Kea’s story: leading South African women in business

Kea Modise-Moloto is the Founder of Arise Magazine in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is passionate about women’s personal and professional development. Our Road to Leadership programme supported her to boost her leadership skills so that she can advocate for women experiencing domestic violence.

“My name is Kea and I am the founder of Arise Magazine, a magazine for Christian women focusing on business, careers and personal growth. I’m also the founder of the Christian Women Business Network, which inspires women and helps them form professional connections. I started both organisations seven years ago.  

Female entrepreneurs face many challenges. People don’t expect much from women, so you must show them what you can bring to the table. You have to push yourself and keep breaking the boundaries society sets for you. 

I joined the Road to Leadership Programme because I got to a stage in my life where I wanted to make a change. During the programme we learned about the importance of advocacy and it’s something I’ve really worked on since. I’ve started a wing within the Christian Women Business Network that focusses on gender-based violence (GBV). We now offer help to women in our network who are victims of GBV, but who do not have a safe space for help and support. It’s very much a continuous effort. We’ve also taken on a menopause ambassador, with the aim of unmasking the subject within the corporate world and encouraging spaces where it can be discussed. I’m now taking the time to interact with government institutions and to participate in policy workshops.  

Before the Program, I was involved in advocacy without highlighting or being bold about it, but now as a brand, we are bold and intentional and look for opportunities to do more. We want to be a brand and business with meaningful influence. 

The Road to Leadership Program gave me an opportunity to reflect on leadership and on the responsibilities that come with it. Importantly, I learned to be brave in my decision making. 

Having women in business is important as women are great at influencing others and encouraging them. It’s inspiring to see women doing well. Women are often natural leaders, but they often don’t get the chance. I hope South Africa becomes more welcoming of female entrepreneurs. Women do things from the heart and with compassion. We think not just about ourselves, but about the whole community. And that’s important for a leader.