Since its inception in 1972, the Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot has established itself as the ultimate accolade highlighting female founders and CEOs globally.  Esteemed for honoring female pioneers who embody the spirit of Madame Clicquot, this award has two categories, the Bold Woman Award and the Bold Future Award, which highlight and give visibility to innovative women around the world.

This is the first and longest-running international award of its kind and South African female business leaders and entrepreneurs looking to elevate their businesses and join a community of like-minded trailblazers are invited to enter from 18 March - 30 April 2024.

Three finalists in each category will be selected by an esteemed jury and will be invited to attend the Bold Woman Award ceremony in Johannesburg on 17 July where one laureate in each of the categories will be lauded by a grand jury. Here are some insights from previous winners on how being a part of the Bold Community has positively affected their businesses and lives.

1.EMPOWER YOURSELF AND THOSE AROUND YOU

“Winning the Bold Women Award changed my approach to my business. It’s the first award that I’ve won personally and it has catalyzed me to focus on who I am as Claire Blackenberg, not Claire the owner of Reel Gardening, but Claire, a Bold Woman who wants to empower women in the workplace, and be a leader, a strong mom and a strong woman who is happy on all fronts.

All of this made me revisit what Reel Gardening could look like without me and focus on the other Bold Women in the organization, in turn enabling them to be the voice, ensuring the longevity of Reel Gardening without my persona or identity.

I am now Claire Blanckenberg and I am a Bold Woman. The award gave me the push I needed to move away, to separate my identity from the business, and it has been empowering on so many fronts.”

Claire Blanckenberg - Founder and CEO Reel Gardening (Bold Woman Award Winner - 2023)

2. EXPAND YOUR CLIENTELE AND BUSINESS FOOTPRINT

"I am an attorney who is running a fast-growing business, selling professional services. What made the Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot extra special was that the selection process included an interview and a mentoring session, which I thought was so important. Amongst other things, the esteemed judges encouraged me to see myself as more than an attorney running a practice, but as a businesswoman and to spend more time looking at growth opportunities.

As a medium-sized firm advising on multiple projects across the continent, we leverage technology to provide efficient services. Since winning the award and as a result of insight from the judges, we have established an Alternative Legal Services department that seeks to blend our specialist legal expertise with existing advanced technologies and contemporary best practice to ensure efficient and effective business solutions.

We have continued to increase our clientele and expand our footprint outside of South Africa, through cross-border transactions involving jurisdictions such as Mauritius, Namibia and Zambia. We are constantly receiving and considering collaboration opportunities from all over Africa, as well as China and the United Kingdom. Global domination was always at the back of my mind but now it’s at the forefront. We have more of a growth mindset and have started looking to grow and position the business within the global market, not just locally or regionally."

Zama Ngcobo, Founder of WMN Attorneys  (Bold Future Award Winner 2023)

3. RECOGNITION AND CREDIBILITY

"Winning the Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot came with recognition, credibility, and increased visibility in professional settings. It influenced how stakeholders perceived and interacted with my business and the award brought collaboration opportunities and leadership roles which have ultimately accelerated my growth.

The recognition reinforced my self-confidence and personal abilities as I pushed beyond my comfort zone and fearlessly explored new possibilities. The feat drew admiration from peers. I was an inspiration to fellow women and inspired boldness in their own journeys.

More importantly, what the award has done, is be an impetus when the business journey becomes tough. The award constantly reminds me that I am capable and fuels my resolve to forge ahead despite adversity - which is normal in all business journeys."

Gugu Sithole - CEO of Glamping Adventures (Bold Woman Award Winner - 2022)

 4. UNLOCKED DOORS TO GLOBAL COLLABORATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

“Winning the Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot marked a pivotal milestone for both myself and my businesses. It brought a profound sense of validation and affirmation that I hadn’t realized I needed, particularly being part of the mere 2% of female participants in the Maritime Industry.

Just reflecting on the many risks I've taken and the challenges I've overcome, I've actually come to understand the wisdom in T.S. Eliot's words: 'Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.' and this has further elevated my confidence as a young business leader with so much to give.

On a professional level, winning has unlocked doors to global collaborations and opportunities that once seemed beyond reach, I now have access to a global network of women in business that continues to challenge and elevate me - pure gold for anyone in business.

And perhaps the greatest impact as I continue to seek a holistic life lies in my everyday reminder that listening and embracing my discomforts is the best fuel for DARING TO BE BOLD because it brings clarity in my journey and that way, I can pave clearer paths for others, one BOLD step at a time."

Captain Londy Ngcobo (Bold Future Award Winner - 2022)

5. A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT ON ONE’S BUSINESS JOURNEY

“In 2023 I got the opportunity to be part of the jury panel for the Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot. It was a spectacular experience but it also offered me insight into how many women have the potential to find themselves being interviewed as the final three but maybe never had the confidence to enter the awards.

 I know that entering for business awards may seem daunting, but for me, I believe that this could be a great opportunity to reflect on one’s business journey. Entrepreneurship can be lonely. It often feels like the goalpost is constantly shifting, leaving you with questions on whether you are doing enough. It is crucial to cultivate the habit of reflecting on one’s success and taking time out to celebrate your growth.

Entering business awards allow you to answer a set of questions that provide that moment of reflection. I always imagine the potential award candidates setting out time on a Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea and their laptop on the couch, just sharing insights on their journey whilst filling in the application form. This seems like the ideal moment to take stock of how far you have come.

I am excited to meet the candidates for the 2024 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot and really hope this is the year that you BET ON YOURSELF.”

Nomndeni Mdakhi, CEO of AGENDA WOMEN  (Bold Woman Award Jury Panel 2023)

Simply click here to enter the 2024 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot and stand to join the global Bold community of female entrepreneurs. Entries close on the 30th of April 2024.