Digital Divas Summit 2024: A Day of Empowerment, Inspiration, and A Heartfelt Thank You to the Innovation City Cape Town Team ??

Attending the Digital Divas Summit 2024 was an experience like no other—a day filled with wisdom, inspiration, and a profound sense of community. From the insightful presentations to the dynamic panel discussions, every moment left me feeling both empowered and motivated. The content was refreshingly unique, and the speakers were incredibly inspiring, leaving a lasting impression. I found myself eagerly taking notes and capturing some of the most amazing moments in pictures. I felt compelled to write a heartfelt article about this unforgettable day, eager to share it with all of you who couldn’t attend.

Here's a detailed summary of this incredible day:

Acknowledgment and Gratitude ??

Before diving into the highlights, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all the amazing ladies of Innovation City Cape Town who made this summit possible. A special shoutout to Michelle Kleu , Sandra Buckingham , Elsie Sibanda , Ethel Makovah and all the others I haven’t even mentioned. Let’s not forget the amazing camera crew and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes—the sound team, those handling the video and powerpoint presentations, and everyone who contributed to making this event run smoothly. ?? Your dedication and flawless execution shone through in every detail, creating an environment where we could all grow, learn, and be inspired. Thank you for making this event an unforgettable experience!

Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, MP (Digital Diva of 2024): Leadership and Inclusion ??

Nobuntu opened the day with profound wisdom, reflecting on the values instilled in her by her parents. Her father emphasized the importance of collective leadership, teaching her that true leaders say "we" instead of "I," recognizing the power of inclusion and shared responsibility. Her mother, on the other hand, imparted the significance of giving others the space to voice their thoughts—a lesson in the importance of listening and valuing diverse perspectives. Nobuntu's storytelling was deeply personal, yet universally resonant, It reminded me that while we may often speak in the first person, our journey is never solely our own—God, our experiences, and those who support us are part of that "we."

Catherine Young : Cultivating Growth ??

Catherine's message was simple yet profound: "Bloom where you are planted." She spoke about the importance of having a growth mindset and nurturing the seeds of qualities such as organization, adaptability, bravery, hope, assertiveness, balance, and unapologetic self-expression. Catherine encouraged us to assess how we are cultivating these attributes in our lives, reminding us that growth is both an internal and external journey.

Caroline Naylor-Renn : Growing Wealth ??

Caroline's session was a masterclass in financial empowerment. She urged us to take control of our financial destinies by understanding where our money goes and being brave enough to try investing. She shared valuable insights on saving for retirement and emphasized the importance of paying ourselves—investing in our future selves to secure financial independence. Her advice was practical, empowering us to make informed decisions that will grow our wealth and secure our financial futures.

Heléne Smuts : Motivation and Structure ??

Heléne's talk centered on the idea of growing our own motivation and inspiring others by focusing on three key elements: Stimulus, Structure, and Recognition. She emphasized the importance of creating environments that stimulate our passions, structuring our goals for clarity and progress, and recognizing both our efforts and those of others. This holistic approach to motivation resonated deeply, reminding us that motivation is a dynamic force that needs to be nurtured and sustained. Reminding us that motivation is everyone's responsibility and just the leaders.

Faith Wesson : Owning Your Power ??

Faith's powerful message was a rallying cry for self-empowerment. She reminded us that "the world lacks the imagination to understand your full potential," urging us to own our power and give ourselves the recognition we deserve. Faith beautifully articulated the importance of acknowledging every stage of our lives—the toddler, the teen, and the adult woman—each deserving of gratitude and celebration. Her words were a reminder to embrace our journeys, honor our struggles, and recognize the immense power within us.

Angela Shurina Executive Coach : Turning Dreams into Reality ??

Angela, who also happens to be a dear friend, delivered a session that resonated deeply, especially given my journey with Proto Care (Pty) Ltd . She spoke about the importance of clarity in achieving our dreams and the necessity of being willing to pay the price for success. Angela reminded us that the bigger the dream, the more we need to grow—including our skill set. She challenged us to envision our worst-case scenarios, develop a plan to overcome them, and continuously ask ourselves the five "whys" to dig deeper into our motivations. Her message was a timely reminder of the dedication and resilience needed to turn dreams into reality.

Elizma Nolte : Conquering Imposter Syndrome ???

Elizma tackled the ever-relevant issue of imposter syndrome, introducing us to the concept of FOBGO—Fear of Being Found Out. She discussed the connection between our nervous system and our emotions, offering practical advice like "tapping" to calm anxiety. Elizma also emphasized that vulnerability is the antidote to shame, equating it with courage. She encouraged us to find communities where we can share our stories, be vulnerable, and build courage together.

A Tasty Interlude: Lunch by Nando's South Africa ??

After a morning filled with powerful insights and inspiration, we took a delicious break with lunch provided by Nando's. The food was not only satisfying but also the perfect fuel to keep our energy levels high for the afternoon's engaging panel discussions.

Panel 1: Female Inclusion and the Significance of Women’s Month ??

The first panel discussion after lunch focused on the critical topic of female inclusion and the true meaning behind Women’s Month. Led by Lisa Adams , Taz Splinter , and Shana Fife of Citizen Code , the conversation delved into the importance of creating spaces where women are not only included but also celebrated and empowered. Their insights highlighted the ongoing efforts needed to ensure that every woman has a voice and the opportunity to shine.

Panel 2: Divas That Dared—Stories of Bold Pivots ??

Next up was the Divas That Dared panel, where we heard inspiring stories of great pivots from Aneesa Theron , Taleta Willer , Michelle Kleu and Miranda Perumal . These incredible women shared how they navigated significant career changes and life decisions with courage and ingenuity. Their stories underscored the power of resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges and seizing new opportunities.

Panel 3: Growing Your Corporate Career—Breaking Barriers ??

The final panel of the day focused on strategies for growing a corporate career while breaking through barriers like the glass ceiling. Featuring Lori Hayley Joffe CA(SA) , Elizabeth Lee Ming , Velma Corcoran and Chipo Mushwana , this discussion offered valuable advice on how to navigate the corporate world with confidence and ambition. Topics included addressing gaslighting, shattering the glass ceiling, and the importance of leaning in to reach new heights in one’s career. The panelists also recommended reading "Lean In" to further explore these themes.

Kira Bosch: The Power of Breath ???

Kira Bosch, a breathwork practitioner, guided us through an incredible breath exercise that left everyone feeling centered and revitalized. She emphasized the importance of daily practice, showing us how something as simple as breath can profoundly impact our wellbeing.

Dr. Ledivia Strauss: Hacking Your Health ??

Dr. Ledivia Strauss captivated us with her session on health optimization. She discussed how our epigenomes, rather than just our genetics, determine our health outcomes. Dr. Strauss emphasized the importance of being metabolically healthy, understanding our numbers, and being mindful of our nutrition—highlighting that "with every bite you eat, you have the ability to either hurt yourself or heal yourself." Her insights on stress, hormonal changes, and balancing scales offered a comprehensive approach to maintaining health at every stage of life.

Tatjana Smith: The Grand Finale ????

The day reached its pinnacle with an inspiring talk from Tatjana Smith, South Africa's most decorated Olympian in history. As a two-time Olympic champion, Tatjana made waves at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games, winning gold in the 200-meter breaststroke and silver in the 100-meter breaststroke in 2020, setting both Olympic and world records. She continued her dominance in 2024, securing gold in the 100-meter breaststroke and silver in the 200-meter breaststroke.

Tatjana’s story of determination, resilience, and success was the perfect close to an empowering day. Her insights were further highlighted in an interview conducted by Innovation City's very own Michelle, adding an extra layer of depth to her already remarkable presence. Tatjana even stayed behind to take photos with us, making the moment truly unforgettable.

Wrapping Up: A Toast to Empowerment ??

As the event came to a close, we enjoyed lovely wine from Spier Wine Farm and delectable finger foods while networking with fellow DIVAS. The connections made and the inspiration shared will undoubtedly resonate for a long time to come.

The Digital Divas Summit 2024 was a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women. From thought-provoking speeches to empowering discussions, every moment was filled with the spirit of growth and community. Here’s to continuing the journey of empowerment, motivated by the incredible DIVAS who shared their wisdom and stories with us. ??

IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE THE TIME OR FUNDS TO ATTEND THIS AMAZING DIGITAL DIVA EVENT—REMEMBER, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY AWESOME, YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH, AND YOU ARE A TRUE DIVA! ?? EMBRACE YOUR DIVA STATUS AND ROCK THIS WORLD WITH YOUR UNSTOPPABLE AWESOMENESS!! ???

#DigitalDivasSummit #WomenInTech #Leadership #Empowerment #InnovationCity #SeeYouNextYearDIVAS