Editorial
There is such beauty and strength in diversity. Just imagine what a terribly boring world it would be if everyone were ‘the same’. There’s literally nothing left for the imagination or to breed innovation and creativity.
Coincidently, this month our brand team participated in a personality assessment, and it was an enlightening exercise and great reminder of how diverse our personalities are as human beings − in the way we each operate and get things done to the way we interpret and perceive the world around us. And the greatest part is no one has a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ personality. Everyone brings something of value to the table. Yes, we can definitely all work on weaknesses, but let’s start recognising, valuing and tapping into one another’s strengths.
When we value diversity, respect one another opinions and play into one another’s’ strengths we start to accomplish and achieve the most incredible things within our businesses and beyond. So next time you overlook that team member because they’re a tad introverted or quiet, get to know them a bit more: they might just have interesting insights or the solution to a problem that you’ve been looking for.
It’s August, spring is around the corner, and we’re excited to celebrate Women’s Month! Putting together this issue was an exhilarating experience, from trying to co-ordinate more than 20 women for photoshoots across the country to meeting them in person and hearing their stories. I’m so inspired by Candice Unsworth journey about taking a sabbatical to find her find ‘why’ and her honesty to say she is still on her journey to finding it; Thembeka Maseka who prevailed over a very challenging childhood to the success she’s achieved; Lily Wong who is pursuing her MBA and exploring the concept of diversity; Buhle Hanise’s vivacious personality and driving change as president of the AWCA, and Lornelle Jonas’ passion for life, and who has built her business in a male-dominated industry.
In a recent Deloitte report titled Women in the boardroom: A global perspective, we are once again reminded of the value that women bring to the table. It revealed that companies with more diverse boards perform better financially and tend to outperform those that are less gender-diverse. Interestingly, only 23,3% of women hold board seats globally. Something to think about.
Happy Women’s Month to every woman out there … don’t ever underestimate yourself, your value or your potential!
LYNN GRALA
Acting Editor: Accountancy SA
