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World Backup Day: Who Makes Decisions Regarding Your Data Protection and Organisational Integrity?

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

World Backup Day, observed on the 31st of March, reminded businesses globally, to protect their data from theft, loss or corruption and focuses on how essential it is that data protections are as comprehensive as possible. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management, Cybersecurity
Comment

The Hidden Mental Health Toll of Geopolitical Disruptions

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up approximately 90% of businesses worldwide, and play a pivotal role in economic development and employment. Given shifting geopolitical landscapes—from trade tensions to international aid cuts—these businesses must recognize and address the emotional and mental well-being of their stakeholders. This is particularly crucial at a time when geopolitical changes are already having an impact.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Creating a legacy through mentorship and leadership

April 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

Have you ever paused to think about the impact you are making—not just today, but in the years to come? Legacy isn’t just about wealth or status; it’s about the lives you touch, the lessons you pass on, and the path you pave for others. True leaders don’t just build businesses or careers; they build people. And the most profound way to do that is through mentorship.

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

Performance Management: The Role of Metrics in Process Improvement

April 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” – Peter Drucker

Processes are the foundation of operational efficiency, but without measurable data, businesses risk making decisions based on assumptions rather than insights. Metrics provide a clear, objective view of how well processes are performing and where improvements are needed. By tracking the right metrics, one can identify inefficiencies, enhance performance, and drive continuous improvement.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Strategy
Comment

Does your employee screening policy address cyber crime risks in your organisation?

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

As cybercrime continues to surge in South Africa, the importance of effective employee screening to address this risk is paramount. 

In 2024 alone, Interpol reported over 3,300 global cybercrime incidents affecting governments, banks, and the general public each week, reflecting a growing threat landscape. With cyber threats increasingly targeting organisations across South Africa, businesses must prioritise comprehensive screening processes to safeguard against potential breaches stemming from internal and external sources. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management, Cybersecurity
Comment

Navigating Geopolitical Shifts – The SME Perspective

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

The Inspiration: Seeing the Impact of Geopolitics Up Close

I had the privilege of attending NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area as a guest of NBA Africa. There I joined the annual Newsmaker Breakfast. The session discussion was moderated by journalist Stephanie Ruhle and featured media giants Tom Friedman, Rashida Jones, and David Brooks. It resonated deeply and Roland Martin and Michael Eric Dyson were in the room. However, it was the question "How does what is happening domestically in the U.S. reflect globally?"—posed during the Q&A—that struck me.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Performance Management: Aligning Processes with Business Goals to Drive Performance

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“Every process is an opportunity for performance improvement.” – Michael Hammer

Over the past ten blogs, we have explored how processes play a crucial role in delivering outstanding customer service. The next series shifts focus to how aligning processes with business goals drives performance, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Strategy
Comment

Think Like a Designer: Design Thinking for Legal Professionals

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Sonja Cilliers and Maryke Groenewald

The legal profession is facing an era of unprecedented change. Rapid technological advancements, evolving client expectations and increasing regulatory complexities demand that legal professionals adapt and innovate. Traditional legal problem-solving methods, while effective in many respects, can often be rigid and slow to respond to modern challenges. Design thinking, a human-centred, iterative approach to problem-solving, offers legal professionals a fresh perspective to enhance client service, improve efficiency, and drive meaningful innovation.

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In Guest Blog Tags Sonja Cilliers & Maryke Groenewald, Legal
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You Are Enough: Embracing Your Worth and Owning Your Power by Margaret Hirsch

March 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As International Women’s Day has just passed, this one is for the ladies and its simple: you are enough. Too often, women doubt themselves, questioning whether they are good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. Society, pressure, and expectations can weigh us down, making us feel like we must constantly prove our worth. But today, I want to shift that mindset.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Brand
Comment

Customer Service Excellence: Processes That Turn Customer Insights into Actionable Results

March 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“Listening to customers must become everyone’s business. You’re either serving the customer or serving someone who is.” – Ken Blanchard

Businesses gain a competitive edge by turning customer feedback into action. Mapping the customer lifecycle highlights problem areas:  presenting opportunity for improvements and integrates feedback to enhance experiences, foster loyalty, and drive long-term success.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Customer Experience
Comment

South African Business Deregistration Alert: Make sure your business is not at risk!

March 23, 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

The Quiet Heroes Who Inspire Us Every Day

March 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Isn’t it amazing how inspiration can come from the most unexpected places?

For me, one such moment occurred at the University of Liverpool, through a fellow student named Lisa Crockett. Lisa was an energetic and dedicated member of our innovative international DBA program. She quickly became a central figure in our program, always present, always willing to lend a hand, and always making sure we had the information we needed to thrive in our studies. But Lisa’s story didn’t stop at being a helpful senior classman. She went on to complete her thesis on pediatric palliative care—a deeply personal and powerful topic that coincided with my own experience of a loved one undergoing the very care she was researching.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The Strange Value of Staying in Doubt: How Uncertainty Keeps Us From Change

March 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Seanice Lojede

I was recently invited to speak to a group of women entrepreneurs at GIBS University in South Africa. Part of the conversation was around Impostor Syndrome and decision making. How do you know when to take certain decisions both personal and business, and the doubt that comes with it? So I shared something I have learned the hard way…

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In Guest Blog Tags Seanice Lojede, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The Bittersweet Symphony of AI and Humanity in Your Brands’ Colour Therapy

March 11, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Marilize Jacobs

Colour therapy in branding is the strategic use of colours to evoke emotions, influence perceptions, and shape consumer behavior through your marketing and brand identity. It is rooted in colour psychology, which studies how different colour hues (shades) affect human emotions, decisions and associations.

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In Guest Blog Tags Marilize Jacobs, Brand
Comment

The Importance of Written Contracts for Small Businesses

March 11, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Taryn Blignaut

This article sets out the importance of having a written agreement to regulate your transactions as a small business.  We also cover some of the benefits of putting in place a customised legal template for your business.

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In Guest Blog Tags Taryn Blignaut, Legal
Comment

Customer Service Excellence: Ensuring Consistency in Multi-Channel Customer Interactions

March 9, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“Consistency is what transforms average into excellence.” – Tony Robbins

Businesses engaging with customers across multiple platforms—email, social media, chat, and phone—must ensure a seamless and consistent experience. Inconsistent responses, delayed replies, or mixed messaging can confuse customers and harm brand credibility. Here’s how to maintain consistency across all customer touch-points.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Customer Experience
Comment

The Power of Perseverance in CSR Development for SMEs

February 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

In the journey of developing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, perseverance plays a pivotal role. From the early days of launching a business to the strategic CSR phase and beyond, perseverance ensures that SMEs continue to evolve, adapt, and push through obstacles, ultimately creating significant societal value.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Social Impact
Comment

Do no-experience-required jobs need background checks?

February 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Queue of thousands shows desperation at South Africa job crisis. What does desperation cost our country?  Many in our country are really struggling but desperate times create desperate measures. Don’t skip your processes in place to address risk. Regardless of how desperate a person may be, make sure you verify details on the job application thoroughly. Every time. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

More Than a Logo: The Human Side of Brand Success

February 24, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

In business, success isn’t just about having the best products or the biggest advertising budget—it’s about building genuine relationships. People buy from those they know, like, and trust. That’s why, for the past 46 years, Hirsch's Homestore has been more than just a brand; we’ve been a family, a community, and a trusted partner in homes across the country.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Brand
Comment

Customer Service Excellence: Scaling Customer Support Without Losing the Personal Touch

February 24, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Delivering personalized customer support is essential for building strong relationships and retaining customers. However, as the business grows, responding to inquiries efficiently while maintaining a personal touch can be challenging. The key is to balance automation with human connection.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Customer Experience
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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
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
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

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
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
Elizabeth Karamangi, Linda Chawe, and Sophia Mrimi, three women founders building a specialist HR consulting business in Tanzania
Elizabeth Karamangi, Linda Chawe, and Sophia Mrimi, three women founders building a specialist HR consulting business in Tanzania
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

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
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

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