On Saturday, 2 October 2021, The Leonardo hosted their first Ladies Lunch, proudly sponsored by BMW and MINI Sandton. Designed to inspire, celebrate and recognize women – through the art of storytelling – the topic of conversation was,

“Gaining valuable insight on style, elegance and vigilance while being the empowered lady on the move”.

The glamourous event, hosted in the spacious Isabella conference venue, was attended by women from all walks of life. Essentially the intimate gathering served as a platform for successful professional women to share their personal, behind-the-scenes accounts so that, together, women can lift each other up.

First up, keynote speaker and host, Koo Govender shared her inspiring career journey. In her early twenties, Koo started her career in marketing with the Multichoice group. After 22 years, Koo left M-net as a Corporate Marketing and Communications Director. Thereafter, Koo became the first female group CEO for the VWV group for over 2 years and is currently CEO of dentsu South Africa, a global marketing and advertising agency.

Koo’s philosophy is ‘success is one aspect, but significance is of utmost importance’ and believes as a leader she has a responsibility to unleash potential, mentor and open seats for other women around the boardroom table. Koo believes that women should not only survive but thrive in their careers.

Having mentored many young professionals, Koo shared her five pillars for career growth.

1. Personal brand – One should always be consistent when presenting themselves, whether in person or on social media.
2. Confidence – Something that so many of us lack and her personal barrier to success. Koo referenced a powerful quote from Ruth Gordon, "Courage is like muscles, we strengthen it with use".
3. Mentorship – Gaining practical advice, encouragement and support. Paying it forward.
4. Networking – Your network is your net worth. Career advancement is as much about who you know as what you know.
5. Sisterhood – Women need to surround themselves with other women who they can trust absolutely and who will mention their name in a room full of opportunities.

In attendance, Koo's mentees shared their personal experiences with the above-mentioned pillars and encouraged the room of ladies to:

• Be bold and brave.

• Invest in yourself.

• Believe in yourself.

• Always prepare, as preparation enhances one's confidence.

• Remember that your career doesn't have to be linear.

• Find a mentor who will help you become the best version of yourself.

• Rise and journey together with your sisterhood.

April Pillay, BMW Sandton’s Corporate Sales Manager, was the closing speaker and next to share her inspirational story. Having dropped out of university at 21 due to personal circumstances, April started working at BMW as an assistant at age 22. Over the next few years April’s drive, dedication, and performance excellence was recognized, which resulted in her promotion to New Car Sales Executive. This year, at the tender age of 30, April was promoted again, this time to Corporate Sales Manager for BMW Sandton. April’s story is true testament to “hard work pays off”.

The times are rapidly changing, with women now rising to the top in every field and becoming increasingly empowered and powerful along the way. One of the perks of being an independent female is that you get to make your own decisions, which includes what ride suites your drive. As proud sponsors, BMW and MINI Sandton had a few shiny cars on display. April took us through the features of the X3 20D mzanzi edition, built in SA at Rosslyn, the Mini SE - full electric and the Z4 M40i roadster. These cars are definitely a beautiful accessory for the career women on her road to success.

Lunch was catered by the award winning, AURUM Restaurant, and was nothing short of sublime. A big thank you to AURUM for graciously sponsoring the wine, which perfectly complemented the days festivities.

We are excited to announce that due to the phenomenal response and feedback, we hope to make these events a more regular occasion. Keep your eyes peeled for the next Ladies Lunch, which will take place early next year. It is an event you do not want to miss out on!