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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.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
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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.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
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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.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
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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.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
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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).

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
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Sharpening Your Axe as An Entrepreneur

June 23, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

The entrepreneurial journey primes you with marks of strength and resilience. It is not an easy ride, but it is certainly a fulfilling labour of love when you walk in your authentic purpose and use your expertise, skills and talents to make a meaningful contribution in impacting the lives of others.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
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The power of mentorship on this lonely entrepreneurial journey

May 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

Mentorship has always been a critical topic in most personal development discussions on career paths. There has been so much to gain from it that I started researching on how this methodology can be used in my entrepreneurial sally.

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Mentoring, PT
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Success as an Entrepreneur Lies Within Mastering Yourself

September 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

In my journey as a mentor and entrepreneur, I have learned the power of personal mastery and self-actualized leadership as the key weapon in achieving success as an entrepreneur. You cannot reinvent a business without reinventing the person who is leading that business. Therefore, in understanding your purpose, strengths, and talents as a leader you become more inspired and confident in the knowledge of what your skills and talents can achieve, and you are able to inspire your team to follow suit.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
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How You’re Stealing the Future From Young Women

August 20, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

“Who me?” You might ask. Yes, you!

You’re stealing the future from the next generation of young women professionals by refusing to make yourself visible. Here’s the thing — you can’t be what you don’t see. So if we want our young women to become leaders in business, in entrepreneurship, in politics, or in the community, we need to give them the opportunity to see such people in action — people like you and me. We need to provide them with visible, accessible role models.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Mentoring
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The 3 Fundamental types of people who will shift your growth and the trajectory of your life

May 20, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

All of us want to accelerate our growth across landscapes of whatever our chosen craft is. When you are building yourself up, whether it be in business, sports, entertainment, or whatever your chosen craft may be, if you really want to accelerate your growth and development, and to take yourself to the next level of your capabilities, there are 3 kinds of people you need in your life. You need a Coach, a Mentor, and a Sponsor!

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Growing Your Business, Mentoring
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Who needs a Business Mentor anyway?

November 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Kabwe Mulolo

It is interesting yet distressing to read about South African statistics on the number of start-up companies that fail. The failure rate is almost 80% within the first three years and 50% after five years. One lives to wonder, why start a business anyway, statistics isn’t on anyone ones favor, and despite the ratios even those who make it might someday close their doors.

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In Guest Blog Tags Kabwe Mulolo, Mentoring
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Charzade Araujo, a Mozambican entrepreneur passionate about mentoring the next generation 

November 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Charzade Araujo, founder of Teen Mentors

Charzade Araujo, founder of Teen Mentors

Startup Story

Everyone needs a mentor in life and in business, but often for young people in particular, mentors can be hard to find. One woman entrepreneur, Charzade Araujo, founder of Teen Mentors in Mozambique, has made it her goal to provide that solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Social Entrepreneur, Mentoring
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Entrepreneur Advice from Farida Yahya / Work hard and work smart!

July 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)

Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)

Work hard and work smart!…

“Work hard and smart enough to have those doors open for you. When you do succeed, look back and lift up others - mentorship and support is crucial for female founders.”

Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring
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Entrepreneur Advice from Eunice Cofie / Have a teachable spirit!

June 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Eunice Cofie, founder, Nuekie, (Ghana/US)

Eunice Cofie, founder, Nuekie, (Ghana/US)

Have a teachable spirit!…

“Having a teachable spirit is important, because you don't know everything. You have to be willing to allow others to teach you what you don't know so that you can be successful.”

Eunice Cofie, founder, Nuekie, (Ghana/US)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Eunice Cofie, Mentoring, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Ntsiki Biyela

May 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ntsiki Biyela, winemaker and founder of Aslina Wines (South Africa)

Ntsiki Biyela, winemaker and founder of Aslina Wines (South Africa)

“I get most satisfaction from waking up and being an inspiration to other young people.”

Ntsiki Biyela, winemaker and founder of Aslina Wines (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Mentoring
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Entrepreneur Advice from Brenda Katwesigye / Build teams and partnerships

April 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

Build teams and partnerships…

“I would advise other women to build teams, partnerships, and also find a mentor. Going it alone can sometimes stifle the growth of a startup”

Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring, Team building
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Entrepreneur Advice from Iris Munguambe: Share your journey

March 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Iris Munguambe, founder of Mariée Boutique Lda (Mozambique)

Iris Munguambe, founder of Mariée Boutique Lda (Mozambique)

Share your journey...

“Inspire other people with your story, and share your journey as an entrepreneur. I want to be a good example to other young ladies, telling them how I started at the age of 17 and now 11 years later, I have my own space. We can be more than we can imagine, and we can run the world!”

Iris Munguambe, founder of Mariée Boutique Lda (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring, Story Telling
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Entrepreneur Advice from Devotha Ntuke Minzi: Mentoring is key

March 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder of K-finance Limited (Tanzania)

Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder of K-finance Limited (Tanzania)

Mentoring is key....

"You need people to support you in one way or another. It can get very lonely at CEO level. People think you have made it, while you know how much there still is to pursue and solve. I have learned so much from good mentors in my industry."

Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder of K-finance Limited (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring
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Quote of the Day by Julian Adyeri Omalla

March 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Julian Omalla, founder of Delight Uganda Limited (Uganda)

Julian Omalla, founder of Delight Uganda Limited (Uganda)

"I want to appeal to fellow women, we have to look back at our culture and mentor our young girls to have a bright future."

Julian Omalla, founder of Delight Uganda Limited (Uganda)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Mentoring
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Quote of the Day by Dr Levashni Naidoo

February 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dr Levashni Naidoo, founder of The Dermatology Room (South Africa)

Dr Levashni Naidoo, founder of The Dermatology Room (South Africa)

“Reach out for a hand of support when the path seems daunting and be equally ready to reach out your hand to steady that of another on their journey. Growth is collaborative.”

Dr Levashni Naidoo, founder of The Dermatology Room (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Collaboration, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series - Navigating Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace

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LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain

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Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe

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