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Welcome to the No Ordinary Woman Newsletter, which helps you stay informed and be the smartest at the table. Send NOW's newsletter to your friends and help them get to the table ;)

Here's what we got today:

• Start-Up Story: The Impactful Journey of Dr. Michélle Booysen: Transforming Business Consulting in South Africa

• Bookclub: The Hard Thing About Hard Things

• Inspiration: Spotlight on the First African Woman to win The Noble Peace Prize

• Opportunities: Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton Africa

• Speaking & Job Opportunities

START-UP STORY

The Impactful Journey of Dr. Michélle Booysen: Transforming Business Consulting in South Africa

Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Michélle Booysen, an accomplished entrepreneur who has significantly impacted the business consulting landscape in South Africa. As the Managing Director of Pétanque Consultancy, she has leveraged her expertise to help numerous businesses streamline their processes and achieve sustainable growth. Dr. Booysen’s approach is rooted in the principles of supplier development, where she emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and maintaining impeccable financial discipline.

Her story highlights the power of innovation and strategic planning, making her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. To delve deeper into her entrepreneurial insights and achievements, visit her startup story on Lionesses of Africa.

Learn more about her strategies and success by exploring "How We Made It in Africa"​

SUCCESS STORIES

Top 5 Successful African Female Entrepreneurs 2023 you should know…

In the past decade, Africa has produced many successful female entrepreneurs in the commercial industry. However, some notable names have sprung up and carved a place for themselves.

Check out these five successful African female entrepreneurs featured in 2023. Click the link at the end to keep reading their full stories:

1. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu: Founder of SoleRebels, an eco-friendly footwear company in Ethiopia, Bethlehem has gained international recognition for her innovative business model that combines sustainable practices with local craftsmanship. She has been featured in prominent magazines like Forbes and CNN for her contributions to the industry.

2. Mosunmola Abudu: Often referred to as "Africa’s Oprah," Mo Abudu is a media mogul and the founder of EbonyLife TV. She has been recognized by Forbes Africa as one of the most powerful women in Africa, celebrated for her impact on the entertainment industry and her role in elevating African content globally.

3. Tabitha Karanja: CEO of Keroche Breweries in Kenya, Tabitha has made significant strides in the male-dominated brewing industry. Her journey of building one of Kenya’s largest breweries from scratch has been featured in various business publications, highlighting her entrepreneurial spirit and resilience.

4. Adenike Ogunlesi: Founder of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, a leading children’s clothing brand in Nigeria, Adenike has transformed her small home business into a major fashion enterprise. Her success story has been covered by numerous media outlets, including BBC and Forbes.

5. Folorunsho Alakija: One of the wealthiest women in Africa, Folorunsho Alakija is a Nigerian businesswoman involved in the fashion, oil, and printing industries. She has been listed among Forbes’ most powerful women in the world and praised for her business acumen and philanthropy.

To read more about these inspiring women, visit AfroLady.

BOOK CLUB

In "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," Ben Horowitz shares his experiences as a successful entrepreneur and offers practical advice on the challenging aspects of building and running a startup. The book is filled with personal anecdotes and insights, providing a realistic view of the difficulties faced in the business world.

Here are some key takeaways from the book:

1. Embrace the Struggle:

   Building and running a startup is often really challenging. You will face difficult times and obstacles that test your patience and problem-solving skills. The key is to accept that these hard times are a normal part of the process. Instead of getting discouraged, learn from these experiences and use them to grow stronger and more resilient.

2.  Be Honest and Transparent:

   For a company to function well, everyone needs to be on the same page. Being honest and clear with your team helps build trust and avoid misunderstandings. When you communicate openly about challenges and decisions, it helps everyone understand what’s happening and work together to solve problems.

3. Make Tough Decisions:

   As a leader, you will need to make decisions even when you don’t have all the answers. Sometimes, there won’t be a clear right or wrong choice, and you’ll need to make decisions based on the best information you have. It’s important to be confident in your decisions and to take responsibility for their outcomes.

4. Build a Strong Culture:

   The way people work together in your company is called its culture. A positive and strong culture supports your company's goals and helps everyone work effectively. As a leader, you should focus on creating a work environment where your team feels motivated and aligned with the company’s values and mission.

5. Hire and Manage Effectively:

   The people you hire are crucial to your company’s success. Finding the right people for the job and then managing them well is essential. Make sure to choose skilled team members, who fit well with your company culture, and can help drive the business forward. Managing them well means providing clear direction, support, and feedback.

Happy Reading!

INSPIRATION

Wangarĩ Maathai: First African Woman Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

Late Mrs. Wangari Maathai was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. A dedicated environmental and political activist from Kenya, she founded the Green Belt Movement, which focused on tree planting, environmental conservation, and women's rights. Maathai’s academic journey began with a degree in biological sciences from Mount St. Scholastica College in the U.S., a master's degree in biological sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. in veterinary anatomy from the University of Nairobi.

Throughout her career, Maathai was a staunch advocate for sustainable development, democracy, and human rights. Her efforts led to planting of over 30 million trees across Africa, contributing to environmental conservation and empowering rural women. In 2004, her work earned her the Nobel Peace Prize. Additionally, she served as an elected member of Kenya's parliament and was the Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources.

To read more about her, visit Wangari Maathai's Wikipedia page.

OPPORTUNITIES

Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton Africa

The Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton Africa program is a fantastic opportunity for Nigerian female entrepreneurs across Africa. This initiative aims to empower women in business by providing them with the necessary tools and skills to grow their ventures. Participants will receive invaluable training, mentoring, and access to financial grants to support their business ideas.

This program is open to Nigerian female entrepreneurs with innovative and scalable business ideas. It offers a unique blend of business development training and the chance to pitch for funding, providing a comprehensive platform for women to take their businesses to the next level.

To learn more and apply, visit the Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton Africa page.

Click HERE To Apply

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Mc Kinsley & Company: Fellow - Young Leaders Programme 

• Masterclass Foundation: Lead, Technology & Digital Solutions