When you think of empowered, emboldened women in business, you might not immediately think of 18th century France. And your mind may go to the boardroom before the Champagne vineyards of Reims. But the story of Veuve Clicquot’s inimitable Madame Clicquot - later called La Grande Dame of Champagne - may just change that...

Because in 1805, at just 27 years of age, Madame Clicquot was widowed. The now-single mother took the reins of her late husband’s business, the House of Veuve Clicquot, and in doing so became one of the very first women to run such a large business - in a male-dominated industry, no less. At the time, women could neither work, nor hold a bank account. So to appoint herself CEO? It was a bold move. But Madame Clicquot was a bold woman. 

Today, the House continues to honour that legacy with its Bold Woman Awards, back in 2021 after a year’s hiatus. Veuve Clicquot emboldens successive generations of audacious female leaders, having recognised trailblazing women globally for almost 50 years, since 1972. 

The awards identify the role models of today and tomorrow. The women who inspire through their own journeys. The women whose names will become synonymous with boldness. 

Madame Clicquot wasn’t satisfied simply challenging the status quo - she had the drive and tenacity to strive to be the best. “I wish my brand to rank first in New York like in Saint Petersburg”, she said in 1831. Her motto? “Only one quality, the finest”.

And it’s that spirit that’s exemplified by the three nominees for this year’s Bold Woman Award. 

Kristy Chong, CEO and Founder, Modibodi

Kristy Chong, Founder and CEO of Modibodi

“The idea for Modibodi came about when I was training for a marathon. I had two children and had started to experience light incontinence and I came to the realisation that my underwear was failing me.” Unhappy with the inconvenient and environmentally damaging products on the market, Kristy Chong came up with the idea for Modibodi: leak proof underwear that was better for the planet, and better for women: allowing them to get back to business, whether that’s running marathons, raising families, or living life to the fullest. “I understand it’s hard to make change”, Kristy says, “but if you do, you’re changing not only the planet, but you’re changing future generations, empowering women”.

Nicole Dawn Livingstone, OAM, Australian Former Competitive Winner.

Nicole Livingstone OAM, Head of Women’s Football, AFL

Nicole Livingstone has steered one of the most momentous shifts in Australian women's sporting history, transitioning women's football from a fringe pursuit played by amateur athletes, to one of the most prestigious female sporting leagues in the country. “As a swimmer growing up”, she says, “I never had a thought about anything that was on offer for me as a young athlete. Little did I know the world of Australian football elite competition was not on offer for women.” Under Nicole’s leadership, not only has the number of registered teams doubled, but the community player base has increased to over half a million girls and women, now making up one-third of the national football-playing total. And it’s something Nicole is proud of: “to see the growth that’s taken place... it’s really important to make sure that the barriers are removed.”

Katherine McConnell, CEO and Founder of Brighte

“Brighte helps families access finance for sustainable and comfortable homes”, CEO and Founder Katherine McConnell says of the Australian fintech startup. A personal experience of installing solar in her own family home inspired Katherine to create a better solution, and since Brighte’s launch in 2015, the startup has approved over $330 million of applications from more than 40,000 Australian homeowners. It was recently recognised by Deloitte as the fourth fastest growing tech business in the Asia Pacific. “I’m really proud that Brighte is supporting a sustainable future”, she says. 

Veuve Clicquot inspires people to dream big, bright and beautiful. And with these three bold women carrying the torch in 2021, Madame Clicquot would be proud.

The Bold Woman Award is set to be announced on Tuesday 13th July at 630pm. Tune into the Livestream of the virtual ceremony here