What should be the biggest take-away that we gain from the recent USA election?

November 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

The Lionesses of Africa is and always will be a-political, and rightly so. This means this article is not about the pros and cons of one candidate over another in the recent US Election (we are also not US voters, so it would be arrogant of us to suggest we know one way or the other what is the right, or the best or correct route - the country has not only spoken, it has spoken loudly and clearly not only with the majority of the popular vote going to now President Elect Trump, but with majorities in the Senate and most likely in Congress, with increased number of Latino, African American, Hispanic, “[e]ven in demographics she won…women, Black men and young voters—Harris conceded [large numbers of] votes to Trump and won by a narrower margin than Hillary Clinton did in 2016 or President Joe Biden did in 2020.” Forbes here. Latino men and women also had a huge drop off of support for Harris, having come out in large numbers for President Biden and Hillary Clinton previously. Her only increase in support from that previously given to Biden was with Black Women and a slight improvement on college educated white voters. Women still voted for VP Harris “but she won less of the vote than both Clinton and Biden…while Trump won white women by 8 points.”

The voters sent her and her party a clear message.

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

November 10, 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.

Finding your MOJO Again

November 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

Are you feeling drained and lost your spark? When exhaustion, anxiety, and stress consume you, losing your MOJO can feel inevitable. However, reclaiming your vitality and enthusiasm is within reach. Begin by acknowledging your emotional state and granting yourself permission to rest. Allow your mind and body to recharge with rejuvenating activities. Reconnect with nature, whether a serene walk or simply gazing at the sky. Nourish your body with wholesome foods, hydrate with intention, and prioritise sleep. Revisit your goals and the progress you have made to achieve your important milestones.

Overcoming The Fear of Failure as an Entrepreneur

November 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane

The fear of failure is one of the greatest obstacles many entrepreneurs face. Whether at the beginning of their journey or during critical moments of growth, this fear can paralyse, undermine confidence, and even prevent great ideas from moving forward. However, learning to overcome this fear is essential for achieving business success. Let’s explore how you can tackle this feeling and turn it into a driving force for your entrepreneurial journey.

From CEO to Psychologist: Managing Team Dynamics in High-Stakes Environments

November 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Sarah Dusek

As a founder or leader, you quickly realize that the role extends far beyond setting strategy or managing operations. It’s fundamentally about leading people—understanding their motivations, managing team dynamics, navigating conflicts, and fostering a supportive, productive environment. Founders and CEOs often take on the role of “chief psychologist” in their organizations, responsible for optimizing team performance and maintaining the mental and emotional well-being of their employees. This becomes even more crucial in fast-paced environments, where high stakes and constant challenges amplify stress and emotional responses.

Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie, a Mozambican agribusiness entrepreneur focused on sustainable fish farming to create jobs

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie, founder, Indico Fish Farm. EI (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie is the founder of Indico Fish Farm. EI in Mozambique, where she is currently setting up her Nile Tilapia Production and Processing Unit. She has a degree in Marine Biology from Eduardo Mondlane University and is currently studying for a Master's degree in Population and Development. Prior to starting her business, she worked as a Research Assistant at the Natural History Museum in the area of marine and aquatic animal collections and also as a Zootechnician at Machado Knowhow in the area of animal production. Her business plan, which focused on Nile Tilapia Production and Processing, was the winner of the Agora Emprega 2023 Program at the national level in Maputo Province.

Designing Success: Lessons from 20 Years as a Female Tech Entrepreneur by Catherine Connelly

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Designing Success by author and entrepreneur Catherine Connelly offers a fresh perspective on achieving true fulfillment and balance in a world where burnout has become the norm. This book is your blueprint for creating an environment that fosters growth and empowers you to succeed on your terms.

Mmakgabo Dlomo, a South African entrepreneur building a natural hair care brand for women with afro-textured hair

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Mmakgabo Dlomo, founder, iNtombi (South Africa)

Startup Story

Mmakgabo Dlomo is the founder of iNtombi in South Africa, an all-natural hair care line dedicated to empowering women with afro-textured hair. With a background in psychology and communications, as well as extensive experience working in mental health in both the UK and South Africa, she has a deep understanding of people and their needs. Driven by her own journey of self-acceptance and motherhood, Mmakgabo created iNtombi in 2022 to provide nourishing, high-quality hair care solutions that promote a sense of pride and connection to one’s natural beauty. Her mission is to change the narrative around afro-textured hair, fostering a community where women celebrate their uniqueness and embrace their identities.

New Fields

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile

The other day I saw a reel that said to get something new you have to do something you have never done before. Simple, and yet so massive. I tell my friends that by changing one small thing in your day, you are shifting the entire day, week and month. If you decide to wake up 30 minutes earlier, you will soon realize you need to sleep 30 minutes earlier, which will affect the time you make supper, the time you get off work, etc. It will give you a new experience and something new about you.

Stress management is choice management

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

It’s not that one choice will define your whole day or suddenly generate anxiety and overwhelm. It’s that over time, a stacking of habitual choices starts to build up and inevitably leads to exhaustion, frustration, and even burnout. Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us to self-observe these seemingly innocent habits so we can begin to self-correct. Here are the five most common anxiety-fueling habits to let go of to create calmer days that you don’t want to escape from.

Could Those End of Year Profits Cost You More Than You Thought?

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

The Festive Season is coming up and it’s time to consider the casual staff you intend to hire for the holiday rush. Casual staff are a necessity to help when business picks up in various seasonal industries. However, like full-time staff members, casual staff also need to be screened and vetted prior to employment, even in a short-term capacity.

Planting seeds of thought: nurturing leadership for the next generation

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

Spring is in the air! Time to plant seeds. Nurture talent like growing seeds.In the constantly changing business environment, the idea of “planting seeds of thought” has become increasingly significant. This metaphor highlights the need to cultivate ideas and promote a growth-oriented culture, especially as leadership styles evolve and a new generation joins the workforce. You don’t have to be a manager to be seen as a leader, each person is a leader when they allow people around them to flourish and grow.

Cecilia Birkenstock, an eventing and hospitality leader in South Africa

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Bright Idea Projects 2100 T/A Function Foods - Thembela Venue, a leading hospitality company and unique event venue in South Africa

At Thembela Venue in South Africa, the philosophy that true growth comes from stepping out of the comfort zone and into challenges which inspires greatness, and it is this philosophy that drove founder, Cecilia Birkenstock, to pursue her lifelong dream - of creating a unique venue on the North coast in KZN in South Africa. Recognizing a need for exceptional event spaces in the area, she set out to fill this gap with elegance and innovation. Cecilia is the founder and CEO of Functionfoods, and brings three decades of experience in hospitality to her business. With this wealth of experience, Cecilia embarked on her most exciting venture yet - establishing Thembela Venue. Thembela Venue is the culmination of Cecilia's dream. Through her dedication, innovation and clear vision, she has transformed her dream into a reality. Patrons place their trust in Cecilia and her team, confident in their ability to turn dream weddings into stunning realities. Cecilia's commitment to excellence ensures that every celebration reflects her client's vision, making Thembela Venue the ideal choice for unforgettable experiences where dreams truly come to life. The business, which was launched in 2008 has created jobs for 30 people.

Mother / Founder: 68 Women on the Trials and Triumphs of Starting a Business and Raising a Family by Amanda Jane Jones and Jennifer Fernandez

October 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Amanda Jane Jones and Jennifer Fernandez, authors of the new book, Mother / Founder: 68 Women on the Trials and Triumphs of Starting a Business and Raising a Family, share that starting a business can be daunting, scary, and exciting, all at once; so too can starting a family. But they also believe they can successfully coexist. Their new book is an inspirational and empowering celebration of more than sixty women who are both dedicated mothers and successful entrepreneurs who show what’s possible.

Dr Michelle Muhanda, a champion of affordable healthcare in Kenya

October 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

One Health Medical Centre, a modern, healthcare services provider on a mission to promote wellness, preventive care, and healthy living

Dr Michelle Muhanda is a medical doctor trained at the University of Nairobi in Kenya with 18 years’ experience in Healthcare, Business Administration, Occupational Health & Safety, Pharmaceuticals, Health Economics, Insurance, and Marketing working with the Ministry of Health, Private Sector, NGOs and other organizations. She has a Bachelor of Science in Medicine & Surgery, a Master’s in Business Administration from United States International University, a Masters of Philosophy in Palliative Care from University of Cape Town and a Diploma in Insurance from CII. She is also an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist with the Ministry of Labor. Her objective is to improve the health and quality of life of people by developing and implementing health and safety strategies geared to health promotion that will provide leadership in healthcare services. Michelle started the business in 2018 and today it has created jobs for 12 people.

Masada Terverite Deconnick, a full-service vehicle repair business builder in Botswana

October 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Masada Terverite Deconnick, Director and CEO, MTD’s Auto Electrical Pty Ltd (Botswana)

Startup Story

Masada Terverite Deconnick is the Director and CEO at MTD’s Auto Electrical Pty Ltd located in Mochudi in Botswana. Her vehicle repair workshop was officially opened March 2023 after operating as a mobile business for close to a decade. MTD’s Auto Electrical currently has 6 employees - 2 mechanics, 2 auto electricians,1 apprentice, one security guard, and a Chief Operations Officer.

Companies that are material users of carbon credits decarbonize twice as fast as those that do not!

October 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Our title this week comes from the highly respected Trove Research that is now part of MSCI Carbon Markets. A long term study of the carbon credit usage based on a sample of 4,156 companies over 5 years within which they found that “‘Heavier’ users of credits are found, on average, to be decarbonizing more quickly than ‘lighter’ users of credits [and] [U]sers of higher integrity / higher priced credits are, on average, reducing their emissions more quickly than users of lower integrity / priced credits.” (here)

When Is the Best Time to Screen Your Employees?

October 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Many companies have effective pre-employment screening policies, but the need for screening doesn’t end after hiring. Regular rescreening of existing employees at all levels is essential to protect the company from unforeseen issues and to ensure preparedness.

Retail Resilience: Innovation & Opportunity

October 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

In retail, we all know that challenges are part of the journey—whether it’s an economic downturn, shifting consumer habits, or global disruptions. But what sets successful retailers apart isn’t avoiding tough times—it’s how we respond to them. I’ve always believed that the challenges we face are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth, innovation, and comebacks.

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