Journaling 101

June 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

As the world has gotten more complex and technology more advanced, instant 24/7 communication is rampant. As a consequence, most people take little if any time for introspection. How many times have you heard yourself or others say ‘I wish I had time to think’. For me, journaling is the invitation to sit inside my mind and actually figure out what’s going on. It’s a space of safety; a means to trap my thoughts on paper so I can get out of my own way. Sometimes I don’t really know what I’m thinking until I write it down.

Taking charge of your own personal development is key

July 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

Often we hire for skill yet fire for behavior. This is because we tend to measure skills on qualifications, years of experience, achievements and organisations worked at. Just because one person thrived in a role does not mean they will thrive in a new role as the environment and team dynamics will contribute to the way someone behaves. It’s far easier to teach someone skills than it is to try and teach them the behavior you need.

Entrepreneur Advice from Eldari Visser: Learn and grow together

July 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Eldari Visser, founder of Picketfence Life (South Africa) — **Eldari Visser**, founder of Picketfence Life (South Africa)

Learn and grow together…

“Find a pack that you can belong to as an entrepreneur and as an individual. Understand the power of the collective. Learn and grow together, support and build. Don’t be out in the wild and cold alone. Learn from each other…”

- Eldari Visser and her unique company, Picketfence Life, provide access to information, advice and a powerful network of experts to help consumers find solutions to various serious issues. The company focuses mostly on easy blogs written by financial coaches, lawyers, accountants and tax practitioners, life and business coaches, and even psychologists. Read Eldari's startup story.

Entrepreneur Advice from Adenike Ogunlesi: Self development makes you know yourself

May 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria) — Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria)

Self development makes you know yourself....

“Be focused and clear in your mind about what you want to do. If you set out to do something, complete it. Don’t procrastinate. It is also important that you develop yourself. Finish your degree and then you start a whole way of learning. Self development makes you know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses.”

- Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi is the founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of designer children's clothing in Nigeria. Nike started out modestly in 1996 selling the clothes she made from the boot of her car and in bazaars. Today, Ruff 'n' Tumble is an instantly recognisable brand in Nigeria and has a reputation for being one of the top manufacturers of children's clothing throughout West Africa. Ruff 'n' Tumble successfully caters to the unique fashion sense of today’s youngsters, from new born to age 16, happily mixing indigenous lifestyle trends with an international appeal.

Entrepreneur Advice from Yolanda Methvin - Continue to work towards self-actualisation

August 19, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Yolanda Methvin, LithaFlora African Botanicals (South Africa) — **Yolanda Methvin**, LithaFlora African Botanicals (South Africa)

Continue to work towards self-actualisation....

"Do not be afraid to cross-collaborate, toward getting your goals achieved. One must seek out continued education opportunities. One must seek out opportunities to share existing knowledge achieved via life and other career experience. And one must continue to work toward self-actualisation. We can only achieve that which, we've already become internally. “See. Believe. Achieve”, that's my motto."

- Yolanda Methvin is the founder of LithaFlora African Botanicals, a South African functional health and wellness lifestyle brand and business. Yolanda lives, loves and works in Cape Town, South Africa, home of Table Mountain and the closest urban neighbor to the Fynbos Biome, located within the larger, Cape Floral Kingdom; the only floral kingdom situated entirely within one country. She uses these natural wonders to create unique herbal treatments and products that promise to please your mind, body and soul.