Let’s go ‘Lean!’

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

We ended last week by introducing the term ‘Lean organisation’. To create more value for customers with less resources. What you are aiming for is to provide perfect value to the customer through perfect value creation with zero waste. As we pointed out ‘perfection’ cannot be attained, but by aiming for perfection, so we get incredible results…

Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula, a respected and influential security industry player

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Securico Security Services, the Zimbabwean security services company transforming the industry landscape.

Through hard work, determination and focus, Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula has built her company to become the most respected and sought-after player in the security industry in Zimbabwe and internationally. She is the founder and Managing Director of DDNS Security Operations (Pvt) Ltd, the holding company under which SECURICO SECURITY SERVICES fall. Through her leadership, SECURICO now employs over 4 000 people and has become a multiple award-winning organisation. Divine herself has been listed among 100 Most Reputable Africans in 2020 by Reputation Poll International and was also named by Forbes magazine among the Most Influential Women in Africa.

How can you create wealth through residential property investment?

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Matthew Edwards

The idea of investing in residential property is considered so intimidating by some, it’s often avoided entirely as a vehicle for wealth creation. The thought of finding the perfect property, applying for a sizable loan, navigating taxes and transfer duties, and finding an acceptable tenant, is enough to make any aspiring new investor turn to easier options – with far lower barriers to entry and less commitment.

Influencers and contracts

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Claire Keet Pollock and Sinal Govender, Co-Founders of pop.law

Based on a few chats we’ve had with people in our community, it appears there’s a bit of a vibe around freelance contracts. Especially when it comes to influencers and the contracts they do and don’t sign with the brands that they work with. (We know there’s also a bit of a vibe around the term “influencer” - call it what you will: digital creator, mom-fluencer, curator, online ambassador). What we’re talking about are people who market or review things to their online communities in exchange for a product, payment, trade exchange or sponsorship.

If you’ve had enough of COVID, then you need to read this…

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

“If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it”. - Mary Engelbreit

In 2018, I got the opportunity to tick off an item that had been on my bucket list for the past 8 years – to do a TEDx talk. Around the fifteenth draft, I was finally ready to send this off to my coach for review. At this point, I thought I had nailed it and was ready to move onto the next phase of preparing for the stage.

Send the elevator down

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Moyosola Kara

Women empowerment shouldn’t be a fad, a trend you embody because you feel you ought to; as a black woman charting her path to success I’m about to say what needs to be said - an unpopular opinion you didn’t request but which I will give to you anyway.

Making change – that most difficult yet essential thing

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Sharon Castle

It’s been a month since I had the energy or the motivation to write this blog. Normally I love writing and sharing with my audience but it’s been a time of challenges and some things just weren’t my priority.

Kathy de Araújo, a Mozambican entrepreneur with a passion for personal development and self knowledge

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Kathy de Araújo, co-founder of Fluir - Centro de Desenvolvimento Pessoal (Mozambique)

Startup Story

For all those people in Mozambique who want to develop and improve their quality of life and find greater harmony with their communities and the environment in which they live, help is at hand. Fluir - Centro de Desenvolvimento Pessoal, co-founded by coach Kathy de Araújo and yoga instructor Adriana Jamisse, offers a holistic approach through yoga and coaching workshops, and positively changing lives.

Marta Vânia Uetela, a Mozambican entrepreneur changing the lives of amputees with her prostheses

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of BioMec (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Inspired to find a solution to the problem of 90% of amputees in Mozambique never getting access to prosthetic limbs to improve their lives, young entrepreneur Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of BioMec, came up with a plan. Today, she is changing lives through her innovations.

Quote of the Day Bathabile Mpofu

September 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“I had a lightbulb moment, and I knew what my purpose in life was and I made up my mind to do something about it.”

Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Thembe Khumalo / Listen to your employees

September 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Thembe Khumalo, founder and Managing Director, Brandbuilder (Zimbabwe)

Listen to your employees!…

“Your employees may not realize how important it is that they be heard. Help them understand that diverse views make for better decisions.”

Thembe Khumalo, founder and Managing Director, Brandbuilder (Zimbabwe)

Quote of the Day by Thiitu Karega

September 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Our desire is to give value to our customers and remind them that Africa has always valued its natural beauty which we must reclaim.”

Thiitu Karega, founder, Binti Naturals, (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Zilia Ximenes / Be patient and resilient

September 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Zilia Ximenes (Zila), founder, Zximenes-Soluções Imobiliárias, Lda (Angola)

Be patient and resilient!…

“Be patient and resilient, don't give up... starting a business is not easy but if you have the courage, in the end everything works out.”

Zilia Ximenes (Zila), founder, Zximenes-Soluções Imobiliárias, Lda (Angola)

Quote of the Day by Ubong Agina

September 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“The entrepreneurial journey is not easy; it requires a large heart. However, as challenging as it may be, just as a child's first attempts at walking, success is sure with clear focus.”

Ubong Agina, founder of Nubeeka Concepts (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Nancy Munderu / Start with what you have now

September 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Nancy Munderu, founder, Travel Shore Africa (Kenya)

Start with what you have now!…

“Start now. Do not give excuses or wait for the big break. Start with what you have now and follow your dreams.”

Nancy Munderu, founder, Travel Shore Africa (Kenya)

Quote of the Day by Anabela Marcos

September 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“I realized that often the most important thing is that people have an opportunity.”

Anabela Marcos, founder & ceo, Gestao Profissional (GP) (Angola)

Entrepreneur Advice from Cindy Matlapeng / Start your entrepreneurial journey now

September 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Cindy Matlapeng, founder, The Office Team Cleaning and Support Services, (Botswana)

Start your entrepreneurial journey now!…

“Start NOW, you will figure it all out later. I am saying this because one step on the staircase leads to the other, then the other, until you finally reach your destination.”

Cindy Matlapeng, founder, The Office Team Cleaning and Support Services, (Botswana)

Quote of the Day by Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka

September 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“It is not an easy journey but it is worth every struggle.”

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

Entrepreneur Advice from Tiguidanke Camara / Never give up

September 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tiguidanke Camara, founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tigui Mining Group (TMG)

Never give up!…...

“Surround yourself with experts, work hard and always remain professional. Most of all, never give up.”

Tiguidanke Camara, founder & CEO of Tigui Mining Group (TMG)

Changing the future of the energy sector

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa | by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors, Absa

In his fourth and final article, Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors at Absa, shares his views on the technologies that are changing the future of the energy sector, allowing for even greater adoption of renewable energy solutions.

“I had a lightbulb moment, and I knew what my purpose in life was and I made up my mind to do something about it.”

“Your employees may not realize how important it is that they be heard. Help them understand that diverse views make for better decisions.”

“Our desire is to give value to our customers and remind them that Africa has always valued its natural beauty which we must reclaim.”

“Be patient and resilient, don't give up... starting a business is not easy but if you have the courage, in the end everything works out.”

“The entrepreneurial journey is not easy; it requires a large heart. However, as challenging as it may be, just as a child's first attempts at walking, success is sure with clear focus.”

“Start now. Do not give excuses or wait for the big break. Start with what you have now and follow your dreams.”

“I realized that often the most important thing is that people have an opportunity.”

“Start NOW, you will figure it all out later. I am saying this because one step on the staircase leads to the other, then the other, until you finally reach your destination.”

“It is not an easy journey but it is worth every struggle.”

“Surround yourself with experts, work hard and always remain professional. Most of all, never give up.”

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