One of Flow Communications’ core values centres around leadership and innovation. The people at Flow are our most important asset, and keeping Flowstars motivated and inspired means keeping them happy.
On June 26, 2014, businesswoman, mentor and inspirational leader Louisa Mojela, founder and CEO of Women’s Investment Portfolio Holdings (WIPHOLD), paid Flow a visit to share her inspirational story.
WIPHOLD is an investment and operating company dedicated to the empowerment of black women. The organisation recently celebrated 20 years of “influencing the economic landscape for the benefit of women”.
Its story dates back to 1994, when a curious Mojela, along with her friend Gloria Serobe, attended a workshop hosted by businessman Tito Mboweni.
“Looking at the room, filled 99% by men,” Mojela recalls, “we realised that there was no magic to what these successful business owners were doing.”
Mojela then decided leave her “cozy job at Standard Bank, which could afford me a reasonable bond”, to crystallise the idea of WIPHOLD.
Mojela and Serobe, together with Wendy Luhabe and Nomhle Ncanca, started the business with capital of R500 000, which they raised by cashing in their savings and borrowing where they could to make up the shortfall.
For three years the WIPHOLD founders travelled across South Africa, sharing their passion for economic emancipation and teaching women about long-term investment.
In 1997 the company made a call for an initial public offer for shareholders in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. WIPHOLD listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1999, accruing a value of R2.5-billion before delisting in 2003.
Today the company has more than 200 000 women beneficiaries.
Mojela shares her beliefs on leadership:
- I believe we are all born leaders
- We’re leaders in our own right – we need to unleash our potential
- Had I not stood up and realised my potential, I wouldn’t have known I possessed leadership qualities
- Passion is the most important quality. It’s better to have one passionate person than hundreds of interested people
Qualities that make women great, according to Mojela:
- Women have a special gene
- Everything they do is a necessity. They have to work hard because they have children and school fees to think of
- They are custodians of the family. As such, they must be responsible. Even if they feel too tired to go to work, they don’t have the luxury of staying at home
Why women should strive for financial independence:
- Women of all races have been kept on the backburner for far too long. In 1994 it was difficult for a woman to open a bank account without her husband’s approval
- We must dispel the notion that we are not good enough
- You can call the shots. Whether it’s a divorce or an abusive partner, you can walk away financially capable of taking care of your children. A large number of individuals in the black community have been raised by single mothers who want their best for their kids
- Women are the largest consumers of goods. Why not invest and see the money come back to us through these investments?
What Flowstars learned from an active discussion with Mojela:
Flow Chairman Bheki Shongwe: “I grew up rural and I was raised by my grandmother. I understand why it’s so important for women to take on the challenge and become leaders.”
Flow CEO Tara Turkington: “Amazing, inspirational, and so humble. The talk made me reflect on my life. What a privilege.”
Project manager Lethabo-Thabo Royds: “What’s interesting is that all leaders say they never knew they could do it. It’s a lesson to all of us to never be afraid.”
Account director Phindile Nxumalo: “It’s so true that everyone has someone who has changed their life for the better, and put them on a different, more enriching track. What an honour and a privilege it was to be in the presence of Louisa Mojela.”
Writer Colin Ford: “I’m always in awe of how women like Louisa and the women I attend Honours classes with are able to do it: looking after their husbands, kids, entire household, school, managing businesses or work and just keeping it together. I can barely look after myself!”
Mojela’s challenge to everyone: “Those who come after us must transcend us. You have to multiply and do better.”
Flowstars, do you accept the challenge?