Why mentorship should be part of your 2025 growth plan

January 8, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

As we step into a new year, I’ve been reflecting on my own goals for personal and professional growth—and I know many other entrepreneurs and business owners are doing the same. January, recognized as National Mentoring Month, provides the perfect opportunity to highlight the pivotal role mentorship plays in achieving those goals. From my own experience, mentorship isn’t just guidance; it’s a transformative catalyst for leadership and personal development that has shaped my journey as an entrepreneur and should be a key component of every growth plan.

The Power of Clarity: Lessons from My Personal Goal-Setting Journey

January 8, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

For the past two years, I have set myself an ambitious set of professional, developmental, spiritual, and wellness goals. One of my biggest, was reading 60 books in a year. While I have not yet reached that target number, I set personal records: 24 books in 2023 and over 30 in 2024. These reading aims introduced me to Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and Satya Nadella’s insights on culture and leadership in organizations.

Beyond The Bottom Line: Entrepreneurial Strategies for Lasting Social Change by Dr. Jacqueline Mohair

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

If you are looking for lessons on resilience, community, and the power of giving back, then Dr. Jacqueline Mohair’s book, Welcome to Beyond the Bottom Line: Entrepreneurial Strategies for Lasting Social Change, is a great read. It is a collection of stories and insights from entrepreneurs who have redefined success by balancing profits with purpose. This anthology highlights innovators who have embraced the challenge of creating social impact, tackling issues from homelessness to sustainability.

Customer Service Excellence: Mapping the Customer Journey to Enhance Satisfaction

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“The customer’s perception is your reality.” — Kate Zabriskie

Mapping the customer journey is essential for understanding how customers interact with your business and identifying ways to improve satisfaction. A well-mapped customer journey reveals gaps, highlights opportunities, and ensures every interaction adds value to the customer experience.

Strengthening Employee Screening in South Africa: Key Observations from 2024

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

The latest Employers Background Screening Report sheds light on the rising challenges and trends in employee screening internationally. With the influx of fraudulent activities and integrity-related challenges, employers are placing greater emphasis on robust verification measures.

Happy 2025 - My Lessons from 2024

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Teboho Seretlo

Fellow Lionesses, it’s been a minute! As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting deeply on my journey in 2024—the lessons I have learned and the priorities I am setting for the year ahead.

Twenty Twenty Thrive: Your Year to Flourish

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As the clock ticks toward the start of a new year, there’s an air of anticipation, a sense of possibility that anything can happen. This year, let’s go beyond mere resolutions. Let’s focus on thriving—both professionally and personally. Thriving means more than just surviving the day-to-day grind; it’s about flourishing, finding joy, and achieving your highest potential.

What we're loving this week

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

What we’re loving this week

At Lionesses of Africa, there is nothing we like to do more than celebrate all things Woman Made In Africa, showcasing the world-class products being created by Africa’s talented and innovative women entrepreneurs. Catching our attention this week are: Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem, co-founders of Reform Studio in Egypt; Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa; Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS in Ghana; Zainab Ashadu, founder of Zashadu in Nigeria/UK; and Emilia Banda Tambatamba, founder of Dvyn Treat Batamba in Mozambique.

Now You're the Boss: A Complete Playbook for New Entrepreneurs by Sika A Lawson

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Now You’re the Boss, the new book by Sika A Lawson, is a complete playbook for turning your entrepreneurial dream into a thriving reality. Whether you're just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey or already have an established business, this book teaches entrepreneurs how to successfully grow and scale their businesses, then leverage them as a vehicle for building generational wealth. It is packed with practical strategies and resources to guide you every step of the way. From getting properly set up, to building a personal brand that makes you unforgettable, to mastering the art of networking and scaling your venture, it provides valuable tips and insights to help navigate this journey.

Celestina Langa, a Mozambican entrepreneur passionate about transforming society's diet and nutritional habits

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Celestina Langa, founder and ceo, Nutrekaya CL,Su, Ltd (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Celestina Langa is the founder and ceo of Nutrekaya CL,Su, Ltd in Mozambique, a company dedicated to agro-processing and the valorization of local food products, with a focus on dietary health and nutritional well-being. Her entrepreneurial trajectory is marked by a strong dedication to the development of innovative and sustainable solutions in the food sector. Celestina has a degree in Food Sciences from the Pedagogical University of Mozambique and, throughout her career, has continually dedicated herself to expanding her knowledge and skills. She is currently completing her Master of Business in the Street (MBS) at Interweave Solutions Academy, which has provided her with strategic vision and improved skills in business management, further strengthening her profile as an entrepreneur and leader.

Taryn Blignaut, a seasoned entrepreneur building a legal consultancy to provide affordable legal solutions to SMMEs in South Africa

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Taryn Blignaut (founder) & Senamiso Moyo, Legal Ninjas (South Africa)

Startup Story

Taryn Blignaut is the founder of start-up legal consultancy, Legal Ninjas. Taryn is a corporate attorney with over 15 years in experience as in-house legal counsel for large listed companies including Coronation Fund Managers and Ninety One. Taryn is a seasoned entrepreneur who, through her interactions with other founders, spotted the gap between smaller businesses and legal services. Taryn decided to leave corporate life behind and launch a legal consultancy to provide affordable, commercial legal solutions to SMME's by matching up the skills of former in-house lawyers with the needs of SMME's needing legal expertise with flexible pricing.

Nomso Kana, a pioneer harnessing technology to drive positive change

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Simsciex Technologies, a leading provider of comprehensive broadband infrastructure solutions in South Africa

Nomso Kana, the founder of Simsciex Technologies in South Africa, is a distinguished nuclear scientist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in the field of technology and innovation. With a passion for harnessing technology to drive positive change, Nomso established Simsciex Technologies in 2014 to pioneer cutting-edge solutions in broadband infrastructure, driving economic growth and development. Today the company has created jobs for 15 people. In addition to her role as founder, Nomso is a renowned expert in nuclear science, energy, policies, and connectivity. Her extensive expertise led to her appointment as a Commissioner for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) within the Presidency in 2019.

Bridging the ESG Knowledge Gap: 5 Key Metrics Every Board Should Use to Assess and Improve ESG Performance

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

As ESG factors become crucial to corporate success, boards all over the world are under stakeholder pressure to evolve. Investors, regulators, and the public are demanding greater transparency and accountability. Conversely, boards are yet to build the needed preparedness to address ESG risks, resulting in financial underperformance and reputational damage. This has created a significant gap, as revealed by the African Financial Investor Relations article, which found that fewer than half of global boards, particularly in Africa, fully understand ESG concepts.

A Christmas Fantasy: Wishes Beyond Material Possessions

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

For dreamers like me, the holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in the wonder and magic of fantasy. I can let my imagination run wild and dream of the extraordinary. If I were to make an unconventional Christmas wish list, one that contains no material possessions (because if I told you the material things I wish for, you might faint!) here’s what would be on it:

My Word for 2025: Collaboration

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As we approach the new year, I find myself reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the past and the opportunities that lie ahead. Each year, I choose a guiding word that encapsulates my focus and intention for the months to come. For 2025, my word is collaboration.

The Role of Processes in Delivering Outstanding Customer Service

December 23, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

"Great customer service doesn't happen by accident. It happens by design." – Clare Muscutt

Customer service is important. Consistency, efficiency, and responsiveness in customer service are essential to effectively serve and retain customers. Processes play a pivotal role in achieving these outcomes, ensuring that every customer interaction aligns with your business standards and goals.

The Apple Stand: How To Rekindle The Love For Your Business by Jennifer Dawn

December 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

If the daily grind has dimmed your entrepreneurial fire, The Apple Stand: How To Rekindle The Love For Your Business by Jennifer Dawn will reignite your passion. This is a book that will help you to rediscover the joy of entrepreneurship. Jennifer’s insights and guidance will help to heal limiting beliefs, shift perspectives, and balance tactical action with self-care to rekindle your purpose, financial flow and original enthusiasm. This inspiring guide lights a torch from lessons learned on Jennifer’s own journey of setbacks and triumph.

Reflect, recharge and rev up: Ending 2024 with purpose and power

December 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As the holidays approach, it’s easy to get swept up in the festive buzz, the shopping lists, and the year-end rush. But I’ve found that this time of year isn’t just about closing the books on another year—it’s about planting seeds for what’s to come. While we’re stringing up holiday lights, we should also be stringing together our plans and dreams for 2025. Let’s talk about how to finish this year with purpose and step into the new one with intention.

The Global Context Has Changed and Context Rules!

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Louise Mowbray

The power of context, why it always rules and how developing your Contextual Intelligence empowers you to adapt and thrive.

The Gender Funding Gap in African Start-Ups

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Daphney Klopper

“Africa: The Big Deal” serves as a vital resource for understanding the dynamics of start-up funding in Africa, providing stakeholders with the data and insights needed to make informed decisions and foster a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Compiled by Max Cuvellier Giacomelli and Maxime Bayen, the report covers various types of funding, including equity, debt, and grants, but excludes exits. Despite the influx of capital into African start-ups, the gender disparity in funding remains stark and troubling. In 2024, less than 5% of the funding has gone to start-ups with a female CEO, a decline from 5.6% between 2019 and 2023. This trend is even more pronounced when examining the gender composition of founding teams. Only 1% of the funding went to all-female founding teams, down from 2.1% in the previous years, and 9% to teams with at least one woman, a significant drop from 17%.

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