How Multigenerational Teams Drive Growth

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

My boss is 27, why is that so strange? Mostly because I am 74 and have been my own boss for the past 45 years. What made me do this, the law! I qualified as a Realtor in Florida but the law states that you have to work for a broker for two years before you can start your own business. I thought I would battle to get a job but to my surprise I have been offered over 250 jobs! That was really amazing. I didn’t even have to go for the interview, I would have the job if I wanted it. After sifting through most of the offers, I narrowed it down to 3, the biggest company in the USA, a boutique smaller company and then a brand-new company run by a 27 year old.

The Invisible Backbone of Africa’s Economy: Women’s Unpaid Labour

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Daphney Klopper

In Africa, women’s unpaid labour is a powerful yet often overlooked force driving the economy. This essential work includes caregiving, household chores, and community support. The ILO (International Labour Organisation) and one.org Africa estimates Women’s unpaid work to be at 10% -39% of a countries GDP. To put this into perspective, this contribution is more than three times that of the South African agricultural sector (2.83%) and rivals the industrial sector (24.68%) Stats SA 2023.

The Importance of Elevating Marketing Governance on the Board Agenda

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Bella Ikeme

In the fast-paced business world, where strategies evolve and markets transform, the significance of brand marketing cannot be overstated. A recent study by the Marketing Science Institute underlines the profound impact of effective marketing governance on overall business performance, emphasising the strategic importance of the board's oversight on marketing matters. The study revealed that boards with at least one marketing-experienced director witnessed a three-percentage point increase in total shareholder return. Their "outside-in" perspective complements the internal operational focus of typical board members. The invaluable "been there, done that" perspective these directors offer on rebranding initiatives, strategic partnerships, and customer insights adds a layer of depth to board discussions.

High-Value Ideas - the power of thinking different

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

When Apple launched its legendary "Think Different" campaign, it didn’t just promote a product—it showcased a mindset that has defined the company’s success for decades. This campaign, with its bold celebration of creativity and innovation, exemplifies the power of innovative thinking and how being willing to step outside the box can result in high-value ideas. By daring to think differently, Apple not only redefined its brand but also set the stage for transformative growth that would shape the tech industry for years to come.

The Budget Balancing Act: Navigating Campaigns Without Going Over or Under

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Vuyelwa Gxakushe

Budgeting is the backbone of any successful marketing campaign. It’s not just about allocating funds—it’s about ensuring those funds are used effectively to achieve your goals. As a marketing manager, I’ve walked that tightrope between over-budgeting and under-budgeting more times than I care to admit. Both extremes come with their own headaches, and getting the balance right is crucial to not only hitting your campaign targets but also ensuring the long-term success of your business.

ESG vs Sustainability vs CSR - An FMCG Case Study

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Bella Ikeme

A few days ago, I read an article by Ery Dimitrantzou of Cority titled “What’s the difference: ESG vs Sustainability vs CSR”. I agree with her views on the matter but because we ESG In Action Africa get that question a lot, I have decided to use a case study to help drive home the points she made:

My Journey as a Young Marketer: Embracing Growth and Learning

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thabisile Mabele

Navigating the marketing landscape as a young 23-year-old has been an exciting, challenging, and enriching experience. From my early days of exploring the marketing field to where I am now, I’ve come to realize that growth in this industry is not just about climbing the career ladder but also about personal development, learning, and embracing new opportunities.

Leading from Within: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Gemiene Mueni

Passion is like a spark; it lights a fire that spreads. It's pure energy, the kind that comes straight from the heart. Leading a team for the first time can be a wild ride with no safety net—just you, your instincts, and a bit of excitement mixed with a dash of "What did I just sign up for?" My journey in leadership has often felt overwhelming, like stepping into a role far too big for me. It became clear that I needed to engage in some deep personal work to navigate these challenges.

What a journey!

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Sibongile V. Mthimunye

What a journey it has been since I fully worked in my business in 2021 September. Before then I registered the business in May 2020, but continued working as a Corporate Executive. However, circumstances changed and allowed me to be a full-time employee of BWGL Group in September 2021. What started as me paying homage to my mother who was a cleaner and me being curious about the hygiene and cleaning space, has now become a fully-fledged business and has created several job opportunities for women and the youth from underserved communities.

Who Is That Doctor You Are Considering Employing?

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In a recent article, there was much controversy about a politician who had been writing Doctor before his name for many years. On further investigation, he was a “doctor in the ministry of counselling” from Trinity International University, Ghana’s campus in South Africa in 2008. “Trinity is not accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority, the National Qualifications Framework, or the Council on Higher Education for Higher Education Qualifications. Trinity is also not accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Committee, although the ‘university’ operates out of Ghana.” Due to the institutions’ lack of accreditation or importance outside of a church, South Africans thought that this “Doctorate” should not count. Nor should this politician refer to himself as a doctor. This poses the question, how relevant is a qualification if it does not bring the required skill set to the party?

Unlocking Your Potential with The Power of Investing in Personal Growth

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

What does it take to be an empowered woman? When it comes to juggling careers, family, and social obligations, it's easy to put our own development on the back burner. However, the truth is that investing in your personal growth is not just a luxury - it's a necessity for creating a life of purpose and fulfillment. Here's why now is the time to prioritize your self-investment and some practical considerations to keep in mind.

Tips for South Africans Navigating Cross-Border Transactions

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

Cross-border transactions play a crucial role in global commerce by allowing South African businesses to extend their reach and participate in international markets. However, these transactions present distinct legal challenges that need to be handled carefully to ensure compliance and reduce risks. South African businesses involved in cross-border transactions must navigate a complex regulatory environment.

Thinking Bigger: Why Women Entrepreneurs Must Embrace Bold Ambitions

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Sarah Dusek

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned throughout my entrepreneurial journey, it’s this: success requires us to think bigger. Far too often, I meet female entrepreneurs with brilliant ideas who aren’t dreaming big enough. We hold ourselves back by playing small, thinking that modest goals are more achievable. But the truth is, by limiting our ambitions, we’re not only underestimating ourselves—we’re also undercutting the potential of our businesses.

The Case for Accountability, Transparency and Authenticity

September 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles with stakeholder management have become essential for present-day organisations looking to succeed and make a positive impact. This is because ESG is more than sustainability reports, it’s a compass through which an organisation can navigate its relationships with stakeholders.

Mentorship as a Key Strategy for Entrepreneurial Development

September 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

I think most of us can agree that you cannot do life alone. You cannot take certain journey’s alone and you cannot advance in your entrepreneurship endeavours alone. The power of partnerships also applies to mentorship. Mentorship is a transformative force that guides entrepreneurs through challenges, offers wisdom, and fosters growth. As an entrepreneur, a mentor's guidance will provide you with clarity, accelerate your learning, and instils confidence. Their support and perspective illuminate paths which help you to nurture your talent, unlock your potential, and shapes both your personal and professional success. There are many value adds to finding a mentor and to understanding the context of mentorship (leveraging the experiences of those who are further along than you are).

How to Discover Your Formula for Happiness

September 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Happiness is subjective because we all have different rules for what it will take to be happy. I am not here to give you a magic formula but rather to offer a set of questions to help you understand what it means for you.

When Next You Review Your Employee Screening Policy Consider Making Skills Assessment Part of It

September 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Employee Screening is an ever-evolving process, no employee screening policy should be cast in stone and remain that way long term. This process should be regularly reviewed and updated to evolve as the human risk factor evolves.

Master Your Business: 17 Proven Strategies for Turning Passion into Profit

August 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Starting and running a business is no small feat. It requires more than just passion; it demands a strategic approach, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Let’s delve into some essential strategies that will help you handle your business like a pro.

The Art of Bouncing Back and Sustaining Real Change

August 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Ndlovu

We don’t know our strength until we are tested! We do not know what we can achieve until we start getting to work. Imagine a situation where the world as you knew it, has changed. Your whole family structure, living arrangement, and budget changed. This was me. I woke up one day, and my life was changing. I was divorcing. I remember feeling depressed and down and out. I remember feeling suicidal and hopeless. I saw how I was losing myself and I knew I had to make a choice. I could either keep ruminating or I could get up and take things step by step. As much as I did not know where it came from, I found that deep in my broken heart, I had hope. I believed that a better ending would prevail, and so, I got up. At first, I knew I had to refuel because I had nothing to pour into my business. I also knew I must heal and be whole to be creative in my craft.

Request for Tenders, Bids, Quotes, and Proposals - Understanding the Differences

August 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Ilse Sfreddo

This blog discusses the intricacies of procurement documents like tenders, proposals, and quotes, emphasising the types and importance of each, especially in the South African context. It outlines the differences between Expressions of Interest (EOI), Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Quotation (RFQ), Requests for Tender (RFT), and Requests for Proposal (RFP). It simplifies decision-making by detailing the rules and thresholds for procurement actions under South African public sector guidelines (MFMA and PFMA).

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