Many companies experience challenges when it comes to ensuring maximum productivity levels, from both people and processes, but in South Africa one woman entrepreneur has the solution. Ncebakazi Nompula, founder of GEE Solutions, knows how to make organisations work smarter, not harder, to get productivity levels up.
LoA chatted to this experienced productivity expert to find out more this month.
What does your company do?
We offer tried and tested global world-class continuous improvement business solutions acquired over 15 years in multinational organizations. We identify non-value adding activities and waste in people, processes and equipment to improve efficiencies, safety, cost, and quality, therefore enabling businesses to increase customer satisfaction and experience, but above all increase employee engagement.
“Productivity is more than just the measure of how effectively resources are used to produce outputs. It is all about using less to create more – to work smarter, not harder.”
What inspired you to start your company?
Firstly, it was the opportunity I saw if these skills could be developed and the impact they would have in growing the economy and increasing our country’s competitiveness within the global market. Secondly, it is a very tough territory to get into because it is dominated by large organizations which have been around for a long time and I think they are not agile enough to give solutions that a tailored for the current economic environment. Thirdly, I am an advocate for women empowerment and some women need another person to ignite their spark. They are waiting with untapped talent but are afraid, yet if they see me do this they too can be inspired to wake-up and do it.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Productivity is more than just the measure of how effectively resources are used to produce outputs. It is all about using less to create more – to work smarter, not harder. Productivity is a mindset that continuously aspires to better ways of accomplishing tasks and conducting business. At the heart of productivity is the individual. An organisation can only become more productive through continuous upgrading of knowledge, skills, discipline, effort and collaboration. Less cost more output means profit and which business does not want that. Therefore, why they would not use my services?
Tell us a little about your team
100 women whom I met in industry and saw the potential in them. One Strategy and Marketing Manager, a lady I met in networking events and who has been in business for 27 years and through whom I saw an opportunity to leverage her skills and network. One Administrator - a friend of mine whom I want to walk this business road with so she can realize that she is better than she thinks. Four Consultants, one of which is almost a twin version of me. My cousin who does my books - this is to inspire my family members as we don't come from an entrepreneurial family but more of an academic family.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
It has not been an easy journey at all, but it took me out of my comfort zone, built my character to be courageous, and above all it has been rewarding and I would not trade it for anything. I come from an academic family so this was never in the forefront of my mind and I never even paid attention to it. I am a Magna Cum Laude student and have always seen myself working for a global company. Since this journey, however, I have realized that this dream is still possible, but now the global company would be mine. I was never a patient person by nature, but because I understand what I am building and impact it will have, today I am much more patient. My NorthStar is very solid. I am fuelled and inspired by my great grand children.
“At the heart of productivity is the individual. An organisation can only become more productive through continuous upgrading of knowledge, skills, discipline, effort and collaboration.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
The business is named with a big dreamer vision (Global Excellence Enabler Solution) meaning I see myself having enabled multiple businesses to reach their potential on a global scale.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The removal of red-tape. I am of the two extremes - a creative and at the same time very analytical. So this allows both facets to be utilized, whereas in industry you kind of have to use one in a role.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Just start - you will refine things along the road. It doesn't matter if you are not making money yet, just hold on to your vision. When people say it can’t be done, they mean for them not you. Failure is part of success. Be mentally prepared. Most people worry about work life balance....there is no such thing! Just be present in the moment and do not feel guilty about it. I make legitimate choices in my life.
Contact or follow GEE Solutions
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LINKEDIN | EMAIL leona.n@geesolutions.co.za
Why LoA loves it….
At Lionesses of Africa, we are inspired by those women entrepreneurs who have a can-do attitude to life and business, and who as a result, enrich the lives of others through their inspirational approach. Ncebakazi Nompula, founder of GEE Solutions, is one such person. Her business is growing and thriving because she understands the power of productivity to make great things happen. Not only is she helping other businesses and organisations to maximise their productivity, she is doing it in her own business and personal life too. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and ceo of Lionesses of Africa