HerVoice Monthly Newsle er for SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR BUSINESS WOMEN JUNE 2024
JANUARY 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER Onward & Upward Monthly Themes January: Goal Se ng and planning February: Coun ng your beans! March: Learn a new skill April: Boost your confidence May: Time – manage it or be managed by it – and delega on June: Crea ve problem-solving July: Communica on August: Empathy September: Self-awareness and care October: Stress Management November: Networking December: Adaptability Themes: 2024 Karin Igesund Business Woman of the year 2023|4 www.sacbw.org Frontpage photo: VLADA KARPOVICH Pexels
CONTACT US: 082 908 2295 [email protected] 3 Hanlie Delport President june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER from the editor Enjoy the June issue! When our kids were s ll much younger, we taught them to solve problems by wri ng up the pros and cons in two columns. The choice they have to make will then be an easier process when they see the two columns with posi ve and nega ve impacts of their decision. However, when we grow up and run a business, it is not always so simple. We o en need a coach or mentor to help us with problem-solving in business. Making a decision that can change the course of the business is o en an issue that business owners struggle with – therefor it is important to also consider the strategy behind a decision. Much like a game of chess! Get to know the Cape Town leader, Marguerite Roux, in this issue and also learn more about a highly successful campaign in Cape Town to repurpose plas c bags. This solves a problem with the bags and provides women in area with an opportunity to earn a living. Another problem that is environment-related, is overgrown trees. We share insights about the legal aspects regarding this ma er. As we close the chapter on Youth Month, we want to emphasise the message that was sent to youths in Mbombela, during the annual Youth Day event this year. The key to unlock the future is within each of us – it is how we use it that will determine which door we open! Let us all look at our problems as keys to a be er future! Un l next month!
From our patron Thandeka Ellenson Patron: SA Council for Business Women Problem solving starts when we are small, trying to figure out how to get the pacifier in our mouths, learning to move around (and then find out you can crawl) or learning to fit shapes into holes. Yet, a staggering percentage of our crea ve problem-solving abili es are lost as we make progress in life. Sounds wrong, doesn't it? But it is es mated that we lose our crea vity for problem-solving because we are more confined by rules and having to meet obliga ons. In business, we all know that problems are as much a part of the workday as reading emails. Yet, we need to focus on solving these problems with the best possible outcome. The pace of informa on and technology has empowered us in a way that provides new responses to problems. Personally, I feel that we some mes overthink problems and miss the obvious solu ons. We tend to “deep dive” when a prac cal solu on is available here and now. Using the five “why's” for instance (literally asking why five mes) is s ll valuable and o en yields a solu on. I also like the Gemba Walk technique. Derived from the Japanese word meaning “the real place,” this technique allows managers to start looking from the ground up to where the problem started. You evaluate fundamental elements, value stream, and see where changes should be made. Edward de Bono introduced the six thinking hats method. With each colour represen ng a different process – from feelings to crea vity – we can organize our problems and possible solu ons be er. Whatever problem you are facing now, I hope that you will find the solu on. Remain posi ve and define your problem. Change starts the moment you act! And remember, your Sisterhood is here to support and help you – so reach out and get a friend. Someone once said these true words: A problem shared with the right person (or people), at the right me and with the right inten ons, is a problem halved. june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER 4
5 creative problem-solving: unleashing women's innate genius in business by retha myburgh Problem-solving is an integral part of everyday life, especially in the business world. For women in business, tackling daily challenges requires not just intelligence but crea vity. Yet, many find themselves struggling to solve problems crea vely. Why is this, and how can we reclaim our innate problem-solving genius? More geniuses needed! A study commissioned by NASA in the 1960s aimed to help the space agency hire more geniuses—individuals who could use their crea vity to solve complex problems. George Land and his team found that 98% of 5-year-olds fell into the genius category of divergent thinkers. However, this number plummeted to 30% five years later and further down to 12% at age 15. Land con nued his research into adulthood and discovered a staggering drop to 2%123. He a ributed this decline to tradi onal schooling systems that s fle crea vity and promote uncrea ve behaviour and thinking. Induc ve reasoning: Behaviour learnt through play. Let's consider the story of Sarah, a seasoned entrepreneur. Sarah's bou que had always thrived on its unique selec on of handcra ed jewellery. However, with changing trends, her sales began to decline. Rather than accep ng this downturn as inevitable, Sarah employed induc ve reasoning. She observed pa erns in customer preferences, gathered data on the latest fashion trends, and hypothesized that introducing a line of ecofriendly accessories could appeal to her clientele's growing environmental consciousness. Sarah assessed her hypothesis with a small batch of products, which quickly sold out. Encouraged by this success, she expanded her eco-friendly offerings, which led to a resurgence in sales. Sarah's story exemplifies how induc ve reasoning—drawing general conclusions from specific observa ons—can lead to crea ve solu ons and business success. So, how do we get our crea ve spark back? 1. Making me to be more crea ve is a good place to start. 2. Encourage brainstorming sessions without judgment, allow for flexible work hours for when inspira on strikes, and foster an environment where unconven onal ideas are welcomed. 3. Being coached to problem solve can also be incredibly beneficial. A coach can help you define problems clearly in wri ng, iden fy all causes and solu ons, and encourage you to take complete responsibility for your challenges. Here are some basic skills to use: • Proceed with a posi ve a tude: Believe that every problem has a solu on. • Define the problem clearly in wri ng: clarity is key. • Iden fy all causes and solu ons: look at the problem from all angles. • Take complete responsibility: own your problems and their solu ons. • Start a acking your problem today: procras na on is the enemy of problemsolving. Remember, “Success is the mark of a crea ve thinker, and when you use your ability to think crea vely, your success becomes unlimited” - Brian Tracy. Problem solving [the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem; iden fying, priori zing, and selec ng alterna ves for a solu on; and implemen ng a solu on]. june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
6 Let's reclaim our status as geniuses and revolu onize how we tackle business challenges. Ask yourself, how will you encourage crea vity within your business and habitat today. References: 1: Your Story 2: Medium 3: The Peoples Voice TV About the Author: Coach Retha Myburgh Meet Retha Myburgh, the Head Coach at The Time Factory, a post-advanced Cer fied and accredited Shadowmatch Coach, Life Coach enabler, Cer fied Facilitator, and Inspira onal Speaker. Retha's transforma ve "People Journey" began as a Registered Nurse, extending into a fulfilling 20-year career in the pharmaceu cal industry. In 2021, she took a leap of faith, leaving the corporate world to embark on a new path as a Life Coach. Retha leads The Time Factory's coaching prac ce, specializing in personal growth coaching, leadership development and workshop facilita on. She started The Coach Factory online program, which enables coaches to grow sustainable prac ces and thriving businesses through AI coaching systems. Retha is dedicated to guiding aspira onal coaches and crea ng posi ve change in the lives of many. www.the mefactory.biz. or email her at retha@the mefactory.biz Listen to tes monies on YouTube @ The Coach Factory Channel june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
7 Business owners today face many challenges like a poli cal shi in power, eco threats, global migra on and an urgent demand to upskill and invest in ourselves. It has become more complex and to manage and survive these changes and complexi es, we need to have unclouded vision and strategies. Here is the solu on to deliver sweet victories in our endeavours to remain excellent. We turn to a known game, that many of us have mastered, but never realised the lessons we are learning! Skills-based Industrial Psychologists predict the 45%+ of the world's workforce will have to be re-skilled or up-skilled by the year 2035, for the man-machine world of work. That is a lot of training and relearning, towards building a more future-fit workforce. Our brains are hard-wired to learn through play. In fact, a 2022 Educa onal Psychology Study proved that it takes 400-700 repe ons to build a neuropathway in our brains, whereby we can make decisions quicker and more accurately through the brain's ability to pa ernrecognise. However, if we learn through gameplay the same neuropathway will be established in 10-20 repe ons. Therefore, the game of chess does not only offer unique opportuni es to learn cri cal thinking-skills, crea ve BUSINESS: where COURAGE & LEADERSHIP meet. Marisa van der Merwe Founder, CEO & Ashoka Fellow SA Business Woman of the Year 2018, Category Community Impact A li le girl takes her place at the chessboard, facing an unknown opponent. She puts out her hand, as is our chess-culture, saying “Enjoy the game.” This gesture dresses her in bravery: it takes guts and self-confidence to take your place at the ba le. The game is much more than winning or losing; it stretches your imagina on, your ability to think, to re-think, to strategize and plan and problem-solve, inside the complexity of ever-changing situa ons… and allows your opponent to strength-test your resolve. A er many gallant efforts, good and bad decisions and lessons learnt, the girl's chess-King eventually concedes on behalf of his team. The two players shake hands in respect of a worthy opponent: “Thank you for the game.” It is a lot like real life! World thought-leader Garry Kasparov states in his book How life imitates chess: “Chess is not only a teacher; it is a GOOD one.” Pla orm of unlimited op ons The age-old game of chess introduces a pla orm of unlimited op ons, crea ve ideas, purposeful design, and the opportunity to succeed. Inside this world of black-andwhite squares, the playing field is level, and the challenge is real. Engagement, a ack, and countera ack, defence and sacrifice shape the ba lefield where minds meet – moving over barriers of age, gender, language, culture, geographical borders, social standing and more. problem-solving, resilience, strategic thinking, implementa on and reflec on, for managing the fastchanging nature of 21st Century business (all of which are absent from academic curricula), but also offers a veryeffec ve pla orm for learning these tools to team-leaders and team-members alike. Changing demand This age of smart machines, the 4IR has changed the workplace significantly and it is accelera ng. Mul - na onal Corpora ons like Apple, Microso , Amazon, Walmart and Google have recently changed their recruitment-specifica ons to move away from formal qualifica ons as a pre-requisite, but rather emphasise human values of trustworthiness, reliability, the ability to work in teams, etc. – by contrac ng workers through a system of internships (as opposed to direct employment). june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
8 Knowledge will always have value, but the current workforce-demand has shi ed to also require HUMAN CAPACITIES – the things machines cannot do, like: Value/s-based decision-making, Crea ve problemsolving, Entrepreneurial mindset, Cri cal thinking, Agility of thinking AND human skills like Trust, EQ, Resilience, Courage and more. These are the quali es that will build effec ve teams and long-term sustainable business. Business has power In a world where 80%+ of workforce leave their jobs on account of “unhealthy company culture”, businessowners are challenged with naviga ng a very dynamic business environment… managing complexi es, digitalisa on, shi ing economic- and poli cal landscapes, global migra ons, and more. Even for a successful business-owner/leader with 20 or 30 years+ experience, it has become impera ve to invest in capacity-building training for a fast-changing world – for self and the work-team. Business is the game-changer for SA's social- and economic challenges. With 2.5 million registered SMME's in the country, it can impact the country's youthunemployment crisis substan ally, when each company add 1 or 2 people to the work-team… MindCompany Unlimited (MindCo) delivers such short courses, from young upcoming-talent to professionals, teams and corporate leaders, though a chess-based approach, engagement, team-discussion and enjoyment… no pre-knowledge of chess required. It offers a prac cal approach, focussing on ACTIONS, as ac ons become HABITS and habits become CULTURE. You are invited to make the smart move - towards building a future-ready, strategically fit and healthy business in a me of huge change. Marisa van der Merwe Tell: +27 (0)12 881 8875/Mobile: +27 (0) 82 856 3083/ Email: [email protected] Educa onal Cogni ve Social june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
JUNE 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER 9 Be inspired and ready to thrive in 2025! • Interactive sessions • Exhibits • Networking • Lunch CONNECT TO MORE OF THE SISTERHOOD (a joint session for all the Gauteng branches) Save the Date 22 AUGUST 2024 WOMEN'S MONTH EVENT - GAUTENG
10 ANOTHER GREAT YOUTH DAY EVENT HOSTED IN MBOMBELA The Nelspruit branch in Mpumalanga hosted another successful youth day event in June, with over 250 young people joining in person and via Facebook Live. The speakers addressed the youth about their choices to make, taking care of themselves and to note various opportuni es they have for career development. june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
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12 the bush is my happy place For Cape Town branch leader, Marguerite Roux, peace and calm comes from brush strokes as she expresses her crea vity on a canvas! Marguerite has come full circle! She was born in George and grew up in Kempton Park on the East Rand. But then studied at Stellenbosch University and today she is the Local Business Leader and a business owner in Cape Town. She is married and has a stepdaughter, son-in-law and grandson of 9 years old that completes her family. Marguerite did not grow up in a business environment. Her father was a pilot and her mother was a stay-at-home mom and typist. Dream job! She always wanted to be a lawyer and worked hard at school. Her grades proved her commitment and she also realised her dream by obtain her law degree. She likes the challenges of her career. “We have different issues every day. I also enjoy the fact that I can help people who cannot do it for themselves,” says Marguerite. She does not approve of the fact that the legal industry is s ll a male dominated environment. If she could start over and make new choices, Marguerite would enjoy being a full- me ar st or to do renova ons as it is a crea ve space to be in. “Law is not very crea ve,” she chuckles. Crea ve spirit For self-care and relaxa on, she likes spending me with her husband, family, friends and dogs. “I love cooking, watching movies, and reading and I regularly take the dogs on walks,” she told HerVoice. Marguerite is truly a crea ve being. Her hobby is po ery, which she enjoys doing with friends and wildlife photography is a hobby she shares with her husband. When me allows, she also takes to pain ng as an art. Exercise and looking at art are also the ways she finds balance in life. Commit to your decision. For her, mo va on is all in the mind. “You need to start by deciding to do something and then follow through on your decision, she says. Her mo o in life is “whatever you do, be kind.” She par cularly appreciates honesty, sincerity and humility in people. Her happy place is shared with her husband, in the African bush, taking photos of wildlife. “Paternoster is my own personal happy place when I walk on the beach and just smell the ocean and listen to the sea, “ says Marguerite. Helping women, regardless She uses her role to try to help woman in legal ba les, where she can be effec ve. “When women approach me for legal help and they cannot afford it, I take their cases on and make payment arrangements or do it on risk,” she explains. She is truly giving women a voice! If she could change one thing in South Africa it would be to stop all crimes and violence against animals, women and children. Marguerite has a heart for the community and we are blessed to have such an amazing woman at the helm in our Cape Town Branch! june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
13 celebrating three years of re.bag.re.use and world environment day One bread bag weighs approximately seven grams. Over the past three years, the Hout Bay-based ini a ve, Re.Bag.Re.Use, has repurposed plas c equivalent to just over 92,000 empty bread bags! To put this into perspec ve, that's the weight of about five baby elephants! “Facebook reminded me earlier today that one of the very first Re.Bag.Re.Use meetups took place exactly three years ago at Hout Bay Harbour. At that me, I had started mee ng with a group of ladies to share the basics of croche ng. On one of these occasions, for a bit of fun, I showed the ladies my experiment: croche ng with an empty bread bag. When I look at that memory shared by Facebook, it feels like I've blinked, and my bread bag experiment has snowballed into something extraordinary!” shares Regine le Roux, founder of the Re.Bag.Re.Use inia ve. One of the ini al biggest frustra ons was having enough plas c cut while croche ng. It's such a pain to be in a croche ng rhythm and then have to stop to cut plas c. The ini a ve now has five ladies cu ng empty plas c bags into strips, and there are ten ladies from the Hout Bay community and surrounds who crochet different mul -func onal items. Apart from crea ng the most beau fully crea ve and vibrant pieces, Re.Bag.Re.Use have also been involved in incredibly exci ng art projects. These include the Waterfront's annual Joy for Africa ini a ve last year—check out the beau ful dancing skirts s ll hanging from the ceiling at the Waterfront's Watershed—and working closely with Ananta Design Studio's crea ve design team on their products for Decorex and their recent design for the UPCYCLE exhibi on. “We are incredibly grateful for Blue Ribbon's phenomenal support of our ini a ve by providing us with empty bread bags for our projects,” adds le Roux. Tapiwa Likona, who has been part of the ini a ve from the beginning, shares: "Looking back at our Re.Bag.Re.Use journey, we had no idea how far we would go. Over the past three years, we have met so many wonderful people and achieved significant progress in recycling. Our efforts to save the environment have grown into a large, dedicated group commi ed to this cause. This ini a ve has not only benefi ed the environment but has also provided crucial support to our families in various ways. The work we do con nues to make a posi ve impact on our community and our planet.” The community's support has been incredible, with many people collec ng bags for us and dropping them off at Fiddles cks Haberdashery, the Hout Bay Library, and Pick n Pay in Hout Bay. It all started with just one empty bread bag. This shows that with a bit of crea vity and fun, you can make something out of nothing. Most importantly, something beneficial to all. Apart from 645 kg of plas c not ending up in our environment, the ladies earn some pocket money for groceries and school supplies for their children. With each sale, a percentage gets donated to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA, spreading the love even further. Peg bags made from repurposed empty plas c bags featuring a cute elephant design, available at www.rebagreusehub.co.za. Over the past three years, Re.Bag.Re.Use has repurposed the equivalent of 92,124 empty bread bags, helping to keep 645 kg of plas c out of the environment. As we celebrate our third anniversary and World Environment Day, we con nue our commitment to crea vity and sustainability. For more informa on, please visit: www.rebagreusehub.co.za or email [email protected] or WhatsApp 083 302 1528 june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
14 The shade from the tree of your neighbour is not always a happy place to be – many homeowners are familiar with the frustra on of raking up leaves, fixing walls and fences and having to deal with over-growth from the next-door property. Stegmanns Incorporated send us a lovely ar cle that will guide you in solving this problem. Is your neighbour(s) not properly maintaining the trees or shrubs in their garden? This is a situa on that most property owners will encounter, at some me or another, due to trees or shrubs encroaching and/or hanging over the boundary wall(s) and causing immense frustra on. Legal principles South African legal principles are quite clear in respect of who carries the responsibility of an overhanging tree. The owner of the property on which such a tree is planted, is regarded as the owner of the tree, and is therefore ul mately responsible and obligated to remove such encroachment. What can you if this is a problem for you? 1. The most simple and direct way to address this, is to approach your neighbour and explain the root cause of the problem, sharing the frustra on and/or inconvenience caused by the tree, and request the neighbour to address or correct the problem or issue at their earliest convenience. Jacques Smith neighbour's tree branching out? Jacques Smith, Stegmanns Incorporated june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
15 2. Unfortunately, not all members of society will a empt to address or resolve the cause of the problem and in some instances, you might even find your neighbour to be unhelpful and aggressive. 3. Some mes, despite your best a empts, your neighbour refuses to adhere to your reasonable request(s). 4. The ques on is: are you en tled to cut and remove anything that has passed over the boundary wall? The answer to this is a resounding YES! Be mindful. However, be mindful of the following: • Inform your neighbour of your intent to cut the overhanging tree(s) that encroaches on your property. • You may not go onto the neighbour's property to destroy or cut the tree without their consent. • Do not cut anything OUTSIDE your property boundary, as you might be held liable for property damages. Know your trees. It is important to bear in mind that there are certain protected tree species in South Africa. As a result, there is always a dis nct possibility that the tree in ques on might be a protected species. In such an instance neither the owner of the tree, or you as neighbour, will be able to damage or remove it. Can you force your neighbour to cut their encroaching tree? If you are not willing to cut the tree back yourself, and your neighbour persists in his unwillingness to assist, there are further ac ons you can take. 1. E x p l o re c o m m u n i t y a n d /o r o t h e r media on op ons by inter alia approaching your local council. They can possibly assist you and your neighbour to come to a peaceful resolu on. 2. Should your neighbour s ll refuse to cooperate, you may have to pursue legal ac on. However, make sure that you seek legal advice before going down this road. Many good neighbours have lost their friendship over this kind of problem – good to know that there are solu ons that can keep the branches at bay and let only the friendship con nue to flourish across the fence. june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
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19 I remember my very first me a ending an SACBW Tshwane branch mee ng at the Menlyn Bou que Hotel. They have this beau ful wooden deck you have to cross over to get to the actual conference room. All dressed up in my pre y heels that make me feel my powerful self, dressed to impress in my most beau ful s le os. As I stride confidently across the wooden deck, disaster strikes—my heel got caught between the planks. I tried to detach myself gracefully, but the more I wiggled, the more stuck I became. I'll spare you the ugly details of how I finally freed myself, but let's just say it wasn't pre y! My heel was le scuffed and my confidence a li le bit shaken. That episode reminded me of a meless trick my late, ever-stylish aunt taught me: covering my heels with matching material to protect them from damage. Thankfully, my husband kindly takes my shoes to Mul serve for a professional fix whenever they need a bit of TLC. This month's theme of problem-solving inspired me to share some prac cal ps for managing those unexpected image glitches that we, as busy professionals, might encounter. With a few handy solu ons in your arsenal, you can tackle any appearance mishap with grace and poise. In the world of entrepreneurship, a wardrobe malfunc on can strike at any moment. But with these Quick Fixes for Everyday Style Glitches, you'll be prepared to manage them with grace and confidence. From missing bu ons to unexpected stains, wardrobe malfunc ons can strike at the most inconvenient mes. But with a few clever tricks and a handy toolkit, you can manage any fashion mishap and maintain a polished, professional appearance no ma er what. Stay proac ve, stay prepared, and remember—when you look your best, you feel unstoppable. Here's to solving those everyday image glitches and shining in every professional encounter! To help you stay prepared for similar mishaps when it ma ers most, I've put together a kit of prac cal ps. These will ensure that no ma er what curveballs life throws at your wardrobe, you'll be ready to manage them with grace and style. Here are the essen als you need: With a few clever tricks and a handy toolkit, you can manage any wardrobe mishap and maintain your professional polish. Here are some prac cal ps to help you tackle those unforeseen style mishaps with grace, ensuring that you stay confident and composed, no ma er what comes your way. The Bu on Crisis: Midway through a crucial investor mee ng, you no ce your shirt's top bu on is missing. It's a small detail, but one that can undermine your polished look. A compact sewing kit can save the day. These kits, available from any fabric store or even some Game or Metro store come equipped with needles, thread, and extra bu ons—everything you need to rea ach that bu on quickly. If nothing else, but this should really be the last resort, use a small safety pin to secure your shirt discreetly from the inside. My grandmother used to say, “its only dead people who have safety pins on their clothes” So, you should never be found with a safety pin on your body if you are s ll alive, it really has to be the last resort. The Pantyhose Predicament: Let's just say you are on your way to have lunch with a new client, and you feel a run star ng in your pantyhose. Apply a dab of clear nail polish around the run to stop it from spreading. Most beauty brands like offer handy travel-sized bo les perfect for your bag. Alterna vely, a quick spritz of hairspray over the run freezes the fibres and preven ng further damage. The oily stain: Just before an important mee ng, you realise that your perfume le an oily stain on your white blouse. Sprinkle baby powder on the spot to absorb the oil before it sets. The Shoe Scuff Dilemma: You were late and literally arriving five minutes before the event starts, when you no ce that your shoes are scuffed and dull. A small dab of good old Vaseline can buff out those scuffs and restore your shine on the spot. The Wrinkle Woe: You caught the late-night flight into Johannesburg for a quick mee ng and although those late-night flights are more affordable, they are not the most convenient. You arrive at the hotel at the middle of the night, with your early morning mee ng the last thing Handling style mishaps on the go: Quick ProblemSolving Tips for Busy Entrepreneurs Wri en by: Marilyn Morris, President of the Interna onal Professional Image Associa on (IPIA) june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
20 on your mind. Your jacket is wrinkled from being packed and you need to look sharp for the mee ng, but there's no iron available. Don't stress, hang your jacket in the bathroom while you shower. The steam will help release those wrinkles naturally. The Zipper Jam: You're preparing for a big presenta on, and your skirt's zip gets stuck. Time is running out, and you need a fast solu on. A small amount of lip balm or even soap can ease the zipper's movement and I bet that you have one in your bag already, especially in this dry highveld weather. The Woolen Sweater Snag: As you are pu ng the finishing touches on your product demo, you no ce a snag in your jersey. This one is really easy, push the snagged thread back through to the inside using a safety pin or a blunt needle. This hides the snag effec vely. You can also secure the snag with a small dab of clear nail polish to prevent further unravelling. The Earring Escape: Mingling at a networking event, you realize you've lost the back of your earring. Cut a small piece off a pencil eraser to use as a temporary earring back or fold a piece of clear tape over the earring post to hold it in place un l you find a proper back. You can get both your eraser and clear tape from one of the sta onery boxes at home, easy right! The Fallen Hem: You're stepped on your beau ful long summer dress just as you were ge ng out of the car. Walking into the venue, you no ced your dress hem has fallen. Use double-sided tape to secure the hem temporarily. It's quick and holds up well in emergencies and again, as a last resort, pin the hem from the inside for a more secure hold un l you can sew it properly. To stay prepared for any image emergency, assemble a small toolkit to keep in your bag or office. Here's what to include: 1. Mini Sewing Kit: For quick bu on fixes and minor repairs. 2. Baby Powder: To tackle unexpected oil stains. 3. Clear Nail Polish: For stopping runs in pantyhose and securing snags. 4. Portable Steamer: To keep your clothes wrinkle-free. 5. Safety Pins and Double-Sided Tape: For fast fixes on the go. 6. Eraser and Vaseline: For scuffed shoes. 7. Lip Balm: For stuck zippers. Most of these essen als can be bought from any supermarket, pharmacy like Dischem or Clicks. With these ps, you'll be ready to tackle any style glitch with confidence, ensuring that nothing distracts from your professional shine. Build your mishap-proof toolkit today, keep it in in your bag or the boot of your car and face your challenges headon, knowing that you're prepared for whatever comes your way! june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
21 In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, not every venture achieves the desired success. When a business encounters insurmountable challenges and faces financial distress, the path o en leads toward liquida on. This process involves winding down opera ons and selling assets to se le debts. Understanding the steps involved in business liquida on and recognizing the signs that precede it is crucial for entrepreneurs and stakeholders alike. Signs of Impending Liquida on Before a business enters the formal liquida on process, several telltale signs can indicate financial instability: 1. Moun ng Debt: When a business struggles to meet financial obliga ons and creditors become persistent, it's a significant red flag. Increasing debt levels without corresponding revenue growth can quickly lead to insolvency. 2. Cash Flow Issues: Chronic cash flow problems, such as delayed payments from customers and suppliers, signify deeper financial troubles. If opera onal costs consistently exceed incoming funds, the business may be heading toward a crisis. 3. Declining Revenue: A sustained decline in sales or revenue over several periods is a clear indicator of underlying issues. Market shi s, compe on, or internal inefficiencies could contribute to this decline. 4. Legal Ac ons: Legal ac ons such as creditor lawsuits, demands for payment, or no ces of foreclosure are serious warning signs. These ac ons can escalate quickly and significantly impact the business's ability to operate. 5. Inability to Raise Funds: When tradi onal sources of financing dry up and the business cannot secure addi onal capital or credit, it limits the op ons for restructuring and recovery. 6. Management Instability: High turnover among key execu ves or management posi ons can disrupt strategic decision-making and exacerbate exis ng problems. Steps in Business Liquida on Once a business decides to pursue liquida on, a structured approach is essen al to navigate the process efficiently: 1. Assessment and Decision: The first step involves a comprehensive assessment of the financial situa on. If the decision to liquidate is made, stakeholders, including shareholders and creditors, must be informed. 2. Appointment of Liquidator: A licensed insolvency prac oner or liquidator is appointed to oversee the process. They are responsible for selling assets, se ling debts, and distribu ng funds to creditors. 3. No fica on and Legal Obliga ons: Creditors and relevant authori es must be no fied of the liquida on. Legal requirements, including employee termina ons and tax filings, must be fulfilled. 4. Asset Valua on and Sale: The liquidator assesses and values the business assets, which are then sold to generate funds. This may involve auc ons, private sales, or nego ated deals. 5. Debt Se lement: Proceeds from asset sales are used to se le outstanding debts. Creditors are priori zed based on legal hierarchy. 6. Employee Se lement: Employee en tlements, including salaries, benefits, and redundancy payments, are se led from available funds. 7. Closure and Deregistra on: Once all debts are se led and assets are distributed, the business is formally deregistered, marking the end of opera ons. navigating business liquidation: steps and signs Nicolene Kruger Soltrust (pty) Ltd E-mail: [email protected] At Soltrust, trust is not just a word; it's the cornerstone of our practice. We aspire to be your board-approved liquidator, safeguarding trust in every transaction. june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
22 HerVoice Conclusion Business liquida on is a challenging and o en emo onally charged process for all involved par es. Recognizing the signs of financial distress early allows stakeholders to explore alterna ves such as restructuring or refinancing before reaching the point of no return. For businesses facing insurmountable difficul es, naviga ng the steps of liquida on with transparency, compliance, and professionalism is essen al to mi gate losses and uphold legal obliga ons. While liquida on represents the end of one chapter, it can also pave the way for new beginnings and lessons learned in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Soltrust june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER HerVoice will be a complimentary benefit of members of the SACBW. From July 2024 non-members can subscribe - go to our online shop and get your copy @ R35 per month. Visit www.sacbw.org.
The SA Council for Business Women is an organiza on that strives to grow women in business by providing informa on, training, and networking opportuni es. But we also look for other opportuni es where we can assist our members and we have recently reached an agreement with Mahala, a mul -spectrum Loyalty Card! This card links to all your exis ng loyalty cards, but gives you added value as other service providers are also linked to the Mahala Card, giving you the benefit of saving on purchases ranging from medicine and food, to res and travel. You will also qualify for the following: • Discount vouchers, • Points in your e-Wallet, • Coupons – Rands off selected items and; • Collect stamps for freebies! Win-win for us all! Herewith just a few Retailers currently on the Mahala Pla orm. Members of the SACBW are invited to sign up for the card, using the following link: h ps://www.mahala.mobi, click on REGISTER. Follow these easy steps: 1. Complete your personal details. 2. Sign-up Op ons: Select Agent/Group and enter Agent code 1077100039 (SACBW Group). 3. Card Op on: Choose virtual card (leave Loyalty/Member no OPEN). 4. Select your communica on preferences and give the necessary consent. 5. Submit. You will receive a welcome e-mail with your login details and how to use the card. Should your business want to list with the pla orm and also offer members of the Council a discount benefit, you can contact Mahala on 012 – 643 0384 or send an e-mail to [email protected], there are various op ons available. This is an easy way to save more and joining is FREE, easy and simple! MAY 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER 23 Exciting news: member benefit that will save you money! june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
SUGGESTED READS Complex problem solving is the core skill for 21st Century Teams Complex problem solving is at the very top of the list of essen al skills for career progression in the modern world. But how problem solving is taught in our schools, universi es, businesses and organiza ons comes up short. In Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything you'll learn the seven-step systema c approach to crea ve problem solving developed in top consul ng firms that will work in any field or industry, turning you into a highly sought-a er bulletproof problem solver who can tackle challenges that others balk at. The problem-solving technique outlined in this book is based on a highly visual, logic-tree method that can be applied to everything from everyday decisions to strategic issues in business to global social challenges. The authors, with decades of experience at McKinsey and Company, provide 30 detailed, real-world examples, so you can see exactly how the technique works in ac on. With this bulletproof approach to defining, unpacking, understanding, and ul mately solving problems, you'll have a personal superpower for developing compelling solu ons in your workplace. • Discover the me-tested 7-step technique to problem solving that top consul ng professionals employ • Learn how a simple visual system can help you break down and understand the component parts of even the most complex problems • Build team brainstorming techniques that fight cogni ve bias, streamline workplanning, and speed solu ons • Know when and how to employ modern analy c tools and techniques from machine learning to game theory • Learn how to structure and communicate your findings to convince audiences and compel ac on Fixed.: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving By Amy E. Herman Amy E. Herman takes a unique approach to problem solving by drawing inspira on from the world of art. The author uses art-related analogies to illustrate problem solving principles and techniques. The book encourages readers to think beyond conven onal approaches and find innova ve solu ons to challenges. By connec ng the worlds of art and problem solving, this book offers a fresh perspec ve on developing a nuanced problem solving mindset. Amazon Descrip on: With Amy Herman's Fixed., we now have access to what the FBI, NATO, the State Department, Interpol, Scotland Yard, and many more organiza ons and their leaders have been using to solve their most intractable problems. Demonstra ng a powerful paradigm shi for finding solu ons, Herman teaches us to see things differently, using art to challenge our default thinking and open up possibili es otherwise overlooked. Her unexpected, insigh ul, and o en deligh ul methodology is sought a er by leaders and professionals for whom failure is catastrophic. Luckily for us, these tac cs work— no ma er the problem's scale or complexity. And we don't need an art degree or previous knowledge about art to benefit from her approach, only a willingness to open our eyes and our minds. Yes, things go wrong all the me. What ma ers most is what we do to fix them. The secrets revealed in Bulletproof Problem Solving will transform the way you approach problems and take you to the next level of business and personal success. Charles Conn, Robert McLean John Wiley & Sons, 06 Mar 2019 - Business & Economics - 320 pages june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER 24
SUGGESTED READS Solve It!: The Mindset and Tools of Smart Problem Solvers By Dietmar Sternad Solve It! offers a holis c explora on of problem solving, combining both the mindset and tools needed to address challenges effec vely. Sternad outlines the importance of cul va ng a growth-oriented mindset and provides readers with a collec on of problem-solving techniques that can be applied to various situa ons. The book emphasizes crea vity, adaptability, and con nuous improvement as essen al elements of successful problem solving. Amazon Descrip on: What do Albert Einstein, Elon Musk, Sherlock Holmes and Mahatma Gandhiʼs six-year-old granddaughter have in common? They are all masters of the art of smart problem solving—a highly sought-a er skill that you can learn too! • Gain insights into the surprising findings of the science of problem solving • Develop a problem-solving mindset • Use a powerful 5-step approach to solve even the toughest problems • Be inspired by stories of highly successful problem solvers • Learn from expert problem solvers like scien sts, doctors, designers, coaches and highly paid management consultants • Apply prac cal problem-solving and decision-making tools right away Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People by Ken Watanabe This problem solving book is a concise and accessible primer on the art of problem solving. In this book, Watanabe dis lls complex concepts into straigh orward techniques that can be easily applied to various situa ons. Targeted at a broad audience, the book emphasizes prac cal thinking, logical analysis, and clear decision-making. Through real-life examples and relatable explana ons, readers are encouraged to develop their problem solving skills, making it an ideal read for students, professionals, and anyone seeking to enhance their ability to tackle challenges effec vely. Amazon Descrip on: Ken Watanabe originally wrote Problem Solving 101 for Japanese schoolchildren. His goal was to help shi the focus in Japanese educa on from memoriza on to cri cal thinking, by adap ng some of the techniques he had learned as an elite McKinsey consultant. He was amazed to discover that adults were hungry for his fun and easy guide to problem solving and decision making. The book became a surprise Japanese bestseller, with more than 370,000 in print a er six months. Now American businesspeople can also use it to master some powerful skills. 25 The Collabora ve Path: 6 Steps for Be er Communica on, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making By Patrick Aylward We rarely solve problems in isola on. We typically solve problems and make decisions collabora vely. And successful collabora on depends mostly on quality communica on. Author Aylward lays out a six step approach for be er decision-making as a team. Learn to de-escalate conflicts and reduce tensions for stronger, more successful team decision-making. june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER
26 A branch near you! june 2024 | HERVOICE SACBW NEWSLETTER MPUMALANGA Estelle Roe Regional Business Leader, Mpumalanga 083 326 8185 [email protected] Tracy-Erin Duggan Local Business Leader, Nelspruit 086 679 9077 [email protected] GAUTENG Marina Prinsloo Acting Provincial Leader, Gauteng 082 888 6675 [email protected] René Vosloo Local Business Leader, Pretoria 082 551 6035 [email protected] Dorothy Wye Local Business Leader, Centurion 072 268 3777 [email protected] Victoria Modise Local Business Leader, Johannesburg 076 652 3693 [email protected] Charmaine Hannan Local Business Leader: East Rand 082 356 0788 [email protected] Suyin Da Matta Local Business Leader: West Rand 072 524 9707 [email protected] WESTERN CAPE Dr Ziva Spangenberg Provincial Business Leader, Western Cape 074 766 4749 [email protected] Chantal Booyse Regional Business Leader, West Coast 061 195 6724 [email protected] Dr Santie von Below Regional Business Leader, Garden Route 082 613 0719 [email protected] Chantell Booyse Local Business Leader, Matzikama 084 850 2528 [email protected] Daphne Dissel Local Business Leader, George 083 845 4215 [email protected] Berenice Kogana Local Business Leader, Mosselbay 082 559 9389 [email protected] Marguerite Roux Local Business Leader, Cape Town 083 556 1128 [email protected] Erika Le Roux Local Business Leader, Cape Winelands 082 695 5486 [email protected] Karin Igesund Local Business Leader, Overberg 082 419 9991 [email protected] Bianca Olsen Local Business Leader, Oudtshoorn 072 535 2256 [email protected] EASTERN CAPE Alida Malan Local Business Leader, Port Elizabeht 083 588 5823 [email protected] FREE STATE Risna Opperman Local Business Leader, Bloemfontein 082 808 6470 [email protected] KWAZULU NATAL Lee Niemandt Local Business Leader, Durban 079 502 6077 [email protected] NORTHERN CAPE Dr. Lurine van Zyl Local Business Leader, Kuruman 072 064 4712 [email protected]
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HerVoice will be a complimentary benefit of members of the SACBW. From July 2024 non-members can subscribe - go to our online shop and get your copy @ R35 per month. Visit www.sacbw.org. HerVoice Monthly Newsle er for SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR BUSINESS WOMEN FEBRUARY 2024 HerVoice Monthly Newsle er for SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR BUSINESS WOMEN MAY 2024 HerVoice Monthly Newsle er for SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR BUSINESS WOMEN APRIL 2024