Celebrating Leadership Through Storytelling: The Unique Approach of KZN Top Business Women
- Grant Adlam
- 24 hours ago
- 2 min read
The KZN Top Business Women initiative is a unique platform in South Africa because it functions more as a storytelling and branding ecosystem than a traditional "winner-takes-all" awards ceremony.
While many business awards focus purely on financial turnover, this initiative (often associated with individuals like Kerri Adlam in the creative/branding phase) emphasizes the personal narrative of the leader.
Here is what makes it unique:
1. Focus on Storytelling, Not Just Stats
The initiative is built around the idea that "businesses need to tell good stories." Instead of just receiving a trophy, each of the 40 selected women undergoes a comprehensive media process:
Professional Photoshoots: High-end branding photography.
Video Interviews: Shared on social media to humanize their brand.
Webinars: Nominees participate in a series of live discussions to share their wisdom and challenges.
2. The "Coffee Table Book" Legacy
A defining feature of the initiative is the publication of a high-quality commemorative coffee table book. This book collates the profiles, portraits, and success stories of the 40 featured women, serving as a permanent record of their contribution to the KwaZulu-Natal economy and providing them with a prestigious marketing tool.
3. Inclusivity Across Business Sizes
Unlike awards that require multi-million rand turnovers (such as the national Standard Bank Top Women Awards), the KZN-specific initiative is highly inclusive. It celebrates:
Sole Proprietors and SMEs.
Corporate Executives.
NGO Leaders and Social Change-Makers.
The criteria focus on impact, resilience, and community transformation rather than just the size of the balance sheet.
4. Symbolic Branding
The initiative uses distinct symbolism to create a sense of community:
The Purple Theme: Symbolizes strength and a stance against gender-based violence.
The "Crown": Often used in their branding to represent women "owning their space" in the professional world.
5. A Networking Ecosystem
The "awards" are a year-long process that culminates in a gala dinner. Throughout the year, the 40 women are integrated into a networking community designed to foster collaboration over competition, leading to real-world business partnerships between the participants.
Would you like me to find out how to nominate someone for the next cycle, or are you looking for a list of previous honorees in a specific sector?
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