Be brave and take the bull by the horns

In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8 and this year’s theme, #BeBoldForChange, we are featuring stories from our leaders and employees throughout the month of March, describing their own bold moments in relation to workplace equality and honoring diversity and inclusion.

I was raised in Zimbabwe by a single mother who has always been an inspiring example to me and my siblings of what it means to #BeBoldforChange. In a society where women typically worked in non-technical roles, my mother was one of the few women who chose a career in information and communications technology and computer science in the 1980s. Growing up, we watched her start as a secretary and advance to the executive level of her company. She defied all odds in her profession, while raising three children in the process.

I never quite realised the impact my mother’s actions had on me until I was much older — she’s the reason my approach in life is to be brave and bold, and to welcome change. For me, to #BeBoldforChange means to “take the bull by the horns” and run with whatever life throws my way. I make the best of every situation and, as they say, “do it afraid.”

I want to impact the world by creating more opportunities for young women — particularly those from minority backgrounds who overcome social, economic and cultural barriers — to hold leadership roles. I believe that true impact comes from seeing tangible examples of women (like my mother) who were able to break the glass ceiling and use their positions of influence, not only as a voice for women in the boardroom, but to open the door for other women to follow in their footsteps.

As women, I believe we can embrace all things that embody femininity while being bold in who we are and proud of the value we bring to our own spheres of influence and society as a whole.