From startup to stability, from growth to maturity, and eventually to expansion or exit, every phase of business calls for a different version of you as a leader. Many female business owners build strong, sustainable companies, but rarely pause to consider acquisition as a viable path to growth or to see themselves as investors in the process. This session reframes that narrative. We will walk through the full lifecycle of a healthy business and introduce acquisition not as something reserved for large corporations or seasoned investors, but as an accessible, strategic next step for women who have built solid foundations and are ready to expand with intention. You’ll gain clarity on when to continue building, when to refine and optimize, and when it may be time to buy—along with the leadership capacity, operational readiness, and financial discipline required at each stage. More importantly, you’ll begin to see yourself not just as a business owner, but as a decision-maker with the ability to grow through ownership, investment, and strategic expansion. This session is both practical and empowering, designed to help you understand where your business stands today and to confidently step into what’s next.

Debbie Timm is the Owner and Managing Director of a multi-unit Jovie franchise, a Bright Horizons company, providing nanny and sitter services across Metro Atlanta, Charlotte, and Raleigh. Her journey in the childcare industry began seven years ago when she purchased A Friend of the Family Agency, then transitioned its back-up care business to Jovie in Atlanta before expanding into Charlotte and Raleigh. Today she continues to grow her footprint through a deliberate acquisition strategy.

A working mother of two, Debbie understands firsthand the difference that reliable, high-quality childcare makes in a family’s life, and she has built her business around delivering exactly that. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Clemson University and an MBA from Georgia State University. Known for her warmth, integrity, and strategic approach to growth, Debbie has built a thriving multi-market operation grounded in strong relationships and exceptional service.

Debbie lives in Atlanta with her husband of 32 years, Roy Timm, and has two married children who also live in Atlanta.