Johannesburg – Women's Moon is the time to celebrate the pioneers, innovators and leaders who shape the business environment in South Africa and inspire the next generation of women experts.
Five dynamic South African women share their hard-earned wisdom on how to thrive in the workplace, navigate challenges, and carve out their space in the business world.
Find your voice and trust it
For Jacaranda FM Media personality Rozanne McKenzie, confidence is one of the most powerful tools young professionals can develop.
“My advice to young business professionals is not to be afraid of your opinions,” says the host of Jacaranda FM's “The Drive With Rob & Roz.”
“If you are in the room and feel that you are going to add value, don't be afraid to speak up and speak up.
“When I was starting, I wasn’t always confident in supporting my point, so I just went with the flow.
“But tell me you should feel strong about something and say you should say it.
“You never know, it could change the situation, change the way you see something, or even the other person in the room's perspective.
“Don't be afraid to hear your voice. Your words may be more important than you think.”
Build a safe zone
Award-winning radio personality and author Carol Foli believes that one of the smartest things young professionals can do is to hang out in the right people.
“It forms a safe zone, because I'm a network of people who truly have your biggest interest in mind,” explains Ohri.
“They are not threatened by your growth. They are generous in sharing the pearls of wisdom without feeling that they will compromise in any way.
“Find the women who walked the walk you want to photograph, or women from various industries who can plant seeds in your mind about how you grow from where you are.
“A safe zone is a place where you can be vulnerable, honest and open about your anxiety, knowing you will get your advice to advance.
“These are people who challenge you, celebrate you, and help you take the next step with confidence.”
The art of balance
Faziela Saheb, sales manager at Air France-KLM, believes that master balance is essential for long-term success and personal well-being.
“My biggest advice is to be intentional in your time,” she says.
“Work is always there, but your personal life, your relationships and your health really supports you.
“I will treat your 'my time' and family time with the same importance and respect as a high stakes board meeting. ”
Saheb explains that boundaries are not only necessary, but also healthy.
“It took me years to realize that saying 'no' to a late-night email doesn't make you a commitment. It means you are committed to becoming your best self,” she adds.
“When you're resting, present and fulfilled outside of work, you're a stronger leader and a better team member.
“The balance is not perfect.
“Your career demands more. Your personal life will be prioritized for the next few weeks. That's fine.
“The key is to check in yourself and make sure that either side is not too long.”
It will be direct. Be kind. Unshakable.
Mandy Davis, co-management director at Penkin, a brand and communications agency, has built a leadership style on the foundations of clarity and compassion.
“Tell the truth early and have difficult conversations when you need them, even if they're uncomfortable,” Davis says.
“Stay on your ground when you know you're right. But you can gracefully acknowledge it when you're wrong and learn from feedback.”
Davis adds:
“Kindness is not weakness. It's a strong leadership style when it combines with clarity.”
Resilience beats talent
For Roxy Berger, the TV personality and Pierce owner, grit is often more important than genius.
“I don't think that the most talented or clever people are the ones who are successful in business,” Berger says.
“It's the most tenacious and resilient person. Success is often just a game of waiting.”
She adds.
“Hard work always beats talent. And if you have both? If that's the case, my woman, you're ready for stardom!”
From finding your voice, setting boundaries to guiding kindness and resilience, to building support networks, these women show that success is not defined in a single equation.
This woman's moon should keep their advice in mind: speak up, find your safety zone, protect your happiness, lead clearly, never give up.
The pass may not always be easy, but as these pioneers prove, it is worth every step.
