Allow us to introduce you to the remarkable author and businesswoman, Princess Lukhele. Princess is not only an author, NGO founder, life coach, and speaker, but she has also shattered barriers and forged a path of empowerment for women in the business world. Her journey from confronting gender-based challenges to becoming a successful serial entrepreneur and influencer serves as a beacon of inspiration to women worldwide. Princess is not only an IT specialist with a master's degree in Business Administration and certification in various SAP modules but also the driving force behind several organizations, including Hands Of Love, Progressive Teens, Divine Kings and Queens, Progressive You, Mental Insure, Bulk Cookers, and a guesthouse named Tuscan Bliss, among others.
Since 2012, Princess has been dedicated to adding value to the lives of young people through her NGO, Hands of Love. Her journey has been rewarding as she has guided, coached, and mentored remarkable individuals. Drawing from her experiences, lessons, and observations, Princess was inspired to write a book titled 'Maneuvering Teenage Life.' This book reflects her journey, inspired by the mistakes, lessons, and experiences she encountered while mentoring and counselling the youth in her organization. Princess recognized that not every teenager has the privilege of having a mentor or an NGO like Hands of Love to empower them. Thus, she felt compelled to write this book, providing teenagers with their own personal guide and accountability partner to navigate the challenges of their formative years. In Princess's words, "Teenagers are the future of our country, and it is crucial that they don't miss important steps and become a burden to society. This book will help teenagers navigate this phase of their lives with ease and give parents topics to discuss with their teens. We all want our children to be successful, and this book will provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. It will help us raise strong, confident, and compassionate teens."
Now, let's excavate into Princess Lukhele's insights on leadership, clarity, work-life balance, and gender compensation:
As a leader, Princess emphasizes the significance of clarity and clear communication in ensuring effective leadership and organizational success. She leads a small team of fewer than 10 individuals, which makes management relatively straightforward. However, she acknowledges that regardless of team size, clarity is essential. Clear communication is the linchpin for conveying ideas, expectations, and goals to team members, fostering understanding and alignment. This, in turn, allows everyone to work cohesively towards a shared vision.
Moreover, clear communication creates a positive work environment, encouraging open dialogue and reducing misunderstandings or conflicts. For leaders, the ability to communicate concisely and coherently is vital to enhance their team's intelligence and comprehension, enabling them to make informed decisions and perform tasks efficiently. Ultimately, Princess believes that clarity and clear communication are fundamental traits that enable leaders to drive productivity, build trust, and achieve desired outcomes in any organizational setting.
Talking to her about maintaining balance between work and personal life, Princess confirmed that outside of her numerous organizational commitments, she values the importance of maintaining personal well-being and achieving academic success. Balancing these commitments effectively involves prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and managing time efficiently. She follows a well-structured schedule that accommodates work, self-care activities, and quality time with friends and family. She also emphasizes the importance of delegation and effective communication, which allow her to share responsibilities and manage her workload effectively. By finding this delicate balance, Princess maximizes her productivity and leads a fulfilling life both within and outside her organizations.
We wanted to hear from what she thinks of gender compensation in South Africa:
Princess Lukhele emphasizes the complexity and ongoing nature of the challenge surrounding fair compensation for women in South Africa, stating, "Despite considerable strides in gender equality, the gender wage gap remains a persistent issue, with women consistently earning less than men for similar work. This wage gap is a result of a multitude of factors, including discriminatory practices, societal norms, and occupational segregation. The consequences of discrimination are evident in unequal pay, restricted career advancement opportunities, and biases in the hiring process. While there have been advancements, it is my belief that women in South Africa still do not receive fair compensation for their invaluable contributions across various industries."
Princess Lukhele's path from hardship to prosperity, her devotion to encouraging young people, and her perceptions on leadership and gender pay indicate her desire to make a difference in the world. Her book, which she wrote as a result of her passion for empowering kids to succeed and her life experiences, is proof of her persistent commitment to elevate and inspire others.