Today in Global Small Business: The Global Women Presidents Organization

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Making sure the world knows about the global peer advisory group the Women Presidents Organization for women business owners generating $2 million (USD) in gross annual sales for a product-based business or $1 million for a service-based business.  If that is you, discover what a WPO membership could mean for your business.  Note: I ([Laurel Delaney] have been a WPO Chicago Chapter Chair since 2003 so I know first hand how exceptional the organization is.
• IMF Chief:  We can't repeat the mistakes of globalization with AI.
• Alternatives to the major powers must play a larger role, no matter if the aim is preservation of the existing global order, reform of its institutions, or transformation into a new model of governance.
• Quote of the week:  “These incredible women [business owners] have inspired me every single day. Their drive, resilience, and impact have shaped not only the economy but also communities and generations to come. It has been the honor of my life to help support this global movement for women’s economic development and leadership." – Camille Burns (second from left in photo), CEO, at the Women Presidents Organization
• The Qatar lesson:  In the age of globalization, new tools of influence have entered the arena. In the past, a country’s power was measured by the number of tanks, aircraft, and soldiers at its disposal.
• According to the World Economic Forum, globalization isn’t over. It’s being rebuilt around resilience, regions and intelligence.

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  As of May, 2026, we average between 700,000-900,000 readers a month.  Thank you for your engagement! 

A Look Back on the Professional Achievements of Trailblazer Dr. Marsha Firestone, Founder of the Women Presidents Organization

Founder of the Women Presidents Organization, Dr. Marsha Firestone, passed away peacefully in her home on December 7, 2025.  I extend my condolences to her son Daren, daughter-in-law Nicole, her two grandkids and other extended family members.

Dr. Marsha Firestone founded the WPO in 1997 after previously serving as Vice President of Women Inc. and as Vice President of Training and Counseling at the American Woman’s Economic Development Corporation (AWED). In 2003, she was appointed to the National Women's Business Council.  She is the author of The Busy Woman’s Guide to Successful Self-Employment, has published research in business and educational journals, and is a frequent guest speaker.  Dr. Firestone earned her PhD in Communication from Columbia University and is an expert in adult learning theory, nonverbal communication, and managerial competency.

Having served on the WPO Board years ago and as WPO's Chapter Chair since 2003, I came to know Marsha very well. She truly embodied everything others have fondly recalled – a fearless leader, visionary, trailblazer, tireless worker, and passionate advocate for women business owners.

Writing a blog for WPO Chicago since 2003, I was able to search Marsha's name to see how many times I wrote about her.  This gives you a sampling here – certainly worth the journey.  A couple of the links no longer are active because they go back to 2005, when many media companies scrub old articles.  

And the CEO of WPO, Camille Burns, writes a beautiful tribute about Marsha on LinkedIn here.  

Her legacy will live on in all of us.  I am grateful to have known her. Rest in peace Marsha, deservedly so. 

Love the Women Presidents Organization, Especially the Chicago Market

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

And this is the Women Presidents Organization Chicago group where I serve as the Chicago Chapter Chair.  Learn more about why we are together here.  Learn more about how to become a member here. Check out a recent LinkedIn post.

Premier Gathering of Women Entrepreneurs: Women Presidents Organization Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum 5/15/24

©2024 Women President Organization.  All rights reserved.

The Women Presidents Organization (WPO) Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum (EEF), the premier gathering of women entrepreneurs who lead multi-million-dollar businesses, will be held on May 15-17, 2024, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

This three-day forum will gather over 700 distinguished women business leaders for a transformative experience brimming with invaluable connections, insightful guidance from industry experts, and cutting-edge perspectives essential for navigating the dynamic global business landscape.

I [Laurel Delaney] will be attending and hope to see you there!

The Biggest and Best Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum 2023 in Vegas Hosted by the Women Presidents Organization

More than 750 women business owners from around the world have arrived in Las Vegas for their annual Women Presidents Organization Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum 2023 to network, learn and grow together. This is the most amazing program of the year for WPO.   And I [Laurel Delaney] am so honored to have the opportunity to attend.  Full disclosure:  I am serve as the Chicago Chapter Chair for the Women Presidents Organization.

I am really looking forward to connecting with the best and brightest women business owners from all over the world and at the same time have an opportunity to moderate a panel discussion on "Intentional Growth Beyond Borders" with two international stars:  Caroline Tompkins, President and CEO, Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) and Laura Didyk, Vice President, Client Diversity, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

If you are attending, ping me to meetup and if you are not yet a WPO member, learn more here about joining so you can attend next year's Forum.