As excitement builds for the 4th edition of the Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Award 2018, we caught up with both Khanyi Dhlomo to speak about what this award means for businesswomen in South Africa and the search for SA’s pioneering woman redefining the world of business one decision at a time. 

The Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Award recognises inspiring SA businesswomen – in both corporate and entrepreneurial categories – and provides a platform for these natural leaders to connect, share and learn from each other.

Khanyi Dhlomo shares her thoughts around women in business and the Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Awards:

Source: Instagram/ @khanyidhlomo


Q: Khanyi, you are one of South Africa’s most revered and respected businesswomen. Your leadership journey has undoubtedly been challenging at times. How does the Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Award and platform provide mentorship, support and recognition for women in leadership? 

A: Through the use of an esteemed panel of judges who are leaders in their own right, the selection process is mentorship and support-driven in nature. 

The judges spend quite a bit of time getting to know each finalist and engaging in meaningful conversation with them. This not only reveals more about each finalist but also provides opportunities for discussing some of the real-life challenges they face as businesswomen. 

We stay in touch with the winner and the participants have access to myself and all the judges for any mentorship and support they may need throughout the year. 

The recognition they receive comes in the form of media exposure via the ELLE brand and other Ndalo Media brands, PR initiatives run by both Veuve Clicquot and Ndola Media and of course the international awards presented by Veuve Clicquot which also introduce the winner to a global network of like-minded women in business. 

Q: Please share with us your thoughts around the concept of advocacy for women in business and how this concept is encouraged in the Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Award.

A: Initiatives like the Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Award are critical in raising much-needed awareness around the challenges and opportunities that exist for women in business and also advocating the support of women in business so as to drive equality for women across various sectors of business. 

Q: Amanda Dambuza, CEO of Uyandiswa, holds the coveted 2017 title and really embodies what a Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss stands for in terms of positivity and positive impact. What are some of the leadership qualities you will be looking for in this year’s candidates? 

A: A positive mindset coupled with a desire to achieve positive impact by doing good while doing business remain key qualities. 

Resilience, vision, innovation, personal brand savvy, emotional intelligence and business strategy are some of the leadership qualities we will be looking for. 

Q: Any words of wisdom for women thinking of entering the Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Award and for those wishing to nominate others? 

A: Once again this year, we invite entries into the Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Award in two categories: entrepreneur and corporate. Women can either self-nominate, with a mentor or manager seconding their application, or be nominated, with their consent. 

It’s our chance to recognise and celebrate the exceptional talent we have in South Africa, showcase it to the world and to motivate and empower other amazing women. 

We are looking for powerhouse South African businesswomen who are redefining the world of business one decision at a time. 

My advice to women wishing to enter would be: if you have what it takes in terms of spirit, leadership, creativity and determination, don’t hesitate. 

This journey will be a truly life-changing experience. 

Source: Instagram/ @khanyidhlomo