Trish Tonaj is a serial entrepreneur who believes in the power of storytelling and knows that sharing stories creates an environment of mentorship, business innovation and collaboration that supports great ideas.
As a former Marketing Consultant and Master Coach, she has worked with businesses promoting innovation and teamwork that aligns people culture with sustained success.
She is the founder of shareyourstories.online, a passion project built on a platform of mentorship and breaking barriers to success featuring global entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders who share their great ideas. As a podcast host, she continues the conversation in Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real, introducing the person behind the logo. In 2024, the SYS Community introduced Marketing Grants: “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs.”
As a published author, she has two books: Diary of Change: 12 Personal Tools and Breaking Barriers: 10 Entrepreneurial Women Share Their Stories, ordinary people doing “extra”-ordinary things.
A wonderful way to wrap up the year... It is an honour and privilege to be recognised by your peers, and I am grateful to be named “Leader of the Year” by Women Changing the World in the Americas.
“May your legacy create a footprint of success for the next person who steps into your shoes.”
— Trish Tonaj
When did you start your business?
I started my first business in 1993, leaving a C-Suite J.O.B. in corporate to be my own boss and blaze a trail for women in business. I’ve never looked back.
There is something deeply satisfying about building something from scratch, starting with a “great idea.” After many successful years, I never imagined I would start a passion project focused on mentorship and breaking barriers to success.
The turning point?
In 2015, I attended an Executive Education Program at Harvard Law School’s Negotiation Institute in Mediation and Dispute Resolution. The experience, surrounded by accomplished international business owners, was humbling and exhilarating. Hearing their success stories created a lightbulb moment.
After returning from Harvard, I wrote Breaking Barriers, a book featuring ten women in business—ordinary people doing “extra”-ordinary things. Within a year, it was published.
This passion project evolved into a platform: shareyourstories.online, where I’ve shared 100 stories in the first year alone. Public speaking on mentorship and creating a guest blog have been steps in this rewarding journey.
Each feature and interaction remind me why mentorship matters. After many ups and downs in my career, I now use my marketing and business expertise to support others on their entrepreneurial journeys.
“May your legacy create a footprint of success for the next person who steps into your shoes.” — Trish Tonaj
What was the inspiration behind your work/business?
When I started my first company over 30 years ago, there was little support for entrepreneurs. Mentors wore blue suits and red ties, business consulting was in its infancy, and “coach” referred to sports teams. Thankfully, times have changed.
After publishing Breaking Barriers: 10 Entrepreneurial Women Share Their Stories, I began speaking on mentorship, meeting incredible people eager to share their experiences.
In 2018, I created a brand to increase visibility for entrepreneurs, encourage collaboration, and connect businesses with customers. This platform, built with no-cost marketing options, promotes great ideas and breaks barriers to success.
What are you most excited about in your work/business?
Supporting entrepreneurs on their journeys is truly rewarding. With over 300+ business features across five continents, I’m constantly inspired to be of service.
“We are all so different and yet the same.”
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your work/business?
Keeping the network fresh and finding global small business owners to feature is a challenge.
Interesting stats:
582 million entrepreneurs globally.
Men are twice as likely to start businesses as women due to funding.
82% of female-owned businesses are solopreneurs.
Top growth factors: Resources, Market Opportunities, Funding.
To address these challenges, we’ve launched a global marketing grant with mentorship to support entrepreneurs.
“Be the person who starts a ripple that creates a wave of change.”
What advice would you give to women thinking about starting a business?
Find a mentor! Amazing individuals in every community unknowingly become role models. Reach out—what have you got to lose?
The connection is often symbiotic, offering knowledge and inspiration to become your best self.
Why did you enter the Women Changing the World Awards?
I was surprised to be nominated. I’ve always been the person behind the logo, but I recognised that visibility increases brand awareness. Winning this award shines a light on the small business owners we represent, celebrating their contributions to communities.
What did you enjoy most about the awards?
Watching the ceremony virtually, I reflected on the incredible women making a difference worldwide. Their resilience and passion are inspiring.
What surprised you most about the awards?
The selfless acts of kindness and support, as well as the energy of building new connections with like-minded individuals.
How did the awards help your work/business?
It’s early to tell, but the recognition adds credibility and expands our global reach, creating new conversations and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
What has been the best thing about starting your business?
Entrepreneurship is exhilarating and exhausting, but being my own CEO for over 30 years has been the most rewarding experience.
What’s next for your business?
Feature 1000+ small businesses and build a trusted database for collaboration.
Expand our video/podcast series and grow global downloads.
Increase marketing grants and launch an annual magazine promoting collaboration.
What are your big plans for the future?
-Launch a membership portal for shared resources.
-Offer monthly workshops and seminars.
-Create a circle of mentorship connecting mentees and mentors via AI.
-Expand our grant program with recurring sponsorships.
“As long as there are stories to share, this community will thrive.”
Website and Social Media Links:
Website: shareyourstories.online
LinkedIn: Trish Tonaj
Instagram: @trish_tonaj
Facebook: Trish Tonaj
As our platform is both global and FREE - would you be so kind to
include an invitation and link to the network for their business
feature?
Nominations are open now for the 2025 Women Changing The World Awards
