AGENDA WOMEN

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#AWPOWERFIFTY: Nene Mahlangu

What motivated you to take your career in the direction you did? and is this role you are in something you always wanted?

Having an outlet to express my thoughts, my interests and beliefs has always been something that I've had to have in my life. I'm grateful that my medium of doing that is through painting. I've been fortunate to have people walk into my life who want to collaborate professionally. Things flowed into this direction. I've always been creating. Coming from a place where I had an audience of one, it gives me pleasure to have a larger audience now.

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

Tara Davis-Woodhall, she's an Olympian athlete. She's taught me that you should embrace who you are while working towards your goals. Lean into your weirdness. You don't have to fit into a fictional character of what successful people look like or do. Keep leaning into what makes you better and the rest will come.

How do you define success? 

Being happy and always having a big goal to work towards. I want to enjoy this one life that I have.

One insight for anyone interested in the industry you are working in? Collaboration is the best way to grow in this industry.

I love collaborations because they inspire me to stretch myself and try new things.

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

Chasing pleasure. I find pleasure in achieving goals, seeing improvement, sharing love and feeling healthy. If something does not align to my pleasure principle, I don't have space to accommodate it.

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) 

Have women financial literacy and business acumen workshops for a large number of creative women.

The three books that changed your life 

  • Endurance by Alfred Lansing

  • Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin

  • 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Apps you cannot live without  

  • Reddit

  • Pinterest

  • Youtube

Self care rituals that keep you grounded.

  • Exercising

  • Journaling,

  • Singing

  • Dancing

  • Painting