won the case and the product was declared legal. The finding stated that gap cover is a necessary component of the industry. These developments help entrepreneurs to grow and mature. During hard times, employees become stressed and volatile, but experience teaches one how to get a message across without confrontation. The solution lies in regular meetings and structures, with a focus on solving the problem rather than attacking the person.

There are often times when you doubt

your own abilities, but you have to keep your head up, believes Fonto. “When difficulties come and you feel you have had enough, you have to be strong for your business and home”. In the end it is worth it. The feeling of ownership cannot be compared to anything else. Fonto believes that to have been given the opportunity to help an organisation get through difficult times and see the results on her work was a gift. Through making a success, an entrepreneur has the opportunity to empower him or herself while making a difference in the lives of employees and all of the families indirectly linked to the company. “When I look back I shudder to think that if I did not push through, I would not have had the privilege of leading a female dominated organisation. Stratum Benefits is service driven, with a personal touch. Clients can phone the managing director, you don’t have to speak to a call

centre”. Clients and brokers know the heads of departments by name and claim decisions are made on the spot.

The secret to success is to take

ownership of problems, handle all situations with integrity and continuously improve. You have to visualise how it can be done better. Today Stratum Benefits is doing very well, sporting a range of products, a huge broker base and a fantastic staff compliment. But management will still do whatever it takes, even if it is making tea. They carefully guard the organisation’s reputation through good service and sustained relationships.

When asked what she would advise other female entrepreneurs to do, Fonto answered; “where I am today has been a combination of luck and being in the right time and right place, but if I did not step into the space created for me, I would have missed out on the opportunity. To make a success in business you have to believe in yourself. As a woman you are capable of doing many things. We are dynamic and should never give up, if you do give up you might regret it at the end of the day”. Fonto believes that her ability to make quick decisions and be proactive is what helped her achieve. It is also the qualities she will look for in new staff. “And when I get too stressed I go to the spa or go box at gym”.

“When difficulties come and you feel you have had enough, you have to be strong for your business and home”

August 2011 | Management Today 99