Startup Story
Robyn Keet is the co-founder and operations manager for the South African entity of a Belgian-based management consulting company called BrightWolves. Robyn is passionate about bringing together sustainability and entrepreneurship. After gaining valuable experience studying and working in Europe, Robyn returned to her roots to co-lead the international expansion of BrightWolves into South Africa with business partner Domien Agten. BrightWolves is a boutique consulting firm that specializes in providing end-to-end solutions, from strategy to implementation. The company covers the entire spectrum, from business advisory to digital transformation and sustainable value creation in companies. BrightWolves’ vision is to deliver positive and sustainable impact to its clients, to its team, and the South African economy.
LoA spoke to Robyn Keet about her entrepreneurial journey and her passion for accelerating businesses to the next level.
What does your company do?
BrightWolves is a management consulting company, delivering positive and sustainable value by accelerating business and digital transformation, from strategy to implementation. At BrightWolves South Africa, we offer made-to-measure solutions for our clients with both global and local experts. Our promise is to deliver exceptional value through intelligent team design and a tailored approach based on the unique nature of the challenge at hand.
“Our promise is to deliver exceptional value through intelligent team design and a tailored approach based on the unique nature of the challenge at hand.”
“The journey of an entrepreneur is never smooth or linear but is filled with triumphs and tribulations that shape not only your business but also your character as a leader.”
What inspired you to start your company?
The idea was born in March of 2022 following a successful project in the Western Cape region of South Africa. You may think it a surprising first international expansion for a company headquartered in Brussels. Though South Africa might not encompass a perfect business environment, we believe that challenges can also reveal a wealth of opportunity for creating positive impact. In South Africa we have witnessed an extraordinary entrepreneurial drive which aligns strongly with the BrightWolves approach.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
The strength of BrightWolves lies in our ability to effectively bridge the gap between analysis, recommendation and action in a way that is highly ethical and inclusive. We leverage our diversity, professionalism, and value-driven conscious entrepreneurship as the key differentiating factors for generating impact in society. While we have extensive experience in Europe, we recognize the need to adapt our knowledge to (South) Africa’s local specificities. BrightWolves South Africa is well-positioned to bring its global expertise to the local market, with a proudly South African workforce.
Tell us a little about your team
The BrightWolves South Africa team are hungry to create a lasting impact. Our key assets are our young and highly talented Wolves. Coached by our leadership team, with extensive industry and management consulting experience, we challenge each other and become stronger. At BrightWolves South Africa, we aren't afraid to get our hands dirty and stray from well-travelled paths to boost results.
“Approach challenges with humility, uphold unwavering integrity, and surround yourself with a team of high-performing individuals aligned with the core values.”
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by my parents, both of whom are entrepreneurs. Growing up, I was inspired by their work ethic, integrity, and their natural inclination to challenge the status quo. My father's for-profit company taught me the value of hard work and calculated risks, while my mother's non-profit organization demonstrated the power of combining business principles with a purpose-driven mindset. Similarly in my role at BrightWolves, I strive to drive business transformation while upholding the same work ethic, integrity, and willingness to challenge conventions instilled in me by my parents.
The journey of an entrepreneur is never smooth or linear but is filled with triumphs and tribulations that shape not only your business but also your character as a leader. It serves as a constant reminder to approach challenges with humility, uphold unwavering integrity, and surround yourself with a team of high-performing individuals aligned with the core values.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We have ambitious growth plans for the future. Over the next five years, our goal is to expand our workforce to at least 60 individuals, reflecting the rich and diverse South African demographic. We aspire to establish ourselves as leaders in guiding companies through their sustainable and digital transformations. With a talented local team and our global expertise, BrightWolves South Africa is well-positioned to contribute positively towards the sustainable economic growth of Africa at large.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Where does one even begin! The three aspects of being an entrepreneur that resonate most deeply with me are:
Continuous learning and growth - each day, I am pushed far outside of my comfort zone, making for a steep learning curve.
Working with a strong team to create tangible impact for our clients as well as broader society. I am a firm believer in the principles of value-driven conscious entrepreneurship.
The freedom to challenge the status quo and think innovatively. We keep in mind the notion of "failing fast".
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Trust your instincts fearlessly. As an entrepreneur, you will face a multitude of decisions on a daily basis. While it is crucial to gather both quantitative and qualitative information, don't forget to rely on your own intuition and instincts when making business choices. I have observed that women entrepreneurs possess remarkable perceptiveness and diligence in understanding the broader perspective. Never underestimate the power of these qualities; they can be invaluable assets on your entrepreneurial journey.
Contact or follow BrightWolves
WEBSITE | YOUTUBE | EMAIL robyn.keet@brightwolves.co.za
Why LoA loves it…
Every entrepreneur needs great people to walk this journey with, and experts who can help to deliver perspective as well as technical assistance for growth. As someone who is a serial entrepreneur and knows from personal experience the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow and thrive with the right support network, Robyn Keet and her team at BrightWolves South Africa are poised to walk that journey with you to success. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa