Lyse’s advice to younger women is simple, though not always easy to put into practice. “Be true to yourself, stick to your values and don’t let other’s opinions get in the way. Be honest, be humble and work hard.”

“They were the main motivating force in me getting up, picking myself up, getting the therapy that I needed to get back on my feet to get stronger. They are my everything and in everything that I do, I first and foremost want them to be proud.”

Pindiwe says that she bases her successes on seeing the impact of what they do. “When the graduates get into the corporate environment and they perform well and the clients are saying thank you, that for me, is a sense of achievement. Because we know what we have achieved, and we have given the companies what they are looking for.”

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As the e-commerce arena is just beginning to boom, Lyndall says that they have been privileged to bring on board the young dynamic local team from HASHUB, who handle their ecommerce and digital needs.

“If you’re running a business, and it has survived the last three years, you’re a winner. And in terms of KZN Top Business Women, I’d like to wish all the participants the very best. Everyone in this group is a winner.”

“When thinking about what has inspired her over the years, Heather would have to say the ability to defy the answer no. “I think being told I couldn’t achieve something, or I couldn’t do something, inspired me even more to go harder, faster to really drive to achieve it. And not just that, I am really inspired by our country, I love the people of this country and I am very passionate about helping business owners in South Africa.”

Carol Coetzee is the Head of Department of Provisional Treasury for KwaZulu-Natal. She has been a public servant for 30 years and has had many accomplishments that have been at a policy and strategic programmes level.

“My advice to anybody, whether in business or working towards a different goal, is that you need to be committed, persistent and consistent. Achievement comes from consistency. Do the mundane, daily, sometimes boring tasks consistently in order to reap the rewards and the excitement that comes with success.”

Caroline would advise young women to “embrace every experience and opportunity”. She added, “At school, university and beyond I have tried to say ‘Yes’ as much as possible, and this has led to travel, odd part time jobs, conferences, and meetings. All these experiences, as random as they may have been, have added to the richness and diversity of my experiences.”

Gabbey is an innovative and passionate entrepreneur who is determined to make a difference. Looking at the faces of the graduates each year, she sees such a huge difference in them from when they started out. “The growth in the students is so rewarding, and farmers on the development programme are now supplying international markets.

ANELE MSWELI is the brains behind the business, Mare & Itis Shoppe, which is an eco-lux home and skincare brand.

Rehma commented, “It took years to build the brand, especially our core business and for us, this recognition shows business growth. We do create a lot of direct and indirect jobs through the different companies that we manage and operate.”

Dr Lu has continued to invest back into her business, which has allowed her various initiatives to grow. She added, “I have found my passion. When I talk about my job I just want to smile because the smiles that I see from my clients, are the best thing ever. I wake up in the morning and they make me want to do what I do.”

“Very often we are not allowed to take up space and you have to push your way through. As you can imagine that rubs a lot of people the wrong way. But you must really decide what is important to you. Are you determined to take up space? Are you determined to drive what is important to you? Or are you more focussed on the likeability aspect? If you want to succeed you have to be clear about who you are, stand in your truth and find a way to forge forward.”

“So, you need to be a little louder to get your point across, while still maintaining that softer edge. I am happy to say that the space that I’m now part of, values your productivity and your work output versus your age and your gender, so it is quite a pleasure to be in this space at this time.”

Nondumiso describes her career progression with a sense of conviction. She joined a multi-level marketing organisation and discovered her natural ability for sales. She joined the real estate sector as an employed estate agent and worked her way up, growing her skills and knowledge along the way. “It’s not all about numbers,” says Nondumiso, “It’s about the people and helping them get what they need.”

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Jasmeena concludes by saying: “Sometimes when we start off, we cannot see the finish line. But don’t give up, keep going and the key is to be consistent. You won’t see the results immediately, but just keep going and be consistent as it’s a long-term thing, the results will come.”

Jennifer’s advice to young women following in her path is “be brave”. She added, “Be willing to take the risk, weigh all your options, and embrace your network. Never sell yourself short and never believe that something is not possible because of where you come from, your background, your childhood, or any other experience in life. These experiences mould us, and they also guide us to where we should be going in life.”

“I like to think that I am making a difference in both business and community through these efforts whilst keeping calm and focussed on outcomes,” says Youshi.

Nureshka firmly believes it’s important to recognise your support systems. “I have amazing parents; my late dad was a huge support to me. Then I’ve got my team who are the core of my business, they help run my business, so I’m extremely grateful to them.” acknowledges Nureshka.

“Most interestingly, you don’t have to have everything worked out, you don’t have to have everything scripted, it’s quite possible for you to go from studying law into HR and into business, the possibilities are endless.”

Speaking of who inspires her, Samanatha says that because she meets so many different people, there are various people that have motivated her and inspired her on her journey. Early on in her career, she was influenced by a lady who back in those days, when there were very few female managers, or senior managers, was probably the first person in such a role.

Jacquie says that her biggest challenge ever has been leaving the corporate world and working in the exciting and exhilarating world of small business. She said, “Getting used to the idea of no longer having the name of a blue-chip company and a senior title has been difficult, and having no admin staff and technicians for IT support has been tough. However, there has been a major upward spike in my own empowerment and capability, and it has been a great journey so far.”

BENITA ARDENBAUM is the founder and director of Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys, which is a family law specialist practice that also does conveyancing. The firm deals with cases that include domestic violence relating to vulnerable people, divorces that are often acrimonious, international cross boarder abduction of children, custody disputes, mediation, maintenance and the firm does some pro bono work.

“Influence is dynamic, so I believe it is imperative that I collaborate and partner with leaders within the PR and communication industry. I would like to be that person that gives other women the strength to believe that anything is possible if you keep trying. Giving up should never be considered.”