Boardroom 101 With Hixonia Nyasulu

"Today’s world is very connected, and what happens in one country soon becomes a lesson that other countries want to adopt. Countries are learning from each other on the regulatory, business, and social issues," says Hixonia.

"Today’s business environment is very challenging, and requires a very different style of leadership. Traditional leadership models of Command and Control will struggle," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

"Everybody dislikes a 'taker', I know I do. These are people who ask others for help and favours, but are themselves never willing or available to return the favour," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

She's one of the most influential women in business in South Africa who's also internationally known as a board member with integrity and drive. In this weekly podcast, Hixonia Nyasulu shares the 'Boardroom 101' tips that she's gathered through her many years in business.

"The Women's Month honeymoon is almost over. For the whole of August, women were celebrated, treated specially, and congratulated themselves on the strides made. That’s great, and we need to do that," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

"Sometimes, we leave work because we do not like our boss or our colleagues. Maybe we were even treated badly, or we’ve just found a much better job, and we suddenly look down on the one we’re currently holding," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

"One of the key responsibilities of leadership, is developing a strategy for the business," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

"When your alarm goes off, or every Sunday evening as you close the curtains and switch on the lights, is your first thought: 'Argh! I’m going back to that place again!'?” asks Hixonia Nyasulu.

"People say, 'I can’t show weakness to my boss, so how do I let her know I’m struggling?' Newsflash! If you’re struggling in your job, your boss already knows (probably others around you, too)," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

"In today’s world of the internet, such a question should not even arise. We live in a time where every bit of info is just a click away," stressed Hixonia Nysaulu.

"Let’s face it – chances are, your next best offer of employment will come from a company which competes with your current one," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

"People in senior positions are often flooded with requests to mentor people. Junior managers and executives who are looking to develop their careers look to those who’ve already achieved success to coach and mentor them," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

"Especially decisions regarding your career! Using money as the major criterion for what you do, with whom, and when will often lead to mistakes," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

"Many people are not aware that something you have no control over can result in you being classified a PEP, with all the discomforts that go with it," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

"Most young people seeking my advice are frustrated by the culture of the company they work for," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

"In the UK, companies with 250 employees or more are now required by law to disclose their gender pay gap data annually (includes ethnicity and disability pay gaps), either on their website or annual report if listed, or through that country’s government gender pay gap reporting website," says Hixonia Nyasulu.

Research has shown that companies who embrace diversity and inclusivity out-perform those with a homogeneous workforce. But there are many more reasons why a diverse workforce is important.

"We live in a fast-paced world, where yesterday’s cutting edge is today’s normal. No-one can rely on doing things the way they’ve always done them," said Hixonia Nyasulu.

Most people struggle with change, and understandably so. It takes a while to get up to speed with new strategic thrusts, leadership styles, business models, and so forth.

"No country, certainly not one in the developing world, has ever been able to deal with all its social problems without volunteers, there are simply not enough resources," says Hixonia Nyasulu.