In 2016, the WLA entered its 10th year of recognising women’s leadership in business, innovation, social contribution and entrepreneurship… and the 2016 Women Leadership Award Entrepreneur Winner was Dream Weaver Theatre Founder Ann C James.

As nominations are still open for this year’s Women Leadership Awards until Friday 21 April, we take the time this week to reflect on last year’s winner, and we hear from her about her work over the last 12 months:

My Year as a WLA Winner: Ann C James

Wow. What a year it has been! 2016 was as much a triumph to new heights of exposure for my company as it was the year of some pretty low points in my career. The pendulum was swinging like crazy. But as a weathered entrepreneur, I held on the the good and pushed the bad back out to diffuse and regroup itself with more positive particles.

Being the winner of Entrepreneur of the Year by IPWS was a shock. I was honored and at the same time wondering how I would live up to the award! Rehearsals were in full swing at one of our partner venues when the worst thing for an entrepreneur happened. My intellectual property was stolen, duplicated and marketed through the venue I had brought out of near bankruptcy.

This “never give up” woman with the spirit of a  lion was on the ropes. I remember looking at my IPWS award during the time and feeling a sense of pride and responsibility. How could I turn this situation around? Did I have a team that could weather finding 3 new venues for a theatre season already underway? Some did leave. But most stuck with me. Some new team members attracted to fresh opportunities even came on board with talents and services we really needed in order to grow. What seemed to be a betrayal was in fact what I now call an “exfoliation”. We got rid of the dead skin and revealed a brand new layer of teamwork, resolve and downright fun!

More than anything I have learned to lead by trusting my fabulous team with more decision-making, more stake in the company and more responsibilities in government. It feels great. Releasing some control has allowed me to rest and relax more as well, so my leadership is more organized and less stressful on me and my team. DreamWeaver has produced 47 theatre shows in less than 5 years.  That in itself gives me a sense of accomplishment. We are now launching our 5th season with an incredible production of Godspell, the broadway musical with a message of uplifting energy and a strong sense of community. I’d like to thank the women of IPWS for acknowledging our hard work at DreamWeaver Productions.

We have so much more in store for our fans and supporters!

Thanks so much to Ann for sharing your year as the winner of WLA Best Entrepreneur!

DreamWeaver Productions continues into 2017 with Godspell, details below and nominate NOW for this year’s Women Leadership Awards!