Realising your business dreams by doing things that are authentic imprints of yourself, by not necessarily being the first, but the best and by accepting criticism objectively, are part of the prerequisites of a significant career, said Marissa Brendel, an entrepreneurial business coach.
She spoke at the fourth popular installment of the annual Cape Town Society for the Blind (CTSB) Women’s Day event held at the headquarters at 45 Salt River Road on Saturday August 27.
Ms Brendel shared the stage with Dr Darren Green, a TV personality and Expresso show doctor, and Nikki Jane Kyle, a gospel artist.
The master of ceremonies was Cassidy Da Silva Franks, a business owner, entrepreneur and former DJ.
The up-and-coming artist Thulani Fesi had the 240 guests dancing in the isles with his excellent rendition of several hit songs.
Michelle Botha, renowned jazz singer and career development officer at CTSB, also performed at the event to enthusiastic applause.
Dr Green implored the audience to become people of significance, not only success.
He highlighted the difference between the male and female mind, and pointed to women’s caring and emotional nature which helps to define their thinking and behaviour.
Dr Madeleine van Rooyen, who holds a doctorate in metaphysical science, shared the importance of living in the present moment and of embracing a positive mind-set.
“Embrace your ‘I am’ – be confident. Renew your mind-set every day and nurture your dreams. Because without dreams, you perish,” she said.
Dr Van Rooyen said that when she first started her business, she possessed an attitude of: ‘I will show them’.
She changed that after completing her doctorate degree in metaphysics at the age of 49 and installed an attitude of I am.
The focus of the event was on motivating and inspiring women to take a leap of faith and follow their dreams.
One of the highlights of the brunch was the home-made pop-up shops and a coffee barista, who were enthusiastically supported by the guests on Saturday.
Ms Brendel implored the women to not take things too personally.
She said that an objective appraisal of feedback by business clients is necessary in order to grow and excel.
Lizelle van Wyk, chief executive officer of the CTSB, an empowerment hub for people living with visual impairment in the Western Cape, hailed the meeting as an unqualified success.
“Apart from the brand building and broadening our foot print, we also left an impression on the women who attended and who were inspired by the speakers.
“The cash injection we receivedfrom the event will be utilised for the benefit of our students and of the small business owners of cane and material weavers at CTSB,” she said.
