Page 7 - KZN Business Sense- 7.6

STANDARD BANK

KZN TOP BUSINESS

WOMEN INITIATIVE

CELEBRATING THE WOMEN OF KWAZULU-NATAL

he Standard Bank Inspiring Women’. Our team
KwaZulu-Natal Top has been humbled by the many
TBusiness Women gala amazing women whose stories
evening will take place on we have heard. These stories
18 November at the are about women, from many
Coastlands uMhlanga Hotel different backgrounds, who
and Convention Centre. have had varied journeys to get
The 2021 initiative celebrates to where they are today and
the achievements of some have much wisdom to offer.”
of the impressive women in To obtain the stories that
KwaZulu-Natal. These women form the basis for the evening’s
are contributing to their proceedings, the KZN Top
workplaces, to society and Business team has interviewed
to their families in amazing all the women; the video
ways. Each woman has been recordings of which are
nominated for her achievements available online. In addition,
by employers, employees, each story, accompanied by
clients, or other stakeholders. a black and white photo, are
hoped that this initiative and the Key note speaker for the evening Soul’ (2020), which have been
Nicky Thompson, Head Prestige recognition afforded, will inspire will be Iman Rappetti, an award- being collated in a limited-
Banking Standard Bank KZN other women to strive to achieve winning journalist, who has critically acclaimed. edition coffee table book.
says, “I am proud to work for more in their own endeavours. worked across print and radio and The master of ceremonies for
an organisation that strives for is currently a senior news anchor. the evening is Thato Moeng. In order to introduce the
gender diversity and female “We really need to shift the Thato is a South African women participating this year,
empowerment. Through events mindset about the contribution Iman counts among her many journalist, voice-over artist, three webinars have been held
like the Standard Bank KwaZulu- of women in our society and career highlights, interviews host, brand ambassador, and a in the build up to the event,
Natal Top Business Women, focus on the importance of and encounters with a range presenter. She is best known as which are available for viewing
of politicians, celebrities, and
women’s rights and gender
we can recognise phenomenal inequalities so that we achieve thought leaders. However, one of the talented Supersport www.youtube.com/c/
women in KZN who are making sustainable change; one that she insists that it is always the female presenters who is KZNTopBusiness
a difference in their communities respects and creates a safe conversations with ordinary motivated by telling stories The event on the 18 November
and in their different industries.” environment for all women,” families and communities that and sharing her love for sport 2021 will follow a hybrid
The gala evening will not only says Mano Singh Executive are, for her, the most powerful and with others. format and will be streamed
emphasize a culture of women’s Head: Insurance, Asset thought-provoking. Iman is the Grant Adlam, publisher of live from 6.30 pm. In order to
empowerment but will serve Management & Fiduciary at author of two books, ‘Becoming the KZN Top Business, says, register (the event is free) visit
as a showcase of success. It is Standard Bank KZN. Iman’ (2018) and ‘Sermons of “Our theme this year is ‘Women www.kzntopbusiness.com. 

RECOGNISING INSPIRING WOMEN IN KZN

he Standard Bank KZN which have guided their career daughters, sisters as well as Many of the women reflect that leadership, have good
Top Business Women or business choices. All the businesspeople, entrepreneurs, being in a man’s world is tough communication skills, show
T2021 featured on the women have incredible insights sportspersons, and community and is a space that constantly empathy, be creative, take risks,
following pages participated in to offer, which showcases activists, which well indicates has challenges. However, much persevere and, at the same time,
the streamed webinars on the individual and universal their ability to multitask. Their research into gender differences be humble.
the 7 October and the strengths they have been able to paths have led to banking, highlights that woman score
28 October. The women draw upon as a woman. medicine, health and wellness, higher in emotional intelligence All these strengths, as well
have had very different the arts, sport, law, community than men. This strength means as many others, are well
experiences that are based on These women identify upliftment and funeral services women are more likely to be illustrated in their stories. We
their individual circumstances, themselves as mothers, amongst others. adaptable, show inspirational salute you all! 

NICKY THOMPSON THALENTE MADONDA

Head Prestige Banking KZN icky Thompson She built a solid Business Centre Manager for the halente Madonda’s in Business Banking
Standard Bank has had 38 years foundation of both Hibiscus Coast, Standard Bank current role is gives me an opportunity
Nof banking financial and operational KwaZulu-Natal Tin the Business to contribute to our
experience in the skills, and she found her Banking segment, looking economy, indirectly and
longstanding employ of passion for people and after both business directly, by assisting our
Standard Bank SA Ltd, leadership. Through banking as well as small entrepreneurs with their
where she has gained a determination and hard enterprise clients.
deep understanding of work, Nicky moved into business operations...
Personal and Business managerial leadership Thalente has been with granting them facilities,
Banking. Starting her roles at an early age, Standard Bank for 22 years short and long term,
career in banking in which was mostly and she has held various to fund the growth in
the early 80’s, Nicky has unchartered territory in a roles ranging from junior, their businesses.”
witnessed the digital male dominated industry middle, and now to senior On the personal front, a
transformation of this at the time. management. Some of the
industry, as it adapted roles she has held were role that she occupies as a
to the changing needs Following various Branch branch manager, account woman is being the mother
of customers and has Manager roles, she was executive, and small of three beautiful kids
developed the necessary appointed the first female enterprises manager. – one being a teenager.
future ready skills in this on the KZN Executive in Other roles are wife, sister,
now highly competitive the early 2000’s.  Speaking of her role daughter in law ... the list
environment. Thalente explains, “Being is endless. 

For more information visit www.kzntopbusiness.com/kzntopbusinesswomen 7