hanlon has left an unforgettable impression on the lives of many thousands of entrepreneurs, particularly women, who have benefited from her guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support. Her legacy is one of empowerment, accessibility, and a relentless commitment to helping others succeed.

The impact of her work extends far beyond Australia. Through her involvement in her extensive global networks like TCF Global and BEC Global, and through her participation in international forums and initiatives, she has inspired and supported entrepreneurs and women linking with over 120 countries. From coordinating micro-livelihood sewing projects in developing nations to providing business training to women in remote Australian communities, Carol’s influence is truly global.

For Carol, success is not measured by personal accolades or recognition. Instead, it is measured by the stories of the women and businesses she has helped to grow. Whether it’s a regional entrepreneur who finally turns her passion into a thriving business or a community project that uplifts families in a developing country, these are the moments that define Carol’s legacy.

As she looks to the future, Carol remains focused on the mission that has guided her for decades: to empower others to achieve their business dreams and create positive, lasting impacts in their communities. Her journey is far from over, and as the world continues to change, she will no doubt continue to adapt, innovate, and lead with the same passion and dedication that have defined her career.

And the Voyage Continues

Carol Hanlon’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a profound commitment to service. In a world that often prioritizes profit over people, she has carved out a space where inclusivity, empathy, and support take centre stage. Her work has empowered thousands, particularly women, to break through barriers and achieve their goals, proving that with the right support and opportunities, anyone can thrive.

As businesses and organizations around the world continue to grapple with the challenges of the 21st century, leaders like Carol offer a blueprint for how to lead with compassion, purpose, and integrity. Her approach to leadership, focused on nurturing potential and creating accessible opportunities for all, serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership is about more than just achieving success—it’s about helping others find their path to it as well.

Carol’s journey is an inspiring one, and her legacy as a leader and mentor will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of entrepreneurship and small business support for years to come. Through her work, she has shown that leadership is not just about being in charge—it’s about lifting others up and helping them realize their dreams.

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