A few days ago, I walked away feeling inspired. I had gotten the opportunity to attend the National Women’s Day Celebration and having sat in a room filled with powerful, accomplished women, I was reminded that leadership isn’t about waiting for permission. It’s about stepping forward, taking initiative, and owning your space.

I got to hear the testimonies of remarkable leaders like Sithembile Songo (CISO, Eskom), Rashika Ramlal (AWS Country Manager), and Nomonde White-Ndlovu (CIO, Bidvest Bank), who shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in industries where women still have to work twice as hard to be seen and heard. Hearing what they had to say reinforced something I have always believed: if you are called to lead, you do not wait for a title—you step up, you show up, and you do the work.

I learned a great deal following the celebration, and I believe it right that I share the key takeaways that shifted my mindset on how women lead in the industry.

Do Not Aim For A Promotion – Aim To Lead

I always assumed that growth meant climbing the corporate ladder, but I’ve come to realise it’s about taking responsibility and driving change where you find yourself presently.

Resilience Is Non-Negotiable

Every challenge I’ve faced has prepared me for something greater. Every challenge I have faced has prepared me for something greater. Setbacks, doubts, moments of uncertainty, all of these have made me stronger by giving me the chance to grow. If one is to find success, giving up is not an option.

Be The Change You Once Needed

There was a time when I needed guidance, mentorship, and opportunities—but they weren’t always there. Instead of dwelling on what I didn’t have, I now feel inspired to be that opportunity for someone else. To open doors, share knowledge, and make the journey easier for those coming after me.

Bring The Elevator Down

One thing I’ve seen in many leaders is that they get no satisfaction in reaching the top alone. True success is about making sure others rise to the top as well. If we want more women in leadership, we need to advocate for each other, uplift each other, and create opportunities for those who are still finding their way.

Give It Your All

It shouldn’t matter whether you’re given a straightforward task or a large, complicated project that comes with high stakes. Whatever you do, do it with excellence and pride. Your work will speak for itself.

Transformation Is Felt Through Learning

The best way to celebrate International Women’s Day is to learn, grow, and come out differently than you entered. Every experience should stretch you, challenge you, and make you better than you were yesterday.

Gratitude & Reflection

If there is something I’m truly grateful for, it’s the leaders in our organisation who’ve seen my potential and invested their faith in me. Seeing them hold me in such high esteem is both humbling and empowering, and it reminds me that leadership comes with the responsibility to inspire and create new opportunities for those who come next.

This event has left me with a deep desire to lead with intention, share knowledge freely, and be the opportunity I once needed. To every woman striving to make a difference: don’t wait for permission—step into your power and take up space.