Mashudu Ndou from Secunda is climbing the ladder of success

Ms Mashudu Ndou believes confidence, hard work and excellence are the secret to success in the men-dominated corporate world.

She is a senior manager for Sasol Social Investment and Community Affairs and the face of the Sasol iKusasa Project.

Ms Ndou was a finalist at the Rising Star Awards in the energy, chemicals and environment category, where she was judged on leadership qualities and moderated by USB-ED.

During her 13-year career life, she has received several awards ranging from the company best performer of the year to the best innovator of the year and special senior vice president award.

Ms Ndou’s portfolio includes education and skills development, environment, community development (which includes SMME development), health and well being and community infrastructure development.

She was promoted from being a secretary to a senior manager.

Ms Ndou was the founder of various initiatives that focus on women leadership.

She is not afraid to take risks and challenges the status quo regardless of the environment.

She described herself as a very goal oriented person who always wants to push the boundaries to beyond what is expected.

One of her strongest qualities is to work with people and of being able to influence all walks of life.

Ms Ndou enjoys working on projects that uplift and develop others, such as the formation of different forums to be used as platforms for further engagements and development of women and the youth.

She has vast experience in community development, stakeholder projects management and leadership.

She still represents the company on many occasions in the community and at various industries.

“I am a woman born not only to live life, but to leave a mark. By default, we cannot argue with the fact that we live in a man’s world where women need to prove themselves 10 times more. Through the years I have realised that it is more about knowing the area in which you are a game changer and shining your light there, hence making it everybody’s world through my eyes.

“As a leader there are quite a number of things that I believe have contributed to do my job to the best of my ability, namely being a visionary, commitment, humility and being true to myself.

“I also believe the business world is changing, the coverted leadership qualities of the past such as being experienced, decisive, authoritative and focus on control and command, are not part of today’s world and success of the organisation.

“Working and excelling in all departments are what I pride myself in, whether it is technical or non-technical, this is evidence that I can adapt to change very easily and quickly grab the opportunity with both hands.

“Commitment for me means enduring to the very last even when it seems impossible. When I am committed as a leader, it allows me to not accept excuses but only results.”

Ms Ndou said commitment is not only something she practices in her professional life, but also in her personal life and that it is the one thing that produces focus and a sense of direction.

She said when you are in a leadership position, you need to be highly aware of the things power can make one do.

She chooses to always remain humble because she does not know everything.

“There is always something to learn from someone, an input to hear from someone, an idea to implement from someone.

“A humble spirit has really made me see the importance of practicing servant leadership. I am not only here to make things happen, but to groom others and inspire others to live out and maximise their potential. I am passionate about seeing people, especially young girls, blossom into the best version of themselves through being a source of inspiration for them.

“I do not only work for myself, but for the development of others as well.”

Through this Ms Ndou understands that leadership is not a matter of glory, but of using your power of influence to make a difference.

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