Don’t be the weakest link!

October 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

Tuning into the fabulous Harvard/Lionesses of Africa ‘Women and the Changing Face of Entrepreneurship in Africa’ Conference this week, and seeing all our friends from the 100 Lionesses Club (we really must change that to ‘Celebration’, not ‘Club’) made us think of one legend of a Lioness who went to Harvard, (who’s short, simple yet very effective obituary we recently read from A16Z in their September newsletter here), who led before us creating the pathway for so many of us to follow. Sadly recently departed, the one and only RBG, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Mindfully… written

October 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Ashika Pillay

Mindfulness is a topic that is close to my heart. My personal journey as a medical professional, teacher, coach, and healer has been profoundly shifted by my journey to “Inner space”. I started meditating in 2013 when we took a family holiday to India, and the Deepak and Oprah 21 Day meditation was the perfect entry for my husband Thiru and myself. Since then, we’ve both gone deep and wide in our exploration, and learning of ourselves, our minds, and the world.

5 Hacks To Truly Own Your Time

October 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

“Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.” – John De Paola

I’m sure at some point in your life, you have come across the dreaded ‘scope creep’. If you’ve ever done a building or renovation project, I’m quite sure things didn’t quite come in on the original budget. There was ‘just this’ one last thing that you hadn’t taken into consideration. Or a project at work had much more involved than you originally anticipated and left you scrambling to try and produce more for the same resources.

Live in the present moment

October 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Georgina Angélica

Today, I don't hear the expression “live in the present moment.” In fact, the first time that I woke up to the meaning of these words was through Eckhart Tolle’s book, ‘The Power of Now.’

Quote of the Day by Anita Quansah

September 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“You only know how strong you are when being strong is the only option you have.”

Anita Quansah, founder, Anita Quansah London (UK)

Entrepreneur Advice from Sibonelo Gamnca / Have a vision that is bigger than you

September 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Sibonelo Gamnca, co-founder of EcoDiesel (South Africa)

Have a vision that is bigger than you!…

“Have a vision that is bigger than you, that will wake you up each day, work in the present to bring it to life and find like-minded people who share your purpose."

Sibonelo Gamnca, co-founder of EcoDiesel (South Africa)

Kofo Akinkugbe, a Nigerian innovator and technology market leader

September 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lionesses Weekender Cover Story

Secure ID, Africa’s market leader in smart card technology and digital security.

Kofo Akinkugbe is a Nigerian innovator and technology market leader. This remarkable woman entrepreneur founded a company that today is recognised globally as a market leader in Africa's smart card technology and digital security industry.

Lioness Launch / Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka launches new Team Gorilla Song to celebrate World Gorilla Day

September 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Screen Shot 2020-09-27 at 2.42.59 PM.jpg

Lioness Launch

Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of CTPH (Conservation Through Public Health) and Gorilla Conservation Coffee launched the premiere of a great Team Gorilla song, performed by famous Ugandan music artist #Gasuza, on Spotify to celebrate World Gorilla Day on 24 September 2020.

Oxygen for your Transformation, or “Show me the Money!”

September 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

Last weekend, we looked at ‘Lean Transformations’ and within that we pointed out that McKinsey had shown that 70% of transformations failed due to no buy-in from or a failure to carry these important stakeholders: Board, Management, Employees (and not necessarily in that order).

Why is my utility bill so high?

September 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Vishay Rabbipal, Head of Renewable Energy, Absa

As the Covid-19 crisis spread around the world, many people started working from home which required embracing life in a ‘new normal’ overnight. If you are working from home, it is important to feel comfortable in your space. It is natural that working from home means that you will be using more energy.

Launching While Female: Smashing the System That Holds Women Entrepreneurs Back by Susanne Althoff

September 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

In her brand new book, Launching While Female: Smashing the System That Holds Women Entrepreneurs Back, journalist and professor Susanne Althoff investigates the obstacles women and nonbinary entrepreneurs - especially those of colour - face when launching, funding, and growing their companies, obstacles that persist because the current start-up world was engineered by and for white men. An exposé of the gender gap in entrepreneurship and a road map for a more inclusive and economically successful future for us all.

Take care of those who care!

September 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Georgina Angélica

Is it possible to change the world through the personal and professional training of early childhood educators and thus positively impact children's lives? Much is said about the well-being of children, but little is said or acknowledged about the well-being of those who spend hours, days, weeks, years caring for these same children.

What are the rules that govern personal data protection and cybersecurity in South Africa?

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi

Cybersecurity laws and policies have a direct impact on human rights, particularly the right to privacy, freedom of expression, and the free flow of information. The world over, policymakers have created several national policies with the intention of balancing these rights; protecting information communication technologies (ICTs) systems against malicious attacks and minimizing data breaches.

Empower your kids with financial literacy

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Kathryn Main - Money Savvy Kids

The world has been thrown off its centre due to Covid-19 and the implications thereof. Our country is in a state of emergency and lockdown has resulted in jobs being lost, salaries being cut, personal finances being destroyed and an economy that is damaged. However, despite these circumstances we still have to find a way to manage our finances, take care of our families and ourselves and move forward.

How safe are you in your office park?

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya (née Kortjass)

The office complex model is marketed as the security solution for small businesses. As a result, tenants can become complacent about security, believing 'the guard at the gate' will protect both staff and assets.

Sofia Pedrosa, an entrepreneur developing special tea blends for health conscious consumers in Mozambique

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of  Mokcha (Mozambique) — Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of Mokcha (Mozambique)

Startup Story

As the world becomes increasingly health conscious, so consumers are constantly on the look-out for products that will contribute to their sustainable lifestyle. In Mozambique, entrepreneur and nutritionist Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of Mokcha, is introducing consumers to soothing and relaxing teas and natural infusions that aid health and wellbeing.

Sibonelo Gamnca, a South African entrepreneur helping businesses reduce their carbon tax footprint

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Startup Story

As the world looks to reduce CO2 emissions in order to address the growing threat of climate change, one South African business is playing its part. EcoDiesel, co-founded by Sibonelo Gamnca, is making the process of choosing biodiesel easy for customers who want to be more environmentally conscious.

Quote of the Day by Nonny Penelope Wright

September 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Nonny Penelope Wright, founder, founder of Lopey Inc. and Sereledi Dairy Brand (Botswana)

“What gives me satisfaction is knowing that something I have nurtured is blossoming and becoming a reality. Watching it grow even in tough situations makes my everyday life worthwhile.”

Nonny Penelope Wright, founder, founder of Lopey Inc. and Sereledi Dairy Brand (Botswana)

Entrepreneur Advice from Lisa Videira / Keep moving

September 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lisa Videira, founder of LV Digital Lda, (Angola)

Keep moving!…

“Whenever you feel you are sinking, ask for help, advice, tips - scream and cry if necessary - but keep in mind that the storm will pass and you will keep moving.”

Lisa Videira, founder of LV Digital Lda, (Angola)

Meet Botswana's exciting women entrepreneur brand builders

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Spotlight / Botswana

When people think about Botswana and business, what might immediately come to mind is travel and tourism, diamonds, and agriculture, to name but a few. But there are many exciting businesses and brands being built in the country by women entrepreneurs who have other products and services to offer to both local and global consumers. These include fashion designers and textile manufacturers, legal and business services companies, aviation businesses, food processing companies, floral designers, beauty and wellness product manufacturing businesses, and so much more. Not only are they business success stories in their own right, but they are also inspiring a new generation of young women entrepreneurs who want to follow in their footsteps.