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Top 3 Yes Blockers …  

July 31, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Laura Camacho

You probably were not aware of this when you started your business but now you know. Thriving businesses must sell. A lot. Ideas. Solutions. Products. Services. Add ons. Contracts. Upgrades. ROI…

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In Guest Blog Tags Laura Camacho, Sales
Comment

My ABC of business: How pursuing a client is similar to a romantic relationship

July 31, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa 

Do you remember the first time you fell in-love? Do you remember the excitement and the thrill of the “chase”? It could be compared to a pursuit and it usually begins when a person shows interest in another and is incredibly attracted to him/her. A thrilling period then starts, when traditionally the man starts showing his intentions for a romantic relationship by flirting, bringing gifts or verbally expressing his intentions to the woman. Depending on their compatibility or her level of attraction, she will respond eagerly, or she might play hard-to-get. Depending on his level of interest, he will keep romancing her, and if he does and says the right things, he might persuade her to take him seriously and commence a romantic relationship. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Lizl Naude, Marketing
Comment

Things Smart Women Don’t Do When Opportunity Knocks

July 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Saajidah Esat

Women have instinctively and deeply nurturing characteristics. Unlike men, they take pride in the process vs being solely focused on the result. They strive to develop people along the way and want to know that they are making a real and positive difference in the world. So when the next big company comes along to sign a contract that could potentially change the entire trajectory of her business, she may appear slightly hesitant and need some time to weigh out the pros and cons. Although this may be a good thing, there are some things that smart women just don’t do when opportunity knocks.

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In Guest Blog Tags Saajidah Esat, Opportunity
Comment

The Value of Interpreting Your Financial Statements

July 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Thandekile Moloko

If you own a business, or are part of a business, the compliance process of documenting the finances of the business may be a bit tedious, especially if your main intent is to make money and create an empire in the process. However, there are jewels of wisdom in financial statements that can help you best run your business and help you make better business decisions. Thus, it is important to understand the basic techniques of interpreting financial statements.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thandekile Moloko, Financial Management
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It's too late, the Robots are here!

July 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Paula Quinsee

There is a lot of talk going on about the 4th Industrial Revolution and Robots taking over the World...ok not really the world but our jobs and leaving us redundant. Whilst there may be some truth in this, it is not entirely true. Yes, the Robots are here, and work streams are being automated, so we need to constantly up-skill ourselves to remain relevant in the job landscape of the future. This doesn't only apply to individuals but also to organizations.

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In Guest Blog Tags Paula Quinsee, Personal Development
Comment

Where There’s a Will, there’s a Relative

July 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

No one likes to think about dying, let’s face it, but it is one of those life certainties, like taxes, that’s impossible to avoid! And while you can’t dodge the tax man, many people neglect to draw up a will, either because they have more pressing priorities, or because they want to avoid thoughts around death. As a woman once said to me, “If I draw up a will, I will die!”

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Sylvia Walker, Wealth Management
Comment

Who really am I?  

July 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Thozama Ponti 

It’s very funny how others can describe and say a lot about us, better than we can. Because people are very good at calling other people names, labelling, defining and describing. Unfortunately most often because we don’t know ourselves, we often fall within their descriptions and labels (we accept the things they call us as the best description of ourselves, the clothes they recommend for us, the hairstyles they suggest, and even the careers we must follow, etc.. ) Not knowing yourself can be very harmful for you and your career.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thozama Ponti, Self Belief
Comment

Be your own permission agent 

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

Back in 2012, I knew I wanted to write a book that included interviews of amazing women to share their stories and insights. I didn’t know where to begin so I called Mandy Wiener, a well-known journalist. I had worked with her earlier that year on an event and reached out to her for advice. She was extremely helpful and at the end of coffee, I asked her which voice recorder she uses for her interviews. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Fear
Comment

15 Essential Tips for Women Franchisees

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Kabira Dewan

As a new franchisee, I discovered that women are particularly under-represented in the fast food franchise world. So, if, as a women, you have ever wondered if a fast food franchise is for you, the following are my tips to help you with your entrepreneurial journey. These are not in any order of preference but more aligned to my personal exposure in the Franchise World.

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In Guest Blog Tags Kabira Dewan, Franchising
Comment

Serving my time - how I divide my most valuable resource 

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Alice da Silva

Not to be confused with the prison term reference, by ‘serving my time’ I mean that I visualize my time as a sort of pie. There is only a certain amount, which I can divide into slices and serve accordingly. And I try to choose carefully, because it’s easy to get distracted. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Alice da Silva, Productivity Time & Energy
Comment

Success has a price, pay up! 

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation 

I realized something the other day. I was so miserable, wondering if my job fulfilled me and if entrepreneurship is worth it. I was tired of feeling anxious, tight deadlines and constant cultivating relationships. Have you ever just wanted to stumble across a few million Rands and then switch off your phone? Spend your money and not worry about anything? Well, that was me, unmotivated and frustrated. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Success, Phindile Tapula
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The Power of Goal Statement  

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Marta Mulungo 

If you are reading this blog post, chances are that you are an adult and as such, there is at least one thing that you desire in life. Human beings are goal orientated and this means that regardless of the level of achievement they are in, there is something else that they desire, it is how we are wired and we cannot get away from it, and it’s a good thing – it took us from the stone age, to the current digital era, it took us from carriages and horses to airplanes and space travel…

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In Guest Blog Tags Marta Mulungo, Purpose
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The myth of passion

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

The word ‘passion’ has become a huge buzzword lately. Experts sharing their tips on how to discover your calling, your passion, your purpose for being on this planet. What I have found is that this is starting to become a destructive word. It creates this huge sense of fear – ‘what if I am not doing the thing I meant to be doing?’ It makes the present moment insignificant, it’s this thing we need to get through in order to get to the next more important moment because maybe we’ll discover it then. It has the ability to create huge self-doubt because the word passion indicates there is ONE thing we should be doing and that we should instantly know what that thing is.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

What is holding you back? Your mind is your super computer 

July 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Madelaine Gomes (MsC.D)

Many of us are going through our day without even thinking about our mindset or the thoughts that we are entertaining and how these thoughts affect the results that we are creating.  90% of our thoughts a day are spent on past experiences, and only 10% of our thoughts a day is being spent on the actual now and tomorrow!  Our thoughts are the most powerful tool and determine the direction and all outcomes of our lives.  

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Madelaine Gomes, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Segue into Social Entrepreneurship

July 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Natasha Singh-Ally

Much can be said for being first or early to market.  The success of my entire career has been premised on early adoption on my part, and I wobble with anticipation at what will transpire when I shift from conspicuous capitalism.  I recognize that it is not enough to be philanthropic but to integrate and be a constructive participant adding social value. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Natasha Singh-Ally, Social Entrepreneurship
Comment

4 Ways you can begin cultivating a happier mindset

July 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Saajidah Esat

Happiness is a way of thinking and feeling, a way of seeing your world, and the positive meaning you choose to give to the circumstances and situations in your life. Happiness is a mindset. And for most people happiness is not ready-made. After all, research shows that in the determination of a person’s level of happiness, genetics counts for about 50%, 10% is determined by your circumstances, and 40% is controlled by your thoughts, actions and behaviours. Although we may not be able to change our genetics, we can take 100% responsibility for the meaning we give to the circumstances and situations in our life as well as the thoughts and behaviours we practice on a daily basis.

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In Guest Blog Tags Saajidah Esat, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

When agony follows ecstasy

July 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds

Figures flew before my eyes as my fingers tapped away busily on the calculator. Exchange rate. Tap tap tap. VAT. Tap tap. Supplier costs. Tap tap tap. A number settled on the screen and I looked at it with confusion. “That can’t be right”, I thought, as a mild sense of unease washed over me. Picking up the calculator, I ran the numbers again, more slowly this time. The same number came up. “Third time lucky” I whispered to myself as I hit the keys with deliberate intent. No change!

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In Guest Blog Tags Clare Appleyard, Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

Navigating the Creative Entrepreneurship Realm

July 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Tatenda Kanengoni

In the past two decades, the perception of creative entrepreneurship has shifted, refreshingly so. We live in an exciting time when policy makers are starting to value how creative enterprises can contribute meaningfully to economies, and more than ever creatives have an opportunity to soar.

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In Guest Blog Tags Tatenda Kanengoni, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Choose Your Emotions

June 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Laura Camacho, PhD

If you stay in business long enough, you eventually develop the level of mental and emotional fortitude you need to succeed.

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In Guest Blog Tags Laura Camacho, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Labour law tips

June 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Aleshia van der Ploeg, Founder of VDP Legal Consulting, South Africa

Is your business finally growing? Are you hiring more and more employees in order to assist you? One of the greatest challenges facing entrepreneurs these days is employment issues!

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Aleshia van der Ploeg, People Management
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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 / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa
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 / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa 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

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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