Returnships are a smart way to hire female tech skills

January 13, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Phillipa Geard

In the dynamic landscape of today's workforce, career trajectories are no longer linear. Often, women step away from their careers to raise children, and when the children are of school-going age, these women wish to resume their careers without starting at the bottom and working their way back to their mid-to-senior levels. Returnships are short, paid internships for professionals who have been away from work for some time and are now ready to return to mid-to-senior level positions. Women with skills can start over in their careers by choosing a returnship with a company that knows how valuable work experience is, especially in the tech industry. Returnships enable women to swiftly reenter the workforce, brush up on their skills, and get the required mentoring while resuming their management roles. A few businesses that are effectively using returnships to reintroduce tech skills into the workforce are IBM, Deloitte, and Paypal.

7 Reasons why you should celebrate the small wins

January 13, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Most high performers will only allow themselves to acknowledge the big wins – when they get ‘there'. Some people fear complacency or mediocrity; others place self-worth on achievement and, therefore, will only recognise the 'significant' wins. Many people attribute success to others and won't acknowledge their success, so they sweep the achievement under the rug and quickly move on to the next big thing. If you resonate with any of these points and can only allow in the big achievements, here are some reasons why you should reconsider:

Travel as Therapy - Embracing Adaptability and Growth on the Road

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Anja van Beek, Talent Strategist, Leadership & HR Expert and Executive Coach

Let me just start: I.love.travel. A little-known fact about me is that I travelled abroad for two years after I completed my degree and before starting in my first corporate role. I was in my early 20’s and it was my first time abroad. This is where my love for travelling was ignited as it was amazing to be exposed to new cultures, food, and people, and most of all, to be part of the different communities for more time than usual.

The Entrepreneurial Crossroads: Navigating the Dilemma of Leaving Your Job for Your Business

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane

In the vibrant landscape of professional life, the decision to leave the familiar terrain of a job to embark on the entrepreneurial journey is akin to standing at a crossroads, pondering the paths that lead to passion and independence. For women considering this leap, the journey is not merely a career transition but a dynamic dance between the advantages and disadvantages that shape the narrative of entrepreneurship.

We are not robots!

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Edna Reis

Have you ever stopped to think about how work relationships end up having a huge impact on the way we experience the workday, the way we look at work, the way we motivate ourselves with work and the way we leave work back to home, or from home to work?

KeDezemba Coach! Time to Evaluate Your Progress and Prepare for 2024

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

As we prepare to say “Sala kahle” to another year, it's the perfect time for coaches and consultants to engage in some much-needed reflection. The year 2023 has presented its unique set of challenges and opportunities, and evaluating your progress is crucial to paving the way for a successful 2024. So, let's see how we can go about doing a quick self-assessment and planning, without losing out on all the Dezemba festivities.

Native Child Celebrates Multiple Beauty and Hair-Care Industry Award Wins in South Africa

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Awards & Accolades

Native Child, the visionary natural beauty and hair-care brand founded by Sonto Pooe in South Africa, triumphed with multiple industry award wins to round out a successful year. Sonto scooped up double Gold Awards at the prestigious Gold Pack Awards held on 21 November 2023 which are known for recognizing innovation in packaging. The honors were bestowed upon Native Child for their outstanding Hair Colour bottle design, a creation attributed to the ingenuity of Sonto Pooe herself. Sonto and Native Child have been on a winning streak with the brand also securing the Clicks Supplier Enterprise Development (SED) Award for 2023 the same month.

Scale Your Small Business: The Definitive Guide to a Sustainable Business and Fulfilling Life by Linda Chung

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

For all those women entrepreneurs looking for a definitive guide on how to grow a small business, Linda Chung, acclaimed small business growth expert and coach, has a new book, Scale Your Small Business, to help you build your financial freedom and enrich your life and others.

Mauricia Cox, a South African holistic wellness and beauty brandbuilder

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Mauricia Cox, founder, Wellchemco (South Africa)

Startup Story

Mauricia Cox is an entrepreneur and water/wastewater treatment engineer in South Africa who has witnessed at first-hand the impact of pollutants on water sources. Her company, Wellchemco, revolutionizes the beauty industry with a focus on mindful beauty and holistic wellness. Through an ethically produced range of products, Mauricia aims to inspire a cultural shift toward a more conscious approach to personal care, blending technical expertise with sustainability. Passionate about environmental stewardship, she believes entrepreneurship can drive positive change. Wellchemco reflects Mauricia's commitment to contributing positively to people and the planet, challenging beauty norms with consciousness, compassion, and intention.

Avashna Ramnarain, a South African edupreneur creating innovative learning experiences for children

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Avashna Ramnarain, founder and CEO, Mindful Masterminds (South Africa)

Startup Story

Avashna Ramnarain, visionary founder and CEO of Mindful Masterminds in South Africa, is dedicated to transforming children's lives through innovative learning experiences, initiatives, and resources. She is a seasoned, award-winning marketing expert with over 15 years former corporate, Africa Marketing experience at one of the continent’s largest PC and Printing manufacturers where she earned recognition for initiatives in the education sector. She belonged to their leadership team, Sustainability team, as well as the Women Impact Network for Africa. With her esteemed career in Technology Marketing and a foundation in Psychology & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Avashna initiated an undertaking to redefine the approach to enhance mental and emotional resilience in children.

Nelly Cheboi, a Kenyan edupreneur changing lives through technology

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Techlit Africa, a social impact business enabling children to fulfill their potential through digital skills development in Kenya

Nelly Cheboi is the founder of TechLit Africa, an organization that teaches digital skills in rural primary schools, and the winner of the 2022 CNN Hero award. Nelly grew up in the rural village of Mogotio in Kenya. She received a full scholarship to study computer science at Augustana College in Illinois in 2012 and graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and computer science. Nelly built a school in Kenya, called Zawadi Yetu, during her junior year of college in 2018, and started to transport donated computers from the United States to Kenya. In 2019, she founded the nonprofit TechLit Africa with another software engineer, Tyler Cinnamon, after quitting their jobs. The organization, headquartered in Kenya at Zawadi Yetu, teaches 4000 students aged 5–14 basic computer skills and redistributes recycled technology to enable the creation of computer labs in African schools. They have built 10 computer labs in rural Kenya and have plans for 100 more. In 2022, Nelly was named as one of the 30 under 30 on the Forbes list for social impact and in the same year was also the recipient of the CNN Hero award.

Are we mindful, vulnerable, and okay NOT being, OK?

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nadia Absalom

I find it difficult at times to encapsulate what I would like to share with you. Then the little voice inside always nudges me and asks, “are you practicing what you are teaching? Are you keeping it REAL? Are you living the highest truest version of yourself?

Unleash the Spirit of Giving

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

Recently our training adventures took us to RCL Foods in Westville, KZN. I was amazed by the beautiful functional local art used in boardrooms, staircases and all open areas. Recycled items and nature are infused in beautiful ways. But what really caught my eye, was how many meals RCL Do More Foundation donate on a daily basis – well done! We are proud to be associated with you!

From Idea to Execution: The Ultimate Business Startup Guide by Tye Threats

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Book review

Entrepreneur, Tye Threats, author of the new book, From Idea to Execution: The Ultimate Business Startup Guide, says that if you are harboring a brilliant business idea but don't know how to transform it into a thriving venture, you need a roadmap. If you are eager to start your own business but feeling overwhelmed by the countless details and decisions involved, then Tye’s new book is your comprehensive roadmap to turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Burnout In the Modern Workplace: Are you tired of feeling tired?

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Marilize Jacobs

Do you constantly feel exhausted? Do you struggle with sleep? Do you feel that you are not coping at work? Do you generally feel unwell; perhaps even battling high blood pressure, frequent headaches and stomach issues such as cramps and diarrhoea? You might just suffer from burnout, a condition now officially recognised by The World Health Organisation (WHO).

Making the Distinction Between Challenges and Excuses: A Guide for Coaches and Consultants by Thembe Khumalo

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

As coaches and consultants, our ability to identify and address obstacles effectively is a crucial part of the work we do. Whether it's helping clients overcome their challenges or managing our own coaching and consulting practice, understanding the difference between challenges and excuses is vital. Here are some indicators of whether you are dealing with a challenge or an excuse…

Natasha Pearce, a champion of the Circular Economy empowering women with new skills

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Natasha Pearce, founder & ceo of Vivacious Eco Vixon (South Africa)

Startup Story

Natasha Pearce is the founder and ceo of Vivacious Eco Vixon located in Cape Town, South Africa. She is an award winning entrepreneur and her business is focused on the the Circular Economy. Vivacious Eco Vixon was founded in 2018 and creates reusable home and lifestyle products that are the eco conscious alternative to single use items we use in our everyday lives. All products are locally produced in Cape Town from textile and clothing industry discarded waste. Natasha supports different sewing projects around South Africa that empower woman with new life skills by upskilling them through learning how to sew.

Elicha Fernandes Valdez, an entrepreneur in Mozambique turning her passion for Macramé into a business

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Elicha Fernandes Valdez, founder, MacramêbyElicha (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Elicha Fernandes Valdez is originally from Cape Verde and has lived in Maputo, Mozambique for 3 years with her family. Graduated in Medicine, she found in Macramé a way to redefine herself, express her creativity and occupy her time, adding quality and beauty to her days. About 2 years ago she created the brand MacramêbyElicha and today shares her art with the world through his Instagram and Facebook pages.

Gita Langa, a Mozambican entrepreneur turning floral passion into business

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Floural, a growing specialist floral design and gifting business in Mozambique

Gita Langa is the owner and founder of Floural, a specialist business in Mozambique offering beautiful flower arrangements and floral gifts to customers in the country. She has an education in Auditing, Compliance and Business Management and a full-time job as Global Compliance Manager in an International non-profit organization. Gita has two big passions, compliance and flowers, and believes that God is her light and strength in all she is and does. She developed a passion for flowers in her childhood, influenced by her mother's love for Chrysanthemums. When young, she used to buy flowers for the home. She never imagined at that age that she would eventually open a florist business, as her dream was to be a fashion designer. At the time, she loved to design clothes and used to do it for herself and her friends - just one of her hidden talents.

Shhhh….The secret to building online marketplaces

December 17, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

One of the many joys of working at Lionesses of Africa is that we have membership in so many different industries, from Fashion and Beauty, to Security, to Health, to Agro-processing, to Construction, to Road Building, to PR and Marketing, to Tech in its many forms, to…, no day is the same. There are also a number of Lionesses who have built and are building marketplaces. Not so simple as we might think. There are so many issues to think about - and assumptions that will be hopeless and overnight just wipeout their dream. Here’s a hint - ‘If I build it, they will come’, never works. Welcome to the world of the Chicken and the Egg.

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