Chair report 2008
With excitement and trepidation, I write my “swan’s song” as Chair of BWA. It is the end of my era as a leader of this organisation ... but an exciting journey for the new team.
Over the past years, I have been privileged to work with the most amazing women. When I took over as Chairman in 2005, there was a strong base to build on. The ground breaking work had been done by the previous chairs, Gillian Adendorff and Michelle Brown. Gill had pioneered NAWBO and then led the change over from NAWBO to BWA and Michelle ensured that the BWA brand was on the map and a force to be reckoned with.
In taking on the leadership role, I recognised my weaknesses and set out to find a Vice-Chair who not only complemented these weaknesses, but brought along a different skills set. Thankfully Anita Palmer rose to the challenge and accepted the position. What I did not realise at the time, is how Anita would soon become my mentor. She has been an incredible inspiration and support to me. Between the two of us us, we have found a strength in our unity - of skills and talents - that has truly been phenomenal and to the benefit of BWA. In everything we have done – every decision we have made, we have measured it against our vision ... and asked ourselves “does this inspire and empower women”.
Anita and I have Committed to mentoring the new Leadership and we do so with the same passion and heart we have always had for BWA.
My motto has always been, in the words of George Burns:
“I’d rather be a failure at something I love, than a success at something hate”
We started out in 2005 with a very small working committee. Soon the workload had exploded into 3x more than each member of the team could handle. It became evident that we had to beef up the team. We birthed the idea of task teams. Today, from an initial team of 7, we have an over 50 women working on our Committee and in Task Teams – and still recruiting daily. Phew!
The successes over the past 3 years have been:
- The strength of our task teams
- Elevation of the BWA events to among the premier events hosted in the city
- Introduction of the Hurdles and Help series on a monthly basis
- All our events are SOLD OUT... with waiting lists
- Wonderful speakers and role models like Maureen Kempston Darkes, Monhla Hlahla, etc.
- Our President, Basetsane Kumalo, a true woman of substance
- Initiatives with the Chamber of Commerce in the 2010 Business Briefings
- Alliances formed with Percci, BMF, Aiesec, NMMU to name a few
- Virtual Board mentoring programme (we experienced another record in Boards with the intake last month – currently mentoring 18 businesses)
- Media campaign – thanks to the sponsorship of Nedbank we are highlighted on the Buisness page every Wednesday
- The big move – and yet again the next to come. Having an office has been amazing
- Our amazing Branch Co-ordinator, Sarah Loomes
- Not being scared to try something new like a high tea for our year end function or a 10am AGM
- Annual bursary awards
- Incredible Regional Achievers
- The winner of the National Regional Achiever (Start UP) hails from PE
- Perception of business towards BWA
- Invitations to be part of the Government initiatives and forums
- Holding on steadily in the position of 3rd largest branch in the Country
- Youth Outreach – making a marked difference in the lives of the businesswomen of tomorrow
- Our Branding Campaign – initiated in PE – that may be taken nationally
- Our Annual Calendar... given as a gift to every member
BWA has experienced the most phenomenal growth. We have pioneered many initiatives that have personally made me proud to be a part of this organisation.
To the Committee members who are standing down this year, I salute you for your contribution and your eagerness to share in our vision. Caroline Morgan, Orscilla Haggard, Claire Wedderburn... and all those before you... thank you for the endless hours you have willingly offered for the benefit of our members.
To the new committee – what an exciting time awaits you! May you know that the only obstacle that will ever stop you, is your own mind. The collective unity of such a team of individuals is both inspiring and empowering to all. Enjoy every moment of your journey... and always remember to have fun!
To my successor, whoever you may be, may you know that although you hold a position of power... that power belongs to our members. Live the vision in all that you do, ensure you are inspiring and empowering women all around you. We look forward to mentoring you during the months to come and most of all, we look forward to being able to be the recipients of an incredible year with many magical moments!
To Sarah, what an incredible impact you have had in such a short space of time. Every day you amaze me as to how you handle people... between the phone ringing off the hook and 100’s of emails at any given time, you remain calm, poised and professional. You truly are an inspiration to the membership of BWA and we value your contribution to our organisation.
To Basetsana – you have been a remarkable role model and I have been both humbled and privileged to share some incredible moments with you as our President.
To my amazing husband Gary and my daughter Ashley, for all the hours I’ve spend “neglecting” you whilst working on BWA issues. The evenings away from home... the incredible support you have given me has allowed me to not only offer myself wholeheartedly to BWA, but you have truly given me the wings to fly. I love you both. Ashley (at 6 years) cannot comprehend that I have 3 businesses that I run... but rather tells everyone that “My Mummy works at BWA!”.
Mary Tyler Moore stated:
“Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave”.
We have taken many chances and made many mistakes along the way, but it's led us to where we are today.
Thank you for entrusting me to lead BWA over the past 3 years. I walk away with a full heart, incredible pride and both humbled and enriched from the experience.
Some wise words:
"If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want."
Zig Ziglar