WIN’s first business forum brings together entrepreneurs and executives for a curated evening on scaling—designed for those navigating the journey from early traction to sustainable growth.

Co-created by Women in Numbers and Melanin Magazine, with Commonwealth Private as Principal Partner, the event explores the macroeconomic context, funding strategies and operational maturity required to build resilient, high-growth businesses across APAC.

The evening opened with a welcome from WIN Founder Kristina Granberg, followed by an insightful conversation between Chris Watson, Senior Manager, Asset Allocation at Commonwealth Private, and Josephine Hanna, National Head, Ultra High Net Wealth. Their discussion explored the macroeconomic trends shaping growth and investment decisions for SMEs in today’s environment.

This was followed by a dynamic panel moderated by Simran Nandan (Melanin Magazine), featuring Cheryl Mack, CEO of Aussie Angels, and Esha Oberoi, Founder & Co-CEO of Leora Healthcare. Together, they shared tactical insights and lived experiences on scaling businesses with purpose and resilience.

Key themes from the event included:

• Scaling successfully requires clarity and balance, defining growth while leading with empathy and authority

• Capital is more than money, it’s choices and control—navigating funding vs bootstrapping and ownership

• Bias and governance matter early, addressing unseen barriers and building strong foundations

• Longevity goes beyond valuation, creating businesses that endure through purpose and adaptability

• Advice isn’t one-size-fits-all, challenging conventional wisdom to find what works for you

A huge thank you to our speakers and the Commonwealth Private team for making the evening such a success. We were thrilled to provide members with practical insights on scaling businesses, from early traction to sustainable growth, while creating space to connect with inspiring women and build valuable relationships.