Business forecasting exists to make fortune-telling look good

July 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken

By Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Back in March of this year we begged all to keep focus, that we were not out of the woods yet, that in spite of Africa as a whole having had a relatively ‘good’ Covid war (and there is nothing good obviously about any deaths or business failure, but it was significantly below the horrific expectations for Africa, thankfully) in our Weekender article (here) entitled “Now is the time to focus!” we urged all to not relax - it’s not over by a long shot.

How to bounce back…

April 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken

By the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

Marc Andreessen, cofounder of a16z with Ben Horowitz, likes to joke “…the best thing about startups is that you only ever experience two emotions: euphoria and terror. And I find that lack of sleep enhances them both.”

Re-evaluating to Reinvent During the Pandemic

April 16, 2021 Melanie Hawken

By Catia Mondlane

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed us in a very uncertain situation, in almost everything and in our daily lives. But the tricky part of this whole situation is having governments that are working to keep their citizens safe, while on the other hand, economies are struggling to remain stable. Nobody was spared, all businesses are facing financial challenges, being forced to adapt to new ways of selling. As we go through the pandemic and organize ourselves for its end, there are several ways for companies to create strategies to make the most of the situation they are experiencing at the moment.

Your why, your purpose, your vision

January 31, 2021 Melanie Hawken

By the Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

According to the FT (here), there is “a new corporate currency, and it is a composite of three factors: purpose, why [the company] does what it does; culture, what staff experience; and brand, its reputation. The era of non-financial data transparency and advanced stakeholder capitalism is upon us. Corporate stakeholders, from employees and customers to board members, investors, partners and regulators, are calling for greater disclosure of information related to the “four P’s”: people, profit, planet and purpose. All corporations must prepare for a future in which details of their work in these areas are open to all.”

The New Normal

January 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Manini Mbongwa

The year 2020 brought about a lot of changes worldwide. Not only did we have to be cooped up in our homes and separated from our loved ones, but some people also lost their love in the fight against COVID-19. People also lost their jobs which meant that they also had to lose their assets like houses and cars, even worse kids had to be taken out of schools not only because of COVID-19 but because parents could not afford to pay school fees anymore.

The best decision was not to follow consensus

October 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

The above is a quote in an FT article by the highly successful outgoing UBS CEO, Sergio Ermotti (he is off to Chair SwissRE) and was on our desks when we arrived this morning. Given the coffee-grain fingerprints, there was only one possible person who could have left this and indeed the HoF (Head of Finance) was deep into the FT (as well as a 3rd cup of coffee) as we walked over to discuss.

The 5 R's to achieve business agility

October 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Hwalani Mabaso, Provincial General Manager, WIMI Distribution, Absa RBB

Today we operate in a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA), therefore personal and business agility is increasingly important. Business agility refers to a business owner’s ability to adapt and thrive in a changing environment that demands constant adaptation.

Failures are silent (sadly)

October 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

Tuesday morning means one thing in the Lioness Hub, the Head of Finance (HoF) makes us think outside the box, takes us away from whatever we are doing to watch or listen to something slightly different and thought provoking. It is apparently (according to the HoF), as important as occasionally walking shoe-less on grass, as it ‘grounds’ and ‘nourishes the soul’.

A time for honest reflection

October 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Thato Mokhothu-Ramohlanka

If there is one thing we can all agree on it is that the year 2020 has been challenging. With many countries around the world going through protracted government induced lockdown periods, businesses, relationships, and our personal wellbeing have been put under immense pressure. As the global economy slowly reemerges from the constraints brought about by the lockdown, our resilience and fortitude will continue to be tested well into next year.

Don’t be the weakest link!

October 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

Tuning into the fabulous Harvard/Lionesses of Africa ‘Women and the Changing Face of Entrepreneurship in Africa’ Conference this week, and seeing all our friends from the 100 Lionesses Club (we really must change that to ‘Celebration’, not ‘Club’) made us think of one legend of a Lioness who went to Harvard, (who’s short, simple yet very effective obituary we recently read from A16Z in their September newsletter here), who led before us creating the pathway for so many of us to follow. Sadly recently departed, the one and only RBG, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Are you Grieving The Loss Of Your Business?

May 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Marang Marekimane, Founder: Business Process Mechanics

As if someone pressed the reset button. Business owners around the world are forced to either adapt or die. Raising our usual dose of anxiety to grief. Anticipatory grief is what it is called - learnt this term from our Second Breakfast (an accountability circle of businesswomen). The fear of what is coming. Mostly fuelled by uncertainty. Sometimes it is the certainty of knowing it is the end.

Your Saving Grace. An Emergency Fund.

April 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste CA(SA), Financial Consultant, Speaker and Author of ‘Financially Fit and Wealthy’

The real value of having an emergency fund will only be fully appreciated during an emergency like the current pandemic. During the lockdown period imposed to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, both businesses and individuals are being severally impacted. Many businesses cannot trade during this period or are on a reduced level, resulting in no income or less income, but the expenses still have to be paid. Certain employees were put on unpaid leave or had to settle for a reduction in their salaries, but their living costs still have to be covered. Massive job losses are already predicted.

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