Randburg Chamber of Commerce CEO believes in the power of women
FERNDALE – As we celebrate the strength of women this month, Randburg Sun spoke to Linda Blackbeard, CEO of Randburg Chamber of Commerce, who is a force to be reckoned with.
As August rolls in, we reflect on the importance of women and the vital role they play in our communities.
It is with this in mind that we think of all the powerful women our community boasts.
CEO of Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Linda Blackbeard, is a force to be reckoned with in her field. She is also a fierce advocate of the thought, if you can dream it, you can have it. “Don’t take no for answer, women are empowered with the inborn natural talent of determination.”
Her road to success was laden with both triumph and hardships but none too big to knock her off her path. In her youth, Blackbeard wanted to be a teacher or a veterinarian. After several years of doing work that just paid the bills, she started her own interior design company centred around hospitality. This had her travel to multiple countries within the continent decorating various hotels.
Blackbeard shared that people should approach their careers with the thought, ‘would you be happy if you did this for the rest of your life’? “That’s where your career decision lies.”
She has been with the chamber for the past five years and her entrance into this world was nothing short of a shake-up.
“Working in this environment was quite a culture shock, as I came from a creative background. My start here was quite daunting as it was very formal and had some very serious people.”
A finalist at the 2015 Africa’s most influential women in business and government awards, Blackbeard explained it was through the help of many that got her in the chamber to where she is now. She prides herself in the chambers’ tag line which reads, ‘We are the legitimate voice of business’.
Blackbeard said she is finally fulfilling her purpose, as she is now doing what she was destined to do. “But I needed to get all those experiences to lead me here and to help me grow.”
Her hope for the next five years is to take the chamber as high as it can go, with the use of integrity and values that will mould success stories for women and men.
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