What motivated you to become an entrepreneur OR take your career in the direction you did? Is having your own business OR this role you are in something you always wanted?

I have been an entrepreneur for nine years and I cannot imagine being anything else. I was given the opportunity to become an entrepreneur by my husband who also runs numerous businesses and organizations so I am grateful to have learnt so much from working with him. For me entrepreneurship is an infinite opportunity to solve problems by monetising solutions. There is no ceiling and you can apply the skills learned in one industry to branch out to another. I started in media/events in the energy industry and I have since branched out into real estate and property development.

Which woman has positively impacted you in your career/business? And what is the one lesson she taught you?

Devi Paulsen-Abbott is the CEO of my company Energy Capital & Power and she has been instrumental in creating processes and structures in our business. Devi has taught me to always have my finger on the financial pulse of the business and this can be achieved by optimising and automating revenue collection, protecting profit and unlocking other strategies to increase revenue.

How do you define success?

Success to me is the ability to create a life for yourself on your own terms; this means it looks very different woman to woman. My version of success is running multiple businesses as hands-off as possible so I can spend time with my husband and young children. It means living in a place where I most feel at home and finding joy in the mundane as well as the adventure.

One insight for anyone interested in the industry you are working in?

Oil, gas and energy is traditionally a male-dominated industry while many event and media companies in this area are headquartered in Europe and the UK. Energy Capital & Power has somewhat been an anomaly as a female-led, Africa based company. It is an advantage to be different, so use it!

What is your one key guiding principle in your work life?

You must always be yourself in your work; for me that is leading with good character and empathy.

What do you believe is the most impactful and immediate action your industry can take to Accelerate Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment. (this is the theme for INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY in 2024)

Paid parental leave should be given in all companies. It sets a foundation for the family to split domestic and childcare duties more fairly which ultimately gives women the support needed to stay in the workforce and excel. From a business perspective, paid parental leave often translates into less employee turnover and overall better productivity.

The three books that changed your life