Women’s Month: 29 excellent pieces of advice from our employees
It’s officially Women’s Month. A time of year that is particularly important to Assupol Life as we champion and cherish women in business and strongly believe in women empowerment in all spheres of life. As part of the celebration, we asked some of our female employees their pearls of wisdom, secrets of success and thoughts on what the world needs more of in general. Here are 29+ excellent pieces of advice from Assupol employees to women (and men too). Happy Women’s Month!
1) Zinhle Madi, Specialist and Learning Facilitator, Talent Development
Money is not the ultimate measure of success. Do something you love, be good at it, become invaluable and build your career.
The secrets to success are being teachable, admit your limitations and inabilities and regularly ask for help, guidance and advice. Plan everything (although no plan is perfect) and make room for adjustments. Keep a daily journal – write down lessons learnt, to-do lists, your feelings and what you are grateful for.
Focus on your Emotional Intelligence (EQ). You may not have the highest EQ, but by being aware of it, will help you communicate better, empathise with others, defuse conflicts and effectively overcome life’s challenges.
Pearl of wisdom – embrace your uniqueness.
2) Puleng Mokhele, Senior Clerk and Client Services Liaison, Client Services
You do not have to be perfect just consistent and set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based) goals for yourself. The secret to success is hard work and a positive attitude. Spend time with inspirational people and read books. And, a person can never be too old or experienced to learn.
The greater business world needs more people who are not afraid of taking risks and can adapt easily to changing environments. We need people with fresh and innovative ideas.
3) Mmabona Mokgolo, Specialist Lead and Campaign Co-Ordinator, Assupol Direct
You could never know it all, so always be willing to learn. Always remind yourself why you started and let everything you do, align with your end goals. Start and end each day with prayer; it always sets the tone for your day and ends it off on a high note
The greater business world needs more women in management positions and needs to create forums for young people to learn from senior employees (mentorship programmes within the workplace).
Pearls of wisdom? Don’t lose yourself while pursuing success. Always take time to recharge, for the sake of your mental well-being. Don’t be the light that is placed under the lampstand, arise and begin to shine.
4) Palesa Sejosengoe, Specialist, Forensic Investigations
Everyone you interact with has something valuable to impart which has the potential to assist in your advancement, so always be attentive. Treat every situation as an opportunity to learn. When there is knowledge to be imparted listen, take note and apply.
The secret to success? Let prayer be your guiding force, with every moment of sadness, gratitude or joy – pray, and draw your strength from this. Also, make use of daily affirmations and speaking life into what it is you set to achieve, not only career-wise but in all aspects of your life. You dream it, then you speak it to life which has the effect of bringing it into existence.
Pearls of wisdom? The possibilities are endless and the reality is that women are highly capable to occupy that seat at the table and even chair it. Women may have to work extra hard and endure unimaginable hardships but the reality of it all is that it is an attainable goal and women should not allow anything and anyone to convince them otherwise.
5) Hasmitha Daya, Supervisor Quality Assurance, Claims
The secrets to success? It sounds cliché, but spending time doing things for yourself is the secret to success. So much of our lives are spent giving, doing and being there for others that we usually neglect ourselves. Also, try exercise as much as you can (which isn’t always “conducive” in winter 
).
The greater business world needs people with compassion and understanding that we are all human, not machines and that essentially, we are all working towards the same goal, serving the same people.
Pearls of wisdom and parting thoughts? Learn to say no without giving an explanation. And a request to women – let’s continue to support, teach, cherish and nurture each other. Together, we can do more.
6) Monique Du Plessis, Administrator, Group Schemes
Do the thing you love most! Look for a good job rather than worry just about pay; good pay will always follow a job done well. And if the work gives you satisfaction, this is a reward by itself. Try to find something you are passionate about and then take a life-long learning approach to master it, and thus deepening your skills and your passion.
The secret to success is having a strong support system both professionally and personally. Play to your strengths and prioritise your time. But be realistic. At the end of each day, perform a little self-analysis. Ask yourself what worked today, what didn’t, what went wrong and how the issue can be fixed. Don’t forget to tap into the valuable resources around you – your peers – for help.
Always remember that what you do makes a difference. It is just up to you to decide what kind of difference you want to make in this world.
7) Vangile Sebaea, Senior Clerk and Client Service Liaison, Client Services
Don’t procrastinate, stay focused, dedicated and have self-discipline. Learn from failure, work hard, persevere and have discipline.
The secrets to success? Meditate on the Word and read books that inspire you. Think critically, respecting others and believe that the sky is the limit – you can be anything you aspire to be.
Pearls of wisdom? A quote by Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel’.
8) Joy Mosime, Administrator and Assupol Direct Support, Direct Marketing
The secrets to success? Constantly upskill yourself and dedicate time for self-development. Never limit yourself and don’t ever let your insecurities bug you. Nothing comes easy in life. One has to be dedicated, determined and disciplined. Words like “can’t”, “won’t”, “impossible” do not exist in your vocabulary.
The greater business world can definitely do with more women leaders. Women have what it takes to overcome the unique gender-based challenges with long term solutions and strategies.
Pearls of wisdom? Don’t let anyone ever make you think you are unworthy. Know your worth and create your happiness. Whenever you’re feeling down look in the mirror; you will see the person who will provide for everything you’ll ever need.
9) Noluvuyo Landzela, Office Administrator, Branch Administration (Queenstown)
Be patient but do not settle. When you leave school for work you have high hopes and you have bills and dues to pay. However, you do not always get your dream job instantly. You have to start somewhere. That is okay because you still have a lot to learn; open your mind and listen. In your waiting, do not wait passively because life waits for no one. Seize the opportunities that come your way.
Be focussed and do the work. Being good at something requires some effort but being great at something requires a lot of focussed effort. There are no shortcuts.
Pearls of wisdom? All progress takes place outside the comfort zone. As women, we have to move from our comfort zone to a place where it is easy for us to be acknowledged and recognised for the excellent work that we do. We should always strive for excellence so that it is known that we excel in positions of power. Complacency, entitlement and laziness should not be associated with us. You strike a woman, you strike a rock and waters of life should flow from us.
10) Kagiso Maponya, Senior Clerk, Sales and Field Broker Support, Women Distribution Channel
Fall in love with the process of becoming the best version of yourself and know your dream. Be assertive, lead and get things done. See every task as a learning experience, allowing your previous experience to lead you to a new and better version of yourself. See failure as an opportunity to do things better the next time around. Giving up is never an option.
We need to be kinder to ourselves as women, knowing and accepting that we can’t be good at everything all at once. As long as you wake up every day trying.
Pearls of wisdom? Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives and what you’ve learnt in the process.
11) Rhaby Kganyago, Corporate Affairs Support, Group Corporate Affairs
It is important to know who you are amidst all the voices and whispers that surround you. To borrow Oprah’s words, also “know WHOSE you are”. Know that, and you’ll always be okay.
Success seems finite (and it should be a concept thought about in infinite terms). But the secret to success – see every curveball as a lesson. Your life should not just be about being a success but to be grounded. Practice prayer, self-reflection, stillness, exercise (it’s best when it is dance), practice gratitude and finally, laughter. Laughter is an important daily ritual.
The greater business world needs people who have not forgotten what it means to be human, to have started somewhere. Compassion. Pure, open and unbiased leadership. Service at its core, not only when it is palatable. And, passion.
Pearls of wisdom? Be open. Do not lose yourself in your experiences. Trust yourself and try your very best to operate with pure intentions.
12) Anna Papo, Specialist, IT
Don’t settle for less than you are capable of, always chase opportunities for growth and show your willingness to learn and grow. Have boundaries in your life to balance your personal and work life.
The greater business world needs people who are focussed, have integrity, and are known for their honesty.
Pearls of wisdom? No matter how bad it gets, it always works out in the end – don’t give up. Your existence is indispensable. You matter. Own it without a doubt.
13) Masabata Motheletsane, Client Services Administrator, Branch Administration (Rustenberg)
The secret to success – invest your time, abilities and efforts on the things that enhance your qualities as a person both socially and professionally; and developing and acquiring knowledge and the skills that will contribute to the advancement of your career and life goals. Work hard, be determined and persevere. Don’t leave work to the last minute and allow yourself time to recheck your work.
The greater business world needs people with integrity, people with virtues like respect, honesty, transparency and accountability. These are beneficial to the success, sustainability and growth of any business.
Pearls of wisdom? Be humble and look past age, race, gender and cultural background. And inspiration from Proverbs 4:23-24 – guard your heart because everything you do flows from it and keep your lips from perversity and corrupt talk.
14) Glender Mputla, Clerk, Facilities Administration
The secret to success – work hard to destroy poverty. Be patient, be kind and pray. Don’t mix your personal and work life. When at work, focus on your work and leave all your personal issues at home. When at home, make sure that your family has your full attention.
The greater business world needs hardworking employees who are patient in every aspect, and excellent management.
Pearls of wisdom? Sometimes people hate you for doing the right thing and label you as ‘strict’. Do the right thing anyway. And no matter what the situation always remain calm – it’s attractive. Be yourself, you can’t please everyone, always know your worth, and put an effort into everything you do.
15) Brenda Maripane, PA to CEO, Cornerstone division of Assupol
Education has no expiry date. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still be what you want to be. The secret to success is patience and perseverance. Read a lot to train your brain to be more attentive at work and so that you are ready if you study again.
To all women – you rock; keep rocking.
16) Andiswa Koyan, Office Consultant, Branch Administration (Lusikisiki)
The world is not always what you expect it to be, always be willing to adapt and change where needed and always respect other people.
The secret to success is determination and inspiration to be a better person. Set SMART goals for yourself. Also, make sure you obey rules, be transparent at all times and be considerate. Take advice; even from your critics so that you can be a better person every day.
We still live in times where women are deemed as just people that should be in the house doing house chores, let us change that by bettering our lives with education and focus on having outstanding results in everything we do. Let us not dwell too much on proving ourselves to others but let our results speak for themselves.
17) Menge Baloyi, Specialist Learning Facilitator, HR Talent Development
Make sure from the get-go that you understand tax, debt, investing and budgeting (hopefully, even before you earn your first rand).
Pray, laugh and make time for humour every day. And then, of course, ensure you possess the determination to do what needs to be done every day. Prioritise, adjust /change plans when life’s surprises come. Work hard, take time off, in that order…did I mention laughter? Empathise with clients and people. Also, things aren’t as bad as they may seem in the moment and panic is never the best response.
Remember your reputation does precede you but you are also only as good as your last results. Consistency is key.
18) Mmemme Makane-Sibanda, Project Manager, Assupol Community Trust
Knowledge is power! Be diligent and make sure that you excel in all that you lay your hands on. Develop others and motivate them to excel or be the best. When you feel discouraged you can look at the fruits of what you have helped to build and get revived to press on in life and count all your blessings. Truly successful people treat all people with humility and respect despite their position.
Meditate and pray in the early hours of each day. This keeps you grounded with strength and wisdom to face each day. This also ensures that you keep a positive outlook in life and avoid negativity in any form.
Pearls of wisdom? Arise! Shine woman you are powerful and an overcomer! With God by your side, you are more than a conqueror.
19) Tshegofatso Madisha, Specialist, HR Talent Development
What is the secret to success? Self-awareness; introspection. Consistently nurture your development and psyche daily. Take ownership of your growth and development. Don’t make excuses. Also, don’t dwell on missing the mark. Review, reassess, learn from it and keep it moving. Every step you take, every move you make, tells a story. Persevere, adapt, work smartly and be aware of your blind spots.
Always pair your talent with good character, because a good character will drive whatever you put your mind to, talent alone is not enough. Never compare yourself to anyone else’s success story, be aware and proud of your own merits, talents and goals and always up the ante, it never hurts.
Never avoid unpleasant situations as this will not make them go away. Lessons in life come in all shapes and forms, pay attention.
Some advice to younger generations – try to get some sort of experience while still studying. I struggled so much to enter the work environment even with a double major degree and an honours degree. I had to deviate from what I studied and start afresh with everything.
20) Thandiswa Twala, Clerk, Finance
Never stop learning, do things that make you feel alive, be positive and stay principled. Work hard and be consistently good at what you do. Get rid of distractions, be disciplined and focus on what makes your goals achievable.
Do your assigned tasks with complete sincerity, accuracy and responsibility during working hours, in that way you can be confidently present in your family’s life
Be you, do what you love and love what you do…you will be more productive and you will laugh more. Live your life. You must never, for whatever reason, turn your back on LIFE. You are all you’ve got. Don’t compromise yourself. LIVE.
21) Sagree Moonsamy, Projects Specialist, IT
The secret to success? A positive mind-set, a positive attitude and positive speech. Learning never ends, embrace it with both hands. Believe in yourself and be passionate about what you do.
Work smarter, not harder. Prioritise your time and strike the right balance between your work and personal life.
Be kind and let your kindness be contagious. It has to start somewhere, why not let it start with you. Be proud to be the woman that is contributing to shaping the future of the world, changing social opinions and stereotypes and also breaking stigmas. Women are the most powerful world changers.
22) Judy Mothoa, Administrator, Marketing Support and Sales Intelligence
Weigh your career growth opportunities carefully, never sell yourself short and job-hop thoughtfully not recklessly. Also, focus on things you can control; this way you have the power. Power no one can take away…
Invest in yourself. Read a lot. Read at least ten pages of a book daily (at least two books a month). Let this fuel you, and empower you emotionally and psychologically.
Success does not count unless you earned it fair-and-square and education is something people can never take away from you. You have to work hard, you need to have accountability, to have integrity and you have to choose who you journey with very carefully because not everyone is for you.
23) Mpumi Kabane, Specialist, Consumer Education
Have and establish good time management skills. Being on time with everything in the workplace (and life) is an invaluable lesson and skill to learn. Learn this early on in your career.
The secret to success is consistency, taking full ownership of your story and working hard in all aspects of your life. Always visualise success; exercise for your health, and keep a positive mind-set.
Two of the most important aspects that the business world needs more of – diversity and inclusivity. Be inclusive and embrace diversity.
And remember, learn how to change the situation, not the person.
24) Tidimalo Chauke, Receptionist, Egoli (Gauteng North)
Put in hard work in everything you do and be a go-getter. Success doesn’t come to you; you have to go out and get it yourself. Make sure you join the right company so that your job doesn’t feel like a chore. Do things after hours for yourself to ensure you are invigorated when you are back at work.
Be so busy loving your life that you have no time for hate, regret or fear.
25) Willzech Leander, Administrator, Quality Assurance and Services Support
Do not settle for less and seize the opportunities that come your way, and be focused. If you have kids, better yourself for them; so, they can also have the best.
The greater business world needs sustainable leadership and valuable connections between people. Whether it’s with a colleague, friend or family member, each relationship you build with another person adds another beam of support to what you’re building.
Pearl of wisdom? Apart from your major goals and ambitions, you’re not expected to know how your entire life is going to pan-out. You don’t have to feel guilty if you don’t have a step-by-step plan in achieving your goals. Because you have no way of obtaining a concrete idea about what tomorrow is going to look like. All you need to do is put in the effort today and trust that all your sacrifices and patience will pay off in the future.
26) Quintell Candes Alexander, Worksite Development Administrator, Worksite Support
Always be mindful of how you speak and treat other people. Be structured and prioritise your responsibilities. Always make God the centre of your choices in life.
Remember life is so short – don’t take what you have for granted. Life is all about the choices you make and not about individuals. Be passionate, honest and filled with integrity.
Pearl of wisdom? God made women strong not to bow down to anyone except to God. My mother modelled this for me.
27) Amelia Nel, Personal Assistant, Individual Life Administration (Claims)
The greater business world needs people who are honest and sincere without selfish gain being their motive. Human relationships and teamwork create a better working environment. We all need each other to be successful and you need to believe you can make a difference every day.
Pearls of wisdom? Friendliness! With an optimistic personality and friendly demeanour, you can overcome many obstacles. Also, nothing comes easy, you need to create your own dreams and also listen to the guidance of God. He will lead you in the right direction. The best armour any woman can wear is courage.
28) Lwanda Gwabeni, Supervisor, Intermediary Services Relations
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Always be willing to learn something new. Remind yourself to set boundaries between work and your personal life. Work when it’s time to work and rest when it’s time to rest. Do checklists and check items off that you have completed. Be hungry for knowledge and growth. Never stop trying to be a better you. Keep reaching for that next goal.
The best advice I received – at the end of the day all you have is your name. Protect it.
29) Molebogeng Molokwane, Data Capturer, Branch Administration (Impala Region)
Always invest in the future. Always make time to learn more and to motivate yourself to strive for better. Always be persistent, self-motivated and always take challenges and learn from them. Learn from your mistakes
The greater business world needs more vibrant and energetic young people, with new ideas and approaches.
We should learn to encourage each other as women…to love our selves so that we can offer better to the world. Women heal your hurts and brokeness through self-love.
With these beautiful words imparted – we would like to wish you a Happy Women’s Month.