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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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The importance of the candidate experience during employee screening in South Africa

February 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In today’s competitive job market, where talent is often scarce and companies must act quickly to secure top candidates, the candidate experience during the hiring process has become a crucial element in the overall success of recruitment strategies.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

Emotional Intelligence Is Dead. (Not Really, But Here’s What You Need to Know About the New Intelligences)

February 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Seanice Lojede

In a world where the pace of change shows no signs of slowing, the concept of intelligence is evolving beyond traditional measures of IQ and even the well-known Emotional Intelligence (EQ). As we navigate increasingly complex social, cultural, and environmental landscapes, new forms of intelligence are gaining prominence, each offering unique insights into how we can thrive in a dynamic world.

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In Guest Blog Tags Seanice Lojede, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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The immense value of mentorship: A personal journey of growth and discovery

January 31, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

In my own experience, success hasn’t always come from working harder, but from working smarter. And one of the most impactful decisions I made was investing in a mentor. Mentorship, I’ve learned, is so much more than just an exchange of knowledge. It’s a partnership that fosters personal growth and empowers you to become a better leader. Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or are a seasoned business owner, I can honestly say that mentorship is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
Comment

Customer Service Excellence: Leveraging Automation to Improve Response Times

January 31, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“Speed is the currency of the modern world.”

In general, customers expect speedy, and even instant responses. Businesses must prioritize speed without compromising quality. Automation provides the solution, streamlining workflows and reducing response times to meet and exceed customer expectations.  Start by mapping your customer lifecycle process and then consider the following.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Customer Experience
Comment

The Power of Small Daily Habits for Big Success

January 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

January is here, and with it comes the buzz of big goals, vision boards, and promises to ourselves that this year will be different. But let’s be honest—setting goals is the easy part. The real magic happens in the small, daily actions that bring those goals to life.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

My QTR - My Quality Time Remaining

January 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Sharon Castle - Lifestyle and Wellness Coach

This year has been the year where I heard and adopted the phrase “MY QTR” - My quality time remaining. There comes a moment in life when we realize the clock is ticking - not in a way that feels rushed or urgent, but in a way that whispers of the preciousness of the time we have remaining. It’s a sobering and clarifying truth: life is finite. And in that realization lies a profound opportunity to live with greater intention, vitality, and joy.

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In Guest Blog Tags Sharon Castle, Personal Development
Comment

Does the World Economic Forum Matter to SMEs?

January 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

The World Economic Forum (WEF) often seems to be the domain of large public policymakers and multinational corporations (MNCs). However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can learn from the conversations and insights shared at events like Davos—this year, particularly around geopolitics, the future of work, sustainability, social responsibility, and artificial intelligence (AI).

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams
Comment

Customer Service Excellence: Handling Customer Complaints - A Process-Centric Approach

January 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” – Bill Gates

Customer complaints are an inevitable part of business, but how an organization responds defines its reputation and future success. A process-centric approach to complaint handling ensures consistency, builds trust, and turns negative experiences into opportunities for growth.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Customer Experience
Comment

The Journey Toward Clarity in CSR Development for SMEs

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

In today’s dynamic business landscape, clarity is essential for the successful development of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, particularly within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Drawing from the findings of my recent SME CSR Study, I aim to illustrate how clarity plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of CSR development across various phases and locations.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Goals
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Customer Service Excellence: How to Create Seamless Onboarding Processes for New Customers

January 15, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” – Will Rogers

A seamless onboarding process sets the tone for long-term customer satisfaction and retention. For SMEs, onboarding isn’t just about signing up new clients—it’s about delivering value quickly, building trust, and laying the foundation for lasting relationships. Here’s how to design onboarding processes that create a smooth experience and drive growth.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Customer Experience
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Becoming Dangerous Enough: The Art of Leadership and Accountability

January 8, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Gemiene Mueni

“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” — Amy Poehler"

Surrounding yourself with the right people is key to growth, but ensuring accountability is where real progress happens. It also requires accountability and an intimate understanding of the tasks at hand. Vusi Thembkwayo, a renowned entrepreneur and thought leader, offers a pragmatic perspective: “To be dangerous enough means knowing each and every single thing about your business to know when someone is bullshitting you.

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In Guest Blog Tags Gemiene Mueni, Self-development, Leadership
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Why mentorship should be part of your 2025 growth plan

January 8, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

As we step into a new year, I’ve been reflecting on my own goals for personal and professional growth—and I know many other entrepreneurs and business owners are doing the same. January, recognized as National Mentoring Month, provides the perfect opportunity to highlight the pivotal role mentorship plays in achieving those goals. From my own experience, mentorship isn’t just guidance; it’s a transformative catalyst for leadership and personal development that has shaped my journey as an entrepreneur and should be a key component of every growth plan.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
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The Power of Clarity: Lessons from My Personal Goal-Setting Journey

January 8, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

For the past two years, I have set myself an ambitious set of professional, developmental, spiritual, and wellness goals. One of my biggest, was reading 60 books in a year. While I have not yet reached that target number, I set personal records: 24 books in 2023 and over 30 in 2024. These reading aims introduced me to Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and Satya Nadella’s insights on culture and leadership in organizations.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Goals
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Customer Service Excellence: Mapping the Customer Journey to Enhance Satisfaction

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“The customer’s perception is your reality.” — Kate Zabriskie

Mapping the customer journey is essential for understanding how customers interact with your business and identifying ways to improve satisfaction. A well-mapped customer journey reveals gaps, highlights opportunities, and ensures every interaction adds value to the customer experience.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Customer Experience
Comment

Strengthening Employee Screening in South Africa: Key Observations from 2024

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

The latest Employers Background Screening Report sheds light on the rising challenges and trends in employee screening internationally.  With the influx of fraudulent activities and integrity-related challenges, employers are placing greater emphasis on robust verification measures.    

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

Happy 2025 - My Lessons from 2024

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Teboho Seretlo

Fellow Lionesses, it’s been a minute! As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting deeply on my journey in 2024—the lessons I have learned and the priorities I am setting for the year ahead.

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In Guest Blog Tags Teboho Seretlo, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Twenty Twenty Thrive: Your Year to Flourish

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As the clock ticks toward the start of a new year, there’s an air of anticipation, a sense of possibility that anything can happen. This year, let’s go beyond mere resolutions. Let’s focus on thriving—both professionally and personally. Thriving means more than just surviving the day-to-day grind; it’s about flourishing, finding joy, and achieving your highest potential.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Bridging the ESG Knowledge Gap: 5 Key Metrics Every Board Should Use to Assess and Improve ESG Performance

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

As ESG factors become crucial to corporate success, boards all over the world are under stakeholder pressure to evolve. Investors, regulators, and the public are demanding greater transparency and accountability. Conversely, boards are yet to build the needed preparedness to address ESG risks, resulting in financial underperformance and reputational damage. This has created a significant gap, as revealed by the African Financial Investor Relations article, which found that fewer than half of global boards, particularly in Africa, fully understand ESG concepts.

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In Guest Blog Tags Nkemdilim Begho, ESG
Comment

A Christmas Fantasy: Wishes Beyond Material Possessions

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

For dreamers like me, the holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in the wonder and magic of fantasy. I can let my imagination run wild and dream of the extraordinary. If I were to make an unconventional Christmas wish list, one that contains no material possessions (because if I told you the material things I wish for, you might faint!) here’s what would be on it:

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Dream
Comment

My Word for 2025: Collaboration

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As we approach the new year, I find myself reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the past and the opportunities that lie ahead. Each year, I choose a guiding word that encapsulates my focus and intention for the months to come. For 2025, my word is collaboration.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Collaboration
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
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 / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf

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