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Confession time: I have not cracked the code! 

November 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu–Tapula

When we switch on our phones and open our social media applications we are bombarded with many people who seem to just always get it right. We often feel the pressure to act as though we have cracked the code, our businesses are booming, and we are eating healthily.

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Mompreneur, Work Life Balance
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Stop existing, start living

October 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Elizabeth Otieno

It's been a hectic month. Board meetings and client meetings seem to be happening daily. You still haven’t updated the monthly financial report. Your three articles are still pending and to top it all off, none of your new projects seem to be going as planned. But you still want—need to do more.

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In Guest Blog Tags Elizabeth Otieno, Work Life Balance
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Ambition and motherhood - should we even bother?

October 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Tshego Dludla, founder of RoboSTEAM Train

3 points to consider as you go for your dreams as a Mompreneur.

There was a time when becoming a mother meant that one would have to quit work and just be a mom. Yes, that is the best job in the world but even as I type that I’m rolling my eyes a little because we can’t use that to make moms feel guilty for being ambitious. Not anymore. The truth of the matter is that many moms suffer in silence on so many matters and this one is no different. Before your name was changed to mom, you had hopes and dreams so why should they die now. It took me reading a blog by Busie Sholo to help me realize that I don’t have to feel bad about still wanting to build an empire even though I am a mom of three.

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In Guest Blog Tags Tshego Dludla, Work Life Balance
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How to overcome working mom’s guilt

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Usha Maharaj

As a working mom I’m sure you’ve felt that pang of guilt when sitting at the office while you leave your children in someone else’s care. As a working mom who needs to work, who feels energized by working, who loves what they do, and who also loves raising their children – working mom’s guilt, is an obstacle.

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In Guest Blog Tags Usha Maharaj, Work Life Balance
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Screen time vs Play Time - A working mom’s dilemma

July 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

Facing the same dilemma too? We actually don’t have to. A few weeks ago, I wrote on how moms can use screen time to get some work done. Screen time is awesome in the sense that your child gets entertainment, learns and sees new things but too much of it can really disempower your child. So, what do we do?

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Work Life Balance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Deborah Hartung: Find a balance between work and life

March 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Deborah Hartung

Deborah Hartung

Find a balance between work and life…

“It’s going to take some time and some planning, but you can definitely make time to find a more healthy balance between work and life. Do it for your health. Do it for your sanity and stress levels – your future self is already thanking you for loving yourself enough to take time out to rest.”

Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Deborah Hartung, Work Life Balance
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Quote of the Day by Deborah Hartung

February 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech (South Africa)

Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech (South Africa)

“Don’t be so hard on yourself and put so much pressure on yourself to do it all and be this perfect business woman, partner and mother.”

Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Work Life Balance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Fidelis Wanjiku: Take care of yourself

October 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Fidelis Wanjiku, founder of Round Square Marketing Limited (Kenya)

Fidelis Wanjiku, founder of Round Square Marketing Limited (Kenya)

Take care of yourself....

"Take care of yourself, your health, and your relationships so that you don't lose yourself in the maze of start-up. Take the power - be responsive to the clients as you need them: be the best you can. Do not waste their time with false promises. Have a plan, just in case - for example a financial back-up for when things go wrong, as they likely will. Have structures in place and most of all, be passionate."

Fidelis Wanjiku, founder of Round Square Marketing Limited (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Work Life Balance
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Exploring the ideal of ‘Balance’

June 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Dhlamini-Motshegwa

If you consider it realistically, falling out of balance doesn’t really matter. In fact, I’ll argue that it’s inevitable, bearing in mind the different phases of life we find ourselves in. What I think is more important is how we choose to find our way back to centre – moment-by-moment, day-by-day, week-by-week, month-by-month.

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Dhlamini-Motshegwa, Work Life Balance
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The importance of self care in our lives as entrepreneurs

February 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Dhlamini

Reflecting on this reminded me of the importance of intentionally setting an inclusive framework as I put together the pieces (people, places and projects) that I would like to include in my life in 2019.

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In Guest Blog Tags Work Life Balance, Phindile Dhlamini-Motshegwa
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Entrepreneur Advice from Essma Ben Hamida: Maintain a balance

December 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Essma Ben Hamida, co-founder and Executive Director of Enda Inter-Arabe (Tunisia)

Essma Ben Hamida, co-founder and Executive Director of Enda Inter-Arabe (Tunisia)

It's essential to maintain a balance.... 

“Maintain a balance between your private life and your work. Do what you are passionate about so you can give more. I am happy and passionate even if I work a lot. Take care of your health so you will be able to see the results of your hard work.”

Essma Ben Hamida, co-founder of Enda Inter-Arabe (Tunisia)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Essma Ben Hamida, Work Life Balance
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Wellness Management - a foundation of success in any business

April 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions

It’s said that, “Health and intellect are the two blessings of life.” This is true and the two words, “health and intellect” should be what every employer emphasizes on from the recruitment phase to the exit. Beginning a new job or internship can be an exciting and stressful time. Everyone is eager to prove their worth to colleagues and managers and excited to learn new skills, as well as share their own skills set and knowledge. While it’s good to be focused on finding a company that will help meet professional goals, it’s also important to consider how the future employer will help in terms of wellness. It is prudent to note that no amount of money is worth sacrificing one’s wellness.

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In Guest Blog Tags Tatenda Rungisa, Work Life Balance
Comment

Quote of the Day by Marta Pinto Coelho Roff

January 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Marta Pinto Coelho Roff is the co-founder of Maputo Relocation Solutions (Mozambique)

Marta Pinto Coelho Roff is the co-founder of Maputo Relocation Solutions (Mozambique)

“It’s all about work life balance. Entrepreneurship, just like motherhood, is not for me a 9-5 job. I also make time for myself.”

- Marta Pinto Coelho Roff, co-founder of Maputo Relocation Solutions (Mozambique)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Work Life Balance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Anna Raimondo - Invest in yourself

January 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Anna Raimondo, founder of SMITH Jewellery

Anna Raimondo, founder of SMITH Jewellery

Make sure to continue investing in yourself....

".... you ARE your business. Read books, go on courses, and remember to take a break to find your inspiration. These things will help you get a clearer view of who you are and where you want your business to go."

- Anna Raimondo  is a South African jewellery designer who has created a brand personality and a design style that are uniquely hers, and as a result, the SMITH Jewellery brand is truly memorable. After completing her degree in Jewellery Design & Manufacturing from Stellenbosch University, Anna won a scholarship to study luxury design at Richemont's Creative Academy in Milan. Today, she designs and crafts jewellery for women and men in her Cape Town studio.

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Work Life Balance
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Bridget Edwards, a South African stress expert on a mission to help others to overcome challenges in life

August 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Bridget Edwards, author and emotional change catalyst

Bridget Edwards, author and emotional change catalyst

For many people, stress can have a devastating impact on their lives, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Bridget Edwards is an entrepreneur and specialist stress counsellor showing people how to harness stress as a positive force, rather than a negative one. Her consulting work and her books provide an inspirational guide to living life more positively and differently, resolving personal challenges and issues along the way.

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In Startup Story Tags Work Life Balance
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series - Navigating Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace

Lioness Radio Show Special Episode: Navigating AI 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
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
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 / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe

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