I read a great quote this morning by the renowned business guru, Peter F. Drucker that really resonated, he said: “In every success story, you will find someone who has made a courageous decision.” It seems to me, when meeting and speaking to so many incredible woman entrepreneurs in Africa, that bravery is at the heart of entrepreneurship. It takes great courage to believe in the journey you are on and the businesses you are trying to build, even when those around you tell you it’s impossible. Looking back, it seems like often the really groundbreaking businesses and ideas come from brave entrepreneurs, those who are willing to back their world-changing idea to the hilt and and fight against the doubters, the nay-sayers and general apathy in order to build something truly great and original. Many a successful company and world-changing invention has emerged as a result of a courageous entrepreneur who simply believed that it was too good to fail. So this morning, be brave, be courageous, and make things happen.

Sep 17, 2017 Award Winner, Lionesses, 100 Lionesses Project Divine Ndhlukula Melanie Hawken Comment

Divine Ndhlukula wins Zimbabwe's private sector leader of the year award

Women dominated the Zimbabwe Institute of Management 2017 Leadership Excellence awards that were presented in Harare this month, with Securico Security Services founder, Divine Ndhlukula, picking up the prestigious Private Sector Leader of the Year award. She received the award for her ongoing contribution to management excellence in the country in the preceding year and for being an example and inspiration for others to emulate.

Jul 2, 2017 100 Lionesses Project, Lionesses Divine Ndhlukula Melanie Hawken Comment

100 Lionesses: Divine Ndhlukula appointed new Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce President

This month saw the appointment of Divine Ndhlukula, founder of game changing security services company, Securico, as the new Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) President, a post she will occupy for the next two years. She has committed to dedicating her time at the helm of the ZNCC to furthering the cause of small to medium sized enterprises, something close to her heart as an entrepreneur. Divine said: “It will be important to note that we will focus on helping SMEs to realize their full potential as they now anchor the country’s economy. In the same vein, we will also strive to ensure that the country’s economy can realize its full potential.”

Mar 10, 2017 100 Lionesses Project, Lionesses Sarah Collins Melanie Hawken Comment

Sarah Collins and Wonderbag collaborate with Pfizer Vaccines to positively change lives in Ghana

In the Upper East Region of Ghana, cooking is a dangerous and time-consuming daily activity. Results from a self-reported survey indicate that women spend two hours a day gathering fuel and water, followed by up to four hours standing over open fires1. Exposed to cooking smoke for hours each day, women and small children can be at higher risk for deadly diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, heart disease and lung cancer.

Mar 5, 2017 100 Lionesses Project, Lionesses Tara Fela-Durotoye Melanie Hawken Comment

Is your favorite lipstick fake? Africa's leading beauty entrepreneur Tara Fela-Durotoye launches campaign to tackle counterfeiting

Leading African beauty industry entrepreneur, Tara Fela-Durotoye, together with other leading Nigerian entrepreneurs are raising their voices to stand against counterfeiting, intellectual property theft and piracy in Nigeria. Their powerful new campaign 'United We Stand' aimed at tackling piracy, counterfeiting and intellectual property theft head-on launched on 24th February 2017. The campaign is a call to action against injustice which also implores the Nigerian public to take extra steps to preserve hard work and to ensure consumer safety by buying genuine products and shunning counterfeit products.

Oct 22, 2017 Essential Books Melanie Hawken Comment

Essential Read: Bricking It - From Stay at Home Mum to Millions in Property by Nicole Bremner

Want to create a stunning property portfolio and still have time to go to the kids’ school plays? Want to get started now and learn while doing it? Bricking It, the brand new book by successful property entrepreneur Nicole Bremner, takes you into the world of property development from first purchase to scaling up the business and growing an internationally-known brand.

Oct 15, 2017 Essential Books Melanie Hawken Comment

Essential Read: She’s On Her Toes - How I Started a Business, Expanded It, Almost Lost It, and Got Back On My Toes by Carolyn Hern

Entrepreneur Carolyn Hern owns and operates two fitness studios, and these businesses have given her plenty of insight into the mistakes many entrepreneurs make when starting their own operations. In her new book, She’s On Her Toes, Carolyn uses her own personal story of success to inspire and guide you on your journey, steering you away from the pitfalls that ensnare many new business owners.

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