financial institutions in the world. Luckily I can put that to the test. Even though I would not rate myself next to my mother’s ability, my experience of business in both the developed and developing world had equipped me with the insight and knowl- edge on how to run a successful global business. I took a major leap of faith and started AWOVI Consulting Ltd, a coach- ing, consulting and accounting practice that specialises in helping business owners increase their sales, profits, cash-flow and productivity. I have not looked back since. Working in the corporate world exposed me to some of the most cutting edge in- formation that benefited the world’s best businesses and I now help small businesses with this same insight. My services, previ- ously only available to the largest compa- nies, are exclusively offered to small and medium-sized businesses through our coaching and consulting programmes. Within a very short time of setting up, I
“The experience of being a mother simply kick- started my journey to finally pursue a lifestyle that embraces and respects the family unit whilst still enabling me to pursue my career.”
I had compromised my values. I knew within myself that the time had come. I guess I was always my mother’s child and the experience of being a mother simply kick-started my journey to finally pursue a lifestyle that embraces and re- spects the family unit whilst still ena- bling me to pursue my career. My 20-plus love affair with the corporate career had come to an end. And so did the years of dreaming of what would it be like to be my own boss. I had to walk my dream. Ironically, my inspiration had nothing
to do with the high-powered corporate environment I found myself in, but to one of the greatest entrepreneurs I knew. My mother. If my mother could run several businesses by herself, have seven chil- dren, live in a developing country that at the time was far from stable, then surely with all the cushions afforded by Britain, I could do my mother proud and make a success of myself as a businesswoman too. I always wondered what my mother could have achieved if her raw business acumen was developed among the best
was getting phone calls and referrals from individuals who were interested in trans- forming their businesses, improving their cash position, profits or accelerating their businesses growth. I have worked with independent artists, singers, filmmakers and other creative people that your usual corporate accounting professional rarely meets. I also worked with the owner man- agers of small businesses that were really in need of advice to increase their businesses performance. I was approached by private businesses and charitable organisations to speak at their conferences or offer bespoke training programmes to their staff. Without doubt, meeting people has
been the most enjoyable part of my in- dependent endeavours and being able to assist other mothers who wish to turn their dreams into reality and learn to jug- gle ambition with the natural instinct to care for their family. I firmly believe in the African woman.
If you are reading this and are one of those women who would like the independence of being your own boss, and think being a parent or an employee is holding you back, remember: all it takes it is a decision to change your world. Te world has been changed consistently by our mothers and grandmothers and its now our turn to take an equally bold step. It may not be easy, but it is possible, because nothing ever worth getting has ever been easy. But it has always been worth the effort. You can contact Griselda via her company website at:
www.awovi.com.
AUTUMN 2011 | NEW AFRICAN WOMAN | 79
Photo: Bukkie Dos santos of Portrait stuDio
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