Today I am rounding up some of the many lessons I learned from each of the incredible women we featured on the WOMEN WHO DARE SERIES in celebration of International women's month.  Jackie Mgido, Modesta Mahiga-Mbughuni, Saray Khumalo, Adetola Akinola, Njambi Koikai, Brendah Nyakudya, Yawaa Hansen-Quao, Pastor Funmi Johnson, Barbara Kamba-Nyathi, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, I thank you all for sharing your stories here.  I salute your courage and wisdom, and wish you every success as you...

If I had to describe Advocate Fadzayi Mahere in three words, they would be:  Clarity, Courage and Commitment.  A constitutional lawyer who has been in practice for 12 years, she practices as an advocate at the Harare Bar. Her main fields of practice include constitutional law, human rights law, and administrative law. In this conversation we talk a lot about how her early years prepared her for life as an advocate, the important role that mentors and role models have played, and why...

Barbara Kamba-Nyathi is The Emotional Alchemist: Psychotherapist, lifestyle and wellness coach, and bestselling author. She is the founder and CEO of Bold Dialogue.  Barbara is a Tony Elumelu Foundation alumna, Cherie Blair Foundation alumna, and the Namibia FlyingLabs in-house psychotherapist and interim director brand ambassador for U Motle. She is also the country chapter head for First Class On Your Becoming Namibia and Zimbabwe and a two-time TEDx speaker. Barbara is a catalyst for...

What I learnt from this conversation with Pastor Funmi Johnson was how important it is for a mother to have a vision for her children, how critical it is for a man to marry a woman who is wiser than him, and how patience pays off in the end - you just don't know when!  Olufunmilola Ayoola Johnson (Funmi Johnson) or Pastor Funmi as she is affectionately known, is a life coach, certified International Financial Corporation ("IFC") trainer, a passionate intercessor and astute counsellor who...

Brendah has been marching to the beat of her own drum since she left home in her early twenties - making her mark in media and digital communication. She is a talented and adaptable communicator and writer who loves telling stories that resonate with brands and audiences at large. As an entrepreneur, she built a Johannesburg based digital content studio which became a force to be reckoned with on the digital marketing landscape. Maidenand Pty Ltd (formerly Content Candy) produced top-quality...

Njambi Koikai is a radio & TV host, artist, DJ, actress, event host, endowarrior, and celebrated reggae emcee based in Nairobi, Kenya. Born and bred in Kawangware, she grew up around great musical influences that heavily inspired her interest and career in music. Known for her outstanding persona and stage presence especially in the reggae scene, Njambi came into the spotlight when she hosted a reggae show on Metro FM. A trailblazer and multi-talented superstar, she has cemented her place...

An entrepreneur who leads with passion and boundless energy, Adetola is as action-oriented as she is thorough. When nothing is moving, she makes it move. A strong advocate for preparation and mentorship, she is a testament to how both these factors can propel you to success if you trust the process. Her never-say-die attitude has lead her into ventures as diverse as events management, auto repairs, entertainment and promotion, food, beverages, business services, and property management. This...

Did you know that children who are allowed to climb grow up to be more confident as adults?  The secret to confidence is not really in the climbing - it's the falling that matters most. Children who are allowed to climb become accustomed to falling, and that's what expands their confidence! In this episode Thembe Khumalo shares some of the most frightening moments of her adult life, and how she pushed against her fears to achieve her dreams. We hope these stories help you find the courage to...

There is something to be said for a leader who has the call to lead running in her veins and imbued in her spirit. Yawa Hansen-Quao is one such woman. Learning from an early age never to let anyone steal her voice or her power, she grew into a strong, successful, courageous woman who is accelerating African development and economic growth through building a stronger civil service in Ghana.  A visionary leader whose career landmarks include being recognized as one of Africa’s Rising Leaders at...

Saray Khumalo doesn't just push barriers, break taboos and smash ceilings, she also climbs mountains - literally! She became the first black African woman to reach the summit of Mt Everest on her 4th attempt, which tells you everything you need to know about her resilience, determination and strength of character.  But for many years Saray was coasting along, doing the things a good girl is supposed to do and ticking the right boxes. As an experienced business executive, she has a solid...

Fierce, phenomenal, and utterly fabulous, Modesta Mahiga-Mbughuni is a woman on fire. A lawyer, author, leadership coach and so much more, she was named “one of Africa’s Movers and Shakers” by the Times of London. She is the founder of Modesta.Africa and her mission is to build African leaders for global competitiveness. Her story will make you laugh, cry and applaud, but most of all, it will leave you inspired to play your part in bettering Africa today.

Jacqueline Mgido is a renowned celebrity makeup artist, stylist, entrepreneur, and CEO of ​Jackie Mgido Cosmetics​, an international makeup company with locations in Zimbabwe, Los Angeles, Uganda, and Kenya. Jackie’s artistry, dynamic personality, and passion for excellence have enabled her to amass an impressive clientele of critically acclaimed artists, to work on film/television including: MTV, the Billboard Music Awards, The Real Housewives of Orange County, All My Children, Another...

How much do you know about African women?  About their history, their potential and their power.  this conversation will inform, entertain and inspire you. Mutsa Samuel is a global speaker, a serial entrepreneur and the author of Your Authentic Self.  He has spoken widely in Africa and Europe and spreads his deep love and respect for Africa and Africans wherever he goes. today he shares insights on African identity, what makes women wonderful and his favourite African women leaders. 

We have a very important announcement, and a conversation about the future we want for you, our clients as well as for Africa.  Join Thembe Khumalo and Selina Zigomo on our first episode of 2021.

As we come to the end of an extraordinary year, how can you make sure you hold on to everything that was good about 2020?  How will you avoid repeating the mistakes you made in the past?  What lessons might you be missing that could propel you forward in the year ahead?  What matters most as you plan your life going forward? I have put together my favourite planning questions for you.  there are some good old favourites that you've heard before, but also a few newbies that might surprise and...

I am riding solo this week, sharing a part of my personal story that convinced me about the importance of being part of a community and reminding you of the beautiful Christmas present Brandbuilder has prepared for you.  Merry Christmas 

When other little girls were dreaming of becoming princesses, Debra Magwada already had her eye on a bigger prize - the earth! She learnt from watching her grandfather and the community around him that you have to respect everything that comes from nature - people, animals, plants, land. In this conversation, she shares her journey to becoming one of a handful of female conservation entrepreneurs in Africa, and how she came to be the Founder and CEO of Rejuvinate! Umhlaba, a company that...

If you want to do something big, something scary, something amazing, the best person to talk to is someone who has done it before you.  Find out what you can learn, what preparation you need to make and which mistakes you can avoid.  Tariro Makina, Selina Zigomo and Michell Hakata have all taken the brave move to quit the 9 to 5 and go solo. Find out what they have to say about it in this episode.  Then, if you want to know more about building a consulting practice, if you want someone to...

Carl Joshua Ncube isn't just a comedian.  He is an astute businessman who has carefully curated his brand over many years to deliver the life he wants to live.  In this conversation, he tells us how he sees life as a long game of snakes and ladders, how he became who he is today, and why he and his wife are living on a bus in the resort town of Victoria Falls.  If you've ever wondered what it might be like to live your truth, look to Carl and Nelsy, and you'll get the live experience. 

Jito Kayumba is a partner in a private equity firm in Lusaka Zambia. But he is more than that. He is a teacher and a student of life - constantly pushing the boundaries of his potential, driving towards excellence and making his contribution to building the kind of Africa we all want to live in. We talked about mastery, about creating systems for succeeding in your field, about personal branding and the role of social media, as well as about what’s hot in Africa right now!

If you love thinking about thinking, and talking about solutions; if you love pondering about purpose and investigating innovation, then you will love this conversation with Musekiwa Samuriwo. An entrepreneur, strategist, designer, author, speaker and consultant, Musekiwa makes a life and a living by using his gifts to add value to businesses, individuals and communities. He has mastered accumulating knowledge and packaging it in ways that make it accessible to broader audiences. His latest...

It's really about the critical role that bees play in the global ecosystem. Terence Chambati is an advertising executive turned conservation entrepreneur.  His story left me gasping on so many different levels.  Listen in to find out how he made the switch, and why the work he is doing is so important, not just for Africa, but in the world.  You'll be inspired by his vision, motivated by his boldness and enthralled by his compassion for and sense of responsibility for the planet.

This week Akua Nyame Mensah talks to us about building self-awareness, simplifying engagement and setting and achieving appropriate expectation. But that's not all - she also shares some her of exciting career moves, and the lessons she's learnt along the way.   When a seasoned coach tells you you can "make the most of your future by understanding your present," you can't help but really pause and reflect on your life. Here's hoping this episode results in as much insight and introspection...

Empress Pat is a force of female energy that you do not want to mess with.  Deeply immersed in the media and communication space, she is passionate about recognising and elevating the humanity of all people and especially that of black women.  Pat shares highlights of her journey to recognising her inner empress and how she built an authentic personal brand.

Join me on a self-coaching journey in this episode as I go through 8 of my favourite ways to find clarity and calm when I am feeling overwhelmed.  I think you'll find it useful:-)