WOMEN OF THE FUTURE
Meet the fabulous final judge!
Enid Lizamore believes SA is a country overflowing with opportunity. Economic stimulation is desperately needed, however, and small businesses and entrepreneurs are critical to filling this gap, she says. ‘Women are well-suited to this arena. We have many of the innate abilities that make entrepreneurs successful – creativity, managing multiple priorities, resilience and perseverance.’
Enid says she is inspired by women who manage multiple, often competing priorities effortlessly: ‘Our CEO Lizé Lambrechts is a prime example.’
She especially admires women who create a space within their own businesses for other women to succeed, whether this is by mentoring or coaching.
Enid has filled executive HR positions in the technology, retail, medical and banking industries, but it’s the people she’s worked with, she says, that have played a big role in her career.
‘I’ve been fortunate to work with individuals who recognised my hard work and took a chance on me.’
With her strong people management background, Enid is at the forefront of Santam’s transformational talent management agenda and has been instrumental
in earning the group its Top Employer certification.
Her advice to budding entrepreneurs is, ‘Never take no for an answer. Hustle and learn, learn, learn. The business world is tough, with demanding consumers. But you’re only restricted by your own mindset. Access to capital and peer support is also often difficult; we need to create mechanisms for both.’
For Enid, a successful entrepreneur is a self-starter who remains optimistic and inspired despite encountering setbacks and obstacles along the way.
‘Entrepreneurship resides deeply in certain very special people who are able to conceptualise and mobilise an idea, a business or a way of doing things that doesn’t always conform to the norm.’
Enid is also involved in her family’s craft beer company and restaurant – ‘Just to ensure I keep my entrepreneurial spirit alive and well!’ she quips.
❛I’ve been fortunate to work with individuals who recognised my hard work and took a chance on me.❜