Kemisola Bolarinwa, a Nigerian pioneer in wearable technology

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Nextwear Technologies, the first wearable technology startup in Nigeria, developing technology worn close to the body to solve health issues.

Kemisola Bolarinwa is the founder of Nextwear Technologies, the pioneering wearable technology startup launched in Nigeria in 2020, and which now employs 9 people. She is a distinguished Robotics and Embedded System Engineer with over 13 years of exceptional tech expertise. Through Nextwear Technologies, Kemisola designs and develops innovative wearable technology that addresses health-related challenges. One of her notable contributions to the field is the invention of the groundbreaking wearable Smart Bra Cup Diagnostic Device, designed to detect the earliest stages of breast cancer—an unprecedented advancement in healthcare technology that has earned her global recognition and awards.

How Megatrends are turbocharging the speed and pervasiveness of change

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

PwC brought out a report on five ‘Megatrends that would impact the world, in 2013, and then updated it in 2022, and all that they wrote about 10 years ago is not only relevant today but even more of a concern. These ‘Megatrends’ are “… characterized as deep and profound trends, global in scope and long-term in effect, touching everyone on the planet and shaping our world for many years to come.” (here). They go on to say and certainly show that not only have these Megatrends transformed the world faster than they had thought, but the interaction has in their words “…turbocharged both the speed and pervasiveness of change.”

Who Is That Doctor You Are Considering Employing?

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In a recent article, there was much controversy about a politician who had been writing Doctor before his name for many years. On further investigation, he was a “doctor in the ministry of counselling” from Trinity International University, Ghana’s campus in South Africa in 2008. “Trinity is not accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority, the National Qualifications Framework, or the Council on Higher Education for Higher Education Qualifications. Trinity is also not accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Committee, although the ‘university’ operates out of Ghana.” Due to the institutions’ lack of accreditation or importance outside of a church, South Africans thought that this “Doctorate” should not count. Nor should this politician refer to himself as a doctor. This poses the question, how relevant is a qualification if it does not bring the required skill set to the party?

Unlocking Your Potential with The Power of Investing in Personal Growth

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

What does it take to be an empowered woman? When it comes to juggling careers, family, and social obligations, it's easy to put our own development on the back burner. However, the truth is that investing in your personal growth is not just a luxury - it's a necessity for creating a life of purpose and fulfillment. Here's why now is the time to prioritize your self-investment and some practical considerations to keep in mind.

Tips for South Africans Navigating Cross-Border Transactions

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

Cross-border transactions play a crucial role in global commerce by allowing South African businesses to extend their reach and participate in international markets. However, these transactions present distinct legal challenges that need to be handled carefully to ensure compliance and reduce risks. South African businesses involved in cross-border transactions must navigate a complex regulatory environment.

Thinking Bigger: Why Women Entrepreneurs Must Embrace Bold Ambitions

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Sarah Dusek

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned throughout my entrepreneurial journey, it’s this: success requires us to think bigger. Far too often, I meet female entrepreneurs with brilliant ideas who aren’t dreaming big enough. We hold ourselves back by playing small, thinking that modest goals are more achievable. But the truth is, by limiting our ambitions, we’re not only underestimating ourselves—we’re also undercutting the potential of our businesses.

Meet 23 Mozambican Women Green Business Builders Making A Positive Impact on the Environment

September 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Mozambique Green Businesses In Focus

Regular attendees at Lionesses of Africa’s Green Lioness Lean In events in Mozambique will know that as an impact-driven organisation we are committed to showcasing women eco-preneurs who are creating sustainable businesses, and importantly, much needed green jobs too. Each one is making their mark in their sector and community. But what they share in common is a passion for the eco-focused businesses they are creating, the desire to innovate in order to find solutions to real environmental challenges, and the motivation to create opportunities and jobs for local people. These Lionesses of Africa are not just showcasing their own unique green products and services to the world, but they are also making a real difference to their communities and their country as a whole.

Partnering Success: The Force Multiplier to Achieve Exponential Growth by Theresa Caragol

September 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

In Theresa Caragol’s new book, Partnering Success: The Force Multiplier to Achieve Exponential Growth, she and her AchieveUnite team present a groundbreaking approach to building strategic alliances that drive innovation and success. This book guides readers through the transformative impact of trust, collaboration, and genuine partnerships in the modern business landscape.

Marta Uetela, a Mozambican eco-innovator constructing bicycles from marine plastic waste

September 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Marta Uetela, founder, Baaike (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Marta Uetela is the founder of Baaike in Mozambique, a studio dedicated to designing and constructing bicycles from plastic waste collected from the ocean, Marta is on a mission to offer alternatives to conventional transportation while raising awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution in our oceans. She is a product design engineer and a solutions-oriented entrepreneur with a deep passion for product design and alternative manufacturing systems. She believes in the potential of Generation Z and the transformative power of design and engineering to rethink and reshape a more sustainable world.

Brenda Hart, a South African entrepreneur realizing a dream of building a bespoke furniture design business

September 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Brenda Hart, founder, Soft&Co (South Africa)

Startup Story

For South African entrepreneur Brenda Hart, starting a bespoke furniture design business at the age of 50 is a bold and rewarding endeavour. As founder of Soft&Co, she draws on her extensive experience in interior design to create furniture that is both beautiful and meaningful. She says, “Soft&Co gives me a niche to concentrate on and a fresh channel for my enduring love for design. It’s not just a business to me, but a celebration of a life’s work and a testament to the power of following your dreams at any age.”

Hellen Dausen, a Tanzanian natural skincare brand-builder

September 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hellen Dausen is the founder and owner of Nuya's Essence based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She is an award-winning serial entrepreneur and business leader. Hellen's skincare business, which was founded in 2013 and today employs 12 people, aims to help women find readily available skincare products for daily use to enhance healthy living, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Hellen was listed by Forbes Africa 30 under 30 in 2016 as the most promising entrepreneur to watch in Africa. Her resilience, hard work, and determination have brought Nuya's Essence local and international recognition. Hellen holds a bachelor's Degree from the United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya. She lives with her husband and daughter in Dar es Salaam.

The Case for Accountability, Transparency and Authenticity

September 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles with stakeholder management have become essential for present-day organisations looking to succeed and make a positive impact. This is because ESG is more than sustainability reports, it’s a compass through which an organisation can navigate its relationships with stakeholders.

Mentorship as a Key Strategy for Entrepreneurial Development

September 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

I think most of us can agree that you cannot do life alone. You cannot take certain journey’s alone and you cannot advance in your entrepreneurship endeavours alone. The power of partnerships also applies to mentorship. Mentorship is a transformative force that guides entrepreneurs through challenges, offers wisdom, and fosters growth. As an entrepreneur, a mentor's guidance will provide you with clarity, accelerate your learning, and instils confidence. Their support and perspective illuminate paths which help you to nurture your talent, unlock your potential, and shapes both your personal and professional success. There are many value adds to finding a mentor and to understanding the context of mentorship (leveraging the experiences of those who are further along than you are).

How to Discover Your Formula for Happiness

September 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Happiness is subjective because we all have different rules for what it will take to be happy. I am not here to give you a magic formula but rather to offer a set of questions to help you understand what it means for you.

When Next You Review Your Employee Screening Policy Consider Making Skills Assessment Part of It

September 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Employee Screening is an ever-evolving process, no employee screening policy should be cast in stone and remain that way long term. This process should be regularly reviewed and updated to evolve as the human risk factor evolves.

Absa invites women and youth business owners to level up their skills at the SME Funding Readiness Webinar Series

September 1, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content

As part of an active commitment to support women entrepreneurs, Absa in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, is launching a capacity-building training programme specifically designed to help level the playing field for women in business. The training programme is designed to address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs by leveraging the expertise and resources of all three partners. Using different learning platforms, the programme will deliver tailored training, mentorship and financial solutions to help fill in the skills gap currently faced by business owners.

Sail to Scale: Steer Your Startup Clear of Mistakes from Launch to Exit by Mona Sabet, Heather Jerrehian and Maria Fernandez Guajardo

August 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Mona Sabet, Heather Jerrehian & Fernandez Guajardo

by Mona Sabet, Heather Jerrehian and Maria Fernandez Guajardo

In their new book, Sail to Scale, authors Mona Sabet, Heather Jerrehian, and Maria Fernandez Guajardo acknowledge that most new businesses fail, and yet most failures are avoidable. While some startups may catch favorable winds, most will encounter stormy seas that can capsize their ventures. Understanding how to navigate these choppy waters is crucial. You don't learn to captain a warship by training to sail fast on calm seas.

YOU are brave enough to do this!

August 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Imposter Syndrome. Yes that’s right, it’s time to pull back the duvet and look this thing straight in the face and call it out for what it is. In the HBR article ‘Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome’ by Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey (here) they say: “Imposter syndrome is loosely defined as doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud. It disproportionately affects high-achieving people, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments.” Note - ‘high-achieving people’, not high-achieving women, yet women seem to admit to it more or are allowed to own it more (‘allowed’ - you know what we’re talking about!). Yet over 70% of us have experienced this at one or more times, that’s both male and female.

Master Your Business: 17 Proven Strategies for Turning Passion into Profit

August 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Starting and running a business is no small feat. It requires more than just passion; it demands a strategic approach, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Let’s delve into some essential strategies that will help you handle your business like a pro.

The Art of Bouncing Back and Sustaining Real Change

August 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Ndlovu

We don’t know our strength until we are tested! We do not know what we can achieve until we start getting to work. Imagine a situation where the world as you knew it, has changed. Your whole family structure, living arrangement, and budget changed. This was me. I woke up one day, and my life was changing. I was divorcing. I remember feeling depressed and down and out. I remember feeling suicidal and hopeless. I saw how I was losing myself and I knew I had to make a choice. I could either keep ruminating or I could get up and take things step by step. As much as I did not know where it came from, I found that deep in my broken heart, I had hope. I believed that a better ending would prevail, and so, I got up. At first, I knew I had to refuel because I had nothing to pour into my business. I also knew I must heal and be whole to be creative in my craft.

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