Dear Friends
Celebrating women’s day yesterday a Public Holiday in South Africa since 1956 one can not help to think about all the women in your live and the impact they have had on who you are and your career. Hats off to all the women who have shaped my life and played an important role in my upbringing and career. You would agree with me that we would all think of our mom’s first. She has been role model, disciplinarian and cheer-leader since day one. I salute you for your commitment.
Thinking of my career there are some amazing women who come to mind. Thea Venter and Jean Mulder were my retail mentors back in the 1995-1996. Managers of the Edgars and Jet in King Williams town these two ladies set the standard for work ethic, passion and retail fundamentals. I learnt so much from them as I started my retail career in the Eastern Cape. From there we jump to 2012-2014 where I had the privilege to work for Kay Raidoo and Terry-Lee Newton two of the most dynamic retail leaders I know. Kay is the Retail Executive for Woolworth in greater KZN region and Terry-Lee was Divisional Executive for Edgars greater KZN region. Unbelievable retail knowledge, people skills and love for retail.
Working in Saudi for the past 2 years as Senior Operations Manager for Home Furnishing division with Alshaya Group I had the privilege to be part of the Williams Sonoma Group. Pottery Barn and West elm are furniture stores in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah as part of the US Groups International division. The CEO of William Sonoma is Laura Alber, the most successful women’s CEO in the USA. I had the honor meeting her and her leadership team in 2018 at their bi-annual conference in Phoenix Arizona. These three days were the most inspirational and enlightening as 80% of the board are women and 70% of the company were women managers.
In wrapping up you will all agree with me that women play a critical roll in our lives, it should not be women’s day. We should celebrate the women in our lives every day !! Closer to home I have the most amazing wife. She is my best friend, partner and better half. She makes me better and as team we are better. My amazing daughter working here way through matrix in this crazy year we are having. My sisters in London, raising their kids and building their lives. It takes a special person to acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Women have that 6’s sense and know exactly what your need and when you need it. I would like to raise a toast to all the women in my life past and present.
Happy Trading
Charles
Recent Comments