The SLA Gratitude List
Are you excited to see how far you have come and what you have accomplished this year? All too soon, 2016 is coming to an end. This year has been a very interesting yet amazing year. But if we’re keeping it real, there are some Motherland Moguls who feel like they haven’t achieved anything these past 365 days. To that, we say; count your blessings! No matter how big or small your accomplishments are, you need to celebrate even the small steps forward you’ve taken. This guide will help you identify the amazing things about you that you’re most likely overlooking. In this guide, you’ll find; General themes that you may include in your gratitude list, Why you should keep a gratitude list, and how, Suggestions on how to celebrate your achievements. You should feel like this while counting your blessings: Complete with worksheets to help you make your list, this guide will help you see how far you have come and give you reasons to celebrate. The best thing is, you don’t have to wait for the year to end to count y our blessings! 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_forms id=54]
Wheel a mile in my chair: Living life to the fullest
[bctt tweet=”Overcoming the pain of loss is an intricate process that requires time” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Wheel a mile in my chair…what comes to mind when you hear this clever turn of phrase? It definitely needs greater clarification. You’ve heard the expression; walk a mile in my shoes right? Well, I am making a bold attempt to draw out specific lessons from my experiences living with a spinal cord injury and being confined to a wheelchair —and that lesson is, appreciating life whatever situation one might find themselves whilst overcoming the crippling devastation from pain and loss. Have you ever stared at the ceiling contemplating what turn your life has taken? Have you ever dragged yourself out of bed in the hopes that today will differ from the previous hours of excruciating boredom and listlessness? Each minute seems to pass by with minuscule expectation of reminders of the little joys in life; of a purpose…or dreams once shared. At times, people look around and feel a deep, ‘justified’ dissatisfaction with their current situation. Despite the job, house, relationship, rate of family expansion, choice or non-choice of partner, non-existence of a lover, even the absence of precious ‘me’ time. Countless minutes are spent trying to comprehend how things are not progressing like they should. How one day a person can feel like they are on the apex of a mountain and the next, plunge themselves into helplessness and despair. I am no stranger to moments such as these and I am a hundred times certain that you aren’t either. I challenge you to view the title of this article as a truth View it as definitive sentiment. A mantra that can possibly shape, nay alter your perspective during the troubling times. Those palpable moments of paralysing doubt, soul-crushing fear and nagging bouts of self-loathing and self-pity. [bctt tweet=”Wheel a mile in my chair is a mantra that can alter your perspective during troubling times” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Striving for perfection is certainly no fool’s errand. Experiencing all these turbulent, crippling emotions is natural. But dwelling and revelling in them will not only hinder personal growth but actually contribute to the perceived obstacles that seem to be ripping your dreams and aspirations to shreds. My life used to have a somewhat defined path; a certain structure that could fit all my hopes, dreams and desires. I wanted to have a cushy job by the age of 25 and a car with a chauffeur. A nice little ‘nest egg’ for rainy days and free time to write, read, practice bikram yoga and chill on the beach with my amigos. Alas, it took a drastic, unexpected, catastrophic detour. Gone were those carefree days. As soon as the doctor gave the tragic diagnosis and said the wheelchair would be my new mode of transportation, I had to recalibrate my understanding of my circumstances. How could I possibly overcome this type of loss? What tools of the mind would be strong enough to defeat this level of excruciating agony? First course of action was to open the floodgates to let my turbulent emotions through. Express every dark thought buried under hazy recalls of the traumatic events surrounding my injury. I needed to purge everything in a safe place —to my therapist, mother, father, sister and brother. Next, I decided to focus on recuperating, retraining my brain to carry out simple tasks of sitting up, changing position in bed with great caution, preventing my atrophying leg muscles from weakly falling and hitting the handle rails of the ‘cosy’ hospital beds. Each task became a challenge, an opportunity to overcome the reality that I was experiencing at the time. [bctt tweet=”Everyday was a struggle but I had too much to live for.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] No more dwelling in pits of depression and defeat I had an exercise schedule with goals to achieve. I tried to celebrate the little things like deciding to take the brave step to wear make-up or flirt with a cute occupational therapist. The possibility of seeing myself as a sensual being that could be loved seemed inconceivable. Everyday was a struggle but I had too much to live for. The outpouring of love and support from well-wishers served as fuel to facilitate the process of healing and restoration. Months of intensity, working through the neuropathic pain so I could start ticking things off my bucket list. Live in Southern California, go to Universal Studios and ride a roller-coaster for the first time since 4/21/14; go to Warner Bros and experience the joys of filmmaking, meet all the famous people that are making a difference; perfect my writing skills. Geographically, my list extended to the Napa Valley, Sausalito, San Francisco, Vegas, ATL, San Jose and Rancho Santa Fe. My world opened up drastically and the spots of darkness grew smaller as the light of hope began to overshadow them. [bctt tweet=”The key to dusting off the “funk” was to allow the waves of emotions to wash over me” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Dusting off the funk The key to dusting off the “funk” was not to revel in it but to allow the waves of emotions to wash over me. Pushing forward to better moments helped heal me from the inside until joy emanated from every single pore. Overcoming the pain of loss is an intricate process that requires time. By drawing on different sources of strength, both internal and external, moments of doubt and helplessness became few and far between. Experiencing all these things is part and parcel of human condition. By looking beyond the darkness to the ray of hope at the end of the tunnel, peace and tranquillity can and will be achieved. Love. Laughter. Camaraderie. Literally enjoying your simple pleasures. Conquering the demons in and out of the mirror will be an attainable feat for any courageous individual trying to restore the shattered pieces of their souls back together.
Spicing up your hustle if your passion has grown cold
[bctt tweet=”A lot us have moments in our career/business where there just seems to be no inspiration” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Let’s be honest, you have probably hit a moment in your hustle where you think; If only I could just live in my bed for the rest of my life. Well, rest assured you are in good company, because of a lot us have a moment in our career, business or social project where there just seems to be no inspiration. Well, if you happen to be going through that, here are some tips that might help 1. Take a break Its most likely that the work you are currently doing has either become so routine or overwhelming that you have not had a moment to step back and evaluate or just break from your labour. It is absolutely necessary to take some time off. If you can manage it, email and phone less to refocus on the priorities of the work you do and gain well needed energy to do it better. When constantly engaged in the small details of how you work, you miss the opportunity to step back and have a bird’s eye approach to give you a sense of clarity and purpose to what you do. If you can’t manage a vacation, try to allocate some time to doing less engaging activities “after hustle hours” to re-energize and recuperate so you can apply yourself better tomorrow. [bctt tweet=”If you can’t manage a vacation, try to find time for less engaging activities after hustle hours” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] 2. Get some online inspiration Other than watching Solange’s videos on repeat, there are amazing videos that can help bring some passion into your life. There are avenues like TED talks from amazing African people doing incredible work. Since you might not be able to attend an expensive conference or have the time for it, the internet offers many lit resources too when looking for exceptional people to learn from. 3. Hang with the squad Having a solid established friendship circle on dial can really help when you are having a rough time. You do not need to talk about the issues you might be having, however it helps to be in a more relaxed environment and focus of the lack of passion you might be feeling. Meeting people who might be passionate about other activities around you could ignite it in you and leave you feeling inspired. Even if you don’t leave feeling woke, you had an awesome time out and a good laugh which always helps. [bctt tweet=”Meeting people who might be passionate about other activities around you could ignite” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] 4. Volunteer No, its not about your CV. Looking for causes that you truly care about help you remove attention from the grind. These causes are always passion initiators. Humans do well when we feel we are contributing to our community. It might not be necessarily anything monumental, however causes related to your area of expertise or interest can push you to think outside of yourself and needs and focus on others. This will bring a new found purpose to anything you do —even the mundane job. Volunteering can also help you gain new skills to break the routine of your daily work. 5. Talk about your passion Focusing on the things that excite versus the things that don’t, helps you move attention from the negative vibes. Falling into the trap of constant complaints won’t help break the wall you might be facing. Try to think about the things that thrill you. Doing this may inspire you to find ways to do those things; like reaching a new income target or getting new clients. You’ll likely to see the silver lining more than everything else that makes you feel uninterested. [bctt tweet=”Constantly complaining won’t bring inspiration your way but these 6 steps will” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] 6. Take up a class Most of the time we look for hardcore courses, however that probably don’t bring the motivation you might be looking for it. It will also look a lot like your current job. I challenge you to do something that might not benefit you in terms of the work you are involved in, like a dance/zumba or a language class. If you really can’t help it because you are a boss lady, go for a leadership course or communications class, something that will open up your mind and bring some diversity into your routine. These will help get you into the right kind of mindset for the work you are doing plus you get to meet new people and learn a new thing. Challenge yourself to do new things. So next time, don’t let the lack of passion get you down, you have many great avenues to start it going again. Keep on SLAying!
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
6 simple, realistic ways of staying inspired and motivated
Do you have moments when you simply want to get things done, move from where you at in life to the next stage, yet have zero motivation? Have you been trying to stay inspired? Things may not be going too great as planned, or you simply have so much to do and are overwhelmed so burn out takes the better part of you. Yasss, you are on the right track reading this. This is the article for you, I’ll be sharing 6 simple realistic ways of staying motivated and inspired. 1. Write your top three tasks of the day Write down your three tasks of the day. If you have more go ahead jot them down, but be realistic. What are the three main agendas you have that’s are so crucial for you to finish today? Find them out and start planning your day around these tasks. Remember to keep the number at three! 2. Practice the 50/10 rule Now that we have established the main tasks that need to be completed today, let’s get started. Work on one important task of the day for 50 minutes, then take a 10 minute break to refocus. Plan your tasks in order of priority, this way you get what should be done urgently completed and in good time. It isn’t easy but it can be done… 3. Reflect daily This a habit many of us forego mainly because we are probably tired by the time its evening and after a long day at work. But guess what they say, what you do after work is the most important part of your future. Squeeze in some time for reflection, this will help you self-evaluate your day and know what works and what does not. This way, you are also able to account for your time which is again very important. 4. Focus on what makes you happy Try as much as possible to indulge in your favourite things through the week, and each days. Let’s be fair, not everything we do is fun and interesting. Some may not be our favourite, but the thing is they have to be done. So we have to find ways to be inspired and get stuff done when nobody else will. Express gratitude more often than not. I have started doing a gratitude walk over the weekend, especially on Sunday evenings. During my gratitude walk, I just say out all things I am grateful for. Later on through the week, I write down 5-10 things I am grateful for in any particular day. It really makes you happier, and gives you more motivation to get what you need done, accomplished. Try it! 5. Keep learning This is a key factor in growing and personal development. This can be easily done through reading, browsing and brainstorming sessions. Research online, make tutorials your best of friend. There is so much you can gain out there on Youtube. Cultivate a reading culture. As opposed to going for drinks with the same friends over again and over again, try to meet new people. Network and form support groups. These are essential so your coffee, lunch or drink meet-ups becomes more meaningful. Sharing knowledge and learning, keeps you inspired. This way you stay on track and motivated. Lastly … 6. Stay healthy Hydrate, drink lots of water throughout your day. Whether you’re running errands or at your desk, get accustomed to this habit, you will thank me later! Other than keeping you feeling fresh, alive and energetic water is very good for your skin, we all know this. You can throw in some cucumbers, lemon wedges or even strawberries if you are not a fan of plain water. Exercise if you can, walk, jog, hit the gym for a full work out. Make time for this as it improves your mood. Also, ensure to always get some good rest/sleep at night.
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
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.
”There’s nothing like being too ambitious”: Women in non-traditional industries with Adepeju Adebajo #SheHiveLagos
According to one of the speakers at #SheHiveLagos, Adepeju Adebajo, CEO, Lafarge Cement, it’s actually better to go through the road less travelled. Here, that road leads to non-traditional industries. Adepeju has experience in strategic planning, brand management, product development and management consulting. She believes that by challenging the status quo, you eventually create a new and fresh perspective to things you never thought of. This is where we get curious. And if you’re like us, don’t worry, here are 4 things you can do to nurture your curiosity. Do your research Explore the opportunities available in the market. Utilize them to nurture your curiosity and try new things. This can be anything really, it doesn’t matter what. Just ensure that you’re doing something different from your norm. This is what stokes curiosity. Set goals and priorities This may come off basic. I mean, who doesn’t know you need to set goals? It’s a simple yet effective way to shift from your usual comfort zone and actually get to doing something. Be focused. Plan things out and don’t allow anyone or anything heap unrealistic expectations on you and your goals. Intelligence. Diligence. Hard work Contrary to the mistaken assumption, education can give you that job you want. What it takes to keep that job is the right attitude, tenacity, discipline and a political antenna. If you have all these, you’re good to go. Quality education This might not be all it takes, but it’s a pretty well-known fact that quality education (especially in your area of interest) and creativity are interrelated. Adepeju has successfully moved across different industries, so of course we were excited to hear about the mantra she lives by. They are to kill for (well, kind of). Create your own future You are no more likely than the next generation to seek group consensus when making decisions. You simply shouldn’t be bashful about making decisions that people don’t agree with. Train a successor There’s a simple way to ensure that knowledge never stops but continues in your workplace or industry. Mentor people and raise a successor. Never be afraid to share what you’ve learned with other promising women. When you have a mentee, constantly find out what they know. It may likely be a far cry from what you’d expect. Find out if their skills are as strong as they could be and if they are not, help them in their weak areas. Be a good follower You can’t become a great leader if you weren’t a good follower and even as a leader, you’ve got mentors to learn from too. Learning from the right people, in the right ways is important. In hindsight, actions that feel right in the moment can wind up as obvious no-nos. The trick is to learn from other people’s experiences before you cross that line, because once you do, you’ll be doing away with avoidable mistakes. Treat others the way you’d want to be treated If I were to go back to the organizations I’ve worked, they would welcome me with a red carpet. That alone says a lot – treat people well. Once you reveal through your actions that people are important to you, there’s the chance that your work will be a lot easier and you will be successful.
Sade Salami: Trying to beat personal best is a factor in growth
Anyone who knows even a little about Dyslexia knows the journey isn’t without certain challenges but Sade Salami overcame it and excelled in her studies. The Media Arts, Music & Sound Recording graduate and Founder, Fresh Strawberry Management is committed to taking control of her own destiny. Fresh Strawberry, an events company has worked with reputable names in the media, fashion and entertainment industries. We caught up with a brave and passionate Sade to get the scoop on some invaluable business advice, her mentoring activities, other projects and plans for the future. Leaving home with no plan or money at the age of 16 is a brave choice, how did you survive? It definitely wasn’t easy and was a major challenge, so I had to take it one day at a time. Back then making sure my basic needs (such as food and shelter) were taken care of, was my main and sometimes my only concern. As I got older, I survived by setting goals and planning. This kept me ready and focused at all time. What’s the secret behind Fresh Strawberry’s growth? I would say knowing when to adapt and move in our market and being consistently good, has been a major key to Fresh Strawberry’s growth. Trying to beat one’s personal best, is also another factor in our growth. We always push ourselves to do the best we can. Another contributing factor to our growth, would be that we have had good people working in our team over the years, people who buy into the vision and who have drive. I don’t think we could have done it all without them. I’ll also add that it’s very important to be prepared. Opportunity happens all the time, however the difference in being successful and not, is being prepared and knowing how and when to maneuver in all situations. Tell us about Status London, why did you decide to venture into reality TV? Status London came to fruition from a conversation I had with my younger brother. We noticed that there are not many UK-based reality shows, which focus on black people. I also felt it was important to tell a different story, as to what is already out there and to show the range of personalities in our community. I’ll also be honest in saying that reality TV is a guilty pleasure of mine. So I wanted to see if this is something my production team could do, if so let’s do it. As a mentor, what are four things you look for in young people before mentoring them? The first thing would be see if they are willing to help themselves, you have to have self motivation. Secondly all my mentee have been curious about life, and have a strong passion for finding their place in the world. All of my mentees have also been open to trying different things. And lastly a positive attitude is a must, if they can teach me something too I also appreciate that. It not just about me showing or advising them, as I like to learn too. What other steps will you take to inspire the next generation and change the negative perception of black people in the media? Keep doing what I do, as I can’t say right now what’s my next steps are. I’m passionate about black people in the media, so I believe my products and businesses will always be in line with trying to change the negative, singular stereotypes and narratives that currently exist of black people. What can we expect from Fresh Strawberry and Sade in the next year? For Fresh Strawberry, you can expect expansion. We know there will be huge growth within the company and with regards to our presence within the events industry. If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
Emma Maame Efua Tandoh: Our business only exists because of those we serve
The coolest startups are those that offer services particularly targeted to other startups. Emma Maame Efua Tandoh started Outspoken Edge in 2015 to offer digital marketing services for entrepreneurs looking to scale up their businesses. It gets even better, Outspoken Edge focuses on women-led businesses. Say yes to girl power! Since it’s inception, Emma has guided Outspoken Edge to new heights which she credits to what she learned at SheHive Accra earlier this year. Outspoken Edge has also been part of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme. We learned about digital marketing in Ghana and what proud moments feel like when you’ve achieved a lot. What’s the digital marketing scene like in Ghana? How does Outspoken Edge fit in (or not)? The digital marketing scene has undergone a transformation in Ghana. Over the years, it’s seeing a lot of new players, including Outspoken Edge, which I founded in May 2015. What differentiates us from the others is our focus on startups and SMEs. We realized that a lot of our competitors were focused on providing services for big businesses and multi-nationals. There was an opportunity for us to make an impact because there are a growing number of burgeoning entrepreneurs who had great ideas and would need help scaling their business. As a entrepreneur myself, I had a first-hand experience of how hard it is to want to stay lean but also market and scale your business as quickly as possible. So, its always easy to understand the peculiar needs of the brands and businesses we manage. Why did you decide to focus on providing services for women-led businesses? Let’s face it, over the last year, we’re hearing a lot about women in agriculture, women in tech, women in business. Clearly, a lot more women have taken up the challenge and are ready to lead in their respective fields and charter their own courses through entrepreneurship. Over the last few years, economists and academics have trumpeted and continue to agree that women entrepreneurs are an under-tapped force that can rekindle economic expansion. So, the question is, why not women-led businesses? At Outspoken Edge, we simply saw a gap in the market and seized an opportunity to make impact. We (women) are the future of business, we’re the future of our respective economies. We believe if we can help one woman effectively scale their business online using digital tools, then that’s progress. If we can help more, that’s success. Why do you think you were chosen to be part of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme? The 2016 cohort of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme is made up of men and women from diverse backgrounds in Africa. These are entrepreneurs who are challenging the status-quo and with their exploits, products and services. They are leading a new generation of Africans who have the grit, tenacity and attitude to transform their continent. Outspoken Edge is no different from these businesses. What helps us stand tall is our passion and commitment to our work. Also, our resolve to leave a legacy and inspire others on the same journey to be great and make an impact in our communities and in the world. You mentioned that SheHive Accra helped grow your business. Tell us how SheHive Accra was really a turning point in my career, I must say. I had Outspoken Edge registered in May of 2015 but for several months, I was afraid to take the plunge into full-time entrepreneurship. I knew this was definitely what I wanted to dedicate my life to but there were questions and concerns, lots of them. In January, when I heard She Leads Africa was going to be in Accra, I quickly applied. Over a week, armed myself with so much practical and useful business development, financial and marketing knowledge. It was exhilarating. I met other women entrepreneurs from Ghana and other countries and we shared our experiences and challenges. One of my biggest takeaways was a session on marketing where we were taught how to put together a marketing research survey. We worked in groups and were asked to put our questions to the test by going out individually to speak to potential businesses and clients. This wasn’t just a great way to test the knowledge that had been imparted but also to reach out and speak to real people and with my survey questions. I was able to sign up a new client for Outspoken Edge after just 40 minutes of interviewing a shop manager in one of the malls in Accra. SheHive Accra was that jolt I need to get my business off the ground. The experience was one of my best this year and I’m most grateful for the new opportunities and partnerships. Having achieved quite a lot already, what would you say you’re most proud of when it comes to your work? Proud moments for me are when I get great feedback from clients. Our business only exists because of those we serve. So, it’s always great to receive great testimonials and feedback from the brands we work with. If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.