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Walk With Me: Navigating the Patchwork of Compliance

October 3, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Shenea Graham

In my last post, I shared how data privacy stopped being “someone else’s problem” and became part of my own story. This month, one theme kept resurfacing: regulatory compliance. Here’s the truth — privacy isn’t just about principles, it’s also about laws. And not just one law, but a whole patchwork of global, regional, and local regulations. GDPR in Europe. CCPA in California. HIPAA in the US. POPIA in South Africa. And those are just a few. Every country, every region, seems to be drawing its own map. And for businesses working across borders, it can feel like walking into a maze where the walls keep moving.

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In Guest Blog Tags Shenea Graham, Cybersecurity
Comment

Business Growth: How to Leverage Technology to Simplify Growth

October 3, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“Technology should do the heavy lifting, so people can focus on what matters most.” – Reid Hoffman

Whether you're an emerging enterprise or a well-established business entering new markets, integrated, process-led technology choices can reduce friction, improve efficiency, and unlock those opportunities.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Growing Your Business
Comment

The rise of fake applicants - how AI is fueling identity and CV fraud

October 3, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In today's competitive job market, employers are more eager than ever to find the right talent quickly and efficiently. However, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology are also making it easier for dishonest applicants to falsify their identities, CVs, and qualifications, leading to a surge in fake applicants and fraud.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

My CV of Bustle: How Divorce, Autism and Burnout Trained Me for World Domination

October 3, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Marilize Jacobs

If you’d told me fresh after varsity that my greatest professional qualifications in my mid-30s would be earned not in an office, but on the floor of a paediatric therapist’s room and in divorce court, I’d have cried. In 2017, I was deep in the “triathlon of overwhelm”: navigating my son’s autism diagnosis, a marriage ending, and a body screaming with adrenal fatigue. I was a shell, crying over spilt milk because the spilt milk felt like the final, cruel joke.

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In Guest Blog Tags Marilize Jacobs, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Resilience
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Walk With Me: A Journey into Data Privacy

September 28, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Shenea Graham

I want to share something personal — a journey I’m still on. It’s about data privacy. Not the technical, legal kind you might scroll past, but the kind that sneaks up on you and suddenly matters more than you realised.

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In Guest Blog Tags Shenea Graham, Data Management
Comment

Business Growth: Designing Scalable Processes for Membership-Based Organizations

September 28, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

"Scalability is about building systems that work at ten customers as well as ten thousand." — Reid Hoffman

As part of our series on how processes support growth, this week we focus on Designing Scalable Processes for Membership-Based Organizations. Growth is not just about acquiring more members—it's about delivering consistent value as that base expands. A scalable process ensures that operations remain efficient, personalized, and sustainable no matter the size of the community.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Processes
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Do you believe that the HR role in business is evolving?

September 28, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In the rapidly changing landscape of global business, Human Resources (HR) is no longer just an administrative function managing payroll, recruitment, and employee records. The trajectory of HR's evolution over recent decades shows a clear shift toward becoming a strategic driver within organisations, a vital partner in shaping corporate success and mitigating human-related risks.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

The BOLD Change the World: Lessons from GEC 2025

August 16, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Arriving in Indianapolis for the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) felt like being welcomed home by a community of friends. GEC chose Indiana intentionally, recognizing the state’s strong startup ecosystem and culture of innovation. “The BOLD Change the World” was the event’s tagline, but also served as a call to action. From the moment we landed, GEC volunteers greeted each of the 5,000 attendees arriving from 150 countries, guiding us to buses, sharing local dining tips, and ensuring a seamless transition to the main conference hotel. Registration was swift, credentials were issued (Founder, Ecosystem Builder, Policymaker, Investor), and a sense of shared purpose was already in the air.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Business Growth - The Critical Role of Process in Expanding to New Markets

August 16, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“You can’t scale chaos. You can only scale clarity.” – Anonymous

Expanding into new markets is an exciting growth milestone—but it also brings complexity, risk, and the need for operational precision. Whether you're entering a new region, industry, or customer segment, success depends on more than ambition. It requires robust, repeatable processes that guide your team, protect your standards, and adapt to new conditions.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Processes
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What's Your Money Mindset? (And Why It Might Be Running Your Whole Life)

August 14, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Seanice Lojede

What if I told you that your relationship with money was decided before you could even spell “budget"? This morning, I hosted a powerful training session. The women of Stanbic Bank Uganda's Ignite mentorship program gathered virtually for a session called "Money & Your Mindset" and something extraordinary happened. One woman messaged, "I would pay VERY GOOD money for this." Another said, "This is the first time I've understood why I do what I do with money.” From the first few minutes, you could feel the energy shift. Heads nodding. Eyes widening. Truths landing. They didn't just learn about money, honestly - they met themselves, truthfully, and maybe for the first time in this way. I FELT IT TOO! What we explored wasn’t how to budget or save (though that’s important). It was something deeper: the invisible beliefs and emotional habits that shape how we relate to money. And ultimately, how we lead our lives.

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In Guest Blog Tags Seanice Lojede, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Beyond Networking: Building Strategic Sisterhood That Fuel Growth

August 14, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

There is a moment in every woman’s journey when she realizes that success alone is not enough. It is not enough to collect business cards, chase applause, or sit at every table just to be seen. I reached that moment years ago - in a boardroom full of people, yet profoundly alone in my mission. My business was growing, yes. My name was on event posters, my calendar was full. But behind the scenes, I was carrying the weight of leadership in isolation. Surrounded, yet unseen. Accomplished, yet unanchored. That’s when I began to understand something no networking event had ever taught me:

You don’t just need more contacts. You need a council. You need an advisory board. A strategy of proximity.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Mentoring, Networking
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Prizing More

July 26, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Earlier this year, I made a deliberately planned stop in Oxford on my way to the Paris Marathon to spend a few days on the sidelines of the Skoll World Forum. I was curious to see how leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers are thinking about systems change today.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Business Growth: Processes That Enable SMEs to Scale Sustainably

July 26, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“You don’t build a business – you build processes, and the processes build the business.” – Anonymous

Scaling isn’t just about selling more—it’s about delivering more with consistency, efficiency, and control. Without scalable processes, growth quickly leads to chaos, service breakdowns, and overwhelmed teams. Sustainable growth requires SMEs to invest in processes that can grow with them.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Processes
Comment

From 34% to 10%? Why the Real Unemployment Question Is About Visibility, Not Just Stats

July 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Sasha Knott

South Africa is having something of a statistical identity crisis. Recently, Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie questioned the country’s official unemployment rate of 32.9%, suggesting it might be closer to 10% if we included the informal sector – gig workers, informal traders, and side hustlers. Minister Parks Tau echoed the sentiment. Stats SA, however, held firm. While that debate sparks headlines, it may be missing the bigger picture. The real issue? We’re still not connecting the right people to the right jobs – fast enough or far enough. “Arguing whether unemployment is 34% or 10% misses the point,” says Sasha Knott, Global CEO of Job Crystal. “The real debate should be: how do we reduce unemployment? If 24% of our workforce is in the informal sector, why aren’t we building tools to help those businesses grow and hire more?”

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In Guest Blog Tags Sasha Knott, Artificial Intelligence (AI), People Management
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Sisterhood Superpower: How collaboration can fuel an African woman’s entrepreneurial dreams

July 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer, Founder & CEO, ZER Consulting Africa

"Our legacy is more than just our business. When we empower others, especially our fellow women, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate sphere."

Africa is alive with audacious dreams, bustling tech hubs, and villages brimming with innovation. And guess who's increasingly at the forefront, turning those visions into reality and disrupting industries? African women entrepreneurs! But here’s the honest truth: even the most brilliant idea, the most meticulously crafted strategy, can feel like a marathon without the right gear and running buddy.

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In Guest Blog Tags Adeolu Adewumi-Zer, Collaboration
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Leadership Today: A Focus on Women

July 18, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Why Investing in Your Leadership Matters — A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking at the introduction of a Women in Leadership course at WITS Business School. It got me thinking about a question I often hear: “Is a leadership course really worth it?”

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The power of social media screening in high-level recruitment

July 18, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Background — A leading recruiter in South Africa was tasked with filling a critical vacancy for a senior-level IT developer at a major fintech firm. The position had remained open for months due to a significant shortage of highly skilled IT professionals in the country. Pressure was mounting to secure a candidate with the right blend of expertise, leadership, and innovation.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, Risk Management, People Management
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Designing with Purpose: Creating an Inner Circle that Matches Your Mission

July 18, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

There are seasons in life when growth feels like acceleration. There are others when it feels like pruning. But in every season, one thing remains constant: who walks with you matters just as much as where you are going.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Mentoring
Comment

Performance Management: Measuring the ROI of Process Improvements

July 18, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

"In business, every decision is an investment. ROI is how we learn if that investment was smart." – Melinda Emerson

Process improvements aren’t just about making workflows smoother or reducing frustration—they are business decisions meant to deliver real value. To understand the effectiveness of those improvements, it is a good practice to measure their return on investment (ROI). Doing so helps justify the change, builds confidence, and informs future decisions.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Quality
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The Backbone of Great Leadership: Owning Your Role

July 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Leadership is not about titles, authority, or being in charge. It’s about taking ownership. At the heart of every successful team or business lies one powerful trait: accountability. When leaders lead by example and take full responsibility for their actions, their words carry weight and their teams thrive.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Leadership
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Older Posts →

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Katy Valentine Collections

Jewels and gems…Katy Valentine is a South African jewellery designer creating jewellery collections inspired by African and Indian cultures. Katy Valentine Collections was born out of a love for I
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
Image of the Day / Vanhu Vamwe

Marvellous macrame…We have always been big fans of the wonderfully talented Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand, Vanhu Vamwe, together with husband Simba Nyawiri. This show-stop
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Shawl Glamour - If you want to wear a shawl that makes you feel and look glamorous, Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, offers a range of fabulous shawls made from sari fabrics. She has be
Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
Image of the Day /  Lunar

Summer kaftan reinvented…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the stylish sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / The Joinery

The Laptop Pouch…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric
Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong’ Eve 2 Collection’ designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery
Image of the Day / Katy Valentine Collections

Jewels and gems…Katy Valentine is a South African jewellery designer creating jewellery collections inspired by African and Indian cultures. Katy Valentine Collections was born out of a love for I Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Vanhu Vamwe

Marvellous macrame…We have always been big fans of the wonderfully talented Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand, Vanhu Vamwe, together with husband Simba Nyawiri. This show-stop Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Shawl Glamour - If you want to wear a shawl that makes you feel and look glamorous, Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, offers a range of fabulous shawls made from sari fabrics. She has be Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map Image of the Day /  Lunar

Summer kaftan reinvented…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the stylish sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / The Joinery

The Laptop Pouch…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong’ Eve 2 Collection’ designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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