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Sometimes you will not be celebrated along the journey; people celebrate at the end, but that does not make your goal impossible < Back Dr Nomusa Shezi Specialist Neurosurgeon at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital Dr Nomusa Shezi works as a specialist neurosurgeon for the Department of Health within the Department of Neurosurgery at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. Dr Shezi qualified in 2017 as the first African female neurosurgeon in KwaZulu-Natal and went on to complete a Master of Medicine in Neurosurgery at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine in 2019. Dr Shezi states that her career path has been shaped by a myriad of experiences. Her biggest motivators have been her father, who was a pastor, and her mom, who worked in the health sector. Dr Shezi says that they both shaped how she looked at the world and how she could be of service to her community. “My dad inspired me to find how I could be of service to my community amidst apparent hopelessness, and also instilled in me the pursuit of excellence with failure not being an option. Initially, when I said I wanted to be a doctor, my mom would take me to the HIV clinics and introduce me to the doctors that were working there, so that I would know what I was getting myself into.” Her other inspiration has been God, who has been the centre of her identity regardless of what happens around her, success or failure. In addition, Dr Shezi says she stays true to herself. “I believe that if I work hard and achieve what seems impossible; others will see their ‘impossible’ dreams as feasible.” The challenge of sexism Dr Shezi says that the first challenge she faced was after completing her matric. She attended Pietermaritzburg Girls High, which was an all-girls school and there she learnt how to interact with people from different walks of life. “When I went into medicine, I met up with the academic challenges and the social challenges of meeting racism, for the first time, in a more overt manner, and realised that some people can judge your intellectual capacity based on your gender, which was disheartening.” The next challenge Dr Shezi faced was joining the male dominated neurosurgery department. She commented, “Currently in government, I am the only female who is a neurosurgeon amongst six other men. In the province, there are three females in total, probably against ten male neurosurgeons. The challenge of sexism is sometimes overt, and sometimes just subjective, which is one of the biggest challenges that I have had to face. I had to see myself as a neurosurgeon, even if no one else in the room could see me as a neurosurgeon.” Another challenge was learning how to deal with failure. Dr Shezi had never failed an exam all the way to becoming a doctor until she started training as a neurosurgeon. Writing an examination and not succeeding, she says, was painful but it was an important lesson as she learnt that failures don’t define you. “That lesson has served me well because not every patient I touch has a favourable outcome, and I need to always aim for excellence in my work without giving up should I fall short. Those challenges, as painful as they were, shaped my worldview, so now I am able to be gentler with myself, forgive myself and still find motivation to continue without external validation.” Set a vision for yourself Her future work goal is to establish a functional neurosurgery unit within the neurosurgery department in the public sector. “I’m very passionate about functional neurosurgery because I think it’s not just enough for us to save lives by removing brain tumours, but it is also important to provide therapy to improve the quality of life to those with debilitating disorders like Parkinson’s disease in the underserved public sector.” In advising other females or any person, she states that it is essential to set a vision for yourself even if it seems impossible to other people. “It’s impossible until you do it,” she explained. “There are a lot of distractions in life that aim to derail you, whether they are good or bad, or friends, or family. My motto in life is to never let someone’s dysfunction determine my destiny, someone’s dysfunction of misogyny must not determine whether I step into the room, someone’s dysfunction of seeing my melanin must not determine my destiny, someone’s dysfunction of looking at my background, how I speak, how I present myself, must not determine how I pursue or reach my goals.” Her second biggest advice is to believe in where you are going, as the voices of people that you allow to influence you, will have a great impact on how you move forward and the things you achieve. “Sometimes you will not be celebrated along the journey; people celebrate at the end, but that does not make your goal impossible, so set your vision and focus on that,” she adds. Open the door Most importantly, she says, is to be the change you want to see. “The fact that I’ve gone through challenges means that the person that comes after me, must not go through the same challenges.” As the lone female in her department, Dr Shezi says that whenever any female joins the unit, she endeavours always to avail herself for any advice, guidance or mentorship. She says, “I believe it’s of huge importance when we move into spaces where we might be the lone voice, to always make sure that you open the door behind you, so that eventually you are not the lone person. If you get a chance to get a seat at the proverbial table, you must own the seat to allow others to follow suit.” In conclusion Dr Shezi says, “The biggest part for me is making yourself available to serve others and aim for collective success. How I foster this version of success is making sure that in the space I own, I allow as many others around me, more especially females, the support to succeed. When I’ve done my 25 percent, someone will do the next 25 percent and we’ll reach 100 percent of whatever vision of perfection within neurosurgery in the province looks like.”

South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)NAEEM ASVAT CA(SA) joined SAICA in 2007 as the regional executive for SAICA Eastern Region, based in Durban. He is responsible for all SAICA's activities in the region, which comprises primarily KwaZulu-Natal. Prior to joining SAICA, he held the position as senior manager in the Accounting Advisory Services division at KPMG, where he worked for ten years, and trained and qualified as a chartered accountant. Asvat's experience includes external and internal audit, forensic investigations, tax compliance and tax consulting as well as various consulting assignments. His career has included a short-term assignment in KPMG's Manchester office in the external audit division, which comprised conversions from UK GAAP to US GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). He has undertaken International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) conversions in South Africa and Namibia. During his career, he was appointed as a curators' agent of a transport business, which was seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit (Scorpions) and was appointed as a chief financial officer for an associate of a listed cellular company. Asvat believes that his career is successful because of three things: integrity, passion and stepping out of his comfort zone. "To me, integrity is a mark of a man; without it one's character is left undefined. In light of the changes in the profession, I am going to have to say that integrity holds true for me, as it should for every other profession, and is the most important aspect that I have learned. Second, my passion, for without it, you cannot succeed. And third, I am willing to step out of my comfort zone in order to attain the unattainable." He added that he is absolutely dedicated and committed to the work that he does, has an immense passion for work and a great desire for making a difference to society within his sphere of influence. Asvat says that his inspiration comes from "savouring the sweetness of success of someone whom I have helped and inspired, be it a member, a stakeholder, a university student or a learner". During his professional journey and in the early stages of South African democracy, he, as with other previously disadvantaged individuals found climbing the corporate ladder a serious challenge, having to constantly prove oneself beyond reproach. He commented: "I thrive on challenges and making the impossible possible." However, having made his way to senior manager, Asvat was head hunted and joined SAICA. This was challenging in the sense that he was catapulted into a leadership position. He was the first non-white person to be appointed in the 99-year history of the Institute, which also had its own set of challenges. "Suddenly, I was thrust in front of 2 200 members, business and government stakeholders with whom I started engaging. We now have more than 4 400 members." In this regard Asvat says, "My personality profile has been somewhat defined as a catalyst and I am driven to achieve and persevere." Establishing the first independent SAICA office in KwaZulu-Natal, and helping to build the SAICA and the CA(SA) brand to be a premier recognised business designation, have been highlights of his career. In addition, Asvat has spearheaded a significant transformation project with the KZN Treasury and guided them to becoming a SAICA Accredited Training office. A major forthcoming project for him is to see SAICA playing a more significant role in shaping economic policies within KwaZulu-Natal. Asvat comes from a family of five siblings and is happily married and the father of three sons. He credits much of his success to his wife, Fatima, and his mother, who have played very supportive roles in his career. In his free time, he says: "I enjoy the adrenaline stuff - I have gone skydiving (jumping out of a plane at 12 000 feet) and did the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at the Blaukrans river." He concludes: "Regardless where you come from, hard work and perseverance will bring you success. I believe that if you knock at the door long enough the door is bound to open." Up Home Up Latest News South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Naeem Asvat DEVELOPING RESPONSIBLE LEADERS The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is the foremost accountancy body in South Africa and the leading CA institute in the world. It plays an influential role in a highly dynamic business sector, offering a wide range of support services to its members and associates, allowing them to play a key role in the development of our economy. The institute’s more than 47000 members are CAs(SA) and hold positions as CEOs, MDs, board directors, business owners, chief financial officers and leaders in their spheres of business operation. The institute now has over 14900 African, Coloured and Indian members, over 18300 being female. South Africa was rated number one in the world for its strength of auditing and reporting standards from 2010 to 2017 by the World Economic Forum. SAICA Eastern Region The SAICA Eastern Region was first created as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Natal with a membership of just 20 CAs(SA). The first independent regional office was launched in October 2007, situated in Westville, before moving to Sherwood in September 2014. It is easily accessible to support Council, committees, stakeholders, and members. Additionally, it is well equipped to facilitate seminars, events and other networking opportunities as well as to respond and efficiently resolve member queries with key stakeholders on a regional level. The office also boasts a fully equipped training room, which is available to members. Today, the profession in KwaZulu-Natal comprises more than 4700 members whose interests are represented by the Eastern Region Council, presiding over both administration and operational matters in terms of its constitution. SAICA is committed to increasing the number of black CAs(SA) meaningfully participating in and contributing to the sustained growth of the economy through its Thuthuka Bursary Fund which supports aspirant CA(SA) students. Services Provided by CAs(SA) Business is well informed that CAs(SA) are advisors of choice in every aspect of business. Successful business relies on advice from experts who intimately understand their operations and experts who are able to excel in their work. It is here that the CA(SA) can partner with a business to ensure its long term sustainability. CONTACT DETAILS SAICA EASTERN REGION Physical Address: 50 West Riding Row, Office 11/12, Second Floor, Sherwood, 4091 Postal Address: P.O. Box 1350, Wandsbeck, 3631 Tel: +27 (0)31 207 3290 Fax: +27 (0)31 207 3309 E-mail: easternregion@saica.co.za Website: www.saica.co.za or www.findacasa.co.za Leaders Profile Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Sharon Butler Next Transport and trucking tends to be a male dominated field, but that hasn't stopped Sharon Butler from developing Expressway into a successful logistics company together with the KZN D&H Deliveries, with seven depots and 90 trucks across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. And as she says, there's no reason why women can't run a successful transport business Transport and trucking tends to be a male dominated field, but that hasn't stopped Sharon Butler from developing Expressway into a successful logistics company together with the KZN D&H Deliveries, with seven depots and 90 trucks across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. And as she says, there's no reason why women can't run a successful transport business. "Women have stepped up to the plate over the last 20 years, and several successful transport companies are run by women. It's a tough industry, especially right now with the attacks on truck drivers, but men face the exact the same struggles that we do. Success boils down to hard work, perseverance and believing in yourself." Trained as a secretary, Sharon found her entrepreneurial spirit as a young mother. She'd loved her secretarial job but once her son Ross was born, she didn't want to go back to work. Instead, she created a business from home - a fresh vegetable pack house. Buying produce straight from the market, she developed a range of convenience packs; cleaned, sliced and packaged vegetables for coleslaw, soups, stir-fries and a large microwave range. Now commonplace, this was a new concept and it wasn't long before she was supplying hypermarkets and supermarkets in Howick, Hilton, Pietermaritzburg and throughout Durban. Building a new business After a chance meeting with Darryl Ouzman, who owns D&H Deliveries, Sharon changed course going to work for him as a sales rep. Spotting business opportunities in Gauteng, she negotiated a partnership and moved her ambition in business to Johannesburg to focus on growing the business for their new company, Expressway. Finding a niche in the market, Expressway's key business is offering Johannesburg logistics companies access to a broad KwaZulu-Natal footprint. "There are plenty of transport businesses that don't have their own infrastructure in KZN," says Sharon. "And this is where we succeeded, partnering with them and ensuring Expressway provides their clients and efficient and reliable delivery service in KZN. Expressway is a third-party wholesale carrier." Sharon's role includes managing the marketing, finance, insurance and administration, while Darryl and his team handle the operations and fleet. "I wouldn't be here today without Darryl," says Sharon. "He's a brilliant business partner and we work very well together." Inspired by many people, her administration manager in Johannesburg stands out. "Erika Venter is a little dynamo. She's full of ambition and fastidious about deadlines, scheduling and filling trucks. She has the same values and drive as I do, and her loyalty and commitment are inspiring, as a woman in a tough business." Focused on her goals Sharon is clearly proud of her achievements, and the way they've grown the business, but there's no doubt that it's taken a lot of work. "No, I don't really have a life-work balance," she admits. "I spend a lot more time at work than I do at play, but it takes a lot to build and maintain a business. So, I'm proud of what I've achieved and I'm lucky to have a very supportive family, which has helped me along the way. But it takes focus and perseverance." A strong believer in goals, Sharon points out that this has helped her focus. "I have a good work ethic, and I've always strived to set a good example for my son Ross, who also works in the business, and show him the value of hard work and perseverance. I've also aimed to build a business that might create opportunities for him one day too, and hopefully I've achieved that." Sharon works with a life coach, Lynne McNamara, who she credits with giving her the confidence to chase her goals. "I've always set goals, but she has held me accountable and challenged me. She has also had a very calming effect on me when needed, which was very comforting. I believe that when you're prepared to push the boundaries, the sky is the limit. And I've proved to myself that I can do things I never really thought possible. I truly value her advice." Another new beginning? A farm girl at heart, Sharon can't wait to get back to her home in the KZN Midlands after a week in Johannesburg. But it's not just to relax and recharge. Always the entrepreneur, she'd spotted that berries were becoming a growth area in the fresh fruit market and planted 2 000 gooseberry seedlings in her rather large three hectare property at the beginning of the year. "After a little research I learnt that gooseberries are hardy and they don't need tunnels. Basically, you're growing weeds!" she laughs. But this is more than just a weekend hobby. Despite the intervening years since she'd had her vegetable pack house, Sharon managed to reconnect with some of her old contacts who offered useful advice and her first crop yielded 3 000 punnets . Sharon focused on the fresh fruit while her mother made gooseberry jam - that rapidly sold out in farmers markets and wholesalers in KZN. "But this isn't a once-off," she says, pointing out that her second crop is due in November. "Maybe I've discovered my exit plan," she smiles. Previous Next

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Being part of the MSC journey has provided him with many opportunities to continue to learn as, "No day is ever the same". Since the company has grown, new divisions have been added, which have included: ships agency, container depots, ship tracking and repair. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Glenn Delve (RIP) Being part of the MSC journey has provided him with many opportunities to continue to learn as, "No day is ever the same". Since the company has grown, new divisions have been added, which have included: ships agency, container depots, ship tracking and repair. Work hard and the rewards will be there GLENN DELVE, a Director at the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) said, "My 34 years with MSC have gone quickly, it has been an eventful journey and a great profession to be in." At school his aptitude tests predicted him becoming a chartered accountant or a chemical engineer, but he wanted something different. His professional journey began in 1978, when he accepted a post as a management trainee in a shipping company. His natural aptitude for learning saw him complete several training courses in the field of shipping, which he said, "gave his career a good grounding". MSC owns ships and is the second biggest shipping company in the world. The company has 510 vessels around the world, including several renowned cruise liners. Delve says that since he started working at MSC, the company has grown from 15 people and 20 ships to where they are now. Being part of the MSC journey has provided him with many opportunities to continue to learn as, "No day is ever the same". Since the company has grown, new divisions have been added, which have included: ships agency, container depots, ship tracking and repair. "Each division has had learning phases and challenges, which has made the business exciting," he said. "We have a huge team of 1300 people around the country that assist our MD, our chairman and myself to achieve the company's goals." As national commercial director, Delve's primary responsibility is to fill the cargo ships, with both import and export goods from and to South Africa. "I get involved in everything; operations, logistics, and solutions. It's a very exciting and challenging position." His journey with the company has ensured that his career has had many highlights, not the least was his appointment as a director of MSC in 2006. In addition, he said, "Being able to conclude a commercial agreement is a highlight on every occasion; each circumstance is different and has different requirements. Over the years, we have had to negotiate complex multinational contracts. Each takes a lot of time and it is very rewarding to see the conclusion." Delve added, "The majority of the many companies who were approached as potential clients over thirty years ago are still shipping with us today. Building long mature relationships with our clients has been heart-warming. This has been achieved through trust, empathy and transparency." Joining an Italian family owned business has had many advantages. Delve says that he has enjoyed his long working relationship with the Chief Executive Officer Captain Salvatore Sarno and MSC founder Chairman Gianluigi Aponte. He said, "The company has always treated its employees not only as assets but as family members. This philosophy is apparent in that the average length of employment within the company is over 20 years. In addition, during times of economic downturn, no employees have been retrenched, which is a very different response to most of our opposition shipping companies." For young people embarking on a shipping career, Delve has this advice, "Work hard and the rewards will be there". However, he said, "It is not an industry for the faint hearted." He added that it is also important to work your way up from the bottom so that you have a good understanding of the different aspects of the shipping industry. His advice to anyone wanting to follow in his footsteps is "Not to lose focus and don't lose sight of other people". Delve says life today is challenging as there is a lot to keep on top of and it's more difficult now to find time for the things you used to do in the past. However, out of office hours, he participates in varied activities, and "if it involves water even better". He enjoys going to gym and playing squash as well. He also still finds time to be outdoors and especially to be in the bush. His parting words are to "Just love life, work hard and play hard!"

The Nic Carroll 2021 Collection Portio Dlamini Managing Director of Emakheni Cleaning & Industrial Solutions I would start a business that would not only be profitable and sustainable but a business that will empower people Portio Dlamini

Up Home Up Jacquie Bhana Jacquie Bhana, after following a successful career spanning over 30 years in the corporate world, and after much thought about her future goals, has recently started her own business initiatives. She commented, “I wanted flexibility with my time, to dance to my own drumbeat, and to make an impact beyond the gates of a single organisation.” Her primary business, Jacquie Bhana Consulting, focuses on coaching and mentoring of leaders, managers and graduates in general as well as offering teambuilding interventions. After working at executive level and having worked her way up the corporate ladder, she knows that she can add enormous value in this space. A strong need nationally has been identified for the development of graduates, so this is one of Jacquie’s keen interest and focus areas. The second focus group is that of women. Jacquie says, “I can relate well to them, having been through my own corporate journey as a lone female in a man’s world.” A second leg of her consulting business is that of mental health counselling for executives and leaders. Another venture that Jacquie is pursuing is that of a start-up for exclusive ladies’ garments. She has identified a manufacturer, and is close to launching this enterprise. ACHIEVING MANY GOALS Jacquie has achieved a number of goals at business and community level. At corporate level, she has worked extensively on increasing the number of graduates employed; focussing on bright young talent, and leading their mentorship programmes to build their capability and productivity in the business. In this regard, she has previously formed strategic relationships with tertiary institutions. Jacquie has also worked vigorously at getting young women into technical apprentice roles, in an environment that was at first hostile. However, building a critical mass of female apprentices helped to make it easier to build diversity at this level. Another area that she impacted was increasing the number of women in leadership, by recruiting, then supporting them accordingly. At a community level, Jacquie is an active member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where she has been elected onto the board as First Vice President. Jacquie works with the Chamber’s leadership team to address the many challenges experienced in the city, such as during the looting and the flooding. “I led the task of working with various players in the country, to get the shelves in the supermarkets re-stacked, having engaged with various retailers and transporters. The Chamber leadership kept a close eye on the progress being made in this space and their leaders in turn worked with senior government officials, to facilitate this process at a higher level.” After the floods, Jacquie worked with various community leaders and communities to get blankets, clothes and food transported by helicopters to inaccessible places, facilitated by the Chamber. She also linked up with the organisations, Women on Boards and Limitbreakers, to get food and clothes to areas that they were servicing. TRULY INSPIRATIONAL One of the people who inspires Jacquie is Nokuthula (Nokky) Ndlovu – who is young, driven and a successful global influencer. Nokky is the founder of the organisations, Limitbreakers and Women on Boards, both of which Jacquie is a member. Jacquie commented, “Through our sessions I have met incredible women who have been truly inspirational, such as Mandisa Dlamini, who runs the Gugu Dlamini Foundation. Mandisa’s mother was Gugu Dlamini, who was stoned to death in the township, because she was an HIV activist. Mandisa continues her work to this day, herself having overcome the toughest challenges, and making a difference in the community.” “I am also inspired by Palesa Phili, the CEO of the Durban Chamber, a woman who is driven, fearless and energetic. She tirelessly tackles and deals with her mandate, i.e. advocating for business and being in business for a better world - in the interest of ensuring that Durban is a viable, economically successful city, and is effectively able to garner support of various players, from international government delegations and international investors, through to national government leadership.” Other international leaders who Jacquie has found inspirational include the ex-Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, and the young Afghani and world-renowned activist for the education of females, Malala Yousafzai. LEAVING THE CORPORATE WORLD Jacquie says that her biggest challenge ever has been leaving the corporate world and working in the exciting and exhilarating world of small business. She said, “Getting used to the idea of no longer having the name of a blue-chip company and a senior title has been difficult, and having no admin staff and technicians for IT support has been tough. However, there has been a major upward spike in my own empowerment and capability, and it has been a great journey so far.” MAKING A DIFFERENCE “My future goals are to make a difference to the very universe I am targeting to work with, i.e., getting our youth capable, employable, competent and confident; the same with women, executives and managers” – in line with our national agenda. I want my mental health counselling to take off. In this regard, I want to grow my business and profitability by 10% per annum, and to employ staff and get them to grow – and I want to be an inspiration to other women who want to be upwardly mobile or even open their own business. In advising young women Jacquie says, “I think it is important to be good at what you do, to grow incrementally, develop credibility, show integrity and then move from there. Women also have to be confident, strong and not hide their lights under a bushel. They need to find their voice and raise their voice, appropriately.” Jacquie has been married to Mahesh for 30 years, who is a successful Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and Fertility Specialist who owns the Durban Fertility Centre with his partner at the St Augustines Netcare Hospital. Their 20-yearold daughter Kereena is following in her dad’s footsteps; she is studying medicine at UCT and loves it. In her off-work times Jacquie loves reading, spending time with family and going to the gym. She also plays golf socially and enjoys travelling which she thinks is the best education.

< Back Sarah Whitaker Next On South Africa is a website that links consumers to suppliers across twelve categories, with a dedicated website for each category. "For example," says Sarah, "if you were planning a function, you could go onto the OnSA Celebrate site and find everything you need - caterers, photographers, florists, venues As an art teacher looking for art supplies, Sarah Whitaker did what we all do - she asked Google. But she didn't get the answers she was looking for. "Between the big stationery stores and paid ads, I just couldn't find the small, specialised suppliers I wanted," she said. Happily, her network of art teachers filled the gap and she discovered a rich resource of small businesses that had exactly what she needed - but couldn't find online. This was the inspiration for On South Africa (OnSA). Sarah realised that there was a host of small businesses offering products and services of real value - but unable to reach their target market. "I realised that being found online could make a huge difference in their sustainability and profitability, but most of them simply didn't have the resources and digital skills to make it happen." So, she set about creating a structure to help them do just that - without the high costs that usually accompany building a strong online presence. Easy access to specialist small businesses On South Africa is a website that links consumers to suppliers across twelve categories, with a dedicated website for each category. "For example," says Sarah, "if you were planning a function, you could go onto the OnSA Celebrate site and find everything you need - caterers, photographers, florists, venues." The OnSA categories include home, start-ups, social, "kidlets" and more. "Visitors get to search by province, they find suppliers relevant to them, and the small businesses have the chance to connect with customers in their local area." For Sarah, one of the key issues is that when visitors click on a business, they go to a profile page and get to go behind the scenes and find out about the people running the businesses. "With small businesses, relationships are important, and site visitors can connect with people they relate to." Sarah has also chosen not to allow any invasive or aggressive ads. There are no distracting pop-ups and no spam or click-bait on her sites. "It's just links to the websites of companies who can help you. You find out about the businesses who can give you what you need, and the people who run them. And we help them showcase their small businesses to people who are looking for their services, in their area." Women bring warmth to business Setting up On South Africa and its network of 12 websites, "so far", in 2017 was a major undertaking for a solo entrepreneur, and Sarah gives huge credit to her husband and friends and family who helped and supported her, "and brought me a constant stream of coffee". "I've been surrounded by strong, independent women my whole life, particularly my mother and my sister, and they've been a huge inspiration to me. And my family and friends have been an enormous support to me as I've grown my business." "I believe that women bring a warmth, and a more nurturing approach to business, and this can bring a different dimension to how we run our businesses. It's not that we need to behave differently than men in order to succeed," Sarah points out, "but often we just do." Sarah admits she's not good at work-life balance. Married to her childhood sweetheart, and with three beautiful daughters, her family is central to her life and her happiness. "I'm ADD*, but when I'm immersed in a project I can really focus on it, sometimes almost obsessively. I still sometimes pull all-nighters to get things done." So she's grateful for the help she gets from friends and family - and she's aiming to get the balance right soon. A strong believer that you can achieve anything if you believe in yourself, Sarah wishes she'd realised this when she was younger - because she would have taken on bigger challenges sooner! Big Dreams "I want to make a positive difference and empower and uplift as many small businesses as possible, and this is only the beginning," says Sarah. "Yes, I'm proud of what I'm doing - and that I'm helping other entrepreneurs while supporting various charities too. Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself what I've achieved, because there's so much I want to do." Highly creative, Sarah not only does all the web design herself, she's is also a well-established glass artist with impressive credentials, including a 100 metre original artwork (yes, one hundred metres!) on the façade of the Bridge City shopping centre in KwaMashu, incorporating drawings by children in the KwaMashu area. On her LinkedIn profile, Sarah describes herself as the founder of On South Africa and creator of big dreams. Happily, her big dreams are also helping fulfil the dreams of other South African entrepreneurs. Previous Next