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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Opportunities Knock despite Covid-19 Crisis

July 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste

Despite the financial stress, uncertainty and knock-on impact the covid-19 crisis is causing for the economy, businesses and households, there are also multiple opportunities for people to create wealth for themselves amid the crisis. Looking at history various companies that have grown into massive multi-national companies were in fact born during a time of recession – Microsoft, General Electric, General Motors, Disney, IBM and the Hyatt Hotel Group to mention a few.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Ronel Jooste, BU Inspiration & Motivation
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Post-Pandemic Growth 

July 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Kathy Mann, Author and Speaker

I recently wrote the story of my grandparents’ love and their life together that spanned seven decades. I travelled to the coast early January and interviewed my 94-year-old grandmother about her life and how they fell in love. My husband stayed behind to feed the cats and to work, so the week was an opportunity to soak up the female company of my grandmother, mother, aunt and my two little girls. We laughed, we shared and we bonded. There is something special about being in the presence of multiple generations of women.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Kathy Mann, BU Inspiration & Motivation
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Credit is ALL about the 5 C’s

July 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

So we’ve all heard of the 4 C’s of Diamond buying (cut, colour, clarity and carat) and now thanks to a fabulous Lioness Co-Lab we have the 5 C’s with an amazing collaboration between Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds and Vicki Bain, founder of Chocoloza, meaning we now have Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat and Chocolate! Who could ask for more?

Read more
In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Finances
Comment

Managing distressed business during Covid-19

July 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Hwalani Mabaso, Provincial General Manager: Distribution, Relationship Banking, Absa

The Covid-19 pandemic has left many businesses distressed, with some businesses scrambling for survival. It’s important for any business to think of business resilience during Covid-19 and post. If your business is currently in distress it’s crucial to first assess the situation and develop a practical insolvency plan and avoid any false movements which can ultimately impact the business performance.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Business Unusual Tags Absa, BU Crisis Strategy
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The Loneliness…and the Bravery

July 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

“You're always one decision away from a totally different life”…

There is a book by Alan Sillitoe called: “The loneliness of a long distance runner” that was then made into a film. It’s about a boy who had made wrong decisions (who hasn’t somewhere in their lives!) and was then sent to a youth detention centre / school in the UK, one of many so called ‘Borstals’. While there he found a passion in long distance running and single-mindedly pursued this becoming very good indeed. The problem was that the people in charge wanted him to bend to their will and run just so that they could brag and boast about beating the local private school in a big race that was due. They wanted to control his power to further their agenda. They were determined to use this boy’s skills and bend his will for their own glory. This became not about him, but all about them.

Read more
In Business Unusual, Team Lioness Tags BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
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Bringing the human into our digital meetings

July 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Paula Quinsee

Digital meetings are very different to meeting in person, we miss the real essence of human connection and can miss many of the subtle cues we would have potentially picked up when being in front of someone such as body language, facial expressions and the energy/vibe of the person.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags BU Marketing & Communications, Paula Quinsee
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Women Working Better: 3 things you can do right now to ease the overwhelm on yourself and your team

July 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech

As if it wasn’t already challenging enough to manage a business and lead a team of people every day, we suddenly all find ourselves facing the global Covid-19 pandemic. Along with eerily quiet city streets and deserted tourist attractions, we have collectively found ourselves at home, trying desperately to maintain a semblance of normalcy while our living rooms have been turned into offices, gyms, classrooms, playgrounds and movie theaters.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Deborah Hartung, BU Management Advice
Comment

Anxiety = Uncertainty x Powerlessness

July 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner

This equation comes from Chip Conley’s insightful book ‘Emotional Equations’. Chip believes that the product of what you don’t know (uncertainty) and what you can’t control (powerlessness) creates the emotional condition of anxiety, which is greater than the sum of its parts.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Lori Milner, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
Comment

The Remote Era and New Partnerships

July 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Catia Mondlane, Founder Isabella - Estética & Cosméticos

The COVID-19 driven economy has brought major challenges to many industrial firms and business owners. Now makes it the perfect time to re-evaluate what really creates value, what is critical to clients at this moment, and what would those new offerings and capabilities look like after all.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Catia Mondlane, BU Management Advice
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Review, Readjust, Reset, Reboot Yourself

July 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Marjon Mayer

Review, readjust, reset, reboot – ready? Nothing will ever be the same, I hear so many people say. It may be true to some extent, but I think that many things may settle back to more or less where they were – perhaps we just would have learnt to appreciate these more. So, nothing will even be the same again, or closer to the expression – The more things change the more it stays the same?

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Marjón Meyer, BU Inspiration & Motivation
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Insights and lessons from a pandemic

July 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Claire Holden, Empowerment Coach

I was in a meeting yesterday where we all agreed that we’re sick and tired of the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re tired of talking about the need to ‘pivot’, the ‘new normal’ and the uncertain future. Our news feeds are filled with stories of loss, blame, uncertainty and recriminations. It’s exhausting. The constant anxiety and barrage of bad news shuts down our thinking and saps our energy. We need creative, innovative thinking and an abundance of energy to be successful entrepreneurs, so it’s imperative we change the conversation!

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Claire Holden, BU Inspiration & Motivation
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Private Equity is not for everyone!

July 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Finance Dept

So we had a very interesting and busy week. It got us thinking that the issues we were seeing from the Lionesses sensible enough to give us a call and get our Head of Finance (‘HoF’) to simply ‘kick the tyres’ of deals before they sign (including one that was initially refused finance and has now gone back with a tighter and more rounded application) were probably representative of many issues that our larger membership was also facing and having to decide upon.

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Finances
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Be True to Yourself with the Lionesses of Africa Team!

July 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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from the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

“Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don’t,

Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won’t,

Depend on how the wind blows I might even paint my toes,

It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul.”

….and that was what greeted us as we arrived in our office this morning, blaring from our Head of Finance’s open door!

Read more
In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Marketing & Communications, BU Management Advice
Comment

Building Awareness of Covid-19 Cyber-Attack Ransomware 

July 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Adv. Lufuno Khorommbi, Cyber Law Consultant and MD: Orizur Consulting Enterprise

Did you know that internet users are not only having to protect themselves from Covid-19; but from online vulnerabilities as well? During the wake of Covid-19 being declared a world crisis; cyber criminals (hackers) jumped at an opportunity to deceive internet users? It does seem that internet users are not only having to fight against Covid-19 virus, but against cyber-attacks as well. Since everyone is genuinely seeking to know more about Covid-19, they saw an opportunity to defraud internet users.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, BU Management Advice
Comment

Trusting in you is key

July 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Nadia Marillier, founder of Tranquil & Tenacious Minds

How am I going to cope? Will I be able to sustain my business and see to my family? How will I remain relevant? These are questions many entrepreneurs, including myself, asked when COVID-19 became our reality.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Nadia Marillier, BU Crisis Strategy
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5 Business Models for Creatives During Lockdown

July 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Robyn Keet

A strategy for Creatives to earn an income during location restrictions.

Are you a Creative at home waiting for the lockdown to be lifted so you can go back to work? Or you can get back to work but your clients are a little concerned to be going out or going ahead with your services? If this is you, then I might have an idea or two on how you can either add or adapt your current creative business to service your audience while making a living during these uncertain times.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Robyn Keet, BU Management Advice
Comment

Business agility in turbulent times

June 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: by James Noble, Head of Wholesale, Retail and Franchising – Absa Business Banking

No business has been left unscathed by the COVID19 pandemic. Even businesses in the fast- moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector that trade in groceries, health, hygiene, long-life consumables and pharmaceutical products have been impacted due to shorter trading hours and more conservative purchasing behaviour by consumers.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Business Unusual Tags Absa, BU Management Advice
Comment

Are you a ‘Lean-Back’ or ‘Lean Forward’ Business?

June 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

It was one of those mornings, our coffee machine had broken (to be fair it was very well used and abused, especially by our Head of Operations) and our IT/techno guru who doubles as the go-to expert for all things that involve electricity, plugs and buttons (not the business shirt kind) was nowhere to be found.

Panic, chaos and mayhem ensued!

Read more
In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Marketing & Communications
Comment

In times of crisis, up the comms!

June 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Thembe Khumalo, founder and Managing Director of Brandbuilder

At a time when we are practicing social distancing in real life, we need to do the opposite with our customers. In other words, use this time to get closer. How can you do that?

Communicate, communicate, communicate!

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Thembe Khumalo, BU Communication
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The power of mindfulness meditation in stressful times

June 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, Founder and CEO of Empowervate

Mindfulness meditation is a great way to still the mind and stop the thoughts from causing stress and anxiety. Our brains have a default network which creates all kinds of thoughts all the time except when we are focusing on something and being “in flow”. All the other times, our thoughts continue. The problem comes when we get stuck on a thought, and obsess about it, which causes negative emotions like fear, worry, anger etc.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle
Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V
Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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