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Building Relationships In The Workplace

March 8, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

Why would I want to establish healthy relationships in the workplace when I have my own friends and family? Corporate relationships are very similar to our personal relationships. We don’t realise it but there is very little difference between work and personal relationships – the basic principles are the same.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Paula Quinsee, Self-development
Comment

Your Winning Elevator Pitch

March 8, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho

The Covid Lockdown changed so many things. More people than you think are feeling awkward with social situations, especially those related to work. It’s like falling off a bicycle, you just have to get back on. Social anxiety is like a mindset. OK, I realize some people have a psychological diagnosis related to social anxiety, but for most of us, it’s a mindset. It’s time to lose that. Just be your iconic self.

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In Guest Blog Tags Laura Camacho, Communication Skills, Pitching
Comment

What do you think you need to start a business?

March 8, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Kathryn Main

Most people would list things like “money”, “a business plan”, or “an idea”. While you do need an idea and a plan, and whilst money is not a prerequisite to start a business, that is not the answer I’m looking for.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Kathryn Main, Getting Started
Comment

10 ways leaders can help team members adjust to change

March 5, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Anja van Beek, Talent Strategist, Leadership & HR Expert and Executive Coach 

The one constant thing we can be certain of is change. The world we were used to was flipped upside down. Here’s what you need to know about the human side of change to support your team. We all can relate to the term RUPT (rapid, unpredictable, paradoxical, tangled) coined by the Centre for Creative Leadership. Almost everything that has been ‘normal’ for us, changed. The uncertainty has reached new heights – as we are not sure what the future will look like - we only know it will be quite different from what we were used to. How can leaders support their teams? Follow these 10 practices and you are halfway there.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Anja van Beek, People Management
Comment

3 Ways To Have A Courageous Conversation

March 5, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

There are times when we need have to have a serious conversation with someone, whether it is our partner, a friend or a work colleague. It’s one of those conversations where we need to be open and honest, not only with ourselves but also with the person in front of us. It could be about an incident, something they have said or done (or not done), non-performance or non-delivery. Many of us are uncomfortable when it comes to situations like this. I like to call these discussions courageous conversations.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Paula Quinsee, Self-development
Comment

How Present Am I?

March 5, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ashika Pillay

As women entrepreneurs and business owners, we are busy. Our minds are busy with tasks that range from ensuring home admin, that the grocery list is taken care of, the invoices that need to be sent, scheduling clients and meetings while also taking care of our minds and bodies. We are busy. With this level of complexity, it is easy to become caught up in endless cycles of doing - and the doing mind. A mind that is racing faster than our bodies or those around us can keep up with.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Ashika Pillay, Self-development
Comment

Flowing Green Hills of Opportunity

March 5, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser 

Which hill is the new successful opportunity for growing a business, or beginning a business? Can you tell? Last year for our holiday we had the opportunity to go to a very different area in wonderful, beautiful South Africa. We went more towards the steep mountains of an area that we call the Free State province - a different environment for a holiday. Usually lots of activities needed. Do yourself a favour and Google #Goldengatenationalpark, #clarens #Drakensbergmountainrange #Harrismith and #sterkfonteindam. You will quickly see the different green hills, steady rolling hills, massive rock faces, massive amount of waterfalls and water catchment area. The mountains are majestic and fierce, gorgeous yet frightening. Most impressive was the greens on all the hills. They looked idyllic and part of a greater story. I immediately saw a theme for our lionesses emerging from this beautiful scenery that surrounded me. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, Financial Planning
Comment

How the Work-from-Home Culture Impacts Your Tax Return

February 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Kathryn Main

The shift to a work-from-home culture due to the pandemic has brought up new questions about taxes, expenses, and deductions. In this article, we'll explore how the new work environment affects your tax return and what you need to know to stay on top of your taxes.

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In Guest Blog Tags Kathryn Main, Financial Planning
Comment

Aligning Work With Your Strengths

February 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Kathy Mann

I burnt out in a spectacular fashion a few years ago. It broke my life dramatically and the experience took me by surprise. It acted as a catalyst to evaluate why I got so sick and what was wrong with my life. Of course, burnout is usually multifaceted and doesn’t have one simple source. I believe that one of the contributing factors was that my work was not aligned to my strengths.

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In Guest Blog Tags Kathy Mann, Self-development
Comment

A Game-Changer for Leaders

February 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Carla Wasserfall

We are all given and sometimes create a set of circumstances which is defined as “a fact or event that makes a situation the way it is” according to the online Cambridge dictionary. Often, we let the circumstances determine the outcome and results, this is due to our own limitations and giving up too soon. However, thanks to pioneers and inspirational leaders that have led the way to defy the circumstances, we now know there is always a new or different path.

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In Guest Blog Tags Carla Wasserfall, Leadership
Comment

Can Artificial Intelligence Manage People Better Than People?

February 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Sonya Skipp

Artificial Intelligence tools are advancing, and they’re advancing fast. Across all industries and positions, AI tools are muscling in and managing to successfully do pieces of our jobs. But how does that translate to human resources? Can artificial intelligence tools take over the human factor we are so reliant on? Should HR professionals be concerned? We don’t think so.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Sonya Skipp, People Management
Comment

What’s Your Relationship with Money?

February 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Emily Kandanga

One of the most key relationships that we need to nurture as women and business owners is our relationship with money. It’s impossible not to have a mental and emotional relationship with money because it’s around us and the driving force and motivator for just about everything we do.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Emily Kandanga, Wellbeing & Mental Health
Comment

Piercing the Trust Adding to the Accrual

February 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

Trusts are valuable tools to safeguard assets, but in many instances, especially in divorce, that is not always the case. Yet, that is precisely what happened in PAF v SCF[2022] ZASCA 101 (22 June 2022). This Supreme Court of Appeal case is reportable. Therefore precedent-setting - binding in law.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Nicolene Schoeman–Louw, Legal
Comment

Parents Work Experiences Have a Direct Impact on their Children

February 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

Did you know parents experiences at work have a direct impact on their children’s development? Research shows that children’s developmental outcomes are directly and significantly affected by their parents’ work lives. Children of employees who had more-positive work experiences such as supportive supervisors and co-workers in their first years as parents, had better reading and math skills, better social skills, and fewer behavioral problems in their first grade. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Paula Quinsee
Comment

Self-employed & Retirement: A Stumbling Block for Many

February 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

Are you self-employed and feeling stressed about not having sufficient retirement savings? Plenty of business owners are still seen to be actively working years after reaching retirement age. They really love what they do, or they don’t have somebody reliable to take over or they don’t want to let go of their ‘baby’ are the common reasons provided to explain this situation. Yes, these can be valid reasons or reasons contributing to the situation, but for many business owners the harsh reality is that they cannot afford to go on retirement.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Management Advice, Finance
Comment

What You Can Do To Level Up In 2023

February 12, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

I’m hoping we are now over the initial “New Year Resolution Madness” where we pledge to do great and mighty exploits, only to find ourselves fading before the first month of the year is out. I’m not proposing any new resolutions to take up, just some ideas about what you could do differently (and why) to level up your business and your career this year.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Communication Skills
Comment

Finance Professional or Artist? Well, I am Both!

February 12, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Rewa Udoji

It has been a fortnight since I began my new role with my new family  - Chapel Hill Denham. I think I am almost fully settled in and I’m absolutely loving being here. I am glad that I made the decision to join the team. It’s also been an interesting couple of weeks in so many ways. Something that I’m finding particularly interesting is the number of times people have asked me why I made the move and the more common question is, ‘are you still an artist?’

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Rewa Udoji, Art-preneur
Comment

Want to Know the Secret to Better Days? Treat Your Thoughts Like Your Email.

February 12, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

When you receive an email, you have three choices: You can read it immediately, save it for later, or delete it. Although you can’t control the volume of emails you receive, you can choose what to do with each one. There is also a plethora of software available for organising, managing and optimising your inbox.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Conflict of interest under the spotlight

February 12, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

A recent case from the Commercial Court in Gauteng, South Africa, was fascinating because it illustrates the far-reaching effects of conflicts of interest in companies and why they should be avoided.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Nicolene Schoeman–Louw, Legal
Comment

How to gain external validation to grow your confidence in your business

February 5, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Felicity Cowie, author of Exposure

In my earlier blog for Lionesses of Africa, What Exactly is Media Relations, I said there are at least eight mega benefits of media relations for any business to consider:

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Felicity Cowie, Media PR & Communications
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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 / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-
Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat
Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma
Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene
Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza- Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
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

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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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