Looking back at the younger version of me, I can truly say that times are constantly and rapidly evolving. The pace of change is electric and if we don’t keep up we will be left behind.

As I grew up in the dusty township of Noordgesig and then Eldorado Park, I would never have dreamt that this freckle-faced girl with long plaits and a self-cut fringe would end up in the male-dominated IT distribution industry.

The journey here was not easy, and nothing during the journey is taken for granted. As we celebrate “Women’s Month, let us support the women in our business who are showing leadership potential.

As women, not only do we have to work twice as hard to crack the proverbial glass ceiling, we also need to stay abreast of new technologies that can and are cannibalising our existing businesses, whilst raising our children and maintaining strong relationships with our family, friends, partners colleagues, and customers.

But no-one is an island, and all women will tell you that they cannot do what they do in business without a tremendously strong support system, not only at home but in business too. I am very humbled and fortunate to have had many amazing mentors and coaches in my life to help me along the way.

Curiosity, constantly learning and improving has to be second nature in this industry for survival. We can either embrace the fast pace of change or we can allow the change to overwhelm and drown us. Everything in life is about choice, and as technology advances and we are going more and more digital with “always on” as a standard, it is important to step back and make time for ourselves to replenish our resources and energy to be able to give more and do more.

One can have all the technology in the world, but if you cannot connect with people you are doomed. People make the world go round and technology is used as a means to make that journey easier.

Stay focused, stay grounded, stay connected and most of all, stay humble.

Wishing you all a successful #WomensMonth and year.

Shirlinia