By Alexandra Kotchoubei
Mrs Esay Reddy, the Executive Director & CEO of KZN Oils (Pty) Ltd, was the official pitching den partner of EmpowHER KZN 2023. As part of the judging panel she got to witness the finalists in action and after the event she decided to mentor the winner of KZN, who went on to being the overall winner and became the EmpowHER Entrepreneur of 2023, Ntokozo ‘Melo’ Ntleko.
Reflecting on my participation in the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER event last year fills me with pride. It celebrated women's achievements and their potential to impact industries and communities.
The vibrant atmosphere and inspiring stories shared by accomplished women made the event memorable. I was particularly moved by the diverse finalists, who exemplified resilience, innovation, and leadership, paving the way for future generations.
This experience underscored the importance of platforms that uplift women and the ongoing need to dismantle barriers. The EmpowHER event celebrated our achievements while advocating for continued empowerment across all sectors.
I chose to mentor one of the finalists (and overall winner) (Melo from Takkie Wash) because I believe in the power of mentorship to shape future leaders. Having watched my husband and somehow, mentor, I understand the value of mentorship and more importantly, the value of a life/career guide.
I was particularly inspired by the chance to make a meaningful impact on a promising young leader's career and personal growth. Mentorship is about empowering individuals to believe in themselves and face challenges with resilience. I saw this as an opportunity to contribute to women's empowerment by nurturing the next generation of female leaders.
Melo displayed exceptional resilience and determination, essential traits for any leader. Her enthusiasm for her work and genuine desire to make a positive impact were evident. I was also impressed by her openness to learning and willingness to embrace new ideas, showcasing a rare blend of humility and ambition.
I recognised her potential to inspire others, as true leadership involves uplifting those around you. She had a natural ability to connect with and motivate people, and I was confident that with the right guidance, she could thrive.