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< Back Next Gerald Wells Gerald Wells is the owner Gerald Wells Hair Professionals Gerald Wells has been a leading hair stylist and businessman for over 30 years. Gerald grew up in Westville and attended Westville Boys High School. Initially, his sights were set on being interior designer, he recalls. By chance, he found himself drawn into the hairdressing profession, a field he would quickly fall in love with. Gerald’s entry into hairdressing was a decision that would set the course for a long and successful career. He began as an apprentice in Durban, learning the craft and honing his skills. “It wasn’t something I planned, but once I started, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” he says. His early experiences in the industry taught him not just the technical skills of hairdressing but also the importance of client relationships and business acumen. His career was marked by a thirst for knowledge, so he decided to broaden his horizons by working overseas. “I wanted to see how things were done elsewhere, to learn from the best,” he explains. This led him to London and Australia, where he was exposed to new techniques, styles, and business practices that were ahead of their time in South Africa. “Those years were invaluable,” he notes. “I learned so much about the industry, but also about myself and what I wanted to achieve.” Upon returning to South Africa, Gerald was ready to take on the challenge of building his own business. He started with a single salon, but he says, “I knew I wanted to create something bigger, something that could grow and evolve.” SERVICE IS EVERYTHING Gerald’s business grew steadily, thanks to his commitment to quality and his focus on building strong relationships with clients. “Service is every- thing,” he emphasises. “People come to you not just for a haircut, but for the experience, the connection.” Over the years, Gerald’s business ventures expanded significantly. The 28 stores that Gerald has opened throughout his career consist of the following: 18 Splush stores, four GHD hair hardware kiosks, three salons and three barber shops. They include: two salons at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre – Gerald Wells Hair and The Barber by Gerald Wells and GHD Hair Hardware retail stores at both Ballito Lifestyle Centre and Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Despite his success, Gerald has faced challenges. One was relocating his flagship store, a move that required careful planning and execution. “It was a stressful time,” he admits. “We had to make sure our clients stayed with us and that the transition was smooth.” The relocation was a success, thanks to Gerald’s attention to detail and his strong relationship with his clients. Another challenge came with the financial difficulties surrounding Splush, a chain of hairdressing retail outlets were opened across South Africa. “Splush was a great idea, but like any business, it had its ups and downs,” he reflects. “You have to stay focused on your goals and be prepared to make tough decisions.” Personal challenges have also been part of Gerald’s journey. Going through a divorce was a difficult period for him, but he remained focused on his business and his family. “It wasn’t easy, but I learned a lot about myself and what really matters,” he shares. PASSION IS CONTAGIOUS For Gerald, keeping his team motivated is an important aspect of his business. He believes in leading by example and fostering a positive work environment. “Passion is contagious,” he says. “If you’re excited about what you do, your team will be too.” Education is an essential component of his approach. Gerald plays a key role in his company’s training academy, where he focuses on empower- ing new talent. “Mentorship is so important, he emphasizes. “I want to help others achieve their dreams, just like others helped me when I was starting out.” Being actively involved in the business is crucial for Gerald.“I try to be hands-on, to be there for my team when they need me,” he explains. This involvement helps to build camaraderie and trust within the team. Gerald also emphasises the importance of acknowledging the hard work people put in and to celebrate achievements together. SOMETHING UNIQUE In addition to his salons and retail outlets, Gerald has his own haircare range, which is stocked in DisChem stores. “Creating my own product line was something I’d always wanted to do,” he says. “It’s been a great way to extend the brand and offer something unique to our clients.” Beyond the world of hairdressing, Gerald is involved in Brand Boys, a company he co-founded with his son Wesley Wells and a friend. “I love the challenge of starting something new, of seeing an idea come to life,” he explained. Despite his busy professional life, Gerald makes time for his personal passions, including travelling and exploring beauty, health, and food globally. “Travelling is a great way to recharge and find inspiration,” he says. Family is a central part of Gerald’s life. His greatest accomplishment, he says, is being a father to his three children, Wesley, Dylan, and Jade. “My family means everything to me,” he shares. Balancing the demands of running multiple businesses with family life isn’t always easy, but Gerald makes it a priority. “At the end of the day, they’re the reason I do what I do.” Looking back on his career, Gerald takes pride in what he has accomplished but remains humble about his success. “I’ve been very fortunate,” he reflects. “But it’s not just about luck – it’s about hard work, passion, and being willing to take risks.” As he looks to the future, Gerald is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, saying: “There’s always more to learn, more to achieve.” The motto that Gerald lives by is, “Do unto others as you like done unto yourself.” He explains, “I’ve been very fortunate throughout life to receive handsome rewards for the work I have done, but I really feel whatever you give out in life, it’ll come back tenfold.” Previous Next

< Back Gabbey-Gostina Malope

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is a Title 01 Anele Msweli < Back In 2017 Anele started the brand as passion project while she was living in China. The niche brand has developed into a full-time business with growing demand for its products. Anele and her three sisters were raised by their mother in Montclair, where she attended Mowat Park High. She then attended Rhodes University, where she completed a Bachelor of Earth Sciences degree. The name ‘Mare & Itis’ has its origins in Anele’s student days at Rhodes. She explains, ‘Mare’ is word students at Rhodes use to meaning a fun time. ‘Itis’ is used to describe that sleepy feeling one gets after eating a large meal; “magie vol, ogies toe”. I decided to put these two concepts together to create something that is quint essentially me. I love a good time and I love food.” After completing her degree, Anele volunteered for Greenpeace Africa. She says, ‘The most memorable part of this journey was on board the Rainbow Warrior: I learnt so much from sailing with an eclectic and multinational crew.” ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS In 2016 Anele moved to Harbin, one of the most northerly cities in China, which as it is situated near Siberia has long and freezing winters. The temperature can reach a very low -40 degrees centigrade. During this time, Anele was using Chinese products for her skin and hair care until she developed allergic reactions to these including her hair starting to fall out. In addition, Anele found it difficult to find suitable cleaning products especially as she was unable to read the labels on the products she was using. This is when, Anele explained, she decided to make her own cleaning products using all natural ingredients. The first product was the prototype for the popular Zesty Kitchen cleaner, which she made from vinegar and lemon. The small business grew from there with requests from friends to make additional products. Countless hours of research led her to a love for essential oils and natural products. Anele then moved to Wuqing, a small district in Tianjin, where she worked long hours as a Montessori English teacher and training coordinator. However, the demand for her products grew and she started selling them in a local market as well as online. ALL OR NOTHING In 2020 Anele’s visit to South Africa for a wedding – with one suitcase – coincided with outbreak of Covid which meant that she was unable to return to China. This also mean that she needed to focus on her fledgling business in order to earn an income. “The year 2020 will always remain a significant year for me and for the brand. It was all or nothing, and I have learnt so much about entrepreneurship and resilience,” explained Anele. The online business has now grown into a range of 45 products including essential oils, linen, and room sprays without alcohol as well as candles and diffusers. Mare & Itis Shoppe is inspired by everything natural. “The products are non-toxic, eco-conscious as well as cruelty-free. I use plant-based ingredients which are biodegradable.” In order to be sustainable all products are supplied in glass bottles, which are reused when returned to her. As a ‘garage’ business Anele is responsible for all aspects of the day to day running. She formulates and tests all products, does the packaging, runs accounts as well as handles all logistics and social media marketing. Apart from her online store, Anele has a number of instore stockists around the country. JUST DO YOUR BEST In speaking of who inspires her Anele says that she loves listening to podcasts including those by Oprah and interior decorator Karin Bohn. She added that she is inspired by her partner who is also an entrepreneur. Anele commented, “However it’s the day-to-day people that are trying to just make things work, the people who just do their best who inspire me the most.” A major challenge in her entrepreneurial journey is that she has not had any funding and has had to rely on her own resources. Other challenges included, “Surviving through Covid which was a major challenge especially as being a non-essential business I experienced shortages in packaging. The rand price and the economy are a constant challenge!” However, she believes that her success has been based on her perseverance as well as being consistent. “It’s important to keep up the same pace no matter what ’waves’ you face,” said Anele. FOLLOW THE DREAM Looking to the future, Anele has set huge goals for herself. As she is really proud of her products and would like to showcase them in the UAE, Anele has obtained an export/ import licence. However, in order to follow her dream, she would have to increase the production of her products substantially. Her advice to young people considering an entrepreneurial journey would be to ‘just start’. “You can learn as you go and figure things out. But you need to set goals for yourself. I am constantly pushing myself to achieve and set new goals at the beginning of each year and again every three months.” In her free time, Anele makes sure to keep both her brain and her hands busy. She enjoys listening to podcasts and reading and loves to sew, knit as well as spends time at the gym and enjoys a regular 5km walk on the Durban promenade every Sunday. Previous Next

< Back Marcina Majid Next MARCINA MAJID heads up SAS Cares which is a subsidiary of Southern African Shipyards. SAS Cares is a skills development, exposure and experience based non-profit organisation MARCINA MAJID heads up SAS Cares which is a subsidiary of Southern African Shipyards. SAS Cares is a skills development, exposure and experience based non-profit organisation. The organisation was founded on the premise that skills and education go hand in hand in developing individuals and communities. "We want to upskill people and also expose people to the possibilities of careers in the maritime industry," explained Marcina. "It is about getting everybody on the same level." Love for women's empowerment Her journey to establishing the foundation has been varied. "After I graduated, I was employed by a firm of chartered accountants. I was very fortunate in that this was at the time when the black economic empowerment (BEE) codes came out and I started a BEE verification company." Marcina said that she was in the privileged position of having her children and being able to run the company at the same time. However, she then had a two-year hiatus where she took time out of her working life and reflected on what she really wanted to do. She explains further, "It just so happened that I got into the health and fitness industry. I had two gyms that ran consecutively for about six years. During that time, I discovered my love for women's empowerment because I worked first-hand with women. I got to understand the needs and issues in their communities and in their lives as well as the socio-economic impact that they have in society or the lack thereof." These experiences gave Marcina insight into what she wished to accomplish in her own life. Unfortunately, a hip operation put everything on hold, and she had to stop working in the health and fitness industry. My purpose is to help others Consequently, Marcina made the decision to work at South African Shipyards which at that time had became part of the family business. "That is when I started working with my husband, Prasheen Maharaj, CEO of SA Shipyards. We worked side by side in making a success of the business, but I always felt that I worked better when working on CSI initiatives and playing a supporting role in that regard. From that insight arose SAS Cares and I feel that my purpose is to help others." In speaking of her sources of inspiration Marcina explained that she is inspired by women who are go-getters. "I don't like to glorify people as there is a lot of ebb and flow in everybody's lives. To put one woman up in high regard is doing a disservice to all the other women who don't have a platform or who are finding themselves. There are a lot of women who wake up at 4 am in the morning and slog through a hard day - getting their kids to school, getting to work on time, having a hard, honest day. Getting back home, cooking a meal and then getting ready for the next day. They don't get recognition and I am inspired by them." However, she added that she is also inspired by the women who are the chatterboxes; who are the disrupters. "I am inspired by women who are not defined by a box. By women who have a blank slate - the innovators, our local artists, our designers and our scientists. All those females who you come across every day in the media." A seat at the table Marcina believes that women need to approach business differently from men to be successful. "We are set up with so many disadvantages, there are so many things that we need to think about before we take those steps into business. Men have fraternity, they have a brotherhood and a comradery, which is about uplifting one another. With women, we have a small gap to contribute in and we are all fighting to be empowered. Michelle Obama said, 'You can have it all, you just can't have it right now'. It is about taking the time, fighting those causes and making sure that we can get up and have a seat at the table." "I am happy with what I have accomplished. As a person who does a lot of introspection on my life, I monitor what it is that I think and how I approach things. SAS Cares is a stepping-stone that can go further. This business is not about my recognition and ego. The recognition I want is for SAS Cares. I want other people to see the good that comes from this company and that this is going to allow us to take on other partners for our cause." Work-life balance Finding a work-life balance is very difficult for Marcina. "Fortunately, as I have been in the health industry, I try to exercise every day. I like to upskill myself so every year I take a recreational course. These learnings filter into my family life as whatever I have learnt I share." "We go through ebbs and flows where we feel like we are failing as a mom or as a businesswoman, but you do what you can to get through that period." In giving advice to her younger self, Marcina would say drown the noise and don't listen to all the fears that people project onto you. "I would also tell myself to take chances. Every failure is a learning opportunity. You don't ask why something is happening, ask, what are you going to learn from the situation." Previous Next

< Back Lyndall Moodley

< Back Next Theuns Pelser Prof Theuns Pelser is the executive director at the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) Prof Theuns Pelser is the executive director at the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS). In addition, he also holds the CFAO Research Chair. Theuns’ education started directly after school when he embarked on a BCom degree at the Vaal Triangle campus of Potchefstroom University. Theuns went on to obtain honours in business management. On the completion of his honours’ degree, he commenced his academic career as a junior lecturer at the North- West University in 1995. Reflecting on his career highlights, Theuns said, “I think all academics would say the accomplishment that makes them most proud is the day they attained full professorship, and for me it’s exactly the same. Most people outside of academia don’t understand the pressures and challenges to be promoted to a full professor.” Speaking on his current role, Theuns says, “My purpose includes the development of TWIMS into Africa’s foremost manufacturing business education institution, to foster relationships within the manufacturing sector and to ensure TWIMS’s financial sustainability.” BE TRUE TO ONESELF Commenting on the best advice he has received Theuns says, “Always play on your strengths and be true to oneself.” During his school years, Theuns was an introverted child, with some anxiety issues, and he wasn’t a confident public speaker. A class teacher gave him with the opportunity to present to the class, which he experienced as very traumatic. However, he received positive feedback from the teacher who indicated that through his analytical research and presentation, he showed the traits of a lecturer. This feedback set Theuns on an academic research career path. However, his path has not always been smooth sailing, as he has experienced some challenges. Theuns wanted to obtain a doctoral degree at an Ivy League university and was successful in his application to the Rotterdam School of Management, which still today, is one of the top business schools in Europe. “Unfortunately, as a South African, just coming out of Apartheid, getting a work permit was very difficult. I got a temporary permit to get into the country and every second week I had to go to the foreign police, and I was treated like a criminal.” This treatment continued for six months and really frustrated Theuns as he was unable to focus on his studies. After reaching the limits of his tolerance, Theuns returned to South Africa and finished his doctoral degree in a year and a half, and before he turned 30. “The failure situation, turned into a winning situation because I focused on the big picture. I wanted to achieve the doctorate,” explained Theuns. BE RESILIENT Another time of stress was during his stint at Mafeking campus as director of the Business School. Regrettably, a fellow academic accused him of plagiarism. Theuns said, “I had to do something drastic to save myself, because I knew I was innocent. I realised one needs to be resilient but also to be guided by experts. I immediately contact a local lawyer.” The case went to the North-West High Court, following which a defamation case was brought against this individual, as it was proven that Theuns was not guilty of plagiarism and was cleared by the university’s internal processes. Personally, explained Theuns, “I don’t like conflict however, conflict is always in the workplace. There’s a lot of disagreements, small things, nuances in what you say or not say, body languages, etcetera. I think the first thing for me is transparency and open communication.” Secondly, explained Theuns, a supportive environment is critical because within conflict you will have opposing individuals and opposing groups. “If there is a supportive environment, it channels a lot of that negative energy towards more positive energy in terms of resetting.” Theuns does not believe in micromanaging individuals but works to empower his team. He also enjoys celebrating moments of success as positive feedback and recognition makes a difference in other people’s lives. INTRINSIC MOTIVATION “My wife knows I’m a task achiever; completing a task gives me the energy and inspiration for the next challenge. Overall, I think my intrinsic motivation is my real north compass – where the drive comes from achieving something that adds value and is meaningful.” Theuns obtains his inspiration by setting challenging goals that grow him to move forward to achieve tangible results. He added, “I think that’s why I’ve taken this position as executive director at TWIMS. I’ve been fortunate enough to lead a couple of business schools in the public sector, but this is the first one with a very niche campus, as well as a very comprehensive offering in terms of a particular mandate. I would like to not just achieve the goals we set but exceed those.” In certain workplaces, Theuns believes that he would get bored and stale because he would not see them as achieving something to the betterment of the organisation or to the individuals with whom he is interacting. As such the education sector provides much motivation as the benefits are evident. He explains, “Through some of the things that we teach in our classes and in our research and in the way we conduct ourselves in this community, we can actually empower some of the players in the ecosystem to be able to thrive. I know it’s impossible for a little institute to make big differences, but through this small ripple effect, hopefully we can get other players in the ecosystem to take the challenge up.” In conclusion, Theuns explains that as he is internally quite religious, his motto relates to the saying of Jesus which says, ‘The one of you who is without sin let him be the first to throw a stone’. “I think sometimes we are very hard on our staff or on our peers without realising that we’re not perfect ourselves. We need to understand that we need to give enough scope so that they can be able to strive for that perfection.” Previous Next

< Back Amanda Swana You nurture those relationships that are valuable to you, and you draw strength from them. Amanda Swana, managing director and founder of Powerpoint Lifestyles, reflects on her remarkable journey from childhood in the Eastern Cape to business leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Born in the Eastern Cape, Amanda recounts the pivotal decision her mother made when Amanda was just eight years old. “My mother made the hard decision to relocate us to KwaZulu-Natal for schooling purposes,” she says. This move was driven by the belief that the educational opportunities in the Eastern Cape at that time were not suitable for the family. Amanda completed her high school education at Durban Academy, located on the Bluff in Durban. She then pursued her tertiary studies, obtaining a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her academic journey did not end there, as she went on to complete her master’s degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. “It was during this time that I also pursued business and entrepreneurship,” Amanda shares. During her high school and university years, Amanda did a lot of promotional work. She was the type of person who could sell anything—even a simple tea bag—and make you believe it was the best tea you’d ever taste. “I never thought of myself as a salesperson,” she explains, “but if I believed in what I was offering, I wanted you to believe in it too.” After working in promotions, Amanda branched into the beauty industry, becoming a nail technician while still in university. Eventually, she found a passion for events management, an area she continues to work in today. She owns an events management company, although she doesn’t consider it work. “That’s where I find rest and creativity,” she says. “There’s something deeply fulfilling about taking a client’s concept, designing it, and seeing it come to life at the event.” Despite her achievements, Amanda remains committed to lifelong learning. One of her biggest dreams is to complete her PhD. “I’m quite the dreamer,” she admits. “I’ve been working on this for some time, and I’m feeling the urge to finish it. Not because I’m running out of time, but because commitments keep piling up.” Amanda’s PhD thesis will expand on her master’s research, exploring career development and the challenges of changing careers mid-life. She reflects on individuals who, like a medical doctor she once encountered, radically shifted careers: “He said to me, ‘I want to be a musician,’ and I realised that many people don’t take that step because they’re paralysed by fear.” Reflecting on her leadership philosophy, Amanda reveals a deep commitment to serving others. “Business is servanthood; leadership is servanthood,” she asserts. This perspective has shaped how she approaches her role as a business leader. “You’re constantly serving, whether it’s a client’s vision or a client’s dream. You’re always in the position of pursuing the ability to serve.” In addition, Amanda’s approach to leadership is not one of management but of guidance and vision. “I don’t believe in micromanaging people,” she states. Instead, she focuses on enabling her team to grow and develop within the organisation. “We foster an environment where team members are gently nudged to do better, whether through further studies or professional development.” This leadership approach extends to how she engages with her team. Meetings at Powerpoint Lifestyles are not hierarchical; instead, they are opportunities for everyone to contribute. “We don’t just report back in meetings. It’s about discussion, brainstorming, and consultation. Everyone adds value, regardless of their role,” she explains. Amanda places a strong emphasis on human relations and the power of connections in both business and personal life. “There is so much value in human relations,” she stresses. “You nurture those relationships that are valuable to you, and you draw strength from them.” In her view, fostering these connections is essential not only in business but also in personal growth. “If you’re going into business, you must value the relationships you build along the way,” she often says. “Don’t take them for granted.” Personal Reflections and Future Goals Amanda’s journey has been one of continuous learning, unlearning, and transformation. “It’s not about reaching a destination,” she reflects. “I used to think that once I achieved a certain goal, I would feel fulfilled. But I came to realise that it’s the journey of becoming that matters.” For Amanda, becoming is about transforming how she sees life and being open to the lessons each moment offers. “Who I am today will not be who I am next year, and that’s the beauty of it,” she says. Her faith plays a central role in her life. “It’s definitely the mercy of God that has brought me this far,” Amanda admits. She recognises that much of her success has come not from following a strict formula but from trusting in her faith and constantly conversing with herself. “The biggest enemy is the mind,” she acknowledges. “We are often our own worst critics, and the first step to success is believing that you can.” Looking to the future, Amanda has clear goals both personally and for her business. Alongside her academic ambitions, she is also working on publishing her first book, which will expand on the research she has conducted on career development. From a business perspective, Powerpoint Lifestyles is looking to expand its operations across various provinces and diversify its skill offering. “We’re testing the market to see where there is potential for growth,” she says. Despite her busy schedule, Amanda still finds time to relax. “I love reading, especially at the beach,” she shares. She also enjoys working out, finding that a gym session can do wonders for both her body and mind. “Balance is key,” she emphasises. In all aspects of her life—whether personal, professional, or spiritual—Amanda Swana remains focused on growth, empowerment, and becoming the best version of herself. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, particularly those looking to make bold career changes or pursue their dreams against the odds. Previous Next

Angela Alderton Director of Salesforce Development Ange@kznleaders.co.za 0662065654