Page 5 - Demo

Contributors
JEN THORPE
Story on page 12
You've worked to promote gender equality and combat gender- based violence for your entire career. What put you on this path?
‘It began with the feminist literature I discovered at university, and a gang-rape that occurred in my second year. It seemed to me then, as it still does now, that we cannot say we are a country that supports gender equality if women face the constant threat of sexual violence.’
Do you think #MeToo accomplished anything? ‘It was vital in that it showed how rape is the result of the normalisation of a system of women's economic and political disempowerment, which is maintained through actions ranging from sexist jokes to violent assault.’
Do you think any good will come from Covid-19?
‘I don’t think any “good” will come from it because it has exacerbated social and economic inequality. What it has done that could be used for good is made clear the unequal burden of care women face.’
THATO BELANG
Story on page 18
Where does your interest in business leadership and processes come from?
‘I spent many years working in corporate and engaging with leaders across various organisations.
I learnt that leadership is something very practical, as it shows up in business, in our communities
and in our families. The principles remain the same throughout.’
After 15 years in this field, what still surprises you about South African businesses? ‘What most surprises me is that the challenges are the same across businesses and yet there still is no collaboration in coming up with solutions.’
What do you hope will change for the better after the pandemic?
‘I hope for transformation in the business world, especially with the opportunities brought about by the increased use of technology. I hope for a more human approach in addressing some of the obstacles that prevent small businesses from growing and contributing significantly to the economy.’
SOLLY MOENG
Story on page 20
What does being vice president of the World Communication Forum Association (WCFA) entail? ‘The WCFA brings together media, communications and PR professionals to learn from one another. As one of three vice presidents, I help to develop programmes and lead the Association, especially
in its African growth.’
From Lebowa High in Soweto to Davos is a long way. What drives you?
‘I guess it’s curiosity about what’s on the other side of the fence and a passion for life. Importantly, in terms of Africa, I believe we’re playing below our brand potential and that we can do a whole lot better.’
Which of the roles you’ve had has taught you the most?
‘Being SA Tourism Marketing Manager and Country Manager in Canada and the US provided me with all the good, the bad and the ugly of my professional trajectory and, importantly, a fascination with brand reputation management.’
BABAR DHARANI
Story on page 26
What has growing up in Kenya meant for you?
‘It was an experience to be surrounded by stunning, African nature and strong, African cultures. Kenya gave me a heavenly childhood and instilled a love for Africa in me, and a dependence on ecopsychological factors for my personal well-being.’
Why the interest in well- being at work specifically? ‘My interest in happiness began in pursuit of personal happiness in life. However, the shift towards researching happiness at work was facilitated by medical and mental health issues I faced while working in stressful corporate environments. Despite being physically fit, I had an ischaemic stroke at 33 and opted for a demotion when I changed jobs. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I quickly rose to a CFO position, but it became increasingly apparent that there is no link between my successes and personal happiness. The last straw was when I hit depression, upon which I decided to research what I was told about success and happiness going hand in hand and completed
a PhD on the topic.’
ISSUE 1 2021 | 3
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED