Businesswomen’s mentor wins
AWARD FOR CONSULTING FIRM UYANDISWA FOUNDER: MEASURES HER SUCCESS BY THEIRS
Making a positive impact on other people’s lives is Amanda Dambuza’s passion.
Amanda Dambuza, founder and director of consulting company Uyandiswa, was named the overall winner of this year’s coveted Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Award in association with Old Mutual Corporate at a bespoke event held in Johannesburg.
We caught up with Dambuza, an exceptional entrepreneur who is redefining the world of business one decision at a time.
Q: How exciting to have claimed the title of Veuve Clicquot Elle Boss 2017! What inspired you to enter?
A: Wow, I still pinch myself to make sure that I am not just dreaming. What a platform, what an opportunity! I truly relished just the opportunity to be on the platform and showcase my work.
Q: Tell us about your consulting company, Uyandiswa. You founded the company in 2013 and now employ 70 people? That alone is quite a feat!
A: Thank you so much. Yes, it sure is and something I do not get used to, I must say. Our rise to success has been nothing short of incredible. Every step I have taken and every decision made has enabled us to get this far. We have also been incredibly fortunate with support from our clients; staff and partners. When I founded Uyandiswa and subsequently left corporate I set out to own my time and do with it that which I felt was serving my purpose. I wanted to create a company where people could enjoy themselves whilst building their dreams and those of their families. I wanted people to not just be a number but feel that they are contributing to a cause over and above just themselves. I must say we have, in the last couple of years, become an employer of choice. That gives me the greatest of pleasure. We cannot rest though; there is still so much to be done. We focus on project management, business analytics; risk and liquidity management solutions.
Q: You must be incredibly proud of this exceptional achievement. What is it that you’re most looking forward to?
A: It’s brilliant to see Madame Clicquot continuing to inspire female business leaders to this day, and I’m delighted to have attended the ceremony and having played such a significant role in honouring the achievements of businesswomen in South Africa today. And of course I’m very excited about visiting the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Maison to be hosted by Veuve Clicquot in Reims, France, the home of champagne in 2018. The opportunity to use the platform to network and create more relationships with powerful women across the globe is also something I really treasure and look forward to immensely.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do in your day to day work?
A: I get to meet and work with amazing human beings who just want to build a great future for themselves and their families. I meet wonderful people who want to make a difference in our nation and keep asking; how can we do better; how can we play a role in transforming people’s lives. Creating business and employment opportunities for those who have otherwise been struggling still gives me the greatest joy.
Q: Is there one piece of business advice you’d like to pass on to women about exceptional business journeys like yours?
A: Just keep going. Never be despondent. Always stay above the noise and fear. Walk, crawl if you must; but never stop because someone is counting on you for inspiration and hope. Never ever give in to short-term thinking and immediate rewards. That is a sure way to run your business into the ground.
Q: What are some of the benefits of entering for this award that may not be apparent to potential candidates from the outset?
A: The awards are about networking and providing a platform of support to businesswomen. It’s been an honour to have met some incredible women along the way. This has been such a pleasure and has provided a great source of inspiration. Above all, you do not appreciate how huge an opportunity it is until you are in it. It is a priceless platform that I will treasure for many years to come. It truly is special.
Q: We’d love to know if you had a mentor along the way or someone who inspired you?
A: I find something in most people I hold in high regard. I have had a coach and a few mentors. As an entrepreneur I know just how important it is to celebrate success, and as a mother of three I can see first-hand the significance of role models for the next generation of entrepreneurs and female business leaders. Lillian Karuri-Magero has accompanied me on my business journey every step of the way. She is a great friend, a fabulous mentor and is a phone call away. She was the first one to hear about my dream of running my own business and was instrumental in opening up that very first, key door. She keeps me honest about my own dreams; goals and objectives and always checks in. I am so blessed to have her in my life.
Q: One of the deciding factors for the judges was your incredible passion for creating opportunities for women in business. Please tell us about your endeavours.
A: I currently incubate about five black-women owned businesses ranging from supply chain, legal and commercial, to HR services and change management as well as information technology. I help them with access to markets and infrastructure, offices, shared services and business mentorship. I am a fan of worthy women-owned businesses and I measure my success by the progress of theirs.
Q: Are there any specific business books and methods you advocate?
A: Absolutely! Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore is a tough read, but really worth investing in for self-development. I have also enjoyed Robin Sharma over the years because of his practical nature. Who Moved
My Cheese is an all-time classic. I am currently reading Superbosses by Sydney Finkelstein. The book showcases how innovation is part of leadership DNA and how great leaders identify talent and inspire them to do their best work while building stronger companies.
Q: Please share some of your favourite brands with us?
A: Chanel, Ledikana, Oscar De La Renta, Alexander McQueen, Escada, Jimmy Choo, Guinot and David Tlale.
Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?
A: Champagne. Veuve Clicqout, for real. Nothing guilty about it, but sometimes I say “last glass” again and again!
Q: And finally, what’s next for you ?
A: I just want to keep using the multiple platforms I have to positively impact on people’s lives. I have recently been on-boarded as a Duke Corporate Educator and mentor which opens up another avenue to touch more lives. I want to continue building a sustainable business to create more job opportunities for people while building wealth for my children. – Citizen reporter