Johannesburg, August 2024 – In the dynamic world of business, South African women are not only breaking barriers but are also setting new standards for success. As Women’s Month comes to a close, we reflect on the insights of seven trailblazing businesswomen who have shattered the glass ceiling. Their relentless determination, innovative thinking, and resilience have helped them carve out spaces of influence and leadership. These women share their valuable advice, offering a roadmap for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Innovate Like a Woman!

Women are known to be empathetic, collaborative, and great leaders, but one word ties all these traits together – Innovation. Jacaranda FM’s Managing Director, Deirdre King, explains that historically, women have played dynamic roles, but not necessarily at the boardroom level. “Today, we see more and more women taking their seats at the big table to use their dynamic skillsets to drive innovation,” she says.

King points to historic examples such as the contributions of Grace Hopper and Mary Wilkes to the NASA space programme in the 1960s, illustrating how women have made significant impacts in male-dominated fields. “Their ability to adopt new technologies is especially important as we all brace for daily changes and new technologies that keep us innovating,” she adds.

Deirdre emphasises that innovation is also about originality and finding creative solutions. “For instance, at Jacaranda FM, we asked ourselves, ‘How do we make Women’s Month meaningful?’ The answer came through a brainstorming session led by women, resulting in a unique and impactful initiative that made the month original, meaningful, and innovative,” she explains.

Embrace Your Femininity

Dynamic TV and radio personality, as well as successful entrepreneur, Carol Ofori, wants women in business to understand that embracing their femininity will lead to more success, countering the outdated notion that it’s a weakness. “What I realise is that we have been told that our femininity is our downfall in the business world. Once we understand our femininity and the strength that it gives us in commanding the workspace, we must lean into it.”

Carol advocates for women to harness the unique qualities that femininity brings—empathy, emotional intelligence, and humility—and use them as strategic advantages in leadership. By leading with these traits, women can create a more impactful and authentic presence in the business world, demonstrating that true power lies in embracing what makes them different.

Don’t Let Impostor Syndrome Hold You Back

Imposter syndrome is a challenge many in the business world face, but Mandy Davis, co-Managing Director at brand and communications agency Penquin, advises women not to let negative voices stop them from reaching their goals. “Don’t be tempted to have imposter syndrome discussions with yourself. You are not defined by your position in the company or your business. You are defined by what you bring to the table,” Mandy says.

She emphasises recognising your contributions and owning your successes, as well as your mistakes, as crucial for growth. Mandy believes that growth comes from learning from every situation, whether positive or negative, and making the necessary changes to improve.

Embrace Flexibility and Always Remain True to Yourself

In the ever-evolving business landscape, particularly in the travel industry, adaptability is crucial. Faziela Saheb, Sales Manager at Air France-KLM Southern Africa, explains that staying flexible and being open to change is vital for any woman navigating the business space. “The travel industry has taught me that nothing is ever set in stone. By staying flexible and embracing change, we can turn challenges into opportunities,” she says.

Faziela believes that flexibility not only helps in overcoming obstacles but also positions professionals to seize new opportunities. However, she stresses the importance of authenticity: “In the process of adapting, it’s vital to remain authentic and true to who you are. The world is diverse, and we all bring our own distinct perspectives and strengths to the table. Leaning into what makes you unique is not only empowering but also essential in making a lasting impact in your industry.”

Women Have the Power to Bring People Together

Taryn Duveen, Head of Operations at Blok, a property developer in Cape Town, believes that women unlock new ways of working by bringing people together. “We need to focus on uplifting one another and excelling in our careers,” Taryn notes. Women have an innate ability to connect people and processes, a superpower that’s valuable in both personal and professional worlds.

“I believe that now more than ever, women are fostering their femininity along with this superpower and bringing this to the workplace. Our role as women in business is key to constructing how businesses function and ensuring we build the foundation for our future generations,” she adds.

Give Something for Free, and Watch Your Business Grow in Return

Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder and MD of One-eyed Jack and the brainchild behind the DStv Content Creator Awards, offers a unique perspective on building business relationships through generosity. She’s discovered that giving something away for free can lead to valuable returns in the long run. “Whether it’s providing a complimentary consultation, sharing a resource like a whitepaper, or even a bit of my intellectual property; the act of giving forges connections,” Manuela explains.

While there’s always a risk that a potential client might take the advice and implement it independently, Manuela believes that demonstrating a genuine willingness to help builds trust. This trust often blossoms into lasting relationships, where the client not only returns with more work but also values the partnership even more.

Social Media is a Powerful Tool to Learn from Others

While gaining access to traditionally male-dominated spaces is important, it’s equally crucial to reshape these spaces to better serve women. Deshnie Govender, a leader in the South African marketing and culture space, advocates for leveraging social media as a tool for sharing professional journeys and encouraging other women to do the same.

“As women, we can’t just aim to have a seat at the table; we need the freedom to set it how we want. We work relentlessly to get into rooms that are not built for us, but that’s only half the battle,” she says. “This is why it’s key that we consistently work at leaning into social media to share our journey, so it inspires other women in the same situations.”

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JT Communication Solutions
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