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Monica Jorgensen heart’s desire was realised when she opened her own restaurant – Mozambik Morningside on the 5th August 2022. She has faced many challenges along the way but has overcome all obstacles because of her hard work, determination and self confidence in everything she does. Monica strongly believes in giving back to the community and empowering women through skills development. Through her restaurant she has provided jobs to 14 staff members. The twelve women featured in the Sep edition of Business Sense, are the first of those that are being recognised in this year’s KZN Top Business Women powered by DRG, BusinessFit and Mangwanani African Spa initiative. We look forward to introducing the remainder of our 2023 participants in the October edition of Business Sense. For more information go to: www.kzntopbusiness.com/top-business-women-nominations

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“When constructing any kind of civil or criminal case against an individual or corporation, it is imperative that all the evidence that is to be presented in a court of law be one hundred per cent accurate and verifiable,” says Sameer Kumandan, Managing Director of SearchWorks , South Africa’s largest and most innovative data aggregation platform. “False or inaccurate evidence can lead to the dismissal of charges and the release of dangerous criminals.” Lack of forensic capacity in SA It is no secret in South Africa that the capacity of the police service and their forensics departments are severely constrained, and that the burden of securing the convictions of criminals responsible for crimes ranging from murder and fraud to rhino poaching is a heavy one. Police resources are limited and gathering evidence and compiling detailed information relating to a case is time consuming. For some people, bypassing the SAPS and resorting to the use of the services of a private investigator to make a case is an option, but ultimately investigators must also navigate the myriad of sources of personal and corporate records and information to put together an accurate dossier for their client. Many instances of criminal activity have been uncovered in South Africa by our extremely active and respected body of investigative journalists who have done excellent work in exposing the criminal activities of politicians, high-ranking government officials, white collar workers and even captains of industry. One-stop shop for data The police, private security and investigation agencies and journalists all rely on a vast range of websites, government departments, archives and other sources to research facts and figures. SearchWorks removes the long, tedious hours and leg work, and is a single ‘one-stop shop’ for accurate and up-to-date data, which is increasingly in demand by forensic investigators. “SearchWorks’ access to a vast range of data sites from company registration and company director listings, property and vehicle ownership, qualification verification, tracking of bank accounts and criminal record searches is an invaluable tool for the forensics sector and means ultimately that there is nowhere for criminals to hide,” said Kumandan. Uncovering the truth SearchWorks is a single search and vetting source of many data sites, enabling deep dive forensic searches that can follow paper trails that criminals believe they have covered. “Fronting, trusts and bank accounts whose signatories are connected and even related, names on property deeds whose value far exceeds an individual’s means all tell a great many stories and can reveal the truth behind claims of innocence,” adds Kumandan. He says SearchWorks is one of the most valuable tools that the forensics sector, and by extension investigative journalists, can utilise in their quest to uncover critical information relating to criminals who have caused financial and reputational damage to companies and the country. They are even able to perform criminal background checks without alerting suspects. “Sadly, we know that theft, embezzlement and fraud are endemic in South Africa. From the acts of common criminals to the complexity of corporate crime, SearchWorks can assist in tracking the instigators, and even find the hiding places of ill-gotten gains,” asserts Kumandan. Forensic investigations that lead to convictions SearchWorks has contributed to the successful capture and prosecution of a number of criminals. This includes providing data to the SAPS that enabled them to put together cellphone mapping reports of a rhino poacher who was recently handed down a 28-year sentence for hunting and poaching rhinos in KwaZulu-Natal. Said Kumandan, “We were also able to provide credit bureau records in accordance with section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act, at no charge to the SAPS, and were only too pleased to be able to assist them in this regard.” SearchWorks is able to discover a lot with only a little information using their sophisticated but easy-to-use search platform. The data they are able to provide is accurate, verified, up-to-date and complete. “SearchWorks’ capabilities bring immense value to the forensics sector, resulting in effective investigations and the criminal justice system being able to fulfil its duties, which is to find and successfully prosecute criminals,” said Kumandan. SearchWorks prides itself on its exceptional reputation and being a leader in the data industry. Users include public and private sector entities across many industries to whom it provides an invaluable service.

Many people spend the major part of their lives and their time at work. Having a fulfilling job, a good manager and a positive work environment is therefore important for their mental health and general wellbeing. There are times when people feel down, stressed or frightened, tired, make uncharacteristic mistakes, feel demotivated, manage their time poorly or are short tempered, and avoid colleagues – sometimes this passes. However, these responses can develop into a mental health problem that can impact daily life. Sometimes a mental health problem develops into something more complex that may require support and treatment for life. Sadly over 6000 people a year, with long term mental health problems, die by suicide in the United Kingdom. In South Africa 8000 people die by suicide per year. Depression is one of the major causes of suicide. Some everyday stressors can affect mental health – e.g.: work related deadlines, work/business travel, health, relationships, personal circumstances, and could cause thoughts of suicide. These issues can affect anybody, and nobody is exempt. But good mental health at work and good management go hand in hand. Positive mental health could result in a happy and productive workforce and could increase productivity by as much as 12% (Mental Health Foundation, UK). Managers play a major role when it comes to managing the mental health and wellbeing of employees. Yet many managers are not equipped to deal effectively with employee mental health in addition to delivering on their many daily responsibilities. It has been said that half of the managers in South Africa don’t even know how many sick days are due to employees having depression. Admittedly, our laws don’t require employees to disclose this information to their managers. Types of mental disorders Many types of mental disorders exist, i.e. antisocial personality disorder, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, schizophrenia, bipolar, disorder, etc. but the most prevalent are depression and anxiety, which has a major impact on employee performance in the workplace, e.g. · Affects relationships · Work performance · Capability · Leave days · Performance on promotion A very important point for business to take cognisance of is that 19% of affected employees fear reporting depression because of the STIGMA attached to this condition. Companies must start dealing with the stigma around mental health at work. Another important point to note is the impact of depression at work. According to the World Health Organisation, poor mental health globally costs the economy a loss of R1 trillion in lost productivity annually. Therefore, mental health is a major business issue. The case for business to take mental health seriously Those companies who look after employee mental health save more and enjoy an increase in productivity have been documented. For example a study in Japan found that the implementation of workplace measures decreased stress and improved employee performance. A training programme for managers in the United Kingdom at Heathrow entitled, “Your mind matters”, covered topics such as: Creating a positive psychological environment How to catch someone before they fall Helping them to return to work Studies by Deloitte Insights into mental health concluded that if it is “Good for our People, it is Good for Business”. Mental health is important for business sustainability as there is a need to build workplaces where everyone can thrive, because a toxic work environment can be corrosive for mental health. Mental health post-Covid Although Covid has made mental health a priority, many companies have been implementing interventions over the years. There has been a staggering increase in covid linked depression and anxiety and studies have shown this across the globe. Realising that most people have some levels of anxiety, loneliness and isolation and fear of job losses is important. The nature of work is changing and it is critical for employers to review their approach to mental health and to recognise that what started off as a sprint has turned into a long and painful marathon, bringing with it new challenges along the way. This article is part one of two articles. Look out for the second part in the next edition of Business Sense. Mental health issues is a specific interest of Jacquie Bhana and she is available for both one on one sessions in assisting with mental health issues in the workplace as well as offers information sessions. For more information C: +27 83 386 8343 E: info@jacquiebhana.co.za W: www.jacquiebhana.co.za

The Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) has set the wheels in motion for a leadership programme that is geared towards upskilling a diverse group of decision-makers in the Eastern Cape (EC) to positively impact the province’s manufacturing and broader industrial sectors. The purpose of the course is to provide applied economics to senior political leaders, public servants and community leaders in the province, with a key focus on the major opportunities and challenges facing the broader provincial economy, with a particular focus on the province’s manufacturing and broader industrial sectors. In 2022, a similar course, Revitalising KwaZulu-Natal’s productive economy: An executive short course for senior political leaders and public servants in KwaZulu-Natal, was held successfully. The programme, which will be rolled out towards the end of the year, was born out of the need to develop a dynamic and robust manufacturing sector in South Africa in contrast with its decline over the past two decades. The opening of the local economy to global trade has placed substantial pressure on domestic manufacturers who have struggled to adapt to a more competitive operating environment. TWIMS’ Executive Director, Professor Theuns Pelser says the course explores the central role of the local and provincial government in enabling firm level and sectoral competitive advantage within the provincial economy for the benefit of sustainable community development. The South African manufacturers who have attempted to advance their operating capabilities in the face of heightened competition have expressed concern over the lack of, and associated high cost, of management skills to drive productivity and innovation in the sector. “Critically, the course, which is structured to run for six weeks, considers the key challenges facing manufacturing in the context of emerging digital technologies and environmental pressures, and the continued central role of manufacturing to successful economic transformation,” says Prof Pelser. “It [course] then shifts to a consideration of how manufacturing is organised at both a global and regional level, and then applying this frame, explores the development trajectory of four important manufacturing sectors such as agriculture processing, automotive assembly and component manufacturing, clothing and pharmaceuticals.” Structure of training course The course is structured to run over six one-week training blocks, with each training block running to a set pattern of three days of intensive training (involving lectures, seminars, brainstorming sessions, factory visits, and the exploration of case studies), followed by the setting of a team-based learning task that needs to be completed before the start of the next training block. Course participants will be encouraged to bring their perspectives into the training sessions and to analytically explore their views (and alternative perspectives). Block 1: Locating South Africa within the global economy SA’s position within the global economy Imports and exports Investment linkages Major economic activity and recent performance Block 2: Locating the Eastern Cape within the South African and global economy Eastern Cape’s position within SA economy Eastern Cape’s position within the regional and global economy Trade dynamics (domestic and foreign) Major economic activity and recent performance Block 3: The key role of manufacturing in driving economic development The middle-income economy trap The role of manufacturing in creating value adding employment and raising productivity Unpacking technology and environmental developments Block 4: The global organisation of production within Global and Regional Value Chains The global (and regional) organisation of agriculture processing, automotive assembly and component manufacturing, clothing and pharmaceuticals sectors. Key macro, meso and micro factors driving successful manufacturing development Block 5: Unpacking the development trajectory of the Eastern Cape’s key manufacturing sectors The recent performance of the Eastern Cape’s agriculture processing, automotive assembly and component manufacturing, clothing and pharmaceuticals sectors Identifying Eastern Cape’s lead firms Key meso and micro factors impacting Eastern Cape’s successful manufacturing development Block 6: The role of the public sector in developing manufacturing capabilities Local, provincial and national government best practice in supporting industrial development Public-private partnership model to secure manufacturing development, social capital and prosperous communities Pelser adds that the training further explores the role of policymaking in shaping manufacturing development and the parallel processes providing significant social capital to communities. It also lays the basis for those who wish to continue to further postgraduate professional qualifications, in so far as it is taught at a postgraduate level by senior academic staff and industry practitioners with advanced academic qualifications. Upon completion, the participants will receive a course completion certificate that is accredited by TWIMS, reflecting that the course focused on the economic development of the Eastern Cape. Any questions or queries relating to this training course can be directed to Prof. Pelser at theuns.pelser@twimsafrica.com W: www.twimsafrica.com

Continued learning at Thompson & Hoffman Audiology, where we attended the APPF summit in August and had the opportunity to learn from Dr Cliff Olsen about best international practice of fitting and evaluating hearing aids, and from Dr Keith Darrow about the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Knowledge is power

SMEs, through effective encouragement and opportunity from larger organisations and support and guidance from business mentoring companies, hold the key to South Africa’s growth, development, and economic recovery. It is widely agreed that SMEs hold the key to South Africa’s economic recovery, and for good reason. SMEs create employment in diverse sectors, across all functional disciplines, and at all skills levels. SMEs contribute significantly to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and their ongoing success and sustainability create meaningful employment. They are notably helping to reduce some of the extreme economic inequality we experience in South Africa. Larger organisations providing support through skills transfer and engagement are catalysts in creating opportunity for SMEs to succeed. Procurement and Socio-Economic Development The procurement and socioeconomic development elements within the South African Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (B-BBEE) are focused specifically on supporting skills transfer and creating opportunity for SMEs and individuals within two broad categories. The procurement element encourages larger organisations to procure at least 30% of their goods and services from SMEs whose enterprise revenue is less than R 50 million per year. This is broken down as follows: –– 15% from SMEs with a total annual revenue of up to R10 million; and –– 15% from SMEs with an annual revenue of between R10 million and –– R 50 million. The socio-economic development element encourages larger organisations to support initiatives where the outcome of their contributions results in the beneficiaries developing skills and receiving opportunity that ultimately give them access to the economy through direct employment or from within their own businesses. Although B-BBEE is purely voluntary, there is significant engagement from larger organisations to align as closely as possible in meeting the Act’s economic transformation commitments. The procurement element encourages larger organisations to contribute 3% of their net profit after tax (NPAT) towards enterprise and supplier development initiatives. The socioeconomic element encourages larger organisations to contribute 1% of their NPAT to social upliftment initiatives, where an outcome of creating opportunity for individuals and small entities to access to the economy is achieved. These two elements on the B-BBEE scorecard help to create significant transformation momentum for both formal and informal sector individuals and SMEs. They help to lay the platform for the transfer of skills, and to create opportunity for individuals and SMEs to enter the economy and contribute towards South Africa’s growth, advancement, and economic recovery. The B-BBEE Act, and in particular the procurement and socio-economic development elements, create significant means for SMEs to receive support and funding. Anyone who has started a business themselves, or has grown an enterprise to the next level, knows well that funding is not the only requirement in their enterprise’s advancement forward. They know that they need to understand the internal requirements of their business, as well as be able to interpret and adapt to the changing economy and its many challenging economic influences. Ecosystem Support Unlike larger organisations, SMEs seldom have access to internal resources to help them interpret influencing market conditions, or to create a local and international digital presence for their unique service offering. Hence the need for ecosystem support to help SMEs draw in essential knowledge, gain business process understanding, and ensure adequate integrated reporting systems and policies that maintain their ongoing high-quality reporting and service delivery, to support the enterprise’s growth and long-term sustainability. There are many wonderful value adding business mentoring companies in South Africa. These organisations provide essential encouragement and support to SMEs entering the market, and guidance to small and medium enterprises going through the many challenges of internal growth. In South Africa, there is little difference in reporting responsibility of a large organisation and that of a small enterprise. Without the internal competencies large organisations have at their fingertips, smaller enterprises need to draw guidance and support either from their larger clients, or directly from capable service suppliers. Failing which, they set themselves up to face the wrath from authorities for their transgressions. Good Corporate Citizens Larger organisations too demand compliance adherence in their engagement with SMEs. Their own B-BBEE scorecard requires that they engage with properly constituted enterprises, that meet legislative requirements as stated in the Company’s Act and are regarded as good corporate citizens. If an engaged enterprise for example does not have a B-BBEE scorecard or affidavit, then the engaging organisation will not be able to allocate B-BBEE points on their own scorecard. There are also other areas of strict compliance, where joint and several liability is apportioned to both the company and service supplier where compliance is not evident. SMEs, therefore, as starting points on their journey toward success and sustainability, need to ensure that they: Meet governance and sustainability objectives Are productive meeting both financial and operational objectives Meet compliance and legitimacy requirements Manage internal and external risk adequately Have ethical and effective leadership and an engaged enterprise culture Enterprise and supplier development, a subsection of the procurement element on the B-BBEE scorecard, when used effectively, provides support and opportunity for larger organisations to generate the confidence they need when engaging with SMEs. Business mentoring companies often work side by side with larger organisations to upskill and help develop competent and sustainable service providers. A Professional Approach BusinessFit SA’s approach through its 5 Stage Quality Assurance Process, and Corrective Action/Sustainability Report is gaining popularity as a professional approach to ensuring enterprise and supplier development initiatives result in the desired outcome of more competent and capable entrepreneurs and business leaders. The approach assists in ensuring enterprises have robust functional frameworks. These include: Clearly structured and implemented business strategies Defined measurements and outcome intentions Engaged staff members who understand the needs of the business, and how they personally contribute towards the enterprise’s success and sustainability High quality assurance and quality controls in their enterprise’s production and service delivery Large organisations like Standard Bank understand that their contribution to transformation in South Africa rests in their ability to uplift the SME community, and as such have teamed up with enterprises like BusinessFit SA and DRG in providing business sustainability conferences within KwaZulu-Natal. The Open Business Council, which also recognises their unique ability to contribute to SME development in South Africa, recently partnered with BusinessFit SA. The aim was to support SMEs in creating effective digital footprints; to assist in ensuring that they have the means to be represented professionally in local and international markets. The Success Formula The South African Department of Trade and Industry has considered deeply the challenges of growing the South African SME sector and has implemented significant policy through the B-BBEE Act to help drive skills transfer and SME development and engagement opportunities. Further, business mentoring companies like BusinessFit, ActionCOACH, and others, are working closely with large organisations and their suppliers to help create ongoing successful and sustainable supplier relationships – to result in the growth and development of the South African SME sector and overall economy. These actions are resulting in: Transfer of essential business and financial skills Creation of employment Giving more people access to the economy Narrowing income differential Growing the country’s GDP Building a vibrant and inclusive economy The success formula being the combination of public sector transformation policy, private sector commitment and engagement through large organisations, business mentoring companies, and SME leaders, wishing to be given an opportunity to bring their innovations, passions, and excellence into the formal and informal sectors of the South African economy. For more information contact DRG Outsourcing, DRG Siyaya, and BusinessFit SA Contact David White, T: +27 (0)31 767 0625 E: david@drg.co.za W: www.drg.co.za

A surge of innovation and collaboration filled the air as the Youth Innovation Challenge 2023 took off on August 17th at the prestigious Old Mutual Tech Hub. The event brought together partners, executives from public and private sectors, and diverse attendees all passionate about driving change. A Grand Launch The event kicked off with an energetic networking session, laying the foundation for a day of connections and shared aspirations. Tendai Pasipamire, Programme Lead at Innovate Durban, opened with a welcome, underlining the challenge's role in shaping the city's future. Inspiring Insights Aurelia Albert, CEO of Innovate Durban, provided an overview of Innovate Durban's mission and the challenge's background. This led to a thought-provoking keynote by Justice Matarutse, Program Manager, Innovation from eThekwini, who highlighted circular economies' role in sustainable development. Unity in Partnerships Adams & Adams and Zutari, esteemed challenge partners, expressed unwavering support for innovation. Their messages resonated, emphasizing the collaborative spirit driving the Youth Innovation Challenge. Real Stories, Real Impact Testimonials from past participants underscored the platform's tangible impact on lives and communities. Inspiring videos showcased previous winners, spotlighting the influence YIC had on their career paths and entrepreneurial journeys. Unveiling a Vision Amid charged anticipation, Tendai Pasipamire officially launched the Youth Innovation Challenge 2023. The theme, objectives, and transformative potential were revealed, sparking purpose and excitement among attendees. A Promising Future Closing remarks left attendees inspired and motivated to contribute. The launch not only signaled a remarkable journey's start but united changemakers committed to creating circular economies and sustainable development in Durban. Join the Circular Revolution: Youth Innovation Challenge 2023 Are you a young innovator? The countdown is on for the Youth Innovation Challenge 2023, hosted by Innovate Durban in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, Adams & Adams, Zutari, and Old Mutual Tech Hub. This game-changing challenge focuses on using technology and innovation for thriving circular economies, aligned with Economic Development and SDGs. Why Participate? Join 80 young visionaries, aged 18 to 35, in tackling pressing Durban challenges. Contribute, gain recognition, and expand horizons while shaping the city's future. The Challenge: Transforming Communities Through Circular Economies Unleash creativity and entrepreneurial spirit under the theme "Thriving Circular Economies in Durban." Be at the forefront of driving sustainable change. Prizes That Matter Cash prizes, trademark sponsorship, and a chance to join a 12-Month Programme await the top three solutions. Selected students enjoy a paid two-week engineering project experience. Who Can Apply? Problem solver, innovator, change agent? Join as an individual or team, aged 18-35, with STEM qualification or in the final year. Reside in Durban and commit to the challenge's journey. Join the Journey: Mark Your Calendar Applications Open: Aug 17, 2023 Deadline: Sep 17, 2023 Workshops: Sep 26, 2023 Solution Development: Oct 26, 2023 Final Pitch: Oct 27, 2023 Award Ceremony: Oct 31, 2023 Shape Durban's Future Visit http://www.innovate.durban/yic2023/ by Sep 17. Be part of the journey to brighter, more sustainable tomorrows, powered by technology and innovation.

The KZN Top Business Women 2023 – powered by DRG , BusinessFit and Mangwanani African Spa kicks off this week. The first group of participating women will be having their photo shoot and their video interview at the beautiful Mangwanani Signature Spa The Capital . The edited video will be available online and used for content for the article, which along with the photo – will appear in the commemorative KZN Top Business Women Portfolio, print and eBook. The profiles will also be shared across a range of social media platforms, which provide great ongoing marketing opportunities. During the build up to the final event, the participating women will share aspects of their stories in three panel-based webinars, which will be streamed remotely. Each woman will participate in an online webinar. The dates for these are the 12, 19 and 26 October at 6 pm. The grand finale – the gala dinner, with several ladies receiving further recognition, will take place on the 2 November at the Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani Sky Venue. The event will be live streamed. We are delighted by the large number of nominations that have been received so far. For more information visit https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/top-business-women-nominations

As you may already be aware, it has been announced that all private and nonprofit companies must now declare their beneficial ownership with CIPC. While the information surrounding these requirements can be quite confusing, we have outlined the main requirements below on why and how this affects your business. Why is this now required? On 24 February 2023, South Africa was put on a FATF “Grey List”, and as part of the Greylisting various deficiencies were identified and need to be addressed in order for South Africa to ultimately come off the list. One of these measures is the Beneficial Ownership Register, a register of natural persons who own or exercise control over legal entities either directly or indirectly. The register will be used to assist law enforcement and regulators (both nationally and internationally) with relevant information when it comes to the investigation of the ultimate owners of entities. CIPC has been tasked via legislation to keep the Beneficial Ownership Register and as such, all companies are now required to file details of their beneficial owners with CIPC. According to CIPC, the register will not be available publicly, but will be shared with law enforcement and regulatory bodies in line with POPIA requirements. What is a Beneficial Owner? According to the definition provided by the CIPC, a beneficial owner is “any individual who, directly or indirectly, ultimately owns that company or exercises effective control”. This can be via shareholding, voting rights or a chain of ownership (such as through a trust, holding company or juristic person). For example, Company A is 100% owned by Company B, which is owned 100% by Company C, and Company C has 2 people as their shareholders. It is the individual shareholders of Company C that are the beneficial owners of Company A, and it is their information that CIPC requires. The threshold for reporting an individual's information to CIPC is any beneficial owner who has more the 5% ownership/control. How often will I need to update this information after this initial submission? Going forward, all new companies will need to file this information within 10 days of being incorporated. If there is a change to any beneficial owners, the updated information needs to be filed with CIPC within 10 days of the change. And on an annual basis, as part of your CIPC annual return, you will be required to confirm that the beneficial ownership on file with CIPC is correct. What do I need to do now and can DNKA do this for me? CIPC requires information on each beneficial owner, as well as the securities/share register, ID copies, mandates and ultimate beneficial owners’ disclosure form. The exact requirements depend on the complexity of your structure and should be looked at on a case by case basis. You can attend to this yourself via the CIPC eservices platform or engage a trusted partner such as DNKA to assist you. Our fee to attend to this initial submission for noncomplex structures starts from R1950 ex. VAT. We are also able to assist with any required changes or other Company Secretarial services prior to submission. If you would like DNKA to provide you with assistance or have any questions, please email our COO Caroline Sculley via cipcbo@dnka.co.za . DNKA Inc is a registered audit and accounting practice in Kloof, KZN and specializes in assurance, consulting and compliance for SMMEs.

Introduction In the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, the journey from startup to success often involves a crucial shift in mindset. The adage "work on your business, not in your business" has echoed through boardrooms and brainstorming sessions for years, underscoring the importance of strategic thinking, delegation, and scalability. This piece delves deeper, emphasizing not only the need to step back but also the significance of truly knowing your business. From the macro perspective of strategic direction to the micro details that define your brand, a holistic understanding of your business is key. This article explores how to strike a balance between working on your business and knowing your business, offering insights into achieving lasting growth and prosperity. The Essence of Working On, Not In At the heart of "working on your business, not in your business" lies the art of delegation. Entrepreneurs often find themselves wearing multiple hats in the early stages of their venture, from product development and marketing to customer service and financial management. However, as the business evolves, relinquishing some of these tasks becomes vital. Delegating routine and operational tasks to capable hands frees up time for visionary thinking and strategic planning. This transition allows entrepreneurs to focus on the big picture, making informed decisions that steer the company toward long-term success. Embracing Strategic Vision To work on your business effectively, cultivating a strategic vision is essential. This involves setting clear goals, developing a roadmap to achieve them, and regularly evaluating progress. A comprehensive data-driven Strategy Plan can serve as a guiding light, outlining the mission, values, and growth strategies. Regular strategic reviews ensure that your business remains aligned with its objectives and adaptable to changing market dynamics. The Power of Knowing Your Business Beyond delegation and strategy, intimately knowing your business is a cornerstone of sustainable growth. This entails a deep dive into the finer details that define your brand. Understanding your target audience's preferences, analysing market trends, and staying ahead of competitors is part of the equation. Moreover, knowing the operational intricacies of your business fosters agility and enables you to identify areas for optimization. The Balancing Act Balancing the act of working on your business while knowing your business requires finesse. It's about harmonizing visionary thinking with practical insights. Regularly stepping back from day-to-day operations to assess the broader landscape empowers you to make informed decisions. Simultaneously, maintaining a pulse on the intricacies of your business ensures that your strategies are grounded in reality. Cultivating a Learning Culture In the ever-evolving business landscape, being open to continuous learning is paramount. Surrounding yourself with mentors, participating in industry events, and seeking out new perspectives will help you refine your business acumen. This ongoing education equips you with the tools to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Conclusion The journey from business inception to sustainable success demands a delicate interplay between working on your business and knowing your business. As an entrepreneur, your role evolves from being the jack-of-all-trades to becoming the captain of the ship, steering it toward new horizons. By mastering the art of delegation, nurturing a strategic vision, and cultivating a deep understanding of your brand, you can orchestrate a harmonious symphony of growth. So, step back, strategize, and immerse yourself in the essence of your business — for therein lies the true path to entrepreneurial triumph.

Paving the Path to Success through Digital Transformation, Innovation, Sustainability, and Thought Leadership In this article, we will explore how an integrated approach to digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, and thought leadership can foster growth, build credibility, and pave the way for a prosperous future. In today's dynamic business landscape, where we are dealing with an unpredictable future comprised of ever more complex problems, generating revenues and profits alone is no longer sufficient for long-term success. To thrive in evolving economies, companies must transcend daily routines and conventional business governance. This needs a deeper focus on 4 crucial aspects: digital transformation, education & innovation, sustainability and thought leadership. These pillars are foundational to business success in this new age and are key to creating the reliability and collaborative partnerships essential to not only surviving but thriving in the exponential age. By embracing these pillars, businesses can unlock their true potential and make a significant impact in a glocal (global + local) market. The 4 Pillars for Success: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Sustainability, Thought Leadership, Reliability and Collaborative Partnerships 1. Digital Transformation: Gaining Visibility in the Digital Age In an increasingly interconnected world, digital visibility is paramount. Businesses aspiring to serve a glocal market must ensure they are discoverable by leveraging the power of technology. Establishing a robust online presence, supported by a well-optimized profile page, can position a company prominently in search engine rankings. By actively managing digital visibility and employing effective search engine optimization strategies, businesses can create a strong foundation for growth and attract potential customers. 2. Education and Innovation: Catalyzing Growth and Adaptation In the rapidly evolving technology era, continuous learning and innovation are critical for sustained success. Companies that fail to adapt and embrace change risk becoming obsolete. By providing access to e-books, training programs, and research papers, organizations can empower their workforce to expand their knowledge and generate new ideas. Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and metaverse solutions further stimulates visionary thinking, inspiring companies to explore uncharted territories. Events and summits foster interactive environments where diverse thoughts and approaches can inspire breakthrough innovations, encouraging companies to embrace a culture of lifelong learning. 3. Sustainability: A Prerequisite for Future-Proofing Sustainable development goals have become imperative for businesses aiming to thrive in the long term. By prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, companies can align their operations with a sustainable future. Initiatives such as Carbon Neutral Self-Assessment services enable businesses to evaluate and reduce their carbon footprint while preparing for entry into new markets. By embracing sustainability, organizations demonstrate their commitment to responsible business practices and position themselves as attractive partners for customers, investors, and stakeholders alike. 4. Thought Leadership: Empowering Visionary Leadership To excel in an ever-evolving landscape, businesses require strong thought leadership that drives innovation and fosters an environment conducive to growth. Thought leaders possess the ability to challenge conventional thinking, encourage creativity, and champion social and environmental awareness. By empowering business leaders and nurturing a culture of forward-thinking, organizations can tap into the full potential of their human resources and fuel sustainable innovation. The embracing and adoption of these 4 pillars are key to creating the reliability and collaborative partnerships essential to realising glocal success: Reliability: Overcoming Trust Barriers in International Business Operating in the international business landscape presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to establishing trust with potential partners or clients. With limited and often outdated information available, verifying the credibility of overseas entities can be a daunting task. To address this issue, innovative solutions, such as an immutable platform for verifying company credentials, can instill confidence and mitigate commercial accidents. By utilizing technology to ensure transparency and trust, businesses can foster reliable international partnerships and unlock new growth opportunities. Collaborative Partnerships: The Path to Success To realize the full benefits of the aforementioned aspects, collaborating with like-minded organizations is paramount. Collaborative efforts, such as the partnership between Open Business Council with DRG in South Africa, exemplify the value of prioritizing human resources, sustainability, and innovation, ultimately leading to scalable economies and a brighter future for all. By fostering a high-quality community, the Open Business Council ensures that businesses receive the support they need to thrive and create a positive impact. By partnering only with esteemed entities that share the same mission and vision, businesses can enhance the quality of their community and achieve exceptional results. By walking hand in hand with organizations that share the same vision, businesses can collectively drive meaningful change. In the ever-changing business landscape, companies must adopt a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional practices to ensure long-term success. The pillars of digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, and thought leadership have become essential for businesses aspiring to thrive in a global market. Now imagine a platform that offers all these supportive tools in one single spot. Embracing digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, and thought leadership with the support of the OpenBusinessCouncil, companies can pave the path to success. Through their services, businesses can enhance their digital presence, build trust, foster innovation, embrace sustainability, and empower visionary leadership. All these tools enable companies to build a solid foundation for growth and navigate the challenges of the modern business environment. Contact Lindiwe Bhadi directly on lindiwe@drg.co.za to gain further insights and support.