On Forging Character

May 10, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

I have been really fortunate in my life. Today, my siblings and my mum from the family I grew up in are among the closest people to me. We regularly celebrate the life of my father, who was a huge influence on me, showering me with his unique brand of love. I couldn’t have been luckier in finding a life partner in my husband, Victor. Together, we have three amazing young men who are finding their way in the world. Through the careers of my father and husband, as well as some of my own experiences in education and work, I have had the opportunity to enjoy many wonderful experiences around the world. It has been truly great.

The science of influence: How great mentors transform lives

May 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

Have you ever met someone who changed the trajectory of your life with just a few words? Maybe it was a teacher who believed in you when no one else did. Or a leader who saw potential in you that you hadn't yet recognized. These individuals weren’t just advisors; they were influencers in the truest sense. They understood the science of influence—the art of shaping perspectives, nurturing potential, and igniting transformation.

SME-Led Solutions: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

May 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Navigating the complexities of geopolitical changes presents unique challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It is important to reiterate that SMEs are not just scaled-down versions of larger corporations, and that they play a complementary role in society alongside their larger counterparts.

The Hidden Mental Health Toll of Geopolitical Disruptions

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up approximately 90% of businesses worldwide, and play a pivotal role in economic development and employment. Given shifting geopolitical landscapes—from trade tensions to international aid cuts—these businesses must recognize and address the emotional and mental well-being of their stakeholders. This is particularly crucial at a time when geopolitical changes are already having an impact.

Creating a legacy through mentorship and leadership

April 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

Have you ever paused to think about the impact you are making—not just today, but in the years to come? Legacy isn’t just about wealth or status; it’s about the lives you touch, the lessons you pass on, and the path you pave for others. True leaders don’t just build businesses or careers; they build people. And the most profound way to do that is through mentorship.

Navigating Geopolitical Shifts – The SME Perspective

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

The Inspiration: Seeing the Impact of Geopolitics Up Close

I had the privilege of attending NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area as a guest of NBA Africa. There I joined the annual Newsmaker Breakfast. The session discussion was moderated by journalist Stephanie Ruhle and featured media giants Tom Friedman, Rashida Jones, and David Brooks. It resonated deeply and Roland Martin and Michael Eric Dyson were in the room. However, it was the question "How does what is happening domestically in the U.S. reflect globally?"—posed during the Q&A—that struck me.

South African Business Deregistration Alert: Make sure your business is not at risk!

March 23, 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.

The Quiet Heroes Who Inspire Us Every Day

March 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Isn’t it amazing how inspiration can come from the most unexpected places?

For me, one such moment occurred at the University of Liverpool, through a fellow student named Lisa Crockett. Lisa was an energetic and dedicated member of our innovative international DBA program. She quickly became a central figure in our program, always present, always willing to lend a hand, and always making sure we had the information we needed to thrive in our studies. But Lisa’s story didn’t stop at being a helpful senior classman. She went on to complete her thesis on pediatric palliative care—a deeply personal and powerful topic that coincided with my own experience of a loved one undergoing the very care she was researching.

The Strange Value of Staying in Doubt: How Uncertainty Keeps Us From Change

March 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Seanice Lojede

I was recently invited to speak to a group of women entrepreneurs at GIBS University in South Africa. Part of the conversation was around Impostor Syndrome and decision making. How do you know when to take certain decisions both personal and business, and the doubt that comes with it? So I shared something I have learned the hard way…

Emotional Intelligence Is Dead. (Not Really, But Here’s What You Need to Know About the New Intelligences)

February 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Seanice Lojede

In a world where the pace of change shows no signs of slowing, the concept of intelligence is evolving beyond traditional measures of IQ and even the well-known Emotional Intelligence (EQ). As we navigate increasingly complex social, cultural, and environmental landscapes, new forms of intelligence are gaining prominence, each offering unique insights into how we can thrive in a dynamic world.

The immense value of mentorship: A personal journey of growth and discovery

January 31, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

In my own experience, success hasn’t always come from working harder, but from working smarter. And one of the most impactful decisions I made was investing in a mentor. Mentorship, I’ve learned, is so much more than just an exchange of knowledge. It’s a partnership that fosters personal growth and empowers you to become a better leader. Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or are a seasoned business owner, I can honestly say that mentorship is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

The Power of Small Daily Habits for Big Success

January 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

January is here, and with it comes the buzz of big goals, vision boards, and promises to ourselves that this year will be different. But let’s be honest—setting goals is the easy part. The real magic happens in the small, daily actions that bring those goals to life.

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.

Happy 2025 - My Lessons from 2024

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Teboho Seretlo

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.

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.

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.

Finishing 2024 strong and planning for 2025: you can’t hit a target you can’t see

November 23, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As we approach the final weeks of 2024, now is the perfect time to reflect on the year so far, assess how far we've come, and set our sights on finishing strong. But as we look ahead, we must also think about how to position ourselves for success in 2025. After all, you can’t hit a target you can’t see.

Embrace Calm: 5 Anxiety-Fueling Habits to Let Go Of

November 16, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Have you ever made a judgement about someone and then only later found out they were actually a great person, and you had more in common than you think? What if it's the same with change? What if instead of making judgements and accusations about change, you got to know it better? What if you realised it actually brought you a gift, but you were so busy avoiding it that you didn't stop to notice or even say thank you? Now, you know that you can't literally bump into change at a party. But you know change is coming, and sometimes it's voluntary.

Embracing the Unknown: 4 Wisdom-Packed Quotes for Navigating Change

November 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

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