Women in Leadership: Empowerment, Authenticity, and Sisterhood
Mindcor-InterSearch
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Women's Leadership Breakfast: A Platform for Empowerment, Authenticity, and Sisterhood
On August 21, 2024, the Inanda Club became a powerful stage for women leaders to gather, share, and inspire during the Women’s Leadership Breakfast, organized by Mindcor-InterSearch as part of Women’s Month celebrations. This event was more than just a routine gathering—it was a vital forum for discussing the unique challenges women face in leadership roles and the essential role of authenticity, vulnerability, and support in overcoming these hurdles.
Setting the Stage: A Morning of Connection & Reflection
The event began with Marianne Hill , Managing Executive at Mindcor-InterSearch, welcoming the attendees and setting the tone for the morning. She outlined the agenda, introduced the team, and laid down the housekeeping rules before introducing the facilitator, Karabo Ramookho .
Karabo brought a wealth of experience and energy to the gathering. As the founder and coach at Khokhoon Coaching Centre, with over 20 years of management and leadership experience, Karabo has dedicated her career to empowering leaders and teams. Her passion for helping new managers and leaders grow, coupled with her extensive background in strategic marketing and leadership coaching, made her the ideal person to guide the day’s discussions.
Karabo’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in the belief that placing people at the center of the business drives innovation and fosters an environment where failure is seen as a lesson, not a setback. She has held significant roles, including Chief Operating Officer at K&G Brand Consultants and Strategic Marketing Manager at Old Mutual South Africa. Her expertise in facilitating team cohesion and her commitment to leadership development were evident as she skillfully steered the conversation throughout the event.
Authentic Leadership: Opening Hearts and Minds
Marianne Hill’s introduction seamlessly transitioned into a broader discussion on the power of authentic leadership. She challenged the women to reflect on their own journeys through conversation cards that asked,
"I know I am a woman leader when I can be my authentic self through ___________."
The responses illuminated the room, as women shared stories of how being true to themselves had shaped their leadership paths. One leader remarked, "When we lead with openness and authenticity, we give others permission to do the same. It’s not just about being vulnerable; it’s about creating a safe space where others feel empowered to share their true selves." Another echoed this sentiment, adding,
"By showing up as our authentic selves, we set the stage for others to step into their own authenticity. It’s about more than just leadership—it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and understood."
Navigating the Challenges: Insights from the Women
The discussion quickly moved into the heart of the challenges women face in leadership roles. Drawing on statistics from the WEF Gender Gap Report 2024, the leaders confronted the stark realities of gender inequality:
These statistics were not just numbers; they were the lived experiences of many women in the room. The discussion turned personal as leaders shared stories of navigating unequal pay, lack of mentorship, and the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in the workplace.
"Operating in a male-dominated environment has taught me the value of courage and authenticity. I am not a victim, and I will never be one. It’s about liberating yourself and being the best version of yourself, regardless of gender," one woman shared, reflecting the resilience required to succeed in such environments.
Another leader added, "Lack of sponsorship and mentorship is a lesson to those who have the opportunity to mentor others. Developing others through shared experiences is different from coaching—it's about imparting wisdom."
A Woman's Journey - A Reflection
To bring these discussions into focus, the group explored their own experiences in corporate and reflected on what experiences we share as women in this space. The discussion focused on what a woman’s journey is likely to be in the first 100 days in a new role - navigating high expectations, balancing personal and professional responsibilities, and overcoming biases.
“In her first 100 days a woman would need to prove that she is what they saw on her CV while ensuring her children are settled in the right schools and her team is fully supported,” one leader observed.
This exercise also highlighted the challenges of being the first woman in such a role, where a woman may be met with preconceived notions and biases.
“Women in leadership are often met with preconceived notions and biases. The first ‘no’ that she says in her new role might be something that no one will ever forget, simply because she’s a woman,” another leader remarked, emphasizing the added pressure women face in leadership positions.
Moreover, the conversation highlighted the difficulties women encounter in balancing their professional lives with personal responsibilities. The engagements brought to light the fact that many women leaders must manage the expectations placed on them both at work and at home, often with little support or understanding.
"The toughest part for a woman would likely be managing the disruption in her personal life while trying to prove herself professionally. She would have to dig very deep to meet those expectations," a leader noted.
Embracing Change and Building Sisterhood
As the morning progressed, the conversation turned to the need for change and the power of building a strong sisterhood in the workplace. The mantra for the day,
"Open Mind, Open Hearts, Open Hands," encapsulated the spirit of the discussions—
emphasizing the need to be open to new ideas, people, and experiences while fostering a culture of generosity and support.
One leader captured this sentiment perfectly:
"When we approach each interaction with an open mind and heart, we build a culture where authenticity is not just encouraged, but celebrated. This kind of environment is where true innovation and collaboration happen."
Building a sisterhood was recognized as both a challenge and a necessity. The women acknowledged that trust issues and fear of vulnerability often hinder the development of strong networks among women.
"Women have always had clubs until they moved into corporate. It takes a village to raise a child, but in corporate, there is no village. We need to rebuild that sense of community and support within our workplaces," one leader observed.
However, the women also recognized the power of sisterhood in creating a supportive environment where they can thrive.
"Vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness, but in reality, it is a powerful form of strength. When we are vulnerable, we allow others to see us as we truly are, and this openness invites them to lower their own walls and engage more deeply," another leader reflected.
Additionally, the discussion touched on the need to embrace both change and continuity in how women lead.
"We want to change, but with change comes the need to embrace it. I can be fully feminine and still be strong. Boldness isn't about gender; it's about what is required for the role. We need to reframe our thinking," a leader noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's identity while navigating leadership roles.
The women also discussed the challenges in building a strong network or sisterhood among women in corporate environments.
"What we tend to do as women is forget to use our network over the years. We need to continue those connections, reach out even years later, and not let the fear of needing something stop us from asking for support," one woman shared, reflecting on the importance of maintaining professional relationships.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The Women’s Leadership Breakfast was a profound reminder of the challenges women face in leadership roles and the critical importance of authenticity, openness, and support. The event underscored the need for women to connect, support each other, and continue pushing for equality in all spheres.
As the event concluded, the women left with a renewed commitment to live, lead, and love with open hearts, minds, and hands. The discussions and connections made during the breakfast are set to inspire further dialogue and action, ensuring that the momentum gained during Women’s Month carries forward into everyday practice.
In the words of Wilma Mankiller, a leader whose spirit was evoked during the event,
"Women in leadership roles can help restore balance and wholeness to our communities."
As we move forward, let us continue to build the sisterhood, embrace change, and lead with authenticity.