The Citizen (KZN)

PROFILE LIFESTYLE Businesswo­men’s mentor wins

MEASURES HER SUCCESS BY THEIRS

- To? business journeys like yours? Q: What are some of the benefits of entering for this award that may not be apparent to potential candidates from the outset? Q: We’d love to know if you had a mentor along the way or someone who inspired you? Q: One of t

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

Chanel, Ledikana, Oscar De La Renta, Alexander McQueen, Escada, Jimmy Choo, Guinot and David Tlale.

A:

Champagne. Veuve Clicqout, for real. Nothing guilty about it, but sometimes I say “last glass” again and again!

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

 ??  ?? ROLE MODEL. Amanda Dambuza, centre, gets this year’s Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Award.
ROLE MODEL. Amanda Dambuza, centre, gets this year’s Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Award.
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