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Life Didn't Go According to Plan—and That's the Best Lesson I Ever Learned

This year, life reminded me that even the best-laid plans can change overnight. When I lost a job I loved because of budget cuts, I found myself asking a difficult question: "Who am I without my career?" The answer surprised me. I realized that the qualities that made me successful—my curiosity, kindness, and courage—were never tied to a job. They were always part of who I was. Let me share with you my story: When I was in ninth grade, my English teacher assigned us an essay about where we thought we'd be in ten years. We were told to tuck it away somewhere safe and read it again years later, like opening a time capsule.  Mine confidently declared that I would become a veterinarian and never have children—only lots of fur babies. At fourteen, I thought I had my entire life figured out. Spoiler alert...That's not how life works! …

Integrity-Based Leadership in the Courtroom and Beyond

Integrity as a Trial Lawyer’s Most Powerful Tool In the high-stakes professional world of being a trial attorney, integrity is a vital tool for success. It builds trust with clients, earns credibility with judges, and persuades juries.  Leading with integrity, in my view, starts with unwavering sincerity. It’s about upholding your own professional strengths and personal values, even when that requires you to swim against the current. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a trial attorney. I am someone who stands up in court and wields the power of persuasion to convince a jury what is right.  It wasn’t until I graduated law school that understood what it takes to become a leader in this competitive field. Men outnumber women three-to-one. My First Trial and a Defining Choice My first trial came just weeks after I was admitted to the bar as a lawyer.  What…

Getting Ahead of the Change: How Parents Can Prepare Teens for Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban

On December 10th 2025, Australia will introduce new legislation preventing young people under 16 from holding accounts on most major social media platforms. Whether you think this is overdue, overreaching, or somewhere in between, this article isn’t about debating the policy. It’s about something far more important: how you can help your teen navigate and adapt to a major shift in their digital world. This is a moment for preparation, not panic. For partnership, not policing. For learning, not outsourcing responsibility to the government. And most of all, it’s an opportunity to strengthen trust, build digital resilience and guide your teen through a transition that is happening whether we like it or not.

Accessible Advantage: Power with Purpose

You’re chasing your dreams, building your brand, and striving to make an impact that matters. Amazing! But here’s a question many content creators overlook: Is your content accessible? I know… “accessible” might not be the first word that comes to mind when you’re sketching out your logo, writing Instagram captions, or planning your video series. But it should be. Because if your digital content isn’t accessible, you could be leaving people out and limiting your reach. And as a woman on a mission, that’s the last thing you want. Accessibility isn’t just a “tech” issue. It’s a people issue. Your content, whether a website, email, TikTok video, or slide deck, should be clear and usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. Building accessibility into your brand helps all customers, clients, and followers connect with you. I’ve been working in and teaching digital accessibility since 2018, and one thing I’ve learned…

Restoring the Blue: The Women Restoring the UK’s Ocean Ecosystems

When we talk about climate action, oceans don’t always make the conversation, but they should! The vast, restless blue that covers most of our planet shapes our weather, stores our carbon and feeds our communities. And yet, much of the UK’s marine environment is in a state of decline due to centuries of overfishing and pollution. Meet the Smart Girls saving our oceans! Fortunately, a new wave of ocean restoration is rising, and at its centre are women who are combining science, innovation and policy to repair our coastal and marine ecosystems. These women aren’t just leading impressive projects, they’re also reshaping how we think about conservation and our relationship with the sea. Ocean Restoration: What It Actually Means Ocean restoration goes beyond simply protecting what’s left. It’s about actively rebuilding what’s been lost. From oyster reefs and seagrass meadows to water quality and marine biodiversity. This isn’t just a…

The exceptional journey of Tolu Laniyan

I’m Tolu Laniyan, a passionate journalist with a deep love for storytelling and a mission to amplify the voices of women across Africa. I run Tee Talks, a platform where storytelling meets empowerment. As a media professional, I focus on reporting issues related to women, social justice, economic progress, and human development—going beyond just covering the news to spark meaningful conversations and inspire change. I write powerful narratives of strength, resilience, and innovation on Smart Girl Stories, a platform that celebrates the diverse experiences of women across the continent. My series explores the lives of women defying the odds and reshaping their communities—from entrepreneurs breaking barriers to activists leading social movements. Each story shines a light on everyday heroes making a significant impact in Africa. At Tee Talks, we amplify the voices of women and children who may not always be in the spotlight but are changing the world in…

Why African Female Workers Should Be Celebrated More

“Mimi, wake up. Brush your teeth, I’ve already boiled water for your bath. Be quick.”“Let’s say our morning prayer: Our Father who art in heaven…”“Quickly get dressed while I prepare your breakfast.”“Here’s your food. Let me go and have my bath now.”“Have you finished eating? Let ’s head out. I don’t want to be late for work.” This is how many African female workers begin their day, juggling motherhood, household responsibilities, and professional duties, all before the sun fully rises. Balancing childcare, home management, and the pressure of arriving early at work is the daily reality for countless African women. Yet, they carry these responsibilities with strength, dedication, and love. The Role of Women in the Workplace A workplace without women lacks vitality, balance, and innovation. Women bring coordination, structure, and emotional intelligence qualities essential for a thriving environment. Though often perceived as the "weaker sex," African women are strong, resilient,…

Top 10 Skills Every Female Executive Should Master

Quick Navigation: SkillWhy It Matters1. Strategic ThinkingAligns goals, vision, and execution2. Executive CommunicationDrives clarity, influence, and trust3. Emotional IntelligenceBuilds strong teams and cultures4. Decision-Making Under PressureEnsures resilience and agility5. Financial LiteracyEnables confident business oversight6. NegotiationProtects value and expands opportunity7. Personal BrandingBuilds credibility and visibility8. Inclusive LeadershipDrives performance through diversity9. Delegation & Team EmpowermentMaximizes bandwidth and trust10. Boardroom PresenceCommands respect and shapes direction 1. What is strategic thinking and why is it essential for executives? Strategic thinking is the ability to see the big picture, connect short-term actions with long-term goals, and adapt to market dynamics. This skill is important because women leaders are often asked to “prove it” before being promoted. Mastering strategy gives you a seat at the table. To develop it, read earnings reports, study competitors, and challenge assumptions in every major decision. Also, as a bonus tip, bring strategic insight into your 1:1s and board meetings—not just…

Transforming Outdoor Spaces for Your Next Event

Planning an outdoor event can be magical when the details are done right. From venue logistics to weather-proofing, choosing the right features and team can make or break your gathering. That’s where brands like Long Island Igloos shine. Whether you're hosting a backyard celebration, a brand activation, or a corporate winter retreat, creating a memorable guest experience starts with thoughtful design and flexible infrastructure. This Smart Girl guide breaks down how to elevate any outdoor space, rain or shine! 1. Start with Venue Type & Infrastructure Outdoor venues range from open lawns to rooftops. The key is to know what is included and what you'll need to bring in. Established venues will have power access, restrooms, and permits. For more remote locations, you'll want to account for lighting, heating, and structural elements. Long Island Igloos offers climate-controlled, furnished domes that are fully equipped with plush seating, chandeliers, LED lighting, and…

How Independent Publishers Are Winning Gen Z Readers: Insights from Akashic Press

Independent publishers have long been at the forefront of amplifying marginalized voices, but how does this mission land with Gen Z readers today? I asked Johanna Ingalls from Akashic Press - a trailblazing indie publisher that's been championing authentic, diverse stories since 1997 - about the themes resonating with younger audiences and their advice for aspiring Gen Z literary entrepreneurs. Johanna Ingalls is the managing editor and director of foreign rights at Akashic Books, where she has worked for over two decades since being rescued from the music industry by Akashic publisher Johnny Temple. A graduate of Barnard College, she currently lives in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, with her Norwegian Forest cat, Squid Lee Gato.  How does Akashic Press’s mission resonate with Gen Z girl readers today?  Since our inception, our focus has been on publishing authentic voices, often voices that were ignored by the mainstream. Much has changed over the…

Supporting Teens Through Final Exams: Understanding the Mental Health Impact

Final exams are one of the most stressful periods in a teenager’s academic journey, no matter where they live in the world. Whether it’s the HSC in Australia, A-Levels in the UK, SATs in the US, or board exams in India, the pressure is immense. These moments represent far more than just grades on paper — for many young people, they feel like life-defining events that carry huge expectations.

Virago Press: Championing Women's Voices for Gen Z

Virago Press: Championing Women's Voices for Gen Z Virago Press has been championing women's voices since the 1970s, making it one of the pioneering feminist publishers that's still going strong today. What started as a response to the Women's Liberation Movement has evolved into a brand that speaks to Gen Z women looking for authentic stories about friendship, identity, and navigating a world that's still pretty hostile to young women. This summer, I had the opportunity to ask Lennie Goodings, chair of Virago Press some questions for Smart Girl Stories. Virago has long been a trailblazer in feminist publishing - what advice would you give to Gen Z women who are interested in launching their own feminist or women-centered press or media platform today? Virago was founded on the crest of the Women's Liberation Movement in the 1970s. Women wanted a voice, to hear other women, to understand their lives,…

Supercharge Your Website Traffic Copy 

What Is Website Traffic?  This book is for people who have something to share with the world and they’ve made a website, or set up an event, or self-published a book but now that they’ve put their work out there, they realize they don’t know how to get people to actually see it. Putting up your website is only one step. After that you need to get people to it.   What Is Website Traffic?  You have something to promote online. Maybe it’s your business website, maybe it’s a podcast, maybe it’s an event. Whatever it is, you need people to know about it and that means getting eyeballs on the link to what you are promoting. That’s called website traffic and how you bring people to the link is driving traffic. At its heart this is really about lead generation. The fundamental goal of getting people to your links is…

Meet Nicole Petrolava - Software Developer and Spell Caster

Hi, my name is Nicole Petrolava, and I'm a software developer for MailerLite. I have worked here since 2017. I am originally from Bulgaria, but I currently live in Lithuania.   How did you start coding?  I love creating. I love to create for my hobbies and now for my job using code. Coding is like magic. I can write some spells using code, and then something works. I have made something from nothing. It's very nice. It's very fulfilling to see things I've made come to life.   I also love helping people in their day-to-day lives, both in and out of business. I like knowing that I'm helping to connect people with MailerLite and that I'm helping communities to interact and communicate. It's very fulfilling, and I love creating these systems.    What are some skills that are very important in your role?  Critical thinking is very important.…

Women Changing Narratives: Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole Becomes First Female Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Nigeria

Meet Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, the first female Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Nigeria. Discover her inspiring journey, her passion for African Philosophy, and why inclusive leadership matters now more than ever. Breaking Barriers in Nigerian Academia Prof. Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole has made history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) in Oyo, Nigeria. Her groundbreaking appointment is more than just a personal milestone, it’s a powerful symbol of possibility, progress, and inclusive leadership for women and girls across Africa. Her journey shows that there is no limit to what women can achieve when given the opportunity. Prof. Oduwole’s 40-Year Journey in the Nigerian University System With nearly four decades of dedicated service in higher education, Prof. Oduwole stands out as a trailblazer in African Philosophy, Ethics, Bioethics, and Gender Studies. She began her academic path at the University of Ibadan, then obtained: A Bachelor’s and Master’s in Philosophy A Master’s in Bioethics from top European institutions A Ph.D. in Philosophy Her…

Book Review: "Normalize It" - Breaking the Silence on Women's Mental Health

Hi Smart Girls! A few weeks ago, I was gifted a copy of "Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame that Shape Women's Lives." by Dr. Jessica Zucker. I just finished it and wanted to share my thoughts. What is "Normalize It" all about It's a collection of real stories from a psychologist's office, Dr. Jessica Zucker, each one tackling a different challenge she's helped her clients work through, with insights and information woven in along the way. Challenges such as friendships, grief, reproductive choice, motherhood, sexual trauma, and more. Although I can't relate to some aspects, this book seems like it was written for me. And if you are a smart girl, it's written for you too. This book discusses women's experiences that we all share and that are often kept private. I related to what she was sharing in her stories. And, it validated a lot of…

How to Promote Your Book as a First-Time Female Author (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

Hey Smart Girls — You wrote the book. You poured your heart into every page. Now comes the next chapter: sharing it with the world. If you're wondering how to promote this as a first-time female author, there are several effective strategies you can consider. If you're a first-time female author, it's easy to feel unsure about how to promote your book — especially if you don't have a publisher, a publicist, or a huge platform. But here's the good news: You don't need to do it alone. You're already part of a movement — and we've built tools just for you. The Power of Sharing Chapter One This is a dedicated space on our website where you can showcase your first chapter, link to your book, and attract new readers. Free for readers to access Strategically designed to build your audience SEO-friendly with your voice, links, and story Note:…