In these really crazy times of gender based atrocities, I consider myself very privileged to have determined and unassailable women in my life. I grew up in a home with a strong, wilful mother, two very empowered and inspired older sisters and a very loving and loyal younger sister. I got married to a resolute and unshakeable woman and we were blessed with the most animated and charismatic leader of a daughter. Not only is this a blessing unlike any other, it has helped me to reflect and appreciate the lessons that can be learned from these phenomenal women.
From my mother, she taught me the value of hard work and the power of a strong will; Often as leaders we find ourselves in situations facing multiple challenges all at the same time. The complexity of business in the modern world tends to come with a requirement for thick skin and an empathetic, but very strong heart.
From my oldest sister, I learnt how to shake off the views of the world and simply embrace becoming. In so doing occupying spaces and environments that you own and in which you add value. The lesson that I take from her is that in a sea of opinions, you need trust in yourself and back your ability to succeed.
The sister that comes after my oldest taught me the power of the outlier. Having been blessed with the ability to march to the beat of her own drum, we as leaders can all learn alot from this. Leadership styles vary in many different ways, but most importantly is understanding what yours is and embracing it for what it is – I call this your super power.
My youngest sister taught me love and loyalty. In any leadership context it is critical that we remember that we are people before we are anything else. In this day and age it is an honor and a privilege to lead a team with love and purpose and it is an endeavour we are all called to aspire to.
My lovely wife would make the perfect judge. Her disdain for injustice and pursuit of equity make her a phenomenal individual to have in my life. I have learnt the power of being forthright as a leader and the ability to work through confrontations quickly and with an end goal in mind.
And last, but absolutely not least. My beautiful daughter. This young dynamo has helped me experience emotions that I didn’t know I had. Her electric personality and magnetic aura have taught me that it is the role of a leader to step out and make people feel. Make people feel through how they express themselves, how people experience them and how they make other people feel.
During this women’s month, I would like to share these words with you and pay forward my phenomenal privilege of being surrounded by amazing, African women
