PERSPECTIVES

A greater purpose

As a newly appointed operations director, I am in awe almost daily at how synergistic and beautifully collaborative my team is. We are all dramatically different women in culture, temperament, experience and our style of work, but the harmony in our teamwork is extraordinary. I attribute this to the fact that we are women, and we are intrinsically motivated by solidarity and a desire to be the best that we can individually be in our work. This in turn means we are valuable members of a greater purpose.

It has been remarkable to me to realise that my roles as a mother, a wife, a colleague, a director, and a friend among other things have all converged into one big mishmash role since the nation was turned on its head when the lockdown initially started. As a business, we were at the tail end of a difficult transition, and it felt like the pandemic couldn’t have come at a worse time. However, with hindsight I have been able to recognise just how powerful the women in this industry are when in a situation where they get to put into action what comes naturally to them.

This includes kindness, comfort, co-operation, and a genuine and authentic hunger for not only personal success, but also the larger group’s survival and triumph. Balance Tshepiso and energy exist that Mpanza are both empowering and rewarding.

We teach and encourage each other, and this makes us very good at what we do. We are a crucial cog in the larger machine, and I feel blessed to be at the helm, where I get a bird’s-eye view of just how magnificent the women are, not only in The Abundant Media Group but also the community radio sector.

Tshepiso Mpanza is director of operations at Abundant Media.

Lessons learned

Iam fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with amazing people who have shaped me

in numerous ways. One industry project I am particularly proud of was being part of the team that established outdoor media audience measurement research – today known as OMC ROAD. Working alongside some of the most respected female leaders in the media industry taught me the importance of resilience, openness, support and encouragement. These are some personal learnings I’d like to share with young businesswomen. SHAPE YOUR OWN PATH

Career paths are seldom linear. My work experience, exposure to new ideas, learning opportunities and the people I have met all led me to the place I always dreamed of. Believe in yourself, create opportunities and overcome obstacles to craft your own path.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Never be afraid to speak up. If you have a great idea, own it. Don’t agree with something that makes you uneasy; thoughtfully challenge it and share your opinions.

WORK ON BUILDING A DIVERSE NETWORK

Colleagues and friends have played different roles throughout my career. Irrespective of race, gender, or age, they have mentored, coached, connected me to others, and offered useful feedback and emotional support, while at the same time encouraging me to pay it forward.

BE EMPATHETIC

Working in research has enabled me to appreciate the harmful impact of gender inequality and racial bias. Importantly, it has highlighted the need for empathy, a skill required on a societal level and among exceptional leaders of people.

CREATE ENABLING ENVIRONMENTS

The quote “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower” resonates with me.

Ruchelle Mouton

Ruchelle Mouton is group head of marketing services at the Provantage Media Group.