Ways for Wellbeing

"For women in business, networks like the Chamber serve as critical ecosystems that dismantle isolation, provide culturally competent mentorship, and create accessible platforms.

"It enables representation and a space where you can learn from others."

Nabila Gardner, Director

How has being part of the Chamber community supported you as a leader, not just as a business?

Being a member of the Chamber has supported me to talk about my work as a female business owner to other businesses that are Chamber members. Beyond the commercial advantages, the Chamber has provided a vital peer network that challenges my perspectives and offers the high-level mentorship necessary to navigate the complexities of modern leadership.

What does your business do – and what’s your role as director?

We provide personalised wellbeing and support employment solutions, leveraging digital coaching to help people achieve lasting personal and professional growth.

I am the owner, founder and director and Small Business Britain have identified me amongst the top 100 Female Entrepreneurs for 2026 and I am part of their f:Entrepeneur #iAlso100 2026 campaign for the year.

What’s been the most rewarding part of being a female business owner?

Knowing that I am an Asian Disabled female business owner – that there is a uniqueness to how women run businesses. The profound sense of agency found in building a legacy on my own terms, where I can redefine leadership, empower others, and turn a unique vision into a tangible impact on the world.

Have you had a moment where you felt particularly proud to represent women in your sector? What happened?

Organising the only Birmingham city-wide Disability Festival, being invited to be a panel member on the DWP Advisory Panel, being part of the Invictus Games 2027 Accessibility Panel, Small Business Britain identifying me amongst the top 100 Female Entrepreneurs for 2026 and I am part of their f:Entrepeneur #iAlso100 2026 campaign for the year. These are things I never thought would happen for someone like me!

In what ways do you think networks and communities, like the Chamber, matter for women in business?

For women in business, particularly those at the intersection of Asian heritage and disability, networks like the Chamber serve as critical ecosystems that dismantle isolation, provide culturally competent mentorship, and create accessible platforms where their unique perspectives can be converted into influential social and economic capital. It enables representation and a space where you can learn from others.

I’d recommend joining a community, like the Chamber, especially one as established as the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), is essentially a shortcut to professional local influence. In a city that's rapidly evolving as a tech and professional hub, it enables business owners to represent themselves and have a nurturing supportive environment that is set up to support your business to be part of the economy.