In the dynamic world of business, South African women are not only breaking barriers but are also setting new standards for success. As we near the end of Women’s Month, we look at seven fierce females who broke the glass ceiling and the valuable advice they share with us. With their relentless determination, innovative thinking, and resilience, these trailblazing businesswomen have carved out spaces of influence and leadership. Their insights, drawn from years of experience, offer a roadmap for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of business.
Innovate like a woman!
Women are known to be empathetic, collaborative, and great leaders – but one word underscores all these traits – Innovation. Jacaranda FM’s Managing Director, Deirdre King, explains that historically, women have played very dynamic roles, but not at the boardroom. “Today we see more and more women taking their seats at the big table to use their dynamic skillset to drive innovation,” she says. A well-known example from as early as 1960’s is the contributions of Grace Hopper and Mary Wilkes to the work on the NASA space program. “These women made a big impact in an often male-dominated field with their ability to be dynamic and adopt a new technology. This is especially important as we all brace for daily changes and new technologies that keep us innovating around us,” Deirdre adds. Deirdre continues to explain that Innovation is also about originality and how new ideas can solve problems through a creative lens. “As an example, Jacaranda FM was faced with a problem – ‘How do we make Women’s Month meaningful?’ The answer came from an informal brainstorm with women driving the conversation through insights. The Competition not only made Women’s Month meaningful, but original, meaningful, and innovative,” she says.
Embrace your femininity
Dynamic TV and radio personality and 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Ofori wants women in business to understand that embracing their femininity will lead to more success, countering the outdated notion that it’s a weakness.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. This approach not only challenges conventional leadership norms but also paves the way for a more inclusive and compassionate business environment.
Don’t let impostor syndrome hold you back
Imposter syndrome is something that so many in the business world struggle with but Mandy Davis, co-Managing Director at brand and communications agency Penquin, explains it’s important to remember not to let these negative voices stop you from reaching your goal. “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 adds that the importance of recognising your contributions and owning your successes, as well as your mistakes is vital for growth – especially in the business world. Mandy believes that growth comes from learning from every situation, whether positive or negative, and making the necessary changes to improve. For women in business, embracing this mindset can help build resilience and foster continued personal and professional development.
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. Whether it’s navigating economic shifts, adjusting to new customer behaviours, or responding to unforeseen global events, the ability to pivot quickly is essential. “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,” says Faziela. She believes that flexibility not only helps in overcoming obstacles but also positions professionals to seize new opportunities as they arise. However, she also 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. Embracing flexibility while always staying true to yourself is a surefire recipe for success.”
Women have the power to bring people together
Taryn Duveen, Head of Operations at Blok – a property developer in Cape Town, believes that the landscape and unique qualities that women bring to businesses, unlock new ways of working. “We need to focus on bringing women together, uplifting one another and excelling in our careers.” Women have an innate ability to bring people and processes together – this is a superpower in both personal and business worlds, shining light on women at the forefront. “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 ensure we build the foundation for our future generations,” she says.
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 a guide, or even sharing 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 attempt to implement it independently, Manuela believes that demonstrating a genuine willingness to help—through a free strategy session, a sample project, or hosting a knowledge-sharing event—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. By leading with generosity and authenticity, Manuela has found that what you give often returns in unexpected and rewarding ways and encourages women in business to lean into this approach by identifying ways to offer value that aligns with their strengths and areas of expertise. Manuela explains that this creates a reputation for being both generous and highly capable and can be particularly effective in industries where relationships and trust are paramount.
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, encouraging other women to do the same. By documenting successes and challenges online, female professionals can inspire and empower others who face similar obstacles, creating a ripple effect of support and progress. “As women we can’t just aim to have a seat at the table, we need to have 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.”
