Ethical - Value Business Practices– Advice – Part 5

·         Laura Sultan - "Trust Instincts and Uphold Ethics"

·         Crystal Whiteaker - "Align Decisions with Core Values"

·         Barbara van Druten & Niki Koutouras - Be Transparent and Start Small

·         Maria Vilhena - Believe and Work Hard

·         Cindy Theunissen - Be Proud of Your Impact

·         Maria Cecília Bere - Focus on Ethics and Teamwork

·         Wendy Alberts  - Kindness and Learning

·         Gowri Sukumar - Preserve Nature Through Passion

·         Chanda Singh - Follow Your Moral Compass

·         Preetha Wali - Innovate and Stay Ethical

"Trust Instincts and Uphold Ethics"

Every woman faces different challenges on their journey of entrepreneurship. My most consistent advice and belief is that you should do something that brings you fulfillment and never compromise on your ethics. Everything else can be learned and lean on good mentors. A consistent reminder is to trust your instincts and not let fear stop you from growth.

Laura Sultan, Founder, Designs by Nature Gems

"Align Decisions with Core Values"

Get rooted in your core values and make sure all of your decisions can be traced back to at least one of them. This will help you ensure that you create a business that you feel like you can be your whole self in to attract clients that don't make you feel like you have to segment off any parts of who you are in order to work with them.

Crystal Whiteaker, Founder, Crystal Lily Creative

Be Transparent and Start Small

Yes, we have many advices to share! One of it would be that in a co-operation, to be completely transparant and always express your thoughts, no matter how difficult. Also, start small (I started my business while being a single mum), don't invest what you don't have. Take risks but well judged.

Barbara van Druten & Niki Koutouras, Founder, ARTvertisements

Believe and Work Hard

The most important thing is to believe in ourselves and our service/product. By working hard, with honesty and professionalism, I believe that we all win and that we all have a place in the world to make our dreams happen.

Maria Vilhena, Founder, Maria Vilhena Consultancy & Interior Design

Be Proud of Your Impact

Do something you can be proud of when you look back when you're old. Not only personal profit, but something good for other people and the world you live in.

Cindy Theunissen, Founder, Naturescanner

Focus on Ethics and Teamwork

Obstacles and problems you will always have. But focus on your business, your team and your company, because when we work hard and are ethical, things work out (even if at different times than we would like)

Maria Cecília Bere, Founder, Grupo Fala

Kindness and Learning

Wendy Alberts, CEO of the Restaurant Association of South Africa, is celebrated as the "Restaurant Queen" for her dedication to uplifting the hospitality industry, especially during the Covid-19 crisis, where she fought tirelessly to save jobs and businesses across restaurants, taverns, and more. Known for her expertise in food, business management, and industry development, she has introduced innovations and growth opportunities, empowering countless individuals and supporting women entrepreneurs through training and mentorship. Wendy’s ultimate vision for South Africa is for people to recognize its limitless potential, fostering pride, passion, and unity.

Wendy Alberts, Founder, GPHIKERS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION OF SA

Preserve Nature Through Passion

Would not call it advise - just a personal opinion - Generally as women we might refrain from speaking up in a larger crowd or networking or get out to meet new leads thinking whether the place or person is decent ... sometimes we just got to believe and make that call or go meet that person and wonders will happen!

Gowri Sukumar, Founder, LeverageAxiom Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Follow Your Moral Compass

There is no bigger power than self-belief. Manifest and you will achieve your dreams, big or small. Work on yourself first and allow your strengths to take over your weakness. Invest in yourself and learn everything you couldn't while you were studying. Broaden your knowledge base - learn from people/peers, learn from their strengths, learn from around the world, from work experience, from life experiences. Then believe in your people, your team and in teamwork. Your people/team will help you scale new heights and achieve the impossible while you focus on showing them the right path and ways to achieve it. While you do so, do not forget that your strongest pillars of support & strength is your loved ones & your family so spending quality time with them is imperative.

Chanda Singh, Founder, XP&D Platform

Innovate and Stay Ethical

I’d suggest youngsters should first join a company, understand how to run a business and then become an entrepreneur. They need to be lifetime learners and also need to learn about all aspects of the business and not focus on just what they are passionate about.

Preetha Wali, Founder, PIF Services Pvt Ltd