Quote of the Day

September 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Juliana Rotich, co-founder and executive director of Ushahidi — **Juliana Rotich,** co-founder and executive director of Ushahidi

"You can be in the non-profit space but think like an entrepreneur, and you can mix that with for-profit partners."

- Juliana Rotich is a Technologist, MIT Media Lab Director's Fellow, TED Senior Fellow and currently serves as Chair of World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on Data Driven Development. She is co-founder and Executive Director of Ushahidi Inc, a non-profit tech company, born in Africa, which specializes in developing free and open source software for information collection, interactive mapping and data curation. Ushahidi builds tools for democratizing information, increasing transparency and lowering the barriers for individuals to share their stories. She leads a team that is expanding its global footprint and making crowdsourcing tools available and useful, and catalyzing entrepreneurial initiatives like iHub in Kenya. She also serves on the advisory council of Microsoft 4Afrika and Waabeh Ltd. In 2011 The World Economic Forum named Juliana 'Social Entrepreneur of the Year'.

Quote of the Day

September 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"If you have a farm, you should plant fruits and cash crops. Cash crops will bring income for the family and fruits are enjoyed by the children. A woman must know she has to till the land for the nation."

- Julian Adyeri Omalla is one of Uganda's top female entrepreneurs. She is founder, chairperson and managing director of Delight Uganda Limited, producing the country's most popular fruit drink sold under the brand name 'Cheers'. Julian has diversified into a range of other business activities, including egg and poultry farming, maize-feed production, a flour mill and bakery, a student hostel for 400, as well as coordinating women’s farmer cooperatives that provide food aid into Sudan. Today, Julian employs over 1,000 Ugandans and exports to countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Zaire.

Quote of the Day

September 15, 2014 Melanie Hawken

“Most people don't realize that leadership is fundamentally about service, about a dying to self and loving others into their true potential. It isn't about us personally. It isn't about what we can get, or consume. It isn't about elevating ourselves above others. It isn't about ego. Leadership is about lowering ourselves such that the people who work with us, and our organizations can thrive in ways that create value (economic and social).”

- Binta Niambi Brown is an American corporate lawyer and Mossavar-Rahmani senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School who regularly advises early stage technology, media and entertainment companies. She is also a human rights advocate and nascent angel investor and regularly works on technology and internet IPOs and transactions. She also advises senior management and corporate boards of media, technology, telecom, and entertainment companies on corporate governance matters.

Quote of the Day

August 31, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"If you talk about economic development, it is odd that we, the producers, the creators of employment, do not have access to credit and do not get the kind of tax breaks the traders get."

- Aïssa Dione, a renowned Senegalese painter and textile designer, founded the company that bears her name, Aissa Dione Tissus back in 1992. Her mission: to revive Senegal's traditional and unique fabric weaving craftsmanship and build a production chain that is truly '100% Made in Senegal'. Her approach is to combine unique design, know-how and artisan craftsmanship to transform African grown cotton into a valuable product. She has succeeded in this, building a high-end fabric brand underpinned by centuries old cotton processing and weaving skills. Today, Aissa has more than 100 employees whose traditional handwoven fabrics are delivered to the absolute top-end interior design brands across Africa, Europe and the United States. Aissa's designs and fabrics grace major design salons and brands such as Hermés, Fendi, Christian Liaigre and Peter Marino.

Quote of the Day

August 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"We are extremely entrepreneurial and adaptable in South Africa, qualities essential to success in a developing market. We have a lot to share with the world.”

- Khanyi Dhlomo is the Managing Director of Ndalo Media, which she founded in 2007. She is also the founder of DestinyConnect and the founding editor of Destiny Magazine. Before starting her own media company, Khanyi was editor of True Love magazine for eight years. In 2013, Khanyi ventured in retail and launched Luminance, a high-end fashion and lifestyle department store. Khanyi was named most influential woman in South African Media by The Media Magazine in 2003 and made the 2011 Forbes list of 20 Young Power Women in Africa.

Quote of the Day

August 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"At 21, I started at the bottom, literally, … I was on my knees putting tape on the soles of models' shoes and steaming clothes and serving snacks at photo shoots. It was my chance to break into magazines and that outweighed everything."

Quote of the Day

August 21, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"My kids come first. You know, when you are centered you bring up children who are functional, who can reason, talk, communicate. That is the biggest contribution a woman can make to world peace.”

- Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi is the founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of designer children's clothing in Nigeria. Nike started out modestly in 1996 selling the clothes she made from the boot of her car and in bazaars. Today, Ruff 'n' Tumble is an instantly recognisable brand in Nigeria and has a reputation for being one of the top manufacturers of children's clothing throughout West Africa. Ruff 'n' Tumble successfully caters to the unique fashion sense of today’s youngsters, from new born to age 16, happily mixing indigenous lifestyle trends with an international appeal.

Quote of the Day

August 19, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"We are extremely entrepreneurial, mobile, and versatile and make things happen. Give a Nigerian half a chance and he will excel, no matter where and against what odds."

- Uche Pedro is founder of BellaNaija.com, a company that develops and delivers exciting online content aimed at Nigerian and Pan-African audiences. Uche’s savvy grasp of media trends has led to BellaNaija.com becoming the go-to lifestyle, entertainment and fashion portal in Africa. Her website has established a loyal following amongst the young, cosmopolitan, upwardly mobile set in Nigeria, with over 1 million unique visitors and 9 million page views each month.

Quote of the Day

August 15, 2014 Melanie Hawken

“We had R300 (US$ 30) for a months rent, R300 for the electricity, and R300 for the outside sign. On our first day we earned 13 cents. In those days a loaf of bread cost 11c, so we had a loaf of bread for supper, and made sandwiches the next day."

- Margaret Hirsch is one half of a dynamic husband and wife duo that founded Hirsch's Homestores. Back in 1979, as a secretary, together with her husband Allan, then an appliance repair man, they unwittingly became entrepreneurs who went on to build an appliance, electronics and furnishing retail empire. Today, Hirsch's Homestores is the largest independently owned appliance and electronics business in Southern Africa, with seventeen branches and concept stores spread throughout South Africa.

Quote of the Day

August 14, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"I have absolutely no background. I come from the school of hard knocks. I learnt everything the hard way.”

Quote of the Day

August 14, 2014 Melanie Hawken

“Don’t introduce me as the chairman’s wife. I have had to work very hard. I want to be recognised as a person in my own right.”

- Wendy Ackerman is one of the founders and an Executive Director of Pick n Pay Stores. Together with husband Raymond Ackerman she helped build up one of South Africa’s pre-eminent FMCG retailers, consisting of over 450 stores including 121 supermarkets and 14 hypermarkets. Operations are in food, clothing, and general merchandise sectors as well as financial services. The company operates throughout South Africa, southern Africa and Australia and employs around 49,000 people. Today, much of Wendy's boundless energy is devoted to her family's philanthropic endeavours and her personal work for the underprivileged.

Quote of the Day

August 14, 2014 Melanie Hawken

“My heart goes out to people who don’t share the kind of love that I receive from my family. I believe very strongly in giving to people who unfortunately aren’t able to receive the warmth and love that I receive. I do love helping people who live in difficult situations.”

- Wendy Ackerman is one of the founders and an Executive Director of Pick n Pay Stores. Together with husband Raymond Ackerman she helped build up one of South Africa’s pre-eminent FMCG retailers, consisting of over 450 stores including 121 supermarkets and 14 hypermarkets. Operations are in food, clothing, and general merchandise sectors as well as financial services. The company operates throughout South Africa, southern Africa and Australia and employs around 49,000 people. Today, much of Wendy's boundless energy is devoted to her family's philanthropic endeavours and her personal work for the underprivileged.

Quote of the Day

August 13, 2014 Melanie Hawken

“We have a saying in our family: 'Press on regardless'. And, we did.”

- Pam Golding is one of Africa's most successful women entrepreneurs and an icon of the real estate industry. She founded Pam Golding Properties in South Africa in 1976 with no start-up capital and just a single sales assistant. The company now has over 300 offices in Africa as well as international offices in the UK, Germany, France and Mauritius. It is one of South Africa’s largest independent property trading companies with 2010 turnover of US$1.7 billion. Pam is now retired from active management, but remains the Life President of the company she founded.

Quote of the Day

August 11, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"When you’re looking for support or inspiration look to the iconic figures for inspiration, but don’t forget the women just a few steps ahead of you on this journey. They have so much to offer. Also look to different people for different needs. It’s nearly impossible to learn everything from just one or two people."

- Jenn Aubert is author of the book 'Women Entrepreneur Revolution: Ready! Set! Launch!' She is a licensed acupuncturist with a thriving practice in San Francisco. She lives with her two favourite guys, her husband and son. Always in search of her next challenge, she is launching a company focused on educating, empowering, inspiring and connecting women entrepreneurs so they can thrive in business and in life.

Quote of the Day

August 9, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"As women in Africa we have so many industries we can get involved in, embrace them, however, we must not forget our responsibilities at home."

- Sibongile Sambo is a pioneering woman of South African aviation. She is founder and Chief Executive Officer of SRS Aviation Ltd., the first 100 percent black, female-owned aviation services company in South Africa. Launched in 2004, SRS is an integrated provider of private aviation services offering South African and international clients professional and personalized flight options including VIP Charter, tourist charter and helicopter services, to destinations around the world. Today, the company also provides maintenance, sales and fleet management services to private jet owners.

Quote of the Day

August 1, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Speaking about her heroine, the late Professor Wangari Maathai - first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.

“She literally risked her life for what she believed in,”....“She motivated me to devote myself with an equal passion, to helping African girls and women, as well as anything I touch.”

- Dorcas Muthoni is a leading Kenyan entrepreneur, computer scientist and CEO and founder of OPENWORLD. The company she founded at the age of 24 is now a leading e-Government and Business Software Services firm in the Eastern Africa region. Dorcas was inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame in 2014.

Quote of the Day

July 29, 2014 Melanie Hawken

“If you choose your life's work well, something bewitching can happen through your labors. Each hour you log can be a source of joy.”

- Laura Vanderkam is a internationally recognized writer who questions the status quo and helps her readers rediscover their true passions and beliefs in pursuit of more meaningful lives. She is the author of What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast, and 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think.

Quote of the Day

July 25, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Julie Meyer MBE, Chairman and CEO of Ariadne Capital, author of Entrepreneur Country — **Julie Meyer MBE**, Chairman and CEO of Ariadne Capital, author of Entrepreneur Country

“Emerging feminine strength, combined with the fact that women have operated without the traditional means of power at their disposal, gives them the insight into how to win in Entrepreneur Country.”

— Julie Meyer is an American-born entrepreneur, investor, business adviser, networking expert, broadcaster, and business commentator. She is the founder and Chief Executive of Ariadne Capital and the Managing Partner of Ariadne Capital Entrepreneurs Fund (ACE). She is the founder of Entrepreneur Country and was the co-founder of First Tuesday sold in July 2000 to Yazam, a subsidiary of Jerusalem Global, for $50 million. Julie is also one of the two dragons on the BBC’s Dragons' Den online.

Quote of the Day

July 24, 2014 Melanie Hawken

“We may not be able to witness our own eulogy, but we’re actually writing it all the time, every day.”

- Arianna Huffington, from her book Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder

Quote of the Day

July 9, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"I have a philosophy; I question my intention, why am I living in this world? It is tough, and it gets lonely. The harder you work, the lonelier it gets."

"You can be in the non-profit space but think like an entrepreneur, and you can mix that with for-profit partners."

"If you have a farm, you should plant fruits and cash crops. Cash crops will bring income for the family and fruits are enjoyed by the children. A woman must know she has to till the land for the nation."

"If you talk about economic development, it is odd that we, the producers, the creators of employment, do not have access to credit and do not get the kind of tax breaks the traders get."

"We are extremely entrepreneurial and adaptable in South Africa, qualities essential to success in a developing market. We have a lot to share with the world.”

"At 21, I started at the bottom, literally, … I was on my knees putting tape on the soles of models' shoes and steaming clothes and serving snacks at photo shoots. It was my chance to break into magazines and that outweighed everything."

"My kids come first. You know, when you are centered you bring up children who are functional, who can reason, talk, communicate. That is the biggest contribution a woman can make to world peace.”

"We are extremely entrepreneurial, mobile, and versatile and make things happen. Give a Nigerian half a chance and he will excel, no matter where and against what odds."

“We had R300 (US$ 30) for a months rent, R300 for the electricity, and R300 for the outside sign. On our first day we earned 13 cents. In those days a loaf of bread cost 11c, so we had a loaf of bread for supper, and made sandwiches the next day."

"I have absolutely no background. I come from the school of hard knocks. I learnt everything the hard way.”

“Don’t introduce me as the chairman’s wife. I have had to work very hard. I want to be recognised as a person in my own right.”

“My heart goes out to people who don’t share the kind of love that I receive from my family. I believe very strongly in giving to people who unfortunately aren’t able to receive the warmth and love that I receive. I do love helping people who live in difficult situations.”

“We have a saying in our family: 'Press on regardless'. And, we did.”

"As women in Africa we have so many industries we can get involved in, embrace them, however, we must not forget our responsibilities at home."

“She literally risked her life for what she believed in,”....“She motivated me to devote myself with an equal passion, to helping African girls and women, as well as anything I touch.”

“If you choose your life's work well, something bewitching can happen through your labors. Each hour you log can be a source of joy.”

“Emerging feminine strength, combined with the fact that women have operated without the traditional means of power at their disposal, gives them the insight into how to win in Entrepreneur Country.”

“We may not be able to witness our own eulogy, but we’re actually writing it all the time, every day.”

"I have a philosophy; I question my intention, why am I living in this world? It is tough, and it gets lonely. The harder you work, the lonelier it gets."

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