Yesterday, myself and Mrs Hirsch attended the Aide Memoir High Tea with Governor of the Reserve Bank, Gill Marcus, hosted by Grant Thornton at the beautiful Emoyeni Estate in Parktown.
This event was attended by a number of influential women who have made a difference in society and who have gained enormous respect as women within their positions in their organisations. The afternoon started off with welcoming drinks and high tea was then served once everyone was seated. Gill Marcus gave an incredible speech and gave tremendous insight into ways in which companies can promote the advancement and retention of talented women in the workplace. Gill spoke about the differences in businessmen and businesswomen and how their different character traits contribute to business. She emphasised how women need to identify and understand a number of principles of business which exist, namely,
· There are no shortcuts in life. There is absolutely no substitute for hard work. Even though it may look easy, the journey to the top never is.
· It is essential that women have experience and exposure, in the form of networks, building relationships, gaining technical skills and learning.
· Gill says that the only way to better yourself is to surround yourself with people who know more than you do and who are smarter and more brilliant than yourself.
· In business and in life, it is essential to ask questions. If you don’t know something, ask. It is also important to read, read books about your industry, and gain knowledge. She made the following comment which really got a good laugh from the ladies,” You will never know anything, but you need to know enough to know when someone is talking nonsense”
Gill emphasised that we must never take things for granted because you are always being tested. It doesn’t matter how small the task, give it your absolute best because there is always someone watching you. One of the ways in which women can get a voice within their organisation is by knowing your subject, reading up and being prepared. If you are well read, prepared and do the work, you can produce the results.
Gill truly changed the thoughts which a lot of women have about themselves and how I wish there had been men present to hear just how phenomenal women really are. The floor was opened up for questions and Mrs Hirsch gave Gill insight into the Girls with Dignity project which she has been doing with Businesswomen of the Year and the tremendous impact it has had on the lives of many young ladies. Together they agreed that local communities, families, schools should be involved with this project and Gill gave her full support and mentioned that it really is a phenomenal project.
After the talk, there were table discussions which were led by a leader from Grant Thornton. There were questions which were asked and after 30 minutes, feedback was provided.
It was a fantastic afternoon with ladies who are truly an inspiration