10 Things Motherland Moguls would tell their 21 year old self
[bctt tweet=”Keep your head up ladies, so your crown doesn’t fall down” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] We asked our community members what advice they would have give their 21 year old self. We couldn’t keep all that knowledge locked away in an Instagram post for you to never think about again. We’ve compiled all that collectively wisdom here. The collective knowledge of our SLA community fell into 10 different categories and we’ve broken it down for you. So get your pen out and bookmark this page. You’re welcome. Confidence One of the things that truly makes a Motherland Mogul is that she is confident in herself and her abilities. She doesn’t let small minds and mean words hold her back. Keep your head up ladies, so your crown doesn’t fall down. @Marlidiallo: “1. Don’t conform to the norm. 2. Have confidence in yourself.” @Thelady_sek: “Protect your heart. Protect your mind. Don’t take yourself for granted and care less what people think about your hustle.” @Daramolafeyi: “Believe in the God that you serve, believe you can be and do whatever you decide to be. Stop comparing yourself with others. Be hardworking, Don’t be lazy.” Start TODAY There is no time like the present. Our community wants you to know that you shouldn’t sit on those amazing ideas of yours. Don’t wait till you’re the right age. Don’t wait till you have enough money. Heck, don’t even wait till you graduate. Roll up your sleeves and get to work: now, now. @G_mama1: “That it’s good to start mall. Stop waiting for a big capital to start, start with the little you’ve got.” @Imoheboh: “Start this already! Don’t procrastinate.” @Amazinfarie: “It’s not too late.. You can still make it InshaAllah.” @Ms_dinma_o: “There is no better time to start than now. You have more than you need.” @Nalianyalouise: “Don’t procrastinate” @Lamide_ “Just start” [bctt tweet=”The SLA community wants you to know that you shouldn’t sit on those amazing ideas of yours.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] These are the days —give it your all In addition to starting today, your fellow Motherland Moguls want you to go hard! Now in your early 20s is the time to throw your heart and energy into what you do. You likely have fewer commitments & expenses so chase your dreams and chase them tirelessly. @Thealaroro: “This is your season of independence! Maximise it. Do more. See more. Be more.” @Lululingerieng: “Age 17-21 are foundation years. “Suffer then enjoy later,” compromise, have multiple jobs, DON’T just be a student.” @Maa_designz: “Ain’t no time for games darling. Pursue you with all you got. Find that dream. Water it. You would be glad you did.” @Chigozie18: “Take all the risks you want now. Don’t wait till you are 30.” @Vianniey: “Explore the opportunities right before you first… you can’t choose to look outside much later!” [bctt tweet=”Now in your early 20s is the time to throw your heart and energy into what you do” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Work ethic Dreams and ideas are great, but you have to be willing and able to put in the work! Make sure you focus on the task at hand and work hard on your priorities. @Lonitagram: “I’m 21, will be 22 next week Saturday…so it’s “never stop dreaming, never stop believing, it’s only a matter of time, never stop planning, she who works her ass off wins, stay in your magic, eventually all things fall into place and let God be God.” @Berugubydeezah: “Stop dreaming and start working.” @Theskinapothecary: “Go harder, stop procrastinating, you can do it.” Your studies & beyond Your studies are very important, but also one day you will graduate. Make sure you are thinking of that end goal. What are you in school for? Don’t just go through the motions and make sure you are also finding ways to skill build outside the classroom. @Tolulopefunsho: “School and studying isn’t everything!! Think entrepreneurship!” @Marymangeni: “Explore and learn as much as you can” @Lululingerieng: “Age 17-21 are foundation years. “Suffer then enjoy later,” compromise, have multiple jobs, DON’T just be a student.” Perseverance We all know why the tortoise whooped the hare in their super famous race. Don’t get lazy. Stay focused and keep working on your goals: every month, every week, and every day. @Bisolaatiba: “You’re almost there, keep moving.” @Alorhhs_chayil: “Keep trusting God, keep working hard, don’t give up your dreams and be consistent.” @Chicest_elle: “You’re on the right path girl. Keep it up!” [bctt tweet=”Stay focused and keep working on your goals: every month, every week, and every day” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Well-Being Life is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. So make sure you are taking care of yourself and doing all the things that will ensure you are able to enjoy the fruits of your labour for a long time. Keep yourself physically, mentally, spiritually & emotionally well. @Curlynewbie: “Eat well, sleep well, run and most your issues will be easy to solve with a clear mind and healthy bod.” @Aadidako: “Comparison is the thief of all joy.” @So_samiama: “Don’t sweat it girl.” Everything has its time While you are busy chasing your dreams and taking care of yourself, also realize that some things are out of your control. As long as you are giving your all, and striving to be the best at what you do, everything else will fall into place. @If.e.oma: “Do it…Push through the pain. It’s ok to not get it at a particular time, it will come at the right time.” @Gift_angela_ : “Let tomorrow worry about itself” @Battousai_h: “Relax it’s going to be alright” @Nnigdini: “To my own self, I would’ve said “self take your time, marriage wasn’t the remedy of your tears, pain, sparrow, disappointments, life was just beginning, there is more to life than compromising your life to marriage.” @Mz_danielzzz: “Insecurity isn’t pretty. Be patient and find your own path. Being in a hurry to accelerate your career like your elder ones can ruin you. Enjoy the journey.” [bctt tweet=”As long as you are giving your all, everything else
Twitter Chat with Carol Nyazika: Moving back home as an entrepreneur (Nov. 3)
Thinking of moving back home? Thinking of starting a business? Thinking of moving back home AND starting a business? You’re not alone. There is a growing trend of Africans abroad moving back home and there are resources and organizations like Resource Nigeria and Movemeback that are helping people do just that. Within the group of people moving back home, are also those that are doing so to start a business. Some do it because certain ideas they saw abroad have not yet reached their part of Africa or because the economy of certain African countries are ripe for entrepreneurship, others still do it because they want to give back to their home and they are passionate about the industry they are venturing into. A UK resident who moved back home to Zimbabwe, Carol Nyazika fits into many of these categories. She is the founder of the African Women Awards and the founder Ndanaka, a natural skin care line. Join us Thursday Nov. 3rd for a Twitter chat with Carol Nyazika to discuss the perks and set backs of moving back home and starting a business, or businesses. Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg to ask your questions and participate in the discussion. Topics that we’ll cover: Deciding whether it is time to move home Knowing if your business idea will live on when you move back home The importance of celebrating African girl magic Balancing two busineses & a 9-5 Twitter chat details Date: Thursday Nov. 3, 2016 Time: 8am NYC // 12pm London // 2pm Harare Location: Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg Help us spread the word: [bctt tweet=”I’m excited to learn about moving back home to start a business from @CarolNyazika & @SheLeadAfrica. :” via=”no”] Self- motivated, dynamic, hard-working and goal oriented are some of the many characteristics that Carol Nyazika has developed through her few years as a successful social entrepreneur. With a focused mind-set, she has managed to centre her business ventures on the development of women in all aspects of their lives. This has primarily been based on the promotion of the beauty within through business initiatives and independence. Carol has packaged herself as a complete influential brand that reaches people through all mediums of life, whether through the radio, television or print media. Her effort to reach clients through the expansion of her brand is what has made her a rising personality in the Zimbabwean community, at home and the diaspora. Through her popularity in the beauty industry, Carol founded Ndanaka by Carol Nyazika, a lifestyle brand platform that showcases beauty and hair. She then expanded this platform and launched her beauty brand with the same name which covers hair care, skin care and body care products. Her YouTube videos show the simplicity of beauty without breaking the bank with views of over three hundred thousand. She is also Founder of African Women Association, a female empowerment association. AWA is not be a platform that excels in rhetoric but fails in practice; it is invested in making sure that people’s lives are truly changed. This project is highly rated by the experts in the industry. The African Women Awards are under the association and have been hailed as the ‘Oscars of Africa’ by most media outlets. The Awards have been well received by many across the continent and truly appreciated for the impact is has had on many African women. The other platforms under the association include AWA Foundation, AWA Media, AWA Network. Carol continues to break barriers, positively impacting women around her, pushing the boundary and challenging the norm.
Against all odds (bouncing back after a failed business)
I recently experienced a failed business and it would have been devastating if not for my support team. The good thing about failure for a positive minded person (which should be the mind set of an entrepreneur) is the ability to use the experience as a learning process. When a business venture fails there are two most likely reactions from the entrepreneur. You either give up or dive back in again, trying to make it right this time around. From my own experience, here are some helpful tips on bouncing back from a business failure. 1. And the blame lies… A whole lot of things could have gone wrong. The first step is to take an introspective look at your business journey and without been biased. Analyse the venture and pinpoint where things went wrong. You can ask the people who had interactions with your business for their opinions. Be sure to let go of the hurt that comes from failing at a venture. The altruistic ones will prefer to blame themselves and this might be harmful if you cannot get over the blame game. 2. Decide… Next, decide if you are returning to that venture or starting a new venture. This is important as it will determine your next moves. The decision to continue a failed venture will rest solely on you. Consider the reason you started the venture. Was it just a business or a deal with a goal? An ordinary business idea (not that there are ordinary business ideas, but some are conceived based on needs as opposed to those based on passion), is easy to let go of. With this idea, you can venture into a different line of business, responding to another need. However when your idea is part of a dream, it is harder to dump it and move on. 3. Restore This is usually the hardest. If your business was loan funded, it is always a source of grave concern. Many business owners suffer huge financial losses after a failed venture. Although not easy, making efforts to restore/refund loans can give a sense of fulfillment. This is not to say that inability to do so should lead to depression rather a well laid out plan for payment may inspire hope. It is absolutely necessary to avoid any form of self deprecating thoughts. 4. Plan Now that you have decided, begin to make plans in line with your decision. If you have decided to move on. You will need a fresh new idea and plan according to the idea. In the event that you want to continue with your previous idea, make further research using your previous mistakes as key points. Go back to the drawing board. Your drawing board will hold your idea, its concept, theme and any previous mistakes. It is time for a new flow chart which will utilise the information gathered from the research you have done. Tip: If you really need funds at this point, consider crowd funding. 5. Take your time It is tempting to want to dive right into the deep end when you have found the solution or something new. Don’t do this. It’s not advisable jump right in. And no, this is not saying you should procrastinate. On the contrary, take time to set out a pace that will allow you notice changes and progress. 6. Laying the ground work Now you work, and I must add with a vengeance. Going from the drawing board to the work table is literally a huge step. This is where every past lesson is put to the test. 7. Faith Having a strong belief in the success of your venture helps to pad all the hard work you have done. Praying about your moves and asking for directions divinely can go a long way. Also a positive mind set is required. Always. 8. Be patient When you start squatting at the gym, there is a tendency to look at your butt for signs of growth. Disappointment quickly follows when the expected immediate transformation is not seen. Like squats, your business will need time and constant, continuous efforts to grow and begin to show signs of growth. Be patient. Continue to work at it. To avoid working blindly, take constant review of your progress. It may be quarterly or monthly but alway take stock. Mark areas that might need improvement or changes. Make necessary upgrades. Get customer feedback. You cannot know too much. Even after the initial research, always seek expert opinions at every stage. This will serve as a guide along and also a yard stick to measure your progress. In the long run. Your perception of a failed business is vital to your entrepreneurial life. If you develop the habit of not giving up and taking every failure as practice and a lesson, you will find yourself very soon in a successful venture with lots of stories to tell. Remember
Fundi Zwane: It’s critical for artists to be exposed to business
Who says you have to choose between being creative and working in the corporate world? Fundi Zwane believes you can have both. As a Motherland Mogul, Fundi manages to successfully combine two unusual passions; art and the corporate world. Through her Industrial Theatre, Phezulu-Phambili, Fundi translates boring policies into informative theatrical shows. When she’s not running her creative/artistic company, Fundi acts and has appeared on soapies such as Generations. Find out why people in the performing arts should be exposed to business and the one important skill all artists need below. Why do you think people in the performing arts should be exposed to business? I think it is critical for artists to be exposed to business as it helps them navigate spaces beyond the creative world. It is a great arsenal in their “toolbox” when negotiating things like contracts and issues of strategically placing themselves as brands. It also adds enormous value to their package as an artist. Another way it comes in handy is that sometimes, as artists, we go through what we call “dry seasons” when there is not a lot of acting work available. So having a background in business can really assist in coming up with ways to sustain yourself during this period as it encourages thinking out-of-the-box and beyond your comfort zone. How does your Industrial Theatre, Phezulu-Phambili Collective merge both passions seamlessly? Phezulu-Phambili merges the corporate and creative worlds by taking something like a policy or a piece of legislation and presenting it in manner that is “out-of-the-box”. Another component that becomes critical is understanding the audience that you present that piece of Industrial Theatre to. Usually, it is a non-theatre going audience and most times, it’s their first contact with the creative world. So it becomes incumbent on my company to make the experience unforgettable and memorable. Phezulu-Phambili takes what is usually mundane, black and white, full of jargon and brings it to life! That is how we marry the worlds of corporate and creative seamlessly. How have you successfully combined your passions for art and the corporate world? What I mark as success is when Phezulu-Phambili did contracts for BROLL (one of the biggest property realtors in SA) and recently Transnet (one of the biggest parastatals in SA). The way we were able to interpret and communicate their health and safety policies through theatre was, for me, magical. I deem a project a success based on the response we get during and after a performance -and obviously the request for more business. It is always a gratifying feeling and makes all the hours spent combing through a policy and interpreting it through the creative process of writing and rehearsals worth it. I also consider it a success when Phezulu-Phambili manages to go into the corporate space and get people to engage with a policy in a way that is fun and interactive because of the way we present it to them. What keeps you going as a young black South African woman? What keeps me going as a young South African woman in business is an insatiable desire to succeed and leave a legacy. Not only for my daughter but for other young women who have dared to go into business in a country where the economic scales are still so imbalanced. Transformation, especially in the corporate space, is non-existent. I want to be part of the pulse changing the narrative of African woman, a pulse celebrating our glory and showcasing us as the amazing, determined success we are. What also keeps me going is my 3-year-old daughter, Bella-Rose. I’ve always wanted to be a mother that models black excellence to my daughter. Being a single mother in business has NOT been easy. There are times when you feel overwhelmed and want to throwing in the towel for something “easier” seems like the the “better” option. But keeping focused on the goal of leaving a legacy for my daughter and all other women who look up to me keeps me going. My motto is, ” I don’t stop because it gets hard, I stop when the work is finished”. What is one seemingly insurmountable challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? One challenge that is forever present is the issue of capital. Be it to start a big project or to expand as the demand for work grows. This can be a very stressful and sometimes, a seemingly insurmountable challenge. The art of business, I believe, is the relationships you nurture and foster over the years. So in times where money needs to show up for operational purposes and the business coffers are running dry, there are strategic business synergies I have formed with people who are willing to assist. Creating a culture of taking care of each other financially is important. This obviously comes with one having to practice absolute financial integrity. Once our coffers are replenished, we give back what was borrowed to in times of need. You spent 4 years on the soapie Generations, what advice would you give on maintaining business relationships for the long run? I believe maintaining business relationships is absolutely crucial as I’ve mentioned above. Acting on a soapie like Generations really did teach me that. I always advise on maintaining a good working relationship, especially with people you enjoy working with, people who inspire you to do more and people who believe in your vision for success. What business skills do you think an actress must definitely have? As an actress, you MUST have the business skill of negotiating. This, I believe, is really important and makes people take you seriously. Be it negotiating a contract, or negotiating with producers/ writers about a storyline for the character you are playing, it is an important skill. I once witnessed actress Nambitha do this on the set of Generations and I gained such a profound respect for her. Nambitha knew her character in and out and there was a line in the
Twitter Chat with Thokozile Mangwiro: Starting a natural hair business in Africa (Oct. 27th)
All you natural hair ladies out there know that the struggle can be too real. Between trying to find products that work for your hair, to looking for products with organic ingredients. These struggles can be further exasperated when you live on the continent and you want to buy local or you have aunties telling you to go fix your hair. Now put this all in the context of trying to start a natural hair brand and you’ve got quite a complicated recipe on your hands. It’s in these complicated situations where champions are born and Thokozile Mangwiro is one such champion. After being unable to find locally made natural hair products in her native South Africa, she decided to start her own line. Join us Thursday Oct. 27th for a Twitter Chat with Thokozile as she shares how she built her natural hair business, Nilotiqa, in South Africa and her advice for other naturals and budding entrepreneurs. Whether you’re an African natural, a natural hair product junkie or an aspiring entrepreneur in the beauty industry, you don’t want to miss this chat. Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg to ask your questions and participate in the discussion. Topics that we’ll cover: What it’s like being natural in South Africa The importance of buying localy products How to start a natural hair line, from resources to customers and more Advice for natural hair ladies and apiring entreprenuers Twitter chat details Date: Thursday Oct. 27, 2016 Time: 1pm NYC // 6pm Lagos // 7pm Joburg Location: Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg About Thokozile Mangwiro It is in growing her own natural hair for the past 15 years that Thokozile Mangwiro found her inspiration to create a natural hair care product line. After going to several salons and an endless search of locally produced products that truly work for afro natural hair, it was clear that there was a HUGE gap in the market for professionally formulated products for natural hair. Thokozile, like many other women, struggled with extremely dry hair. This and the lack of knowledge led to intense research and experimentation of natural ingredients such as Shea butter and avocado oil for skin and hair. After several years of research, formulations and product testing, Thokozile launched Nilotiqa, a line of products that are proudly made with organics, natural and naturally formed ingredients to deeply moisturize and nourish ethnic Hair. Thokozile Mangwiro is an Information Technology Masters graduate from the University of South Africa, with over 8 years’ experience in the database administration, analysis and intelligence industry. She is a wife and mother of two energetic boys, Anesu and Omari. She is born and bred in South Africa, Johannesburg. A budding entrepreneur, she is driven and passionate by empowering and inspiring other women to feel naturally beautiful through products that are made in South Africa, are of the highest quality, are beautiful and luxurious, to showcase to the world.
Holding on to your business, your day job and your sanity
Itching to be an entrepreneur but not ready to give up your day job? Lots of people begin their businesses as a side hustle. It definitely makes sense. When you first start your venture might not be the time to leave your full time job. Or you are still learning from and enjoying your day job. And let’s be honest, it pays the bills and entrepreneurship is a huge risk. Whatever your reason may be for doing it, juggling your day job and a business is hard. But it’s not impossible. This guide will teach you the essentials you need to hold on to both AND keep your sanity. Topics this guide will cover: Deciding if this is the right choice for you How to stay accountable to yourself and your new business How to not burn out Staying motivated through rough times Don’t let this be you: Complete with worksheets and lots of ideas for helping you manage your time and energy, this guide is a can’t miss for anyone trying to juggle it all. Getting access to this guide is easy: just fill out the form below to join our community and get access to this guide, as well as AWESOME weekly content. [ninja_form id=26]
Webinar with Nene Mboweni: How to balance your business & your studies (Nov. 1)
Missed this event? Make sure you don’t miss the next one by joining our community today. A lot of you Motherland Moguls out there are busy chasing that diploma, but you still have entrepreneurial dreams floating in your head between classes and exams. You’re wondering how to leverage your school network to get your business started and how you will balance it with your studies. Introducing: Nene Mboweni who has started two businesses, Mkweni Groundworks and Nnua Cakes, all while forging ahead in her biomedical science studies. On top of this, Nene volunteers her time and is actively involved on her campus and around her community. Did she clone herself? How does she juggle it all and what are her future plans for marrying all these interests? We’re about to find out. Join us for a 30-minute (don’t be late, o) webinar with Nene Mboweni on November 1st, 2016. We’ll be discussing what it takes to be a student with a side hustle and answering your burning questions about the entrepreneurship/student life. Register below to get the exclusive link to the webinar. Some of the topics we’ll cover: Turning your side hustle into a business Networking on campus and beyond & leveraging your connections Balancing your business, your studies & other responsibilities Preparing for post-grad life when your studies don’t match your business Webinar Details: Date: Tuesday November 1, 2016 Time: 8:00am NYC // 1:00pm Lagos // 2:00pm Johannesburg Watch this webinar: Don’t miss another inspiring webinar! Join our community today! Click here. About Nene Mboweni Nene Mboweni (21), matriculated in 2013 from Crawford College, in Sandton. She is currently enrolled at Wits University studying Biomedical science and to complete her final 3 years in Medicine at Wits. Nene works part-time at the Natalspruit hospital in Vosloorus on weekends and during her vacation. She is an avid baker and founder of Nnüa cakes an online virtual patisserie and decadent catering company. Not only has she done work for reputable companies such as Transnet, Vodacom and Primedia, she has collaborated with Jimmy Choo and Luminance on a luxury line of cupcakes and also worked with various high-profile clients and governmental organisations, having recently just done the 80th celebratory cakes for the late former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela’s wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela She is also the co-founder of Mkweni Groundworks, a women owned construction company providing services in civil engineering, Rail and other sectors. Nene has been featured in Forbes Woman Africa, Destiny Woman, Cosmopolitan for a lot of the work she has done . She is a part time tutor in science and Mathematics at Bophelo Impilo School. Nene is extremely passionate about education and contributes all of her profits towards providing bursaries for students on campus. She has incubated several community initiatives including but not limited to the Courageous Ladies and the AfriSun Trust.
Discover your passion with these 6 commandments
For some, identifying their passion is a walk in the park. They don’t need the help of a guardian counsellor to point them to the rainbow’s end because they already know where it is. This category of people know what drives them —an awareness they discovered in the womb or accidentally stumbled upon early on in life. Either way, they’ve been spared the trouble of having to find where their heart lies. The rest of us, however, are stuck with hours of self-reflection, countless meetings with a career coach and general cluelessness. The very question; ‘what are you passionate about?’ elicits the same level of dread as having one’s tooth pulled without anaesthesia, because society expects us to know what it is. If you fall in the latter category, fear not, kiddo, for these six commandments have got you covered. 1. Thou shall quit your job Staying on a job you hate and griping about how much you hate isn’t going to lead to a light bulb moment. Trust me, it won’t. But quitting will. Transitioning from employed to unemployed will likely make finding your passion more urgent… and, yes, uncomfortable considering the scary economy and unemployment statistics. But with the new extra time, you can channel your energy into discovering the gritty stuff you’re made of by following the next commandment. 2. Thou shall experiment Breaking out of a routine is one way to find your passion. Grab at new opportunities wherever you find them. This could mean helping a colleague complete a task at work, volunteering in the accounting department in your local church, or watching a play, even if it’s not your thing. You’d be surprised at what tickles your interest, and in return your passion could be unlocked. 3. Thou shall ask questions Self-reflection and asking questions offer illuminating insight. What would you be doing with your time if you were filthy rich with no worries in the world? If failure wasn’t an option, what would you do? Or, if you didn’t give a damn about social approval? What are willing to suffer for or readily do for free for the next six months with a smile on your face? Be truthful with your answers (even those you think might cause your friends and family to give you the stink eye), then write them all down, evaluating each candidly. Pay attention to what you enjoy talking about, your favourite novels, songs and movies. How do you spend your days off? A common theme should connect them all. If so, find a way of incorporating it into your current job or converting it into a business. For example, if you love travelling (both physically and through art), you could start a culture blog featuring photography, book reviews and travel articles —and possibly make money from it. 4. Thou shall consult other human beings No (wo)man is born an island, and that’s why you need to reach out to those living out their passion for help. Search the web for articles about how others found their passion. Read memoirs of successful business people and those you admire for inspiration. Ask your family, co-workers or friends who are likely to support you to highlight your best qualities or talents, and use the information to clue you in on what makes you tick. 5. Thou shall take a trip down memory lane As a kid, what were the things you did for hours on end that never grew tiring or boring? What classes were a delight before mum and dad forced you to become a doctor, lawyer or an engineer? Your passion may lie in those lousy poems you wrote in junior secondary that no one read, the games you enjoyed playing, or in that book with dog-eared pages and a cracked spine. Making a list of all the things that brought you joy at age 7 would help resurrect forgotten passions to life. And if all fails… 6. Thou shall write an obit That’s right, an obituary. No, I’m not wishing death upon you. If you humour yourself and write what you would like it to read, not only would you be amazed at the things you come up with, the exercise will take you a step closer to the things you’re enthusiastic about.
Twitter Chat with Olebogeng Sentsho: The importance of women owned businesses in male-dominated industries (Oct. 20)
Women have been making their way through traditional male professions for a while now. The latest industry to be tackled by women is mining. How is this move affecting the industry and the pioneering women that have decided to take it on? Join us Thursday Oct. 20th for a twitter chat with Olebogeng Sentsho, founder of Yeabo Mining, a 100% black-woman owned business that focuses on waste management in the mines and also offers administrative and financial services related to mining. If you’re a woman looking to break into a male-dominated industry, a swag-assisting man knowing how to support women in these initiatives or just curious about boss women in South Africa, then you should definitely be a part of the chat. Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg to ask your questions and participate in the discussion. Topics that we’ll cover: Why male-dominated industries need more women The perks and set-backs of an all women owned business Challenges of being the only woman in the room How to reduce gender imbalances in more industries Advice to women trying to break into the industry, and men who want to help them Twitter chat details Date: Thursday Oct. 20, 2016 Time: 8am NYC // 1pm Lagos // 2pm Joburg Location: Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg About Olebogeng Sentsho Olebogeng Sentsho is a serial entrepreneur with interests in mining. She is currently the Founder and Head of Operations at Yeabo Mining, a strategic waste management company with plants in and around Limpopo. Olebogeng studied law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Business Administration. Mrs Sentsho is also the Founding Chief Executive officer of the newly founded Mining Innovation Initiative of South Africa: a non-profit organisation of businesses and individuals in mining and mining services. MIISA works to promote, enhance, innovate and improve the mining climate in South Africa by catalysing innovation and promoting thought leadership and mining development to the general public, protecting the rights of mining businesses, and assisting these businesses to improve their sales and profits while actively enhancing their contribution to the communities in which they exist. A recipient of the inaugural “Outstanding woman in Mining Award” at the Youth in Mining Business awards, The Head of the Mining and Technical Engineering Services Sector at the Progressive Youth in Business Organisation and a panelist at the recently held “Youth in Mining Procurement Transformation Summit”, Olebogeng is passionate about investment, the African economy, mining and socially responsible business practices. She believes that a more structured and Afro-centric approach to mining will grow the African economy and enable Africa to benefit from the minerals it rightfully owns. Olebogeng believes in the dawn of Africa’s secondary economy driven by industry and the green economy.”
”Stake almost everything”: Go for growth with Bunmi Lawson #SheHive Lagos
With a beautiful combination of effortless grace and muted seriousness, Bunmi Lawson, the CEO of Accion Microfinance Bank spoke to the #MotherlandMoguls at SheHive Lagos. Her advice on growing a business was practical and actionable —it felt more like talking to a very logical, knowledgeable and completely objective friend. The secrets for growth When we think of growth, we often think of it in terms of money. Bunmi defines growth as knowing your passion, how to drive it and what sector you would be most required in. What that boils down to is, to have a vision. – Stake almost everything At some point, if you’re really serious about growing that business, you have to stake it all and make a decision. No one can predict what the “right” decision is, we know. What Bunmi learned in business is that waiting for everything to fall in place does nothing but prolong the inevitable. Eventually, you have to call the shots. – No option of going back The best growth decisions are made with knowledge, skills, and intelligence. These decisions should be solid enough and touch your core values. The moment you know what is most important and you are clear about your priorities, you know there is no turning back. – Get a great team A great team may consist of staff, directors, mentors and shareholders. Whatever you do, be sure to surround yourself with the right supporters. Partnerships are good and never compromise on the quality of staff. Bunmi also shared information on some big breaks, particularly on going to banks for funding, seeking help for your business and making money. – Capital call It may seem crazy to you but banks shouldn’t be your first point of call in raising funds for your small business. Funding a business is always very challenging, but personal savings and support from family and friends should come first. You’ll learn as you go, that this is definitely a lot stronger than getting a bank loan you may never be able to pay back! – Technical Assistance Before you can achieve the perfect business, you absolutely must get the right ”help”. The key to maximizing the effectiveness of any venture is to know how things work. A well-planned business can also instantly move from drab to fab. Don’t underestimate the power of really knowing what to do. – Economic growth At the end of the day, you’re in business to make money, right? Then, start making some, no matter how little or scarce your resources are. Bunmi’s final words to young #MotherlandMoguls was this. Your business may be growing super fast but if you don’t manage growth well, you’d spread yourself too thin and burn out. Always keep this in mind as you continue on your way to business success. If you enjoyed reading this article then the next best thing is to be there in person for #SheHive Joburg!