Through mentoring and teaching, she’s empowering others and paving the way for women in a male-dominated sector, while calling for “a sense of sisterhood.”
“It can become daunting when trying to prove yourself in an industry heavily skewed to men; so it is evermore important to clap for our fellow women and support them in growing their career,” she says.
She recently took a break from her trailblazing work to talk to Bizcommunity about women’s empowerment, overcoming gender stereotypes, and what she’d tell her younger self.
This is a whirlwind of a story – my very first job was in a call centre answering phones and doing cold calls! “Old school” sales, as it were.
I have always been ambitious and taken each opportunity presented to me head-on.
I have been fortunate to grow in every field of marketing possible with each role that I have managed, from finance to broadcast to consumer electronics – and eventually, petroleum!
I always say “Never say no when opportunity knocks” because it was precisely that type of opportunity that came knocking on my door, which opened into Engen.
I have always made a conscious effort to have both female and male mentors in my career – nothing is ever a one-way street, and it is important to understand how successful people operate, regardless of their gender, and then take learnings from them.
The best way to overcome these stereotypes is to have courage and go boldly – stick to your word, deliver and take ownership of both the good and the bad.
If you fail, fail fast; if you succeed, smile and pat yourself on the back (for you!) and then keep on pushing for the next win.
It really is about owning one’s space and knowing who one truly is. Nobody can take that away from you – empowerment comes from within.
When one empowers oneself, there is nothing quite like it!
You know precisely who you are and what you can do – without being boastful – and that makes all the difference to how you show up, because you are showing up as your true self.
When it comes to empowering women in my industry, I believe in mentoring and teaching – since that was what made the biggest impact on my own career – I prefer guiding rather than telling, and allowing each woman to come into her own with the right leadership and support. It is important to treat people the way you would like to be treated.
Once again – own your space and know who you are.
Have courage, be kind and go bolding – don’t be afraid to take risks and if you truly believe in something, go for it!
Always sharpen your pencil by keeping up to date with the goings-on in your world and explore beyond your comfort zone – know what makes people tick in your industry and learn it.
Most importantly, when things get tough – and they will – bite down and show some grit.
Women who thrive in the face of adversity will always prosper.
Oh, and remember to never compare yourself to anyone.
Your journey to success is your own – my final message is to start with the small things, persevere through the hard things, and leave the world better than you found it.
My vision would be for all the women to cheer each other on and truly support each other – it can become daunting when trying to prove yourself in an industry heavily skewed to men; so it is evermore important to clap for our fellow women and support them in growing their career.
The wheel will always turn, and the same women you cheered for will cheer for you when the time comes.
We must embrace a sense of sisterhood, particularly in the workplace.
Firstly, I would challenge that statement. South African’s have the potential to build a utopia in our wonderful country.
That being said – we cannot ignore the difficulties our current economy faces, and it is going to take a lot of committed, smart people investing a lot of time and money back into it to transform it to what it should be.
Although I am not an economist, I believe a resilient economy is built with long-term success in mind; it is an economy built to anticipate, to tolerate and to recover from economic disruptions whilst maintaining operational stability – pretty much like any strong business strategy.
We must build an economy that will ensure long-term growth and stability to safeguard our economic future as a country.
This is a tough one and brings a tear to my eye, if I am being honest.
We (women) place so much weight on our own shoulders and always carry far too much.
A metaphorical drum of steel.
I would tell her to trust her gut, to not be afraid of the difficult days, the failures, or the moments when things don’t go as planned.
To keep moving forward (my favourite quote), to take the risks, surround herself with good people and remember that even the smallest actions can make a difference.
That she doesn’t need to change the whole world all at once; to focus on doing the little things well, to never give up, and to always leave people and places better than she found them – and that I am incredibly proud of her.
Here’s looking at you, kid!
