Female Founder Name: Sophie Mahlogonolo Masipa

Business Name: MwunganoESG

Industry: Marketing and Communications

Instagram Handle: Private Handle (hrhsofta)

What inspired you to start your business?

I have been in the marketing and communications industry for 20 years. After leaving my awesome job at BrandSA, I took a 6 months break then started my first consultancy using my skills. 18 months later, I took on the job of my dreams in London and did that for five years. I had actually taken a decision to leave the communication and marketing industry to  to set up an environmental infrastructure business, with a big focus on the oceans economy. Enter Covid, and as the universe would have it, my industry was one of the most sought after as companies and countries were trying to find their voice in the new normal. It was only a matter though that I would bring my skillset and passion closer together. I am here today and due to a combination of being intentional about my career and the choices I made when setting up the business.

When did you start?

I only launched MwunganoESG end of February this year. My intention was to launch in 2021, but that was a tough year for me and I did not have the mental and emotional fortitude required to pull off what I knew would be a process that would need me to be fully present if i am to provide my clients with great service.

Why this specific industry?

By age 12, I thought i was either going to be President or run one of the major developmental agencies. This meant I was intentional in how I handled my reputation. Little did I know that my wishes and dreams were in fact leading me to handle reputations of brands, people and countries. Marketers and Communicators are strategic crafters and storytellers. I love crafting strategies and telling stories that are authentically anchored on facts, whilst bringing out the best in people, place and planet. 

What obstacles did you face starting up, and how did you overcome them?

It’s easy to have support when your name is behind a big company or name brand. The company can charge premium for your skillset. One of the initial obstacles I faced my first time round was around how I charged clients and them either expecting a rate drop or even free stuff to prove oneself. How is a business supposed to grow when it is expected to deliver free service or even charged peanut rates that don’t take into account a person’s experience? I overcame this by consistently bringing the best of myself to the table for my clients and immersing myself in their businesses. This has helped with my credibility.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?

In my line of work, staying calm during a conflict/crisis is key. 

Why work for yourself when there’s stability in working for others?

I love the flexibility and freedom. I need constantly tap into my creative outlet, especially when writing strategies. I also see myself as somewhat of a misfit who dares to dream and follows that dream to change and impact the world positively. Sometimes, the confines of rigid working stifled this side of my personality. 

What is the one characteristic that you possess that has helped make you successful?

Resilience

What’s your guiding business philosophy?

Focus on building long-term relationships, both within our own team and with our customers. We strive to act like a partner to our clients and combine values and excellence with innovative ideas to deliver supreme service.

At what moment did this venture become real for you?

Last year I spoke on a panel on the topic that underpins the work I do. I knew by the end of that panel that this was what I had to do to combine my passion with my talent. It took me longer to launch the business as I had a rough 2021 and I knew I had to be mentally and emotionally geared to handle the level of responsibility that my work demands when guiding clients on ESG, sustainability and climate communications.

What is the most challenging part about being an entrepreneur?

At the start, I would say it is getting used to the lack of stability, at growth phase, it is ensuring that you can pace yourself for that growth. I also believe that in any business, getting the right people who are culture-fit can be challenging. Defining a business culture that people will grow into, and one that will guide their working space as you grow a business. 

What makes it all worth it?

Absolutely! The freedom to be and do what I want, and when I want to. 

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?

Know why you are doing this. Then be disciplined and consistent in your approach to everything else you do daily. Find time to rest and reset.

How do you define success?

I define success as living my true purpose, creating a business that empowers clients, employees and the world around me, and having a positive impact on the lives of people by uplifting them and inspiring them to think and act in ways that they may not have considered before.

What did you do differently from the rest of us? I escape competition through authenticity.

I stay in my lane then perfect what that means. I run purpose-led businesses. There is alignment between who I am and what I wake up to do everyday.

What do you believe is the female founder effect?

For me it is about a recognition that our collective strength lies not in competition, but collaboration. That to win at improving our voice and participation, we have to unashamedly enter with our feminine power when we arrive at the table – whether we are joining one, or building our own.

What do you believe is the most impactful and immediate action society needs to move closer to Generation Equality goals?

I believe we need to increase our focus on gender-lens investing, intensify the fight against gender-based violence, whilst ensuring that boys and men are integral part of all the interventions.

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

My mother has had a huge impact on me. Her belief that you can achieve anything you set your eyes on, coupled by strong work ethic, focus, passion and purpose. She never gives up. For her, where there is will, there is a way. For myself, i coin it as ‘there are 101 ways to achieve magic, and no one route to get there. It helps me focus, importantly, it drives me to be consistently creative and innovative. 

What is your superpower?

I am fully present in myself, my life and the people around me. This means that I am very intentional about the direction I take with my career or business. On the people side, I am less about the fanfare but the authentic connection that I create with each individual that crosses my path. Because I am about reason, whether it is a season or a lifetime, I would have learnt and grown from the interaction.

What centers you?

The three F’s (Family, Friends, Faith (I prefer to capture it as spirituality)

What is your next adventure?

I am living my current adventure. Although, I review my long-term goals, I am keeping present in this season to give my new ‘baby’ the focus and support it requires.

Best advice for female founders:

As much as you must start with the end in mind, I believe it is important to build as if you will own your business forever to focus on the delivery and fundamentals of the business. Give yourself grace when you face obstacles or failure. Remember the only way from down is up. In between the work, find time to do the things that bring you peace.

Favorite way to unplug:

Movies (preferably on a flight where no one can call me), cooking and hanging out with my friends

Apps I can’t live without:

For work: WhatsAPP, Gmail, Kindle, Spotify 

Three books that changed my life: 

So many books changed my life but from a work point of view, these three have had an impact in how I navigate important aspects of my journey.

• A Purpose-driven life by Rick Warren

• The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell

• Think and Grow Rich– Napoleon Hill