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 started my activism at the young age of thirteen which exposed me to working with various companies and speaking on various local and international platforms quite early , this experience made me begin to generate an income for myself from the age of thirteen and prompted me to start my own company , Zulaikha Patel Pty Ltd which I conduct all my business with various companies through which I work with on campaigns , speaking engagements and anti-racism / decolonisation consultancy. My dad was an entrepreneur all his life , I’ve only ever seen him work on his own businesses when I growing up so I leaned into soaking up his skills on running a company and essentially being your own boss/employer. My first company gave me a bit of expertise and audacity to go into social entrepreneurship by starting my Non-Profit Company , Dare To Change NPC.

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

Zama Ngcobo , I’d like to paraphrase one of the best things I’ve heard , where she said one should be prepared to leave any room that compromises their dignity.

How do you define success?

Being able to do what you are passionate about and living a life that is helpful to humanity.

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

Never compromise your value system and be mindful to the fact that change can come in small increments over time.

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

Your career is a constant work in progress, consistently work on improving and achieving your goals when small ones , there’s no such thing as being over accomplished.

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)

Fund young African women. Too many young women are over mentored and under funded.

The three books that changed your life: