Women inspired to be extraordinary
The strong message to come out of the prestige event was for women to aim for extraordinary and to lead authentically.
IT WAS a morning of inspiring messages, good company and standing ovations as 800 women from different spheres of commerce got together for the Durban ICC on Tuesday for the annual FNB Business Women’s Breakfast in association with East Coast Radio.
The strong message to come out of the prestige event was for women to aim for extraordinary and to lead authentically.
There was a standing ovation for former Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela, one of the speakers at the event, who shared her belief that women are called on to take over global leadership, “We have inherited a torn world, a very conflicted world and it’s time we change that. What kind of leadership will change that? I think it is when we lead authentically and in a manner that respects others.” She went on to urge women to have the audacity to be themselves and to understand that living authentically requires the courage of the possibility of failure.
Esteemed businesswoman Phuti Mahanyele, who is Executive Chairperson of Sigma Capital, focused on the importance of access to information and building strong networks in her address, “There are so many opportunities for us as women to create a life that’s flourishing for us. I hope that those of you with ideas will have the courage to bring your ideas to life.”
Michelle Geraghty from FNB focused on the importance of self-care and maintaining a work life balance. She urged business women to practise mindfulness and be present in the moment. Meanwhile, trend analyst Dion Chang, who believes we’ve moved into the female century, shared his insights into changing the consumer mindset and how businesses can keep up with changing technologies.
