South Africa’s most formidable women CIOs, CFOs and CHROs will gather on 1 August for an intimate discussion on what groundbreaking leadership means from a woman’s perspective.
Last year, more than 300 women and their mentees from CFO Enterprises’ trifecta of communities filled The Venue in Melrose Arch. They shared personal stories of achievements, success, and self-worth. The attendees took advantage of opportunities for knowledge-sharing, networking, and career-building, especially in the company of other remarkable women.
This year, CIO, CFO and CHRO South Africa are kicking off Women’s Month on the right note with the 9th Annual Executive Women’s Dinner hosted at the Focus Rooms in Modderfontein. The theme will be “Seismic leadership: Shifting landscapes, shaping leaders”.
In today’s business environment, women leaders must navigate complexities and uncertainties with agility and vision. The evening will honour the remarkable achievements of women who have broken barriers, set new standards and inspired others to follow in their footsteps.
The evening’s discussions will look into the strategies and mindsets that enable women to lead with impact, fostering environments where innovation thrives and diverse perspectives are valued.
This will be followed by a panel discussion: “Women of the future – innovate to dominate”, featuring 2023 Young CIO of the Year Dr Denisha Jairam-Owthar and CIO at the Council for Medical Schemes. She holds a PhD in ICT from the University of South Africa and at the time, aged 33, Denisha was named the youngest person to obtain this qualification.
It speaks to her passion for education and excellence as a woman IT leader, especially in her current industry – healthcare.
“Technology and science intersect to overcome health challenges that change the world for the better. It is in the health sector where women’s voices could be amplified because we are mothers and caregivers ourselves,” she says.
“As disruptive technology gains momentum, women therefore need to be included, we can no longer be sidelined, marginalised, ostracised or maimed – we need to set the technology agenda and own it.”
Joining Denisha on stage will be Standard Bank’s chief people and culture officer Sharon Taylor and 2023’s CHRO of the Year, as well as Webber Wentzel CFO Aneshree Naidoo.
Things will then get a little bit interactive as guests will be encouraged to do a seat exchange to take the networking to the next level, and get to know Sam Cowen, a consciousness and recovery coach.
However, it couldn’t be a CFO Enterprises event without some awesome entertainment. Musician and actor Khanyo Maphumulo, known for her work in The Lion King and Sarafina, will deliver a scintillating performance while guests enjoy a delicious meal.
A fireside chat with Wired4Women chairperson Nomonde White-Ndlovu, Sharoda Rapeti, independent non-executive director at Altron, moderated by Andisa Liba, CPO at Floatpays, will delve deeper into the theme of the evening – seismic leadership.
The evening will conclude with reflections and insights from the day’s discussions. Guests will enjoy the Sandton vista from a Modderfontein vantage point, accompanied by drinks, networking and the opportunity to build new relationships.
