#SistaHoodHourConversations

There are some incredible leaders who live and work amongst us. Whether they are in the really big positions or are a colleague we share work space with, their qualities and character are quite unique and you can’t deny the magnitude of what they do and how they can contribute to the organisation and community. Dr Mandisa Maholwana, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital is quite a wonderful individual to speak. I enjoyed our conversation, the knowledge and insights shared, and the way she beautifully linked different parts of her journey together. I’m looking forward to where the new year takes the hospital, and the paediatric space as a whole in the country and continent.

Following my IG Live with Sanele Xaba a few weeks back, I had the opportunity to speak to Venus-Gene Jackson, Ingram’s brand manager about an incredible campaign, the Ingram’s Skin Sessions that aimed to uncover the internal struggles some of South African’s favourite personalities experience. These struggles and conversations are the kind we can relate to in one way or another. The challenges faced, the misconceptions and victories experienced and shared. “Your Skin; Your Brave” - a wonderful rallying call that’s giving all of us the confidence to ignite our inner brave! #YourSkinYourBrave

Sonya Kolman, is a clinical pharmacist at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Parktown Johannesburg. With many years experience and special interest in Paediatrics and Antimicrobial Resistance. In this episode of #SistaHoodHourConversations, we’re learning more about what antimicrobial resistance, what it is, it’s impact in our lives especially our children. Medical terminology can be overwhelming when you don’t work in the field but it is important that we understand what we’re reading / hearing or being told in any medical situation. We also had a Twitter chat on 25 November 2020, if you weren’t able to catch it, just search for the hashtag #ServeLikeMadiba or follow the hospital’s handle @_nmch_. Let us know what you think and reach out if you have any questions. Also have a read through more information on the hospital’s blog - https://www.nelsonmandelachildrenshospital.org/we-can-work-together-to-stop-antimicrobial-resistance/

My conversation with Boskasie was everything that served as a reminder of the fact as people - specifically people of colour - we are gold. That through any chosen art form, there is a way to express that which matters most to you, but also empower and teach the next person as long as they are open to it. We touched on #blacklivesmatter, her upbringing on two different continents, her music influences and YAADT! She’s an amazing energy and there’s so much more coming from her, I can see it and I believe it so much for her. Follow her journey on the socials: @Boskasie_ on Twitter and @boskasie on Instagram

Zeycan Yildirim is a pioneer! She may not choose the word for herself but ever since I came across her name and her work, I’ve appreciated how she has used what resources she has, her skills and knowledge to show up for others to better their lives. A generous heart and feisty spirit who is determined to ensure that all people, especially young people, girls and women choose their own destiny without pressure and interference from others. A lover of life, a wealth of knowledge and a woman the world needs. Follow her journey and work @zeycan_rochelle.

This conversation with Katleho Tsoku was an opportunity to see some of my life lessons as just that, lessons. The highs and lows, the successes and failures that are there to teach you something about not just the world but a lot about yourself, especially how you choose to move through it and how you want to live life...to just exist or to be fully present and soak it all in. Katleho is truly one of a kind and I don’t say that lightly. Through her sharing some parts about her life, I really enjoyed opening up about some of mine, and learnt from her as well. An invaluable conversation and I hope you gain something from it to.

I had the opportunity to speak to Venus-Gene Jackson, Ingram’s brand manager about an incredible campaign, the Ingram’s Skin Sessions that aimed to uncover the internal struggles some of South African’s favourite personalities experience. These struggles and conversations are the kind we can relate to in one way or another. The challenges faced, the misconceptions and victories experienced and shared. “Your Skin; Your Brave” - a wonderful rallying call that’s giving all of us the confidence to ignite our inner brave. #YourSkinYourBrave

I have such admiration for anyone who is in the social enterprise space and this conversation with co-founder of Australian based Thankyou, Justine Flynn reminded me how conscious business create enormous positive impact on the lives of the people it touches. It’s incredible work and the people involved in them are a special group of people. I love that Thankyou has reached out to every single one of us to be part of their work and we are all encouraging the big consumer brands, specifically Procter&Gamble and Unilever to join forces to be able to reach more people around the world. It’s a bold initiative to help end extreme poverty but through a partnership approach, I do not see why it cannot succeed. To find out more about their work and how you can get involved, please visit their website https://thankyou.co and follow them on social media @thankyou_AUS on Twitter, @thankyouaus on Instagram and Thankyou on Facebook.

My conversation with Divya Vasant is really a dream come true. Speaking to women who have consciously chosen to write their own narrative and find ways to uplift and encourage other women along the way literally sets my soul on fire. It reminds me that it is possible and necessary to do that in all the ways we can possibly do so. Divya Vasant co-founder and CEO of The Amazi Group of companies, she is “not a do-gooder” but she is a business woman who believes in conscious and sustainable business and entrepreneurship. There are so many other topics that I thought of and I cannot wait to speak with her again. Follow AMAZI Beauty on the socials (Instagram and Facebook) and find out more about what they do...and perhaps you could find some inspiration and get involved and share their work / opportunities for women with others. Enjoy the episode!

I remember coming across the Rise platforms and I immediately felt as though I was connecting to a community of women who I could really just be myself as a woman and a first time mother. No judgement, no sage advice, no promises...just love, understanding, a virtual hug on the days when I struggled to get over that thinking of feeling like I suck at motherhood. And during the time of lockdown, I truly needed that reassurance. I decided to reach to Rachel Kolisi, co-owner of Rise Women, Rise Mama, Rise Studios and the co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation and speak to her about her own life journey, how Rise came about and what it has brought not only into her life and business partner Tammy Rawstron, but to women out there like me, who wanted to connect, share and be inspired to rise in our own unique ways. Please do have a listen, check out their own, reach out and be part of a positive community of incredible women!