SHONA Selley was the guest speaker at the Woman of Stature (WOS) July meeting on July 24 with her talk, Focus is on Business Development.
Members and visitors met at Thaba Eco Hotel in The Olive Tree Coffee Shop, and were welcomed by Shereen Hunter (chapter leader for the new South Chapter Joburg West) who said these meetings encourage personal development and break down walls for women to speak to each other.
She welcomed and introduced Shona, who took the floor.
“I’ve been in the corporate world for 27 years and I was the youngest female executive to serve on the board at Wesbank. Since then, I’ve gone on and now have my own company, Designed2Thrive.
“I’m passionate about supporting people and organisations, even more so now than before. The corporate world is like a shark tank and everyone is out to get everyone else. To survive you have to be the most successful, the most fearless and the most motivated. You have to realise your potential and value,” said Shona.
She spoke about the productive years in a woman’s life and how these years are lengthening.
“It used to be women retired upwards from 55 years, now women are looking at working for even longer than 65 years. Most companies, especially corporates, are not interested in employing women, or men for that matter, above the age of 65 years, so it’s up to you to make another plan.
“We’ve been taught at age 65 the world doesn’t want us anymore, we are at the age where we are taking and not producing and you owe it to yourself to go out there and find something else that will generate another income for later years. Think of a lifelong strategy, slash debt and save more money.”
Shona ended with: “We are all leaders in some form, just consider your immediate circle (social, family, associations and business), we all operate by association, acceptance and aspiration. We are designed to thrive.”
Shereen thanked Shona, saying it was an extremely positive and inspirational talk.
“Thank you Shona, we are all fired up now to go out and face the challenges which are thrown at us.”
Shereen went on to chat about finances.
“Am I leading my finances, or are they leading me? We need to consciously be directing our finances. Budget carefully and try and save where you can.”
The morning was enjoyed by all, with the winner of the ticket draw, Rolynne Wilken, thrilled with her gift. The next WOS meeting is at 8am on August 7 at The Olive Tree Coffee Shop at Thaba Eco Hotel. Please phone Carrie Viviers on 064 753 8441 or email: newsouth@womenofstature.co.za
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