Agility trumps forecasting

August 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

Question: “What do you get if you wrap all the Economists in the world around the globe end to end?” Answer: “No conclusion…” This was attributed to George Bernard Shaw in May 1933 and he does seem to have a point. With so many conflicting views in the early stages of the Coronavirus attack, even from Scientists who we have always believed live in a binary world rather than the ‘Is it a Science or is it an Art’ world of Economics, should we start to question the worth of forecasting? What conclusions can any of us draw currently?

What is the Pandemic offering you?

August 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Kathy Mann, Author & Speaker

In the first week of 2020, I drove from my home in Johannesburg to Durban to spend a week interviewing my grandmother about her life for a book. It was fascinating to hear about how life was as a teenager for my grandmother during the Second World War in England.

Emotional Contagion

August 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Ashika Pillay

It’s not just the virus that’s contagious…

With the advent of COVID-19, most people have become familiar with concepts related to infectious disease, how viruses are spread and transmitted. However, beneath the real threat of the virus and its impact on our health and wellbeing, lurks another infectious disease. Anxiety and fear are real threats that pose a massive risk to us.

Coronavirus Anxiety

August 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Julia Ranzani

Every now and then when I check the CORONAVIRUS WORLDOMETER or hear NEWS ABOUT COVID-19. I get this ice cold fear running down my spine. I can’t help it, my mind jumps to horrific images inspired by silly doomsday action movies. So for a moment I’m overwhelmed with CORONAVIRUS ANXIETY.

Ignore the NO, focus on the YES

August 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

Two weeks ago I submitted my writing to an organization that is looking for content writers. I was referred by a friend. After 2 weeks I was about to ask if they had received my work for the opportunity but I received the reply first. And it was a NO. I will admit, I feared that it was a no before I opened the email; I tried to reprimand myself. Why am I expecting the worst? Well I did receive the worst.

Top 10 Keyword Research Tools To Boost Your Organic Traffic

August 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Wuraola Ademola-Shanu

If people can’t find your site on search results, you are missing out on traffic, leads, and most importantly, sales!

One of the best ways to solve the problem of low traffic is with keyword research tools. Google uses keyword as an important SEO ranking factor. This is because searches only find content that Google thinks is relevant to what they are searching for.

Why is criticism bad for a relationship?

August 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

You might’ve heard of Maslow’s hierarchy and having to meet our basic needs of food and shelter being key for our survival. Well, as human beings one of our other basic needs is to be loved and accepted for who we are – especially when it comes to our relationships.

Quote of the Day by Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka

July 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“My children helped me to find my purpose and passion, and now I am also making a profit.”

Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, founder, Uhuru Botanicals (United Kingdom / South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Petrina Auino-Mwandingi / Have patience and reap the rewards

July 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, Founder, KOVA (Namibia)

Have patience and reap the rewards!…

“They tell you it's hard to start a business, but often you don't hear about just how long it takes. It can take time, a long time, to really see your business thrive and it takes real patience to keep waiting to finally reap the fruits of your labour.”

Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, Founder, KOVA (Namibia)

Quote of the Day by Shaida Seni

July 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“A good business is the one where all involved win.”

Shaida Seni, Founder, PRACTIVA (Mozambique)

Entrepreneur Advice from Mara Cancune / Invest in yourself

July 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Mara Cancune, Founder, CharbanúRH - Consultoria e Capacitação (Mozambique)

Invest in yourself!…

“All women must follow their instincts, no person is able to decide the course of our lives other than us. We must invest in ourselves, make that internal investment. We must change our ways of being, acting, thinking and, yes, it will change our lives.”

Mara Cancune, Founder, CharbanúRH - Consultoria e Capacitação (Mozambique)

Quote of the Day by Mandisa Makubalo

July 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“We are living in times where the way of doing business and living has been redefined for years to come.”

Mandisa Makubalo, Founder, Unlimited Experiences SA (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Carine Zoe Umutoni

July 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Carine-Zoe Umutoni, Founder, ONYX (Rwanda)

Know your purpose!…

“Knowing your purpose is key as it brings satisfaction to the soul. Fulfill your purpose ladies and shine. This is our time. Nobody can believe in you if you do not believe in yourself. Believing in you is the first step.”

Carine-Zoe Umutoni, Founder, ONYX (Rwanda)

Quote of the Day by Nqobile and Zandile Magagula

July 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“The end product and the satisfaction we see from each and every client is priceless. It is not an easy journey, but it is worth it.”

Nqobile and Zandile Magagula, founders, Zinoky Investments (eSwatini)

Entrepreneur Advice from Bukky Asehinde / Be consistent

July 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Bukky Asehinde, Founder, Bellafricana (Nigeria)

Be consistent!…

“Don’t be in a rush to “make it” - the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. Being consistent gives room for growth and gets you to the successful end goal.”

Bukky Asehinde, Founder, Bellafricana (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Josie van Aswegen

July 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Having one’s own business is an opportunity to learn and grow and to re-invent oneself as the trends change and unexpected events happen.”

Josie van Aswegen, owner, Fabulous Flowers (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Eunice Andrade / Believe in your dreams

July 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Eunice Andrade, Founder, Fabrazilbyeunice (Mozambique)

Believe in your dreams!…

“Believe in your dreams and never give up. Go ahead and face the challenges and you will have success.”

Eunice Andrade, Founder, Fabrazilbyeunice (Mozambique)

Samantha Skyring, a global brand builder inspired by the Kalahari

July 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Samantha Skyring, founder of Oryx Desert Salt (South Africa)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Oryx Desert Salt, bringing a taste of the Kalahari to the world’s kitchens

With the world looking to source more sustainable, ethically produced and renewable sources of foodstuffs, one South African business venture, Oryx Desert Salt, founded by entrepreneur Samantha Skyring, is looking to bring an exceptional source of salt to enrich both the flavour of food and also promote good health.

Make Your Mondays Matter: Discover the secrets to propel your business to the next level by Jo James

July 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

If you wake up on a Monday morning with ambition for your business to grow each day but by Friday haven’t fulfilled your goals, then you need help. Business coach Jo James has written a new book, Make Your Mondays Matter, aimed at helping entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level in terms of growth and income. This award-winning book will give you proven strategies for success and one full year of support mechanisms to keep you on track.

Nondumiso Zendile, a South African woman in construction helping to urbanize previously disadvantaged areas

July 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Nondumiso Zendile, founder of Kingsworth Civils and Construction Pty Ltd (South Africa)

Startup Story

In South Africa, the need for well constructed, affordable housing, commercial and industrial buildings has never been greater in terms of building a sustainable economy. For entrepreneur Nondumiso Zendile, owner and ceo of Kingsworth Civils and Construction Pty Ltd, her goal is to be part of the solution to meet such needs.